ROAD PAVER WITH HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE DEFLECTOR PLATE

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 24163766.9, filed Mar. 15, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a road paver and a method for operating a road paver.

BACKGROUND

Road pavers are designed for producing a paving layer from a paving material such as asphalt and generally comprise a chassis and working aggregates arranged on the chassis, such as a material hopper, a screed, a longitudinal conveying device and a transverse distribution arrangement.

A fixed deflector plate is usually arranged under the rear end of the longitudinal conveying device. During paving, material may accumulate in the drive direction of the road paver when the material is transferred from the longitudinal conveying device to the transverse distribution arrangement. These material accumulations gather in front of the transverse distribution arrangement and may lead to segregation of the paving material and soiling of the driving gear. This may only be prevented to a limited extent by the fixed deflector plates known from the prior art. As there must be sufficient ground clearance below the deflector plate or a sufficiently large drive-on angle to drive onto the transport truck, the deflector plate cannot be arranged vertically as low as required. If the deflector plate is not arranged high enough, driving onto a transport truck may be impaired or the deflector plate may be damaged when driving onto the loading ramp of the transport truck.

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the segregation of the paving material in front of the transverse distribution arrangement and to reduce the contamination of the driving gear by paving material. This object is solved by a road paver according to the disclosure or a method for operating a road paver according to the disclosure.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a road paver for producing a paving layer of a paving material comprises a screed, a longitudinal conveying device, a transverse distribution arrangement and a deflector plate arrangement. The longitudinal conveying device is adapted to transport the paving material to the screed against a drive direction of the road paver. The transverse distribution arrangement is adapted to distribute the paving material transversely to the drive direction in front of the screed. The deflector plate arrangement is arranged in front of the transverse distribution arrangement in the drive direction and has a height-adjustable deflector plate.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be adjustable in its vertical position. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be adjustable in its vertical position relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be adjustable in its vertical position relative to the transverse distribution arrangement.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be movable in height. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be movable in height relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be movable in height relative to the transverse distribution arrangement.

The height-adjustable deflector plate allows the vertical distance between the deflector plate arrangement and a substrate to be varied or adjusted. A small vertical distance between the deflector plate arrangement and the substrate may reduce the amount of paving material entering under the longitudinal conveying device and/or into the driving gear of the road paver. This may counteract segregation of the paving material.

The term height-adjustable is in particular to be understood in the present application as meaning that the vertical position is adjustable.

The height of the height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be steplessly adjustable. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be steplessly variable in height. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be steplessly adjustable in the vertical position. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be adapted to be steplessly movable in the vertical position.

The screed may have a base screed. The screed may have laterally extendable extension parts, which are arranged in particular to the side of the base screed. The extension parts may be arranged to the left and right of the base screed, looking in the drive direction.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may be movable in height by at least 40 millimeters, preferably at least 100 millimeters, preferably at least 150 millimeters, preferably at least 200 millimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be movable in height relative to the transverse distribution arrangement by at least 40 millimeters, preferably at least 100 millimeters, preferably at least 150 millimeters, preferably at least 200 millimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be movable in height of at least 40 millimeters, preferably at least 100 millimeters, preferably at least 150 millimeters, preferably at least 200 millimeters, relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The height of the height-adjustable deflector plate may be moveable in height relative to the substrate by at least 40 millimeters, preferably at least 100 millimeters, preferably at least 150 millimeters, preferably at least 200 millimeters.

The deflector plate arrangement may have a width of between 42 centimeters and 172 centimeters, preferably between 42 centimeters and 62 centimeters. The deflector plate arrangement may have a width of between 60 centimeters and 80 centimeters. The deflector plate arrangement may have a width of between 70 centimeters and 90 centimeters. The deflector plate arrangement may have a width of between 115 centimeters and 135 centimeters. The deflector plate arrangement may have a width of between 130 centimeters and 150 centimeters. The deflector plate arrangement may have a width of between 152 centimeters and 172 centimeters. The width of the deflector plate arrangement may correspond to the width of the screed. The width of the deflector plate arrangement may correspond to the width of the base screed. The width of the deflector plate arrangement may correspond to the combined width of the base screed and the extension parts. The width of the deflector plate arrangement may correspond to the width of a transverse distributor channel or tunnel of the road paver. The width is defined in particular as the extension transverse to the drive direction.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may have a width of between 42 centimeters and 315 centimeters, preferably between 42 centimeters and 62 centimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may have a width of between 70 centimeters and 90 centimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may have a width of between 115 centimeters and 135 centimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may have a width of between 130 centimeters and 150 centimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may have a width of between 152 centimeters and 172 centimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may have a width of between 110 centimeters and 130 centimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may have a width of between 170 centimeters and 190 centimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may have a width of between 230 centimeters and 260 centimeters. The height-adjustable deflector plate may have a width of between 290 centimeters and 315 centimeters. The deflector plate arrangement may have several height-adjustable deflector plates. The sum of the widths of the height-adjustable deflector plates may be as specified above. The deflector plates may be arranged next to each other transversely to the drive direction of the road paver, in particular adjacent to each other. The deflector plates may be arranged offset to one another in the drive direction. The deflector plates may be aligned with each other in the drive direction. The width of the height-adjustable deflector plate may correspond to the width of the screed. The width of the height-adjustable deflector plate may correspond to the width of the base screed. The width of the height-adjustable deflector plate may correspond to the combined width of the base screed and the extension parts. The width of the height-adjustable deflector plate may correspond to the width of a transverse distributor channel or tunnel of the road paver.

The longitudinal conveying device is arranged in front of the screed in the drive direction. The transverse distribution arrangement is arranged in front of the screed in the drive direction. The transverse distribution arrangement is arranged downstream of the longitudinal conveying device in the drive direction. The road paver may also have a material hopper for receiving the paving material. The material hopper is arranged in front of the longitudinal conveying device in the drive direction.

The road paver may have a driving gear. The driving gear may be arranged to the side of the longitudinal conveying device. The driving gear may comprise a left driving gear and a right driving gear. Left and right relate to the drive direction of the road paver. The left driving gear may be arranged laterally to the left of the longitudinal conveying device. The right driving gear may be arranged laterally to the right of the longitudinal conveying device. The driving gear, in particular the left and right driving gear, may be tracked. The driving gear, in particular the left and right driving gear, may comprise wheels.

The deflector plate arrangement may extend transversely to the drive direction, in particular to the left and right, beyond the longitudinal conveying device. The deflector plate arrangement may extend transversely to the drive direction into the driving gear. The deflector plate arrangement may be arranged behind the driving gear in the drive direction. The deflector plate arrangement may extend transversely to the drive direction from a left lateral end to a right lateral end of the driving gear. The deflector plate arrangement may extend transversely to the drive direction from an outer side of the left driving gear to an outer side of the right driving gear.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may extend transversely to the drive direction, in particular to the left and right, beyond the longitudinal conveying device. The height-adjustable deflector plate may extend into the driving gear transversely to the drive direction. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be arranged behind the driving gear in the drive direction. The height-adjustable deflector plate may extend transversely to the drive direction from a left lateral end to a right lateral end of the driving gear. The height-adjustable deflector plate may extend transversely to the drive direction from an outer side of the left driving gear to an outer side of the right driving gear.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may be movable in height during operation of the road paver (in particular during a paving run), in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The vertical position of the height-adjustable deflector plate may be adjustable during operation of the road paver, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. In particular, the deflector plate arrangement may be adapted so that the height-adjustable deflector plate may be lowered and raised during operation of the road paver, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may be attached at least indirectly to a suspension of the transverse distribution arrangement. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be attached to the suspension of the transverse distribution arrangement via an intermediate piece, for example a support structure. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be attached directly to the suspension of the transverse distribution arrangement. The suspension of the transverse distribution arrangement and the height-adjustable deflector plate may be attached to the same component. The suspension of the transverse distribution arrangement may be attached to a transverse distribution bracket. The height-adjustable deflector plate may also be attached to the transverse distributor bracket.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may be movable in height together with the transverse distribution arrangement, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The transverse distribution arrangement may be movable in height, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be attached at least indirectly to the transverse distribution arrangement, as a result of which the height-adjustable deflector plate may be moved together with the transverse distribution arrangement, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The suspension of the transverse distribution arrangement may be movable in height, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The transverse distribution bracket may be movable in height, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The vertical position of the height-adjustable deflector plate and the vertical position of the transverse distribution arrangement may be adjustable together, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device.

