Folding transport conveyor for a construction machine, automotive construction machine, as well as method for pivoting a transport conveyor

A folding transport conveyor apparatus for a construction machine, comprising:

• a first transport conveyor section;
• a second transport conveyor section pivotally connected to the first transport conveyor section so that the second transport conveyor section articulates relative to the first transport conveyor section;
• a conveyor belt extending around the first and second transport conveyor sections;
• and
• at least one pivoting mechanism connected to the first and second transport conveyor sections, the pivoting mechanism including a cam mechanism, the cam mechanism including a control cam connected to one of the first and second transport conveyor sections, and a coupling element interacting with the control cam, the coupling element being connected to the other of the first and second transport conveyor sections;
• wherein the control cam includes a plurality of cam sections, the plurality of cam sections including first and second detent positions, each of the detent positions defining a self-locking position of the second transport conveyor section relative to the first transport conveyor section, the plurality of cam sections further including:
• a first cam section including the first detent position for locking the second transport conveyor section in a working position relative to the first transport conveyor section;
• a second cam section following the first cam section for lowering the second transport conveyor section relative to the first transport conveyor section;
• a third cam section following the second cam section for moving the second transport conveyor section into a transport position relative to the first transport conveyