Construction machine with foldable material deflector for a material hopper

Abstract

A construction machine is provided which is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine. The construction machine defines an XYZ-coordinate system in which a longitudinal direction of the construction machine is an X-direction, a width direction of the construction machine is a Y-direction, and a height direction of the construction machine is a Z-direction. The construction machine includes a material hopper for receiving bulk material, wherein the material hopper comprises: a proximal end and a distal end; a material deflector formed at the distal end of the material hopper such that it is foldable between a closed position and an open position; and a biasing element that applies a biasing force to the material deflector in the direction of the closed position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) to European patent application number EP 25155506.6, filed Feb 3, 2025, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a material deflector for a material hopper.BACKGROUND

[0003] Construction machines, in particular road construction machines such as paving machines, typically comprise an operator station and a material hopper. Such construction machines with material hoppers for receiving bulk material are known from practice. In road construction, for example, paving machines and feeder vehicles which comprise a material hopper at the front for receiving asphalt are frequently used. Such material hoppers can also have a conveyor belt, also known as a scraper belt, which runs parallel to the direction of travel of the paving machine through the center of the material hopper. This creates two partial hoppers. They are often pivotable about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the construction machine so that the asphalt located in the respective partial hopper can be dumped onto the scraper belt.

[0004] Conventionally, there are rigid or elastic elements, e.g., rubber plates, in the front region of the material hopper to reduce material loss forward of the paving machine. The feeder vehicle reverses up to the paver to dump the paving material into the material hopper. The truck's container is then horizontal, i.e., it is not tilted. During the feeding process, the container is tilted until the truck is completely emptied, causing the rear edge of the container to move downwardly. Once the truck is completely emptied, it drives away from the paving machine with the container tilted. Due to the smaller distance between the container and the elastic element, the material deflector must only have a limited height in order to avoid damage when the truck drives away with the container tilted. Since there are different configurations and geometries of feeder vehicles, material deflectors must be designed according to the most unfavorable geometries of the feeder vehicles.SUMMARY

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a material hopper with a material deflector that can largely prevent material loss at the material hopper and is not damaged in the process.

[0006] This object is satisfied by a construction machine, which is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine, having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the disclosure are mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0007] The construction machine according to the disclosure is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine, wherein the construction machine defines an XYZ-coordinate system in which a longitudinal direction of the construction machine is an X-direction, a width direction of the construction machine is a Y-direction, and a height direction of the construction machine is a Z-direction, and comprises a material hopper for receiving bulk material, wherein the material hopper comprises: a proximal end and a distal end; a material deflector formed at the distal end of the material hopper such that it is foldable between a closed position and an open position; and a biasing element that applies a biasing force to the material deflector directed in the direction of the closed position.

[0008] According to the embodiment, the material deflector can be subjected by the biasing element to a biasing force which holds the material deflector in the closed position and thereby prevents material loss towards the front. When the truck drives out of the material hopper, the material deflector can escape forward against the biasing force and is thus not damaged by the container. The material deflector only folds up to the extent that material loss is kept to a minimum and it adapts to the respective truck / container geometry.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the biasing element can be a spring element that holds the material deflector biased in a closed or folded-up position. The spring element can be, for example, a gas spring, a torsion spring, or the like.

[0010] According to a further aspect, an active hydraulic or electrical adjustment device, such as a hydraulic cylinder, can also be used instead of a spring element for moving the material deflector. To avoid collisions, the position of the feeder vehicle in relation to the paving machine must be detected. During the feeding process, the truck is pushed by the paving machine with the aid of the buffer rollers or buffer bars. A sensor on the buffer bar detects whether the truck is docked to the paving machine. If the truck is not docked to the paving machine, the material deflector(s) are folded down (opened). Once the truck docks, this is registered by the sensor and the material deflector(s) are folded up (closed) to prevent material loss. When the truck drives away from the paving machine and the truck's tires are no longer in contact with the buffer bar, the material deflector(s) fold down again to prevent damage to the truck when it drives away.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the material hopper can have a triangular metal sheet provided at the distal end of the material hopper, and the material deflector can be attached to the triangular metal sheet. The biasing element can be formed on a bottom surface of the triangular metal sheet, in particular on an underside thereof. The triangular metal sheet can be attached to the material hopper by way of one or more hinges. The hinge or the hinges can be attached to the triangular metal sheet by way of screws.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the material hopper can have a center flap located at the distal end of the bulk material conveying region of the material hopper and the material deflector can be formed on the center flap. The biasing element can be formed on a bottom surface of the center flap. The material deflector on the center flap can likewise be equipped with a protective element. This provides even better protection against damage to the truck.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, 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 the material hopper by way of one or more hinges. The hinge or the hinges can be attached to the material hopper by way of screws.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a protective element can be formed at least in part on an upper edge of the material deflector to protect the truck from damage when the truck drives away from the paving machine. The protective element can be formed from rubber and plastic. Any material can be used for the protective element provided it cannot damage the truck and is still wear-resistant to ensure a long service life. The protective element can have a round cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the protective element can be oval or square. The protective element can be attached to the material deflector by way of one or more hinges. The hinge or the hinges can be attached to the material deflector by way of screws. The protective element provides even better protection against damage to the truck.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the recess can be formed in a bottom surface of the material hopper to accommodate the material deflector therein when the material deflector is in the open position. The recess can be a depression or a cutout in the bottom surface of the material hopper and be designed to completely accommodate the biasing element therein. A holder can also be provided on the bottom surface of the triangular metal sheet and comprises depressions to accommodate the biasing element therein.

[0016] This makes it possible to open (fold downward) the center flap and / or the triangular flap completely. This provides even better protection against damage to the truck. Furthermore, this embodiment protects the biasing element from damage.

[0017] Alternatively, the biasing element can be attached to an outer side of a side surface of the material hopper. This also allows the biasing element to open (fold downward) the center flap and / or the triangular flap completely.

[0018] According to the disclosure, the closed or folded-up position can be a position in which the material deflector points substantially in the Z-direction and the open or folded-down position can be a position in which the material deflector points substantially in the X-direction.

[0019] The closed position can enclose an angle range from 60 degrees to 100 degrees inclusive, and the open position can enclose an angle range between 60 degrees and 0 degrees inclusive. This ensures that the bulk material is securely retained in the material hopper.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the material hopper can comprise a first partial hopper and a second partial hopper which are arranged parallel to each other in the X-direction and can each comprise a material deflector at the distal end. Furthermore, a further material deflector can be provided at the distal end of the bulk material conveying region of the material hopper which is provided between the first and the second partial hopper. By attaching the material deflectors to each element at the distal end of the material hopper, it is possible to effectively retain bulk material and minimize bulk material loss.

[0021] The material deflector can comprise a side wall that forms an extension of the side wall of the material hopper to prevent the bulk material from dropping out sideways 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 accommodated in a receptacle on the side wall of the material hopper. Alternatively, the side wall of the material deflector can be accommodated in a cavity formed in the side wall of the material hopper. The side walls can minimize the loss of bulk material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of part of a material hopper with a triangular metal sheet and a material deflector, in which the material deflector is in an open or folded-down position;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the part of the material hopper with the triangular metal sheet and the material deflector, in which the material deflector is in a closed or folded-up position;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the part of the material hopper with biasing elements attached to the bottom surfaces, in which the material deflector is in an open or folded-down position;

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the part of the material hopper with the biasing elements attached to the bottom surfaces, in which the material deflector is in a closed or folded-up position;

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the part of the material hopper with the biasing elements attached to the bottom surfaces, in which a partial hopper of the material hopper is in a tilted position and the material deflector is in a closed or folded-up position; and

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a paving machine.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure shall be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. In the description and the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference characters, and their descriptions shall not be repeated. In the drawings, some configurations can be omitted or simplified for the sake of simplicity of description.

[0029] In the embodiments, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis of an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system respectively indicate a longitudinal direction X, a width direction Y, and a height direction Z.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a construction machine 100 which is a paving machine for producing a pavement layer, e.g., an asphalt layer, on a road bed, e.g., on a street. Paving machine 1 comprises a material hopper 10 disposed in direction of travel R at the front, from which bulk material contained therein is transported in the direction opposite to direction of travel R of paving machine 100 over a bulk material conveyor region to a screed of paving machine 100. The bulk material conveyor region is arranged within a chassis 12 of paving machine 100 and comprises a scraper belt 13, as shown in FIG. 6. Construction machine 100 can also be a feeder vehicle for a paving machine.

