LOCKING KINEMATICS FOR A LIMITING PLATE OF A ROAD PAVER

Abstract

A limiting plate assembly for a road paver includes a limiting plate, swiveling device, and locking device. The limiting plate is attached to a component of the road paver via the swiveling device. The limiting plate is rotatable about the swiveling device between a minimum limiting plate position and a maximum limiting plate position. The locking device is adapted to adopt a first locking position and a second locking position. The locking device is adapted, in the first locking position, to block the rotation of the limiting plate about the swiveling device in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position, when the limiting plate is in a first limiting plate position and, in the second locking position, to block the rotation of the limiting plate about the swiveling device in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position, when the limiting plate is in a second limiting plate position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) to European patent application number EP 23198261.2, filed Sep. 19, 2023, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of road pavers. In particular, the disclosure relates to road pavers with a limiting plate assembly, to locking kinematics for such a limiting plate assembly and to a method for pivoting a limiting plate of a road paver.

BACKGROUND

Road pavers are well known from the prior art. In order to increase their usability, variable screeds have been designed with regard to their operating width. The operating width is the width at which the screed distributes the paving material on the surface. EP 2169117 A1, for example, discloses a screed whose operating width is continuously variable. The paving material is distributed transversely to the paving direction of the road paver by a distribution screw in front of the screed.

Adjusting the operating width of the screed also changes the width of the paving material applied. To prevent excess paving material from being spread in the paving direction, optionally the width of the limiting plate assembly should also be adjusted to the operating width. This may be done, for example, by using laterally pivotable plates on the outer sides of the limiting plate assembly.

A limiting plate assembly for a road paver with pivotable limiting plates is known from EP 3988714 A1. The limiting plates are pivoted and held in position via a hydraulic pivoting apparatus.

SUMMARY

The task of the present disclosure is to provide a compact and secure locking device for pivotable components, in particular pivotable limiting plates of a road paver.

This task is solved by a limiting plate assembly and a locking kinematics according to the embodiments described herein.

A first embodiment of the disclosure relates to a limiting plate assembly for a road paver. The limiting plate assembly comprises a limiting plate and a swiveling device. The limiting plate assembly may also comprise further limiting plates. The limiting plate is attached via the swiveling device to a component of the road paver, in particular to a component of the limiting plate assembly. The limiting plate is rotatable about the swiveling device. The swiveling device may enable rotation of the limiting plate about a vertical axis. The limiting plate may be pivoted horizontally. The limiting plate is rotatable between a minimum limiting plate position and a maximum limiting plate position.

The limiting plate assembly may further comprise a locking device. The locking device is adapted to adopt a first locking position and a second locking position. In the first locking position, the locking device is adapted to block the rotation of the limiting plate around the swiveling device in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position, when the limiting plate is in a first limiting plate position. In the second locking position, the locking device is adapted to block the rotation of the limiting plate around the swiveling device in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position, when the limiting plate is in a second limiting plate position.

The width of the limiting plate assembly may be varied by rotating the limiting plate. The minimum limiting plate position may correspond to the smallest width of the limiting plate assembly. The maximum limiting plate position may correspond to the maximum width of the limiting plate assembly. In the minimum limiting plate position, the limiting plate may abut the road paver. In the maximum limiting plate position, the limiting plate may protrude from the road paver, in particular orthogonally.

The road paver moves in a paving direction during the paving of the paving material. In the minimum limiting plate position, the limiting plate may extend parallel to the paving direction. The swiveling device may then be arranged at a front end of the limiting plate in relation to the paving direction. In the minimum limiting plate position, the limiting plate may be swiveled backwards against the paving direction. In the maximum limiting plate position, the limiting plate may extend orthogonally to the paving direction.

The first limiting plate position may be closer to the maximum limiting plate position than the second limiting plate position. The first limiting plate position may correspond to the maximum limiting plate position. The second limiting plate position may correspond to the minimum limiting plate position or a limiting plate position between the minimum and maximum limiting plate positions.

The first locking position of the locking device may differ from the second locking position.

The locking device may be adapted to fix the limiting plate in the first limiting plate position, in particular in the maximum limiting plate position, in the first locking position.

The locking device may be adapted to fix the limiting plate, in particular in the minimum limiting plate position, in the second locking position.

The locking device may be adapted to adopt a third locking position. In the third locking position, the locking device may be adapted to block the rotation of the limiting plate about the swiveling device in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position when the limiting plate is in a third limiting plate position.

The second limiting plate position may be located between the minimum limiting plate position and the maximum limiting plate position. The second limiting plate position may be located between the first limiting plate position and the third limiting plate position. The first limiting plate position may correspond to the maximum limiting plate position. The third limiting plate position may correspond to the minimum limiting plate position.

The locking device may be adapted to fix the limiting plate in particular in the minimum limiting plate position, in the third locking position.

The locking device may be adapted to block, in the second locking position, the rotation of the limiting plate about the swiveling device in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position, when the limiting plate is in a fourth limiting plate position.

The fourth limiting plate position may be between the second and third limiting plate positions. The fourth limiting plate position may correspond to the third limiting plate position.

The locking device may be adapted to, when in the second locking position, limit the rotation of the limiting plate around the swiveling device to an angular range. The angular range may substantially span an angle of 60 degrees. The angular range may represent the range between 0 and 60 degrees or 120 degrees and 180 degrees to the paving direction.