The transverse distribution bracket or the suspension of the transverse distribution arrangement may be attached to the chassis of the road paver via cylinders. The vertical position of the transverse distribution bracket, the suspension of the transverse distribution arrangement, the height-adjustable deflector plate and/or the transverse distribution arrangement may be adjustable via the cylinders. The cylinders may be pneumatic, hydraulic or electric cylinders.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may be movable in height relative to the transverse distribution arrangement. An adjustment assembly, which is arranged between the height-adjustable deflector plate and the suspension of the transverse distribution arrangement, may be adapted to move the height-adjustable deflector plate in height relative to the transverse distribution arrangement. The adjustment arrangement may have at least one pneumatic, hydraulic or electric cylinder. The adjustment arrangement may have an electric motor.

The vertical position of the height-adjustable deflector plate may be adjustable relative to the vertical position of the transverse distribution arrangement. The vertical position of the height-adjustable deflector plate may be adjustable relative to the vertical position of the transverse distribution bracket.

The deflector plate arrangement may be arranged substantially, in particular in the drive direction, between the longitudinal conveying device and the transverse distribution arrangement. The adjustable deflector plate may be arranged substantially, in particular in the drive direction, between the longitudinal conveying device and the transverse distribution assembly. The term substantially is to be interpreted in particular in such a way that regions of the individual components may also overlap. The center of gravity of the deflector plate arrangement may be arranged, in particular in the drive direction, between the center of gravity of the longitudinal conveying device and the center of gravity of the transverse distribution arrangement. The center of gravity of the height-adjustable deflector plate may be arranged, in particular in the drive direction, between the center of gravity of the longitudinal conveying device and the center of gravity of the transverse distribution assembly.

The paving material may be transported from the longitudinal conveying device to the transverse distribution arrangement against the drive direction of the road paver. On the way to the transverse distribution arrangement, the paving material may be guided over the deflector plate arrangement. In particular, the paving material falls from the longitudinal conveying device onto the deflector plate arrangement, which guides the paving material to the transverse distribution arrangement.

The height-adjustable deflector plate may be pneumatically movable in height. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be hydraulically movable in height. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be electrically movable in height. The height-adjustable deflector plate may be mechanically movable in height. The scraper arrangement may have one or more pneumatic cylinders. The scraper arrangement may have one or more hydraulic cylinders. The scraper arrangement may have one or more electric motors. The scraper arrangement may have one or more cranks or ratchets. The vertical position of the height-adjustable deflector plate may be pneumatically, hydraulically, electrically and/or mechanically adjustable.

The deflector plate arrangement may have a second deflector plate. The second deflector plate may be arranged and/or adapted such that it is not movable in height, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The second deflector plate may be arranged and/or adapted such that the vertical position of the second deflector plate is not adjustable, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The deflector plate arrangement may be adapted such that the second deflector plate is not adjustable in height. The deflector plate arrangement may be adapted such that the vertical position of the second deflector plate is not adjustable.

The second deflector plate may be arranged in front of the height-adjustable deflector plate in the drive direction. The second deflector plate may be arranged substantially between the longitudinal conveying device and the height-adjustable deflector plate. The second deflector plate may be arranged below the rear end of the longitudinal conveying device.

The second deflector plate may also be adapted to be height-adjustable. The deflector plate arrangement may be adapted in such a way that the second deflector plate is height-adjustable, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The deflector plate arrangement may be adapted in such a way that the vertical position of the second deflector plate is adjustable, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device.

The deflector plate arrangement may have a comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate. The comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate may be adjustable in height, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate may be arranged in front of the transverse distribution arrangement in the drive direction. The comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate may be arranged in front of the height-adjustable deflector plate in the drive direction. The comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate may be arranged between the height-adjustable deflector plate and the longitudinal conveying device.

The vertical position of the comb-shaped or grid-shaped sheet may be adjustable. The deflector plate arrangement may be adapted in such a way that the vertical position of the comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device, is adjustable.