[0031] Material hopper 10 comprises two partial hoppers 3, 4 extending along longitudinal direction X and accommodating scraper belt 13 therebetween, and side walls 10c. There is a driver's cabin at proximal end 10a of material hopper 10 from which paving machine 100 is operated.

[0032] Provided at distal end 10b of material hopper 10 at each partial hopper 3, 4 is a partial hopper flap 5 with a material deflector 20. A center flap 6 is also formed at the distal end of scraper belt 13, see for example FIG. 5, which likewise comprises a material deflector 20.

[0033] During the feeding process, the truck is pushed by paving machine 100 with the aid of buffer rollers or bars 14 which are shown in FIG. 6. The truck docks onto paving machine 100 at these buffer rollers 14. When the truck is not docked onto paving machine 100, material deflector(s) 20 in the actively folded configuration are folded down. The term “folded down” means that material deflector(s) 20 are folded in direction of travel R forward so that they extend substantially horizontally in longitudinal direction X. Material deflector(s) 20 are then in an open state.

[0034] Once the truck docks, material deflector(s) 20 in the actively folded configuration are folded upward to prevent material loss. The term “folded upward” means that material deflector(s) 20 are positioned in a direction orthogonal to direction of travel R so that they extend substantially vertically in height direction Z. Material deflector(s) 20 are then in a closed state.

[0035] When the truck drives away from the paving machine and the truck's tires are no longer in contact with the buffer bar, material deflector(s) 20 in the actively folded version fold downward again to prevent damage to the material deflector and the truck when it drives away.

[0036] In the passive configuration, the material deflector is basically held in the closed position by the biasing element and can be pushed away by contact with the tilted container of the departing truck or folded forward, respectively.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of part of paving machine 100. In the figure, side flap 5 is configured in the form of a triangular metal sheet, at the end of which material deflector 20 is located. As shown in this example, material deflector 20 comprises a protective element 7 with a round cross-section which is attached to an upper edge 20a of material deflector 20. Foldable material deflector 20 prevents damage to the material deflector and the truck when it drives away, where protective element 7 provides additional protection for the truck.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates material deflector 20 in an open state in which both triangular sheet metal 5 and material deflector 20 are folded forward, while FIG. 2 shows material deflector 20 in a closed state, in which both triangular metal sheet 5 and material deflector 20 are folded upward to securely retain the bulk material. As shown in FIG. 2, triangular metal sheet 5 is attached to partial hopper 4 by way of hinges 15. Material deflector 20 is attached to triangular metal sheet 5 or center flap 6 by one or more hinges.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the part of material hopper 10 with biasing elements 30, each of which is attached to a bottom surface 5a of triangular metal sheet 5 and to a bottom surface 6a of center flap 6. In FIG. 3, material deflector 20 is in a folded-down or open state. Biasing element 30 is a spring element 33 that holds material deflector 20 biased in the folded-up position. Spring element 33 is, for example, a gas spring or a torsion spring or the like.

[0040] In order to protect spring element 33 and to enable triangular metal sheet 5 to be folded forward completely, a recess 11 in the form of a depression or cutout is formed in a bottom surface 8 of material hopper 10, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the part of material hopper 10 with biasing elements 30, each of which is attached to a bottom surface 5a of triangular metal sheet 5 and to a bottom surface 6a of center flap 6. In FIG. 4, material deflector 20 is in a folded-up or closed state.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the part of material hopper 10 with biasing elements 30 attached to bottom surfaces 5a, 6a, in which material deflector 20 is in the folded-up or biased state. In this position, the bulk material is retained securely and its dropping out of the bulk material is largely prevented.

[0043] Instead of spring elements, an active hydraulic or electrical adjustment device, such as a hydraulic cylinder or electric actuator (not shown), can also be used and be attached in the same positions as the spring elements.

[0044] It should be understood that the embodiment presently disclosed is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the terms of the

[0045] claims and not by the above description and is intended to comprise all modifications within the scope and meaning that correspond to the terms of the claims.Reference sign list

[0046] 100 construction machine

[0047] 10 material hopper

[0048] 10a proximal end

[0049] 10b distal end

[0050] 10c side wall

[0051] 20 material deflector

[0052] 20a upper edge

[0053] 30 biasing element

[0054] 33 spring element

[0055] 3 first partial hopper

[0056] 4 second partial hopper

[0057] 5 triangular sheet metal

[0058] 5a bottom surface of the triangular sheet metal

[0059] 6 center flap

[0060] 6a bottom surface of the center flap

[0061] 7 protective element

[0062] 8 bottom surface of the material hopper

[0063] 11 cut-out

[0064] 12 chassis

[0065] 13 scraper belt

[0066] 14 buffer roller

[0067] 15 hinge

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028]Embodiments of the present disclosure shall be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. In the description and the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference characters, and their descriptions shall not be repeated. In the drawings, some configurations can be omitted or simplified for the sake of simplicity of description.

[0029]In the embodiments, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis of an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system respectively indicate a longitudinal direction X, a width direction Y, and a height direction Z.

[0030]FIG. 6 shows a construction machine 100 which is a paving machine for producing a pavement layer, e.g., an asphalt layer, on a road bed, e.g., on a street. Paving machine 1 comprises a material hopper 10 disposed in direction of travel R at the front, from which bulk material contained therein is transported in the direction opposite to direction of travel R of paving machine 100 over a bulk material conv...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) to European patent application number EP 25155506.6, filed Feb 3, 2025, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a material deflector for a material hopper.BACKGROUND

[0003] Construction machines, in particular road construction machines such as paving machines, typically comprise an operator station and a material hopper. Such construction machines with material hoppers for receiving bulk material are known from practice. In road construction, for example, paving machines and feeder vehicles which comprise a material hopper at the front for receiving asphalt are frequently used. Such material hoppers can also have a conveyor belt, also known as a scraper belt, which runs parallel to the direction of travel of the paving machine through the center of the material hopper. This creates two partial hoppers. They are often pivotable about an axis running in the longitudinal direction of the construction machine so that the asphalt located in the respective partial hopper can be dumped onto the scraper belt.

[0004] Conventionally, there are rigid or elastic elements, e.g., rubber plates, in the front region of the material hopper to reduce material loss forward of the paving machine. The feeder vehicle reverses up to the paver to dump the paving material into the material hopper. The truck's container is then horizontal, i.e., it is not tilted. During the feeding process, the container is tilted until the truck is completely emptied, causing the rear edge of the container to move downwardly. Once the truck is completely emptied, it drives away from the paving machine with the container tilted. Due to the smaller distance between the container and the elastic element, the material deflector must only have a limited height in order to avoid damage when the truck drives away with the container tilted. Since there are different configurations and geometries of feeder vehicles, material deflectors must be designed according to the most unfavorable geometries of the feeder vehicles.SUMMARY

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a material hopper with a material deflector that can largely prevent material loss at the material hopper and is not damaged in the process.

[0006] This object is satisfied by a construction machine, which is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine, having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the disclosure are mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0007] The construction machine according to the disclosure is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine, wherein the construction machine defines an XYZ-coordinate system in which a longitudinal direction of the construction machine is an X-direction, a width direction of the construction machine is a Y-direction, and a height direction of the construction machine is a Z-direction, and comprises a material hopper for receiving bulk material, wherein the material hopper comprises: a proximal end and a distal end; a material deflector formed at the distal end of the material hopper such that it is foldable between a closed position and an open position; and a biasing element that applies a biasing force to the material deflector directed in the direction of the closed position.

[0008] According to the embodiment, the material deflector can be subjected by the biasing element to a biasing force which holds the material deflector in the closed position and thereby prevents material loss towards the front. When the truck drives out of the material hopper, the material deflector can escape forward against the biasing force and is thus not damaged by the container. The material deflector only folds up to the extent that material loss is kept to a minimum and it adapts to the respective truck / container geometry.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the biasing element can be a spring element that holds the material deflector biased in a closed or folded-up position. The spring element can be, for example, a gas spring, a torsion spring, or the like.