In the first limiting plate position, the limiting plate may have a first angle to the paving direction of the road paver. The limiting plate may be rotatable between a second angle and a third angle to the paving direction of the road paver when the locking device is in the second locking position. The limiting plate may have the third angle to the paving direction of the road paver in the third limiting plate position. The second angle may be located between the first angle and the third angle.

The first angle may be substantially 80 to 100 degrees, in particular 90 degrees to the paving direction. The second angle may be substantially 50 to 70 degrees, in particular 60 degrees, or 110 to 130 degrees, in particular 120 degrees, to the paving direction. The second angle may be inclined backwards with respect to the paving direction. The third angle may be substantially 0 to 10 degrees, in particular 0 degrees, or 170 to 180 degrees, in particular 180 degrees, to the paving direction. The third angle may be inclined backwards with respect to the paving direction.

The locking device may have a latch that is adapted to adopt the first locking position and the second locking position. The latch may be adapted to adopt the third locking position.

The locking device may have a latch adapted to adopt the first locking position, the second locking position and the third locking position. The locking device may have a latch that is adapted to adopt the second locking position and the third locking position. The locking device may have a latch that is adapted to adopt the first locking position and the third locking position. The latch may also adopt an unlocking position.

The latch may be connected to the limiting plate. In the first locking position, when the limiting plate is in the first limiting plate position, the latch may abut with a first surface against a limit stop of the road paver, in particular against a limit stop of the swiveling device. As a result, rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position may be prevented by the latch. In the second locking position, when the limiting plate is in the second limiting plate position, the latch may abut with a second surface against a limit stop of the road paver, in particular against a limit stop of the swiveling device. As a result, rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position may be prevented by the latch.

The term “limit stop” may refer to a component or a surface that may be brought into contact with the latch, thereby limiting the movement of the latch in at least one direction.

The latch may be adapted to adopt the third locking position. In the third locking position, when the limiting plate is in the third limiting plate position, the latch may abut with a third surface against a limit stop of the road paver, in particular against a limit stop of the swiveling device. As a result, rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position may be prevented by the latch.

The latch may be connected to the limiting plate directly or via at least one intermediate piece. The latch may be rotatable around the swiveling device together with the limiting plate.

A limiting plate protrusion may be attached to the limiting plate. The limiting plate protrusion may form a limit stop for the latch. In the first locking position, the latch may abut against the limit stop of the limiting plate protrusion with a surface facing away from the limiting plate. In the third locking position, the latch may abut against the limit stop of the limiting plate protrusion with a surface facing away from the limiting plate. In the first and third locking positions, the latch may abut against the same limit stop of the limiting plate protrusion with the same surface facing away from the limiting plate. The latch may have a protrusion in the thickness direction. In the second locking position, the latch may abut against a limit stop of the limiting plate protrusion with a further surface, in particular a surface of the protrusion of the latch facing away from the swiveling device.

The latch may be connected to a component of the road paver, in particular the swiveling device. In the first locking position, when the limiting plate is in the first limiting plate position, the latch may abut with a first surface against a limit stop of the limiting plate. As a result, rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position may be prevented by the latch. In the second locking position, when the limiting plate is in the second limiting plate position, a second surface of the latch may abut against a limit stop of the limiting plate. As a result, rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position may be prevented by the latch.

In the third locking position, when the limiting plate is in the third limiting plate position, the latch may abut with a third surface against a limit stop of the limiting plate. As a result, rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position may be prevented by the latch.

The locking device may be adapted to adopt an unlocking position. The limiting plate may be freely rotatable about the swiveling device between the minimum limiting plate position and the maximum limiting plate position when the locking device is in the unlocking position.

The latch may be held in the first, second and/or third locking position by its own weight. The latch may be held in the first and second locking position by its own weight. The latch may be held in the unlocking position by its own weight.

The third locking position may differ from the first locking position and the second locking position.

The limiting plate assembly may have a further limiting plate that is not adapted to be pivotable. The non-pivotable limiting plate may be designed to be laterally movable. The limiting plate assembly may have two further limiting plates that are not pivotable.

The swiveling device may be attached to the road paver. The swiveling device may be attached to the non-pivotable limiting plate. The swiveling device may be attached to the non-pivotable, movable limiting plate.

The swiveling device may be formed as a hinge. The swiveling device may enable rotation of the limiting plate about a vertical axis. The swiveling device may consist of a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The two cylinders may extend in a vertical direction. The second cylinder may be a hollow cylinder. The first cylinder may be arranged in the hollow cylinder. The two cylinders may be adapted such that they are rotatable relative to each other. The first cylinder or the second cylinder may be connected to the limiting plate. The other cylinder of the first cylinder or the second cylinder may be connected to a component of the road paver, in particular a component of the limiting plate assembly, in particular a non-pivotable limiting plate of the limiting plate assembly.

The first cylinder and the second cylinder allow rotation of the limiting plate relative to the rest of the limiting plate assembly.

The road paver may have a hydraulic cylinder adapted to extend and retract the limiting plate assembly. The road paver may have a hydraulic cylinder adapted to rotate the limiting plate around the swiveling device. The road paver may have an electric drive adapted to rotate the limiting plate around the swiveling device. The rotation of the limiting plate around the swiveling device may be performed manually. The rotation of the limiting plate around the swiveling device may be caused by the paving material, in particular when the paving material is conveyed towards the limiting plate by the transverse distribution device.