The road paver may have a material hopper for receiving the paving material. The longitudinal conveying device may be adapted to convey the paving material from the material hopper in front of the screed. In particular, the paving material may be conveyed by the longitudinal conveying device against the drive direction from the material hopper in front of the screed. The longitudinal conveying device may be adapted to convey the paving material from the material hopper to the transverse distribution arrangement. The transverse distribution arrangement may be adapted to distribute the paving material in front of the screed transversely to the drive direction.

The road paver may have a control unit. The control unit may be configured to adjust the height of the height-adjustable deflector plate, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The control unit may be configured to adjust the height of the height-adjustable deflector plate relative to the transverse distribution arrangement. The control unit may be configured to adjust the height of the comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The control unit may be configured to adjust the height of the comb-shaped or grid-shaped sheet relative to the transverse distribution arrangement. The control unit may be adapted to steplessly adjust the height of the height-adjustable deflector plate. The control unit may be adapted to steplessly adjust the height of the comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate.

The control unit may be configured to adjust the vertical position of the height-adjustable deflector plate, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying device. The control unit may be configured to adjust the vertical position of the height-adjustable deflector plate relative to the transverse distribution arrangement. The control unit may be adapted to steplessly adjust the vertical position of the height-adjustable deflector plate. The control unit may be adapted to steplessly adjust the vertical position of the comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate.

The control unit may be configured to adjust the vertical position of the comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate together with the vertical position of the height-adjustable deflector plate.

The comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate may be movable in height together with the height-adjustable plate. The comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate may be movable in height relative to the height-adjustable deflector plate.

The road paver may have a pre-scraper arrangement. The pre-scraper arrangement may be arranged behind the transverse distribution arrangement in the drive direction. The pre-scraper arrangement may have a height-adjustable scraper plate.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a method of operating a road paver comprises conveying paving material against a drive direction of the road paver in front of a screed and distributing the paving material in front of the screed transversely to the drive direction of the road paver by means of a transverse distribution arrangement. The road paver has a deflector plate. The deflector plate is arranged in front of the transverse distribution arrangement in the drive direction. The deflector plate is movable in height during operation of the road paver. The deflector plate may be movable together with the transverse distribution arrangement during operation of the road paver. The deflector plate may be movable in height relative to the transverse distribution arrangement during operation of the road paver (in particular during a paving run).

The height of the deflector plate may be moved in height automatically by a control unit. The deflector plate may be moved in height by an operator input. The vertical position of the deflector plate may be controlled automatically by a control unit. The vertical position of the deflector plate may be controlled by an operator input.

The vertical position of the deflector plate may be adjusted based on the current operating mode of the road paver. The height of the deflector plate may be adjusted based on the current operating mode of the road paver.

The road paver according to the first aspect of the disclosure may be used with method steps of the method according to the second aspect of the disclosure. The method according to the second aspect of the disclosure may be performed with a road paver according to the first aspect of the disclosure.

As used in the description of the various embodiments described and the appended claims, the singular forms are to be understood to include the plural forms and vice versa, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, advantageous embodiments of the disclosure are explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a road paver according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a road paver according to the disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the longitudinal conveying device, the transverse distribution arrangement and the screed of a road paver according to the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the longitudinal conveying device, the transverse distribution arrangement and the deflector plate arrangement of a road paver according to the disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the longitudinal conveying device and the deflector plate arrangement of a road paver according to the disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the longitudinal conveying device and the deflector plate arrangement of a road paver according to the disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows a side sectional view of the longitudinal conveying device and the deflector plate arrangement of a road paver according to the disclosure; and

FIG. 8 shows a side sectional view of the longitudinal conveying device and the deflector plate arrangement of a road paver according to the disclosure;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a side view and a perspective top view of a road paver 1 according to the disclosure for producing a paving layer 2 on a substrate 3. The road paver 1 has a material hopper 4 at the front in the paving drive direction 100, from which a paving material 6 received therein is transported to a screed 7 of the road paver 1 in the opposite direction to the paving drive direction 100 of the road paver 1 by means of a longitudinal conveying device 5. The longitudinal conveying device 5 is arranged within a chassis 8 of the road paver 1 and first transports the paving material 6 to a transverse distribution arrangement 9 arranged in front of the screed 7 in the paving drive direction 100. The transverse distribution arrangement 9 is adapted to distribute the paving material 6 in front of the screed 7 along a transverse direction 200 transverse to the paving drive direction 100.