[0010] According to a further aspect, an active hydraulic or electrical adjustment device, such as a hydraulic cylinder, can also be used instead of a spring element for moving the material deflector. To avoid collisions, the position of the feeder vehicle in relation to the paving machine must be detected. During the feeding process, the truck is pushed by the paving machine with the aid of the buffer rollers or buffer bars. A sensor on the buffer bar detects whether the truck is docked to the paving machine. If the truck is not docked to the paving machine, the material deflector(s) are folded down (opened). Once the truck docks, this is registered by the sensor and the material deflector(s) are folded up (closed) to prevent material loss. When the truck drives away from the paving machine and the truck's tires are no longer in contact with the buffer bar, the material deflector(s) fold down again to prevent damage to the truck when it drives away.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the material hopper can have a triangular metal sheet provided at the distal end of the material hopper, and the material deflector can be attached to the triangular metal sheet. The biasing element can be formed on a bottom surface of the triangular metal sheet, in particular on an underside thereof. The triangular metal sheet can be attached to the material hopper by way of one or more hinges. The hinge or the hinges can be attached to the triangular metal sheet by way of screws.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the material hopper can have a center flap located at the distal end of the bulk material conveying region of the material hopper and the material deflector can be formed on the center flap. The biasing element can be formed on a bottom surface of the center flap. The material deflector on the center flap can likewise be equipped with a protective element. This provides even better protection against damage to the truck.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, 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 the material hopper by way of one or more hinges. The hinge or the hinges can be attached to the material hopper by way of screws.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a protective element can be formed at least in part on an upper edge of the material deflector to protect the truck from damage when the truck drives away from the paving machine. The protective element can be formed from rubber and plastic. Any material can be used for the protective element provided it cannot damage the truck and is still wear-resistant to ensure a long service life. The protective element can have a round cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the protective element can be oval or square. The protective element can be attached to the material deflector by way of one or more hinges. The hinge or the hinges can be attached to the material deflector by way of screws. The protective element provides even better protection against damage to the truck.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the recess can be formed in a bottom surface of the material hopper to accommodate the material deflector therein when the material deflector is in the open position. The recess can be a depression or a cutout in the bottom surface of the material hopper and be designed to completely accommodate the biasing element therein. A holder can also be provided on the bottom surface of the triangular metal sheet and comprises depressions to accommodate the biasing element therein.

[0016] This makes it possible to open (fold downward) the center flap and / or the triangular flap completely. This provides even better protection against damage to the truck. Furthermore, this embodiment protects the biasing element from damage.

[0017] Alternatively, the biasing element can be attached to an outer side of a side surface of the material hopper. This also allows the biasing element to open (fold downward) the center flap and / or the triangular flap completely.

[0018] According to the disclosure, the closed or folded-up position can be a position in which the material deflector points substantially in the Z-direction and the open or folded-down position can be a position in which the material deflector points substantially in the X-direction.

[0019] The closed position can enclose an angle range from 60 degrees to 100 degrees inclusive, and the open position can enclose an angle range between 60 degrees and 0 degrees inclusive. This ensures that the bulk material is securely retained in the material hopper.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the material hopper can comprise a first partial hopper and a second partial hopper which are arranged parallel to each other in the X-direction and can each comprise a material deflector at the distal end. Furthermore, a further material deflector can be provided at the distal end of the bulk material conveying region of the material hopper which is provided between the first and the second partial hopper. By attaching the material deflectors to each element at the distal end of the material hopper, it is possible to effectively retain bulk material and minimize bulk material loss.

[0021] The material deflector can comprise a side wall that forms an extension of the side wall of the material hopper to prevent the bulk material from dropping out sideways 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 accommodated in a receptacle on the side wall of the material hopper. Alternatively, the side wall of the material deflector can be accommodated in a cavity formed in the side wall of the material hopper. The side walls can minimize the loss of bulk material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of part of a material hopper with a triangular metal sheet and a material deflector, in which the material deflector is in an open or folded-down position;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the part of the material hopper with the triangular metal sheet and the material deflector, in which the material deflector is in a closed or folded-up position;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the part of the material hopper with biasing elements attached to the bottom surfaces, in which the material deflector is in an open or folded-down position;

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the part of the material hopper with the biasing elements attached to the bottom surfaces, in which the material deflector is in a closed or folded-up position;

[0026] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the part of the material hopper with the biasing elements attached to the bottom surfaces, in which a partial hopper of the material hopper is in a tilted position and the material deflector is in a closed or folded-up position; and

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a paving machine.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure shall be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. In the description and the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference characters, and their descriptions shall not be repeated. In the drawings, some configurations can be omitted or simplified for the sake of simplicity of description.