The latch may be subjected to bending in the first locking position. This may block the rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position. The latch may subjected to bending in the third locking position. This may block the rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position. The latch may be subjected to pressure in the second locking position. This may block the rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position.

The latch may be adapted according to the latch described in the third embodiment of the disclosure. The latch may be a first latch. The locking device may comprise a second latch. The second latch may be adapted identically to the first latch. The second latch may be adapted according to the latch described in the third embodiment of the disclosure. The second latch may be arranged vertically below the first latch. The second latch may be arranged vertically above the first latch. The second latch may be adapted to adopt the second and third locking positions, in particular at the same time as the first latch. The second latch may be adapted to adopt the first, second and third locking positions, in particular at the same time as the first latch.

The road paver, in particular the swiveling device, may have a second limit stop. The second limit stop may interact with the second latch. The second latch may be connected to the limiting plate.

In the first locking position of the second latch, a first surface of the second latch may abut against the second limit stop when the limiting plate is in the first limiting plate position. As a result, rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position may be prevented by the second latch.

In the second locking position of the second latch, a second surface of the latch may abut against the second limit stop when the limiting plate is in the second limiting plate position. As a result, rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position may be prevented by the second latch.

In the third locking position of the second latch, a third surface of the latch may abut against the second limit stop when the limiting plate is in the third limiting plate position. As a result, rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position may be prevented by the second latch.

The second latch may be adapted to adopt only the second and third locking positions. The second latch may be adapted to adopt an unlocking position. The second limit stop may be adapted in such a way that the second latch may only adopt the second and third locking positions.

The first latch may have an elongated hole. The first latch may be attached to the limiting plate via a fastener, in particular a screw or a bolt, through the elongated hole. The second latch may have an elongated hole. The second latch may be attached to the limiting plate via a fastener, in particular a screw or a bolt, through the elongated hole.

The limiting plate assembly may comprise a control device. The control device may be configured to rotate the limiting plate about the swiveling device. The control device may be configured to move the limiting plate to the first, second and/or third limiting plate position. The control device may be configured to move the latch to the unlocking position. The control device may be configured to move the latch to the first, second and/or third locking position.

A second embodiment of the disclosure relates to a road paver comprising a screed assembly. The road paver may move along a paving direction during the paving of paving material. The screed assembly may be variable in its width. The width of the screed assembly may denote the extension of the screed assembly orthogonal to the paving direction. The road paver comprises a transverse distribution device. The transverse distribution device may be adapted to distribute paving material transversely to the paving direction. The transverse distribution device may be a screw conveyor. The road paver has a first limiting plate assembly. The first limiting plate assembly may be configured according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. The first limiting plate assembly is arranged in front of the transverse distribution device in the paving direction. The transverse distribution device is arranged in front of the screed assembly in the paving direction.

The first limiting plate assembly may be arranged on a first side of the road paver, for example on the left side looking in the paving direction. The road paver may have a second limiting plate assembly. The second limiting plate assembly may be configured according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. The second limiting plate assembly may be arranged on a second side opposite the first side, for example on the right side of the road paver looking in the paving direction. The first limiting plate assembly and the second limiting plate assembly may form a limiting plate device. The limiting plate device may additionally have a further limiting plate that is not pivotable. The limiting plate device may additionally comprise two further limiting plates that are not pivotable. The limiting plate device may comprise hydraulic cylinders adapted to pivot the pivotable limiting plates of the first limiting plate assembly and the second limiting plate assembly. The limiting plate device may have electric drives adapted to pivot the pivotable limiting plates of the first limiting plate assembly and the second limiting plate assembly.

The road paver may comprise a control device. The control device may be configured to rotate the limiting plate about the swiveling device. The control device may be configured to move the limiting plate to the first, second and/or third limiting plate position. The control device may be configured to move the latch to the unlocking position. The control device may be configured to move the latch to the first, second and/or third locking position.

A third embodiment of the disclosure relates to a locking kinematics for a pivotable component of a construction machine, in particular for a limiting plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the disclosure. The locking kinematics comprises at least one locking component. The locking component has a first limit stop, a second limit stop and a third limit stop. The limit stops may be adapted as surfaces. The locking kinematics further comprises at least one latch, which extends substantially along an axial direction between a first distal end and a second distal end. The latch may have an elongated hole. The elongated hole may extend in the axial direction of the latch, in particular be arranged parallel to the axial direction. The latch may be rotatably attached to the pivotable component via the elongated hole by means of a fastener, in particular a screw or a bolt. The fastener may be movable within the elongated hole. This allows the latch to be displaceable relative to the pivotable component. The latch may have a protrusion in the thickness direction at a first distal end. The thickness direction may extend orthogonally to the axial direction. The latch may be adapted in an L-shape. The protrusion may represent one leg of the L-shape. The other leg of the L-shape may be formed by the extension of the latch in the axial direction. The protrusion may have a slanted surface on the side facing away from the second distal end.

The latch may be displaced into a first locking position. The latch may be displaced into a second locking position. The latch may be displaced into a third locking position. In the first locking position, a surface of the protrusion facing the second distal end of the latch may abut against the first limit stop. In the second locking position, the slanted surface of the protrusion may abut against the second limit stop. In the third locking position, a surface of the protrusion facing the pivotable component may abut against the third limit stop. The first locking position may differ from the second and/or third locking position. The second locking position may differ from the first and/or third locking position.