The extension of the paving layer 2 in the transverse direction 200 is referred to as the working width 210 or paving width 210. The screed 7 has a screed base 10 and laterally extendable extension parts 11. The working width 210 of the paving layer 2 may be varied and adjusted by extending the extension parts 11 sideways.

The road paver 1 also has a control unit 33. The control unit 33 may be operated by user input or automatically. The control unit 33 is adapted to adjust the vertical position of a height-adjustable deflector plate 26. The control unit 33 is adapted to move the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 in height.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of the screed 7 and the longitudinal conveying device 5 of the road paver 1 according to the disclosure. The longitudinal conveying device 5 has a conveyor belt in the form of a scraper belt 12. The scraper conveyor 12 comprises a left scraper conveyor section 13a and a right scraper conveyor section 13b. The designations left and right are to be understood as looking in the paving drive direction 100.

The paving material 6 dropped in front of the screed base 10 of the screed 7 by means of the scraper belt 12 is distributed along a front side 14 of the screed base 10 by means of the transverse distribution arrangement 9, as shown by arrows 220.

A rear wall 15 of the chassis 8 of the road paver 1 together with the front side 14 of the screed base body 10 forms a transverse distribution channel 16 for the transverse distribution arrangement 9.

The extension parts 11 of the screed 7 may be extended laterally in the transverse direction 200 relative to base screed 10, allowing the screed 7 to be widened and the working width 210 to be varied. The transverse distribution channel 16 may be further extended laterally in accordance with a widening of the screed 7.

The paving material 6 is transferred from the scraper belt 12 of the longitudinal conveying device 5 to the transverse distribution arrangement 9, which is positioned in front of the screed 7. The transverse distribution arrangement 9 is adapted to distribute the paving material 6 in front of the screed 7 in the transverse direction 200 transverse to the paving drive direction 100 within the transverse distribution channel 16.

The transverse distribution arrangement 9 is attached to the rear end of the chassis 8 of the road paver 1. The transverse distribution arrangement 9 comprises a left distribution auger 17 and a right distribution auger 18. The left distribution auger 17 and the right distribution auger 18 are supported on a suspension 19 in the form of an auger suspension 19.

The housing formed by the auger suspension 19 contains an auger drive (not shown) for powering the two distribution augers 17, 18. The transverse distribution arrangement 9 comprises a shaft 20, which may be two individual shafts 20 (left shaft 21, right shaft 22) or one shaft 20 that is shared by the two distribution augers 17, 18. The left distribution auger 17 is detachably coupled to the left shaft 21. The right distributor auger 18 is detachably coupled to the right shaft 22. The outer end of each shaft 21, 22, i.e., the end facing away from the auger suspension 19, is supported in an auger bearing 23.

The deflector plate arrangement 24 according to the disclosure is not shown in FIG. 3. The position of the deflector plate arrangement 24 is indicated by the reference sign 24.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the longitudinal conveying device 5, the transverse distribution arrangement 9 and the deflector plate arrangement 24 of a road paver according to the disclosure. The deflector plate arrangement 24 is arranged between the longitudinal conveying device 5 and the transverse distribution arrangement 9.

In order to better illustrate the individual components of the longitudinal conveying device 5 and the deflector plate arrangement 24, only part of the transverse distribution arrangement 9 is shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the right distribution auger 18, the right shaft 22 and the auger suspension 19 of the transverse distribution arrangement 9. The auger suspension 19 is mounted on the transverse distribution bracket 25.

The deflector plate arrangement 24 comprises a height-adjustable deflector plate 26. The height-adjustable deflector plate 26 is connected to the transverse distribution bracket 25 via a support structure 27. The transverse distribution bracket 25 may be moved in height in order to adjust the vertical position of the transverse distribution arrangement 9. Due to the connection via the support structure 27, the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 is thereby moved in height together with the transverse distribution arrangement 9. In alternative embodiments, the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 may be movable in height independently of the transverse distribution arrangement 9. The upper side 28 of the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 is arranged at an angle to the vertical 300, so that the paving material is guided to the transverse distribution arrangement 9.