[0029] In the embodiments, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis of an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system respectively indicate a longitudinal direction X, a width direction Y, and a height direction Z.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a construction machine 100 which is a paving machine for producing a pavement layer, e.g., an asphalt layer, on a road bed, e.g., on a street. Paving machine 1 comprises a material hopper 10 disposed in direction of travel R at the front, from which bulk material contained therein is transported in the direction opposite to direction of travel R of paving machine 100 over a bulk material conveyor region to a screed of paving machine 100. The bulk material conveyor region is arranged within a chassis 12 of paving machine 100 and comprises a scraper belt 13, as shown in FIG. 6. Construction machine 100 can also be a feeder vehicle for a paving machine.

[0031] Material hopper 10 comprises two partial hoppers 3, 4 extending along longitudinal direction X and accommodating scraper belt 13 therebetween, and side walls 10c. There is a driver's cabin at proximal end 10a of material hopper 10 from which paving machine 100 is operated.

[0032] Provided at distal end 10b of material hopper 10 at each partial hopper 3, 4 is a partial hopper flap 5 with a material deflector 20. A center flap 6 is also formed at the distal end of scraper belt 13, see for example FIG. 5, which likewise comprises a material deflector 20.

[0033] During the feeding process, the truck is pushed by paving machine 100 with the aid of buffer rollers or bars 14 which are shown in FIG. 6. The truck docks onto paving machine 100 at these buffer rollers 14. When the truck is not docked onto paving machine 100, material deflector(s) 20 in the actively folded configuration are folded down. The term “folded down” means that material deflector(s) 20 are folded in direction of travel R forward so that they extend substantially horizontally in longitudinal direction X. Material deflector(s) 20 are then in an open state.

[0034] Once the truck docks, material deflector(s) 20 in the actively folded configuration are folded upward to prevent material loss. The term “folded upward” means that material deflector(s) 20 are positioned in a direction orthogonal to direction of travel R so that they extend substantially vertically in height direction Z. Material deflector(s) 20 are then in a closed state.

[0035] When the truck drives away from the paving machine and the truck's tires are no longer in contact with the buffer bar, material deflector(s) 20 in the actively folded version fold downward again to prevent damage to the material deflector and the truck when it drives away.

[0036] In the passive configuration, the material deflector is basically held in the closed position by the biasing element and can be pushed away by contact with the tilted container of the departing truck or folded forward, respectively.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of part of paving machine 100. In the figure, side flap 5 is configured in the form of a triangular metal sheet, at the end of which material deflector 20 is located. As shown in this example, material deflector 20 comprises a protective element 7 with a round cross-section which is attached to an upper edge 20a of material deflector 20. Foldable material deflector 20 prevents damage to the material deflector and the truck when it drives away, where protective element 7 provides additional protection for the truck.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates material deflector 20 in an open state in which both triangular sheet metal 5 and material deflector 20 are folded forward, while FIG. 2 shows material deflector 20 in a closed state, in which both triangular metal sheet 5 and material deflector 20 are folded upward to securely retain the bulk material. As shown in FIG. 2, triangular metal sheet 5 is attached to partial hopper 4 by way of hinges 15. Material deflector 20 is attached to triangular metal sheet 5 or center flap 6 by one or more hinges.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the part of material hopper 10 with biasing elements 30, each of which is attached to a bottom surface 5a of triangular metal sheet 5 and to a bottom surface 6a of center flap 6. In FIG. 3, material deflector 20 is in a folded-down or open state. Biasing element 30 is a spring element 33 that holds material deflector 20 biased in the folded-up position. Spring element 33 is, for example, a gas spring or a torsion spring or the like.