The slanted surface of the protrusion may extend at an angle, in particular an angle of between 50 and 70 degrees, in particular an angle of 60 degrees, to the axial direction of the latch. The slanted surface of the protrusion may extend at an angle, in particular an angle of between 20 and 40 degrees, in particular an angle of 30 degrees, to the thickness direction of the latch.

The second limit stop and the third limit stop may be the same limit stop. The second limit stop and the third limit stop may be formed by the same surface.

The locking component may be attached to a swiveling device. The pivotable component may be attached to the swiveling device. The pivotable component may be rotatable about the swiveling device. The locking component may be adapted such that it is not rotatable about the swiveling device.

When the latch is in the first locking position, the pivotable component may be movable between a first swiveling angle and a second swiveling angle. When the latch is in the second locking position, the pivotable component may be movable between a third swiveling angle and a fourth swiveling angle. When the latch is in the third locking position, the pivotable component may be movable between the fourth swiveling angle and a fifth swiveling angle.

The first swiveling angle may correspond to a maximum swiveling position. The swiveling device or the construction machine may be adapted so that the pivotable component cannot be pivoted further than the maximum swiveling position. The fifth swiveling angle may correspond to a minimum swiveling position. The swiveling device or the construction machine may be adapted in such a way that the pivotable component cannot be pivoted further than the minimum swiveling position. The swiveling device or the construction machine may be adapted so that the pivotable component is pivotable between the minimum swiveling position and the maximum swiveling position.

The first swiveling angle may be identical to the second swiveling angle. When the latch is in the first locking position, the pivotable component may be fixed at the position of the first swiveling angle or the second swiveling angle, in particular the maximum swiveling position. The fourth swiveling angle may be identical to the fifth swiveling angle. When the latch is in the third locking position, the pivotable component may be fixed at the position of the fourth swivel angle or the fifth swivel angle, in particular the minimum swivel position.

When the latch is in the first locking position, the fastener may be located at an end of the elongated hole facing the second distal end of the latch. When the latch is in the second locking position, the fastener may be located at an end of the elongated hole facing the first distal end of the latch. When the latch is in the third locking position, the fastener may be located at an end of the elongated hole facing the second distal end of the latch. When the latch is in the unlocking position, the fastener may be located at an end of the elongated hole facing the second distal end of the latch.

The latch may be a first latch. The locking kinematics may have a second latch. The second latch may be adapted identically to the first latch.

The locking component may be a first locking component. The locking kinematics may comprise a second locking component. The second locking component may be attached to the swiveling device. The second locking component may be adapted such that it is not rotatable about the swiveling device. The second locking component has a first limit stop, a second limit stop and a third limit stop. Alternatively, the second locking component may have only one limit stop. The second locking component may be integrally formed with the first locking component.

The second latch may be displaced into a first, second and third locking position. The second latch may be displaced into an unlocking position. In the first locking position, a surface of the protrusion of the second latch facing the second distal end of the second latch may abut against the first limit stop of the second locking component. In the second locking position, the slanted surface of the protrusion of the second latch may abut against the second limit stop of the second locking component. In the third locking position, a surface of the protrusion of the second latch facing the pivotable component may abut against the third limit stop of the second locking component.

Alternatively, the second latch may only be displaced into the second and third locking positions and the unlocking position. In the second locking position, the slanted surface of the protrusion of the second latch may abut against the limit stop of the second locking component. In the third locking position, a surface of the protrusion of the second latch facing the pivotable component may abut against the limit stop of the second locking component. When the first latch is in the first locking position, the second latch may be in the unlocking position.

A protrusion may be attached to the pivotable component. The protrusion may form a limit stop for the latch. The protrusion may be adapted in an L-shape. In the first locking position, the latch may abut against the limit stop of the protrusion with a surface facing away from the pivotable component. In the third locking position, the latch may abut against the limit stop of the protrusion with a surface facing away from the pivotable component. In the first and third locking positions, the latch may abut against the same limit stop of the protrusion with the same surface facing away from the pivotable component. In the second locking position, the latch may abut against a limit stop of the protrusion of the pivotable component with a further surface, in particular a surface of the protrusion of the latch facing the second distal end.

A road paver, in particular the road paver according to the second embodiment of the disclosure, comprises a screed assembly. The road paver may move along a paving direction during paving of paving material. The road paver comprises a transverse distribution device, in particular a screw conveyor. The road paver has a pivotable component. The pivotable component is arranged in front of the transverse distribution device in the paving direction. The road paver comprises the locking kinematics according to the third embodiment of the disclosure. The locking kinematics may be adapted to fix the pivotable component in different positions or to limit the rotation of the pivotable component.

The locking kinematics may comprise a control device. The control device may be configured to rotate the pivotable component. The control device may be configured to displace the latch into the unlocking position. The control device may be configured to displace the latch to the first, second and/or third locking position.

A fourth embodiment of the disclosure relates to the use of locking kinematics according to the third embodiment of the disclosure for locking a limiting plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the disclosure.