The deflector plate arrangement 24 further comprises a comb-shaped plate 29. The comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate 29 is arranged between the longitudinal conveying device 5 and the height-adjustable deflector plate 26. The comb-shaped plate is preferably made of spring steel, in order to be able to evade contact with the conveyor chain of the longitudinal conveyor without being damaged.

The deflector plate arrangement 24, in particular the height-adjustable deflector plate 26, reduces the entry of paving material 6 under the longitudinal conveying device 5. The deflector plate arrangement 24, in particular the height-adjustable deflector plate 26, reduces that paving material 6 is conveyed away from the transverse distribution arrangement 9 in the installation drive direction 100. The deflector plate arrangement, in particular the height-adjustable deflector plate 26, may reduce the entrainment of paving material 6 by scraper bars of the empty strand 30 of the scraper belt 12 in the installation drive direction 100. This may be further reduced by the comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate 29. The driving gear 31 of the road paver 1 is arranged at each side of the longitudinal conveying device 5. The deflector plate arrangement 24, in particular the height-adjustable deflector plate 26, reduces the entry of paving material 6 into or under the driving gear 31.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show perspective views of the longitudinal conveying device 5 and deflector plate arrangement 24 shown in FIG. 4. The transverse distribution arrangement 9 is not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for reasons of clarity.

The deflector plate arrangement 24 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 additionally comprises a second deflector plate 32. In the illustration shown in FIG. 4, the second deflector plate 32 is covered by other components of the road paver 1. The second deflector plate 32 is fixed and connected to the chassis 8 of the road paver 1 or the longitudinal conveying device 5. Accordingly, the second deflector plate 32 is not movable in height. The second deflector plate 32 may also be omitted, as the height-adjustable deflector plate 24 largely or completely takes over the function of the second deflector plate 32.

FIG. 5 shows the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 in a raised position. FIG. 6 shows the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 in a lowered position. The comb-shaped or grid-shaped plate 29 is connected to the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 and may be moved in height together with the height-adjustable deflector plate 26.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show side views of the longitudinal conveying device 5 and deflector plate arrangement 24 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 7 shows the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 and the comb- or grid-shaped plate 29 in a raised position. When driving the road paver 1 onto a transport truck via a loading ramp, a certain substrate clearance or drive-on angle 400 below the deflector plate arrangement 24 must be ensured. Otherwise, the deflector plate arrangement 24 could get into contact with the substrate 3 when driving onto the loading ramp, which could damage the deflector plate arrangement 24. By moving the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 into the raised position, a sufficiently large drive-on angle 400 is made possible.

FIG. 8 shows the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 and the comb- or grid-shaped plate 29 in a lowered position. During the installation of the paving material 6, it may be advantageous to limit the vertical distance, also referred to as height in the present application, between the deflector plate arrangement 24 and the substrate 3. A small vertical distance 310 between the deflector plate arrangement 24 and the substrate 3 may reduce the entry of paving material 6 under the longitudinal conveying device 5 and/or the driving gear 31. In the lowered position, the height-adjustable deflector plate 26 is arranged at a first vertical distance 310 from the substrate 3. The fixed, second deflector plate 32 is arranged at a second vertical distance 320 from the substrate 3. In the prior art, only road pavers 1 with the fixed deflector plate 32 are known. Due to the height difference 330 between the first vertical distance 310 and the second vertical distance 320, which is achieved by the height-adjustable deflector plate 26, the entry of paving material 6 under the longitudinal conveying device 5 and the driving gear 31 may be reduced.

As one skilled in the art would understand, the above-mentioned control unit 33 may comprise appropriate circuitry, such as one or more appropriately programmed processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors including central processing units (CPU)) and associated memory which may include stored operating system software and/or application software executable by the processor(s) for controlling operation thereof and/or for performing the particular algorithms represented by the various functions and/or operations described herein. One or more of such processors, as well as other circuitry and/or hardware, may be included in a single component (e.g., an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)), or several processors and various circuitry and/or hardware may be distributed among several separate components, whether individually packaged or assembled into a SoC (System-on-a-Chip).