[0040] In order to protect spring element 33 and to enable triangular metal sheet 5 to be folded forward completely, a recess 11 in the form of a depression or cutout is formed in a bottom surface 8 of material hopper 10, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the part of material hopper 10 with biasing elements 30, each of which is attached to a bottom surface 5a of triangular metal sheet 5 and to a bottom surface 6a of center flap 6. In FIG. 4, material deflector 20 is in a folded-up or closed state.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the part of material hopper 10 with biasing elements 30 attached to bottom surfaces 5a, 6a, in which material deflector 20 is in the folded-up or biased state. In this position, the bulk material is retained securely and its dropping out of the bulk material is largely prevented.

[0043] Instead of spring elements, an active hydraulic or electrical adjustment device, such as a hydraulic cylinder or electric actuator (not shown), can also be used and be attached in the same positions as the spring elements.

[0044] It should be understood that the embodiment presently disclosed is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the terms of the

[0045] claims and not by the above description and is intended to comprise all modifications within the scope and meaning that correspond to the terms of the claims.Reference sign list

[0046] 100 construction machine

[0047] 10 material hopper

[0048] 10a proximal end

[0049] 10b distal end

[0050] 10c side wall

[0051] 20 material deflector

[0052] 20a upper edge

[0053] 30 biasing element

[0054] 33 spring element

[0055] 3 first partial hopper

[0056] 4 second partial hopper

[0057] 5 triangular sheet metal

[0058] 5a bottom surface of the triangular sheet metal

[0059] 6 center flap

[0060] 6a bottom surface of the center flap

[0061] 7 protective element

[0062] 8 bottom surface of the material hopper

[0063] 11 cut-out

[0064] 12 chassis

[0065] 13 scraper belt

[0066] 14 buffer roller

[0067] 15 hinge

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028]Embodiments of the present disclosure shall be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. In the description and the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference characters, and their descriptions shall not be repeated. In the drawings, some configurations can be omitted or simplified for the sake of simplicity of description.

[0029]In the embodiments, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis of an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system respectively indicate a longitudinal direction X, a width direction Y, and a height direction Z.

[0030]FIG. 6 shows a construction machine 100 which is a paving machine for producing a pavement layer, e.g., an asphalt layer, on a road bed, e.g., on a street. Paving machine 1 comprises a material hopper 10 disposed in direction of travel R at the front, from which bulk material contained therein is transported in the direction opposite to direction of travel R of paving machine 100 over a bulk material conv...

Claims

1. A construction machine which is a paving machine or a feeder vehicle for a paving machine, wherein the construction machine defines an XYZ-coordinate system in which a longitudinal direction of the construction machine is an X-direction, a width direction of the construction machine is a Y-direction, and a height direction of the construction machine is a 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 such that the material deflector is foldable between a closed position and an open position; anda biasing element that applies a biasing force to the material deflector directed in the direction of the closed position.

2. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the material hopper comprises a triangular metal sheet provided at the distal end of the material hopper and the material deflector is attached to the triangular metal sheet.

3. The construction machine according to claim 2, wherein the biasing element is attached on a bottom surface of the triangular metal sheet.

4. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the material hopper comprises a center flap located at the distal end of the material hopper and the material deflector is formed on the center flap.

5. The construction machine according to claim 4, wherein the biasing element is attached on a bottom surface of the center flap.

6. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the material deflector is formed from rubber, plastic, steel, or spring steel.

7. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein a protective element is formed at least in part on an upper edge of the material deflector.

8. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the biasing element comprises a spring element that holds the material deflector biased in a closed position.

9. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein a recess is formed in a bottom surface of the material hopper to receive the biasing element therein when the material deflector is in the open position.

10. The construction machine according to claim 9, wherein the recess is a cutout or depression in the bottom surface.

11. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the closed position is a position in which the material deflector points substantially in the Z-direction and the open position is a position in which the material deflector points substantially in the X-direction.

12. The construction machine according to claim 11, wherein the closed position encloses an angular range from 60 degrees to 100 degrees inclusive and the open position encloses an angular range between 60 degrees and 0 degrees inclusive.

13. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the material hopper comprises a first partial hopper and a second partial hopper which are arranged parallel to each other in the X-direction and each comprise a material deflector at the distal end thereof.

14. The construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the biasing element is an active hydraulic or electric adjustment device that holds the material deflector biased in a closed position.

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