A fifth embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method of pivoting a limiting plate of a road paver. The method comprises moving a locking device of the road paver to an unlocking position. When the locking device is in the unlocking position, the limiting plate is pivotable between a minimum limiting plate position and a maximum limiting plate position, in particular about a vertical axis. The method further comprises pivoting the limiting plate to a limiting plate position that is between the minimum limiting plate position and the maximum limiting plate position. The method further comprises moving the locking device into a locking position. In the locking position, the limiting plate is pivotable between the minimum limiting plate position and an intermediate limiting plate position. The intermediate limiting plate position is located between the minimum limiting plate position and the maximum limiting plate position.

The intermediate limiting plate position may be closer to the maximum limiting plate position than to the minimum limiting plate position.

The method may further comprise moving the locking device to the unlocking position and then pivoting the limiting plate to the minimum or maximum limiting plate position. The locking device may then be moved to a further locking position, which differs in particular from the other locking position. When the locking device is in the further locking position, the limiting plate may be fixed in the minimum limiting plate position or the maximum limiting plate position.

The pivoting of the limiting plate into the limiting plate position, the minimum limiting plate position, the intermediate limiting plate position and/or the maximum limiting plate position may be carried out via a hydraulic cylinder and/or electric drive. The pivoting of the limiting plate into the limiting plate position, the minimum limiting plate position, the intermediate limiting plate position and/or the maximum limiting plate position may be carried out via a control unit.

Displacing the locking device into the unlocking position may be done manually. Displacing the locking device into the locking position may be done manually. Displacing the locking device to the further locking position may be done manually.

The limiting plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the disclosure may be used in a road paver according to the second embodiment of the disclosure and/or with method steps of the method according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure. The limiting plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the disclosure may be used in combination with the locking kinematics according to the third embodiment of the disclosure. The limiting plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the disclosure and the locking kinematics according to the third embodiment of the disclosure may be used according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure. The locking kinematics according to the third embodiment of the disclosure may be used in a road paver according to the second embodiment of the disclosure and/or with method steps of the method according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure. The use of locking kinematics according to the fourth embodiment of the disclosure may be performed with locking kinematics according to the third embodiment of the disclosure, in a road paver according to the second embodiment of the disclosure and/or using method steps of the method according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure. The method according to the fifth embodiment of the disclosure may be performed with a limiting plate assembly according to the first embodiment of the disclosure, with a road paver according to the second embodiment of the disclosure and/or with locking kinematics according to the third embodiment of the disclosure.

The expressions “first”, “second”, “third” and “fourth” are to be understood merely as designations for a particular element or component and do not necessarily imply a particular order of said components or elements. For example, the presence of a second component does not necessarily imply the presence of a first component and vice versa.

The disclosure is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a road paver with a limiting plate assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of a road paver with a limiting plate assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic front view of a section of the limiting plate device from FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of a limiting plate assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a latch according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of a locking device according to an embodiment of the disclosure in the unlocking position;

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of the locking device of FIG. 5 in a first locking position.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the locking device of FIG. 5 in a second locking position; and

FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of the locking device of FIG. 5 in a third locking position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a road paver 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The road paver 1 comprises a towing vehicle 2 and a screed assembly 3. The screed assembly 3 is arranged behind the towing vehicle 2 with respect to the paving direction 100. The screed assembly 3 is only schematically displaced in FIG. 1. A material hopper 4 for receiving paving material is arranged in the front area of the road paver 1. The paving material, also referred to as paving goods, is transported to the rear by a material transport device of the towing vehicle 2 against the paving direction 100 and provided to the screed assembly 3. A transverse distribution device 5 is provided in the rear area of the towing vehicle 2, which distributes the paving material orthogonally to the paving direction 100 in front of the screed assembly 3. A limiting plate device 6 with at least one limiting plate assembly 7 is arranged in front of the transverse distribution device 5 in the paving direction 100. The limiting plate device 6 prevents the paving material from deviating in the direction of the paving direction 100.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a road paver 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The screed assembly 3 comprises a base screed 8. The base screed has a base screed operating width 201. The base screed operating width 201 may be the extension of the base screed 8 in the transverse direction 200. The transverse direction 200 extends orthogonally to the paving direction 100. The screed assembly 3 may additionally have extending screeds 9. The total operating width 202 is made up of the base screed 8 and the extending screeds 9. The extending screeds 9 may be adapted to be movable relative to the base screed 8 in the transverse direction 200. This allows the total operating width 202 to be varied. The screed assembly 3 may furthermore have side shields 10. The side shields 10 extend in particular in the paving direction 100 and prevent the paving material from being distributed in areas that are laterally outside the screed assembly 3.

The transverse distribution device 5 is arranged in front of the screed assembly 3 in the paving direction 100. The limiting plate device 6 is arranged in front of the transverse distribution device 5 in the paving direction 100. The limiting plate device 6 has a limiting plate assembly 7. The limiting plate assembly 7 has a pivotable limiting plate 11. The limiting plate 11 is rotatable about a swiveling device 12, in particular about a vertical axis.

The limiting plate device 6 may have a base limiting plate 13. The base limiting plate 13 extends substantially in the transverse direction 200. The limiting plate device 6 may additionally comprise an extendable limiting plate 14. The extendable limiting plate 14 may be moved in the transverse direction 200 relative to the base limiting plate 13 via a traversing device 15, for example a hydraulic cylinder or an electric drive. The laterally extendable limiting plate 14 may be used to vary the effective width of the limiting plate device 6. The limiting plate device 6 may have an intermediate limiting plate 16. The intermediate limiting plate 16 may be arranged between the base limiting plate 13 and the extendable limiting plate 14. The extendable limiting plate 14 may be attached to the base limiting plate 13 or the intermediate limiting plate 16. The traversing device 15 may be attached to the base limiting plate 13 or the intermediate limiting plate 16.

The swiveling device 12 may be attached to the base limiting plate 13, the extendable limiting plate 14 or the intermediate limiting plate 16. The pivotable limiting plate 11 may therefore be rotated relative to the base limiting plate 13, the extendable limiting plate 14 or the intermediate limiting plate 16.

The limiting plate device 6 may have two limiting plate assemblies 7, as shown in FIG. 2. The two limiting plate assemblies 7 may advantageously be arranged respectively on the left and right side of the road paver 1. The limiting plate device 6 may have two extendable limiting plates 14, two traversing devices 15 and two intermediate limiting plates 16, as shown in FIG. 2. Advantageously, these may each be arranged on the left and right side of the road paver 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the limiting plate device 6 of FIG. 2. The limiting plate device 6 comprises the base limiting plate 13, to which the intermediate limiting plate 16 is attached laterally in the transverse direction 200. The traversing device 15 is attached to the intermediate limiting plate 16 and is adapted to move the extendable limiting plate 14 adjacent to the intermediate limiting plate 16 in the transverse direction 200. The pivotable limiting plate 11 is attached to the extendable limiting plate 14 via the swiveling device 12. The swiveling device 12 is adapted to enable rotation of the pivotable limiting plate 11 about a vertical axis.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of a limiting plate assembly 7 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the limiting plate assembly 7 is attached directly to the base limiting plate 13. The pivotable limiting plate 11 is attached to the base limiting plate 13 via the swiveling device 12. The pivotable limiting plate 11 may be rotated about the swiveling device 12 between a minimum limiting plate position 17 and a maximum limiting plate position 18.

FIG. 4 shows the pivotable limiting plate 11 in a first limiting plate position 19, a second limiting plate position 20 and a third limiting plate position 21. The first limiting plate position 19 corresponds to the maximum limiting plate position 18. The third limiting plate position 21 corresponds to the minimum limiting plate position 17. In the first limiting plate position 19, the limiting plate 11 has a first angle 22 relative to the paving direction 100. The first angle 22 may be 90 degrees. In the second limiting plate position 20, the limiting plate 11 has a second angle 23 to the paving direction 100. The second angle 23 may be 120 degrees. In the third limiting plate position 21, the limiting plate 11 has a third angle 24 to the paving direction 100. The third angle 24 may be 180 degrees. In the third limiting plate position 21, the limiting plate 11 may run parallel to the paving direction 100.

The limiting plate assembly 7 also has a locking device 25 with a first latch 26. The locking device 25 may also have a second latch 27.

The first latch 26 is shown in a detailed view in FIG. 5. The latch 26 has a latch base body 28 extending substantially along an axial direction 300 between a first distal end 29 and a second distal end 30. The material thickness of the latch 26 is measured in the thickness direction 400. The thickness direction 400 of the latch 26 is the direction in which the latch 26 has the smallest extension. The latch 26 has a protrusion 31 at the first distal end 29 in the thickness direction 400. The material thickness of the protrusion 31 is greater than the material thickness of the latch base body 28. The protrusion 31 has a slanted surface 32 on the side facing away from the second distal end 30. The slanted surface 32 extends at an angle to the axial direction 300, wherein the angle differs from 90 degrees. The slanted surface 32 extends at an angle to the thickness direction 400. The surface 33 of the protrusion 31 facing the second distal end 30 extends orthogonally to the axial direction 300. The latch 26 further comprises an elongated hole 34. The elongated hole 34 is arranged in the latch base body 28 and may extend in the axial direction 300. The second latch 27 may be adapted identically to the first latch 26.

FIGS. 6 to 9 show detailed views of a locking device 25 according to an embodiment of the disclosure in the unlocking position and three locking positions. The first latch 26 and the second latch 27 are each connected to the pivotable limiting plate 11 via a screw 35, which is guided through the elongated hole 34. In the embodiment shown, the latches 26, 27 are not directly connected to the limiting plate 11, but are each indirectly connected via an intermediate piece 36. The intermediate pieces 36 may be welded to the limiting plate 11. In addition, the intermediate pieces 36 are connected to a component of the swiveling device 12, for example welded to it. The component and thus the limiting plate 11 is rotatable about the rest of the swiveling device 12. The limiting plate 11 additionally has two limiting plate protrusions 37, which are connected to the limiting plate 11, for example welded to it, and are each arranged below the intermediate pieces 36.

The locking device 25 further comprises a first locking component 38. The first locking component 38 has a first limit stop 39, a second limit stop 40 and a third limit stop 41. The second limit stop 40 and the third limit stop 41 may be the same limit stop. The term limit stop may refer to a component or surface that may be brought into contact with the latch 26, thereby limiting the movement of the latch 26 in at least one direction. The locking device 25 further comprises a second locking component 42. The second locking component 42 has a limit stop 43. The first locking component 38 may be formed integrally with the second locking component 42. The first locking component 38 and the second locking component 42 are connected to the swiveling device 12. The first locking component 38 and the second locking component 42 do not rotate about the swiveling device 12. The limiting plate 11 and thus the first latch 26 and the second latch 27 rotate relative to the first locking component 38 and the second locking component 42.

FIG. 6 shows the locking device 25 in the unlocking position. The two latches 26, 27 may be in a position tilted away from the swiveling device 12. The two latches 26, 27 may rest on the respective limiting plate protrusion 37. The two latches 26, 27 are held in the unlocking position by their own weight. The screws 35 are arranged at the end of the respective elongated hole 34 of the first and second latches 26, 27, which faces the second distal end 30. The limiting plate 11 may be rotated about the swiveling device 12 between the minimum limiting plate position 17 and the maximum limiting plate position 18.

FIG. 7 shows the locking device 25 in the first locking position. The limiting plate 11 is in the first limiting plate position 19. The first latch 26 is tilted in the direction of the swiveling device 12. The surface 33 of the protrusion 31 of the first latch 26 facing the second distal end 30 abuts against the first limit stop 39 of the first locking component 38. The first limit stop 39 has a surface that extends at an angle to a horizontal plane and at an angle to a vertical plane. Due to the interaction between the first latch 26 and the first locking component 38, the rotation of the limiting plate 11 in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position 17 is blocked.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the second latch 27 is in the unlocking position. The screw 35 of the first latch 26 is arranged at the end of the elongated hole 34 of the first latch 26, which faces the second distal end 30 of the first latch 26. The screw 35 of the second latch 27 is arranged at the end of the elongated hole 34 of the second latch 27, which faces the second distal end 30 of the second latch 27.

Alternatively, the second latch 27 may also be in the first locking position. In such a case, the second locking component 42 has the same form as the first locking component 38.

FIG. 8 shows the locking device 25 in the second locking position. The limiting plate 11 is in the second limiting plate position 20. The two latches 26, 27 are tilted in the direction of the swiveling device 12. The screw 35 of the first latch 26 is arranged at the end of the elongated hole 34 of the first latch 26, which faces the first distal end 29 of the first latch 26. The screw 35 of the second latch 27 is arranged at the end of the elongated hole 34 of the second latch 27, which faces the first distal end 29 of the second latch 27.

The slanted surface 32 of the first latch 26 abuts the second limit stop 40 of the first locking component 38. The surface 33 of the protrusion 31 of the first latch 26 facing the second distal end 30 may abut the limiting plate protrusion 37 assigned to the first latch 26.

The slanted surface 32 of the second latch 27 abuts the limit stop 43 of the second locking component 42. The surface 33 of the protrusion 31 of the second latch 27 facing the second distal end 30 may abut the limiting plate protrusion 37 assigned to the second latch 27.

The rotation of the limiting plate 11 in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position 18 is blocked by the interaction between the first latch 26 and the first locking component 38 and, if applicable, the limiting plate protrusion 37. The rotation of the limiting plate 11 in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position 18 is blocked by the interaction between the second latch 27 and the second locking component 42 and, if applicable, the limiting plate protrusion 37.

FIG. 9 shows the locking device 25 in the third locking position. The limiting plate 11 is in the third limiting plate position 21. The two latches 26, 27 are tilted in the direction of the swiveling device 12. The screw 35 of the first latch 26 is arranged at the end of the elongated hole 34 of the first latch 26, which faces the second distal end 30 of the first latch 26. The screw 35 of the second latch 27 is arranged at the end of the elongated hole 34 of the second latch 27, which faces the second distal end 30 of the second latch 27.

A surface of the first latch 26 facing the limiting plate 11 abuts against the third limit stop 41 of the first locking component 38. A surface of the first latch 26 facing away from the limiting plate 11 may abut against the limiting plate protrusion 37, which is assigned to the first latch 26.

A surface of the second latch 27 facing the limiting plate 11 abuts against the limit stop 43 of the second locking component 42. A surface of the second latch 27 facing away from the limiting plate 11 may abut against the limiting plate protrusion 37, which is assigned to the second latch 27.

The rotation of the limiting plate 11 in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position 18 is blocked by the interaction between the first latch 26 and the first locking component 38 and, if applicable, the limiting plate protrusion 37. The rotation of the limiting plate 11 in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position 18 is blocked by the interaction between the second latch 27 and the second locking component 42 and, if applicable, the limiting plate protrusion 37.

Claims

1. A limiting plate assembly for a road paver, the assembly comprising:

a limiting plate;

a swiveling device; and

a locking device;

wherein the limiting plate is attached to a component of the road paver via the swiveling device,

wherein the limiting plate is rotatable about the swiveling device between a minimum limiting plate position and a maximum limiting plate position,

wherein the locking device is adapted to adopt a first locking position and a second locking position, and

wherein the locking device is adapted, in the first locking position, to block rotation of the limiting plate about the swiveling device toward the minimum limiting plate position when the limiting plate is in a first limiting plate position, and in the second locking position, to block the rotation of the limiting plate around the swiveling device toward the maximum limiting plate position when the limiting plate is in a second limiting plate position.

2. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking device is adapted to adopt a third locking position, wherein the locking device is adapted, in the third locking position, to block the rotation of the limiting plate about the swiveling device in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position when the limiting plate is in a third limiting plate position.

3. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 2, wherein the locking device is adapted, in the second locking position, to block the rotation of the limiting plate about the swiveling device in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position when the limiting plate is in a fourth limiting plate position.

4. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 2, wherein the limiting plate in the first limiting plate position has a first angle to the paving direction of the road paver,

wherein, when the locking device is in the second locking position, the limiting plate is rotatable between a second angle and a third angle relative to the paving direction of the road paver,

wherein the limiting plate in the third limiting plate position has the third angle to the paving direction of the road paver,

wherein the second angle is located between the first angle and the third angle.

5. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 3, wherein the limiting plate in the first limiting plate position has a first angle to the paving direction of the road paver,

wherein, when the locking device is in the second locking position, the limiting plate is rotatable between a second angle and a third angle relative to the paving direction of the road paver,

wherein the limiting plate in the third limiting plate position has the third angle to the paving direction of the road paver,

wherein the second angle is located between the first angle and the third angle.

6. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking device comprises a latch which is adapted to adopt the first locking position and the second locking position, wherein the latch is held in the first locking position and the second locking position by its own weight.

7. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 2, wherein the locking device comprises a latch which is adapted to adopt the first locking position and the second locking position, wherein the latch is held in the first locking position and the second locking position by its own weight.

8. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 3, wherein the locking device comprises a latch which is adapted to adopt the first locking position and the second locking position, wherein the latch is held in the first locking position and the second locking position by its own weight.

9. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 4, wherein the locking device comprises a latch which is adapted to adopt the first locking position and the second locking position, wherein the latch is held in the first locking position and the second locking position by its own weight.

10. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 6, wherein the latch is connected to the limiting plate,

wherein in the first locking position, when the limiting plate is in the first limiting plate position, the latch abuts with a first surface against a limit stop of the road paver, so that a rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position is prevented by the latch,

and/or in the second locking position, when the limiting plate is in the second limiting plate position, the latch abuts with a second surface against a limit stop of the road paver, so that a rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position is prevented by the latch.

11. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 7, wherein the latch is adapted to adopt the third locking position, wherein in the third locking position, when the limiting plate is in the third limiting plate position, the latch abuts with a third surface against a limit stop of the road paver, so that a rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position is prevented by the latch.

12. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 6, wherein the latch is connected to a component of the road paver,

wherein in the first locking position, when the limiting plate is in the first limiting plate position, the latch abuts with a first surface against a limit stop of the limiting plate, so that a rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the minimum limiting plate position is prevented by the latch,

and/or in the second locking position, when the limiting plate is in the second limiting plate position, the latch abuts with a second surface against a limit stop of the limiting plate, so that a rotation of the limiting plate in the direction of the maximum limiting plate position is prevented by the latch.

13. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking device is adapted to adopt an unlocking position, wherein, when the locking device is in the unlocking position, the limiting plate is freely rotatable about the swiveling device between the minimum limiting plate position and the maximum limiting plate position.

14. The limiting plate assembly according to claim 1, wherein the limiting plate assembly comprises a pivoting apparatus, wherein the pivoting apparatus is adapted to rotate the limiting plate about the swiveling device, wherein the pivoting apparatus comprises a hydraulic cylinder and/or an electric drive.

15. A road paver comprising:

a screed assembly;

a transverse distribution device adapted to distribute paving material transversely to a paving direction of the road paver; and

a limiting plate assembly according to claim 1;

wherein the limiting plate assembly is arranged in front of the transverse distribution device in the paving direction.

16. A locking kinematics for a pivotable component of a construction machine, the pivotable component comprising a limiting plate assembly according to claim 1, the locking kinematics comprising:

at least one locking component, which has a first limit stop, a second limit stop and a third limit stop; and

at least one latch extending substantially along an axial direction between a first distal end and a second distal end;

wherein the latch has an elongated hole through which the latch is rotatably attached to the pivotable component via a fastener,

wherein the latch has a protrusion in the thickness direction at the first distal end,

wherein the protrusion has a slanted surface on the side facing away from the second distal end,

wherein the latch is displaceable into a first locking position, a second locking position and a third locking position,

wherein, in the first locking position, a surface of the protrusion facing the second distal end abuts against the first limit stop,

wherein in the second locking position the slanted surface abuts against the second limit stop, and

wherein, in the third locking position, a surface of the protrusion facing the pivotable component abuts against the third limit stop.

17. The locking kinematics according to claim 16, wherein, when the latch is in the first locking position, the pivotable component is movable between a first swiveling angle and a second swiveling angle,

wherein, when the latch is in the second locking position, the pivotable component is movable between a third swiveling angle and a fourth swiveling angle, and/or

wherein, when the latch is in the third locking position, the pivotable component is movable between the fourth swiveling angle and a fifth swiveling angle.

18. A method for locking a limiting plate assembly for a road paver using the locking kinematics according to claim 16.

19. A method for locking a limiting plate assembly for a road paver using the locking kinematics according to claim 17.

20. A method for pivoting a limiting plate of a road paver comprising:

moving a locking device of the road paver into an unlocking position so that the limiting plate is pivotable between a minimum limiting plate position and a maximum limiting plate position;

pivoting the limiting plate into a limiting plate position which is located between the minimum limiting plate position and the maximum limiting plate position; and

moving the locking device into a locking position so that the limiting plate is pivotable between the minimum limiting plate position and an intermediate limiting plate position, wherein the intermediate limiting plate position is located between the minimum limiting plate position and the maximum limiting plate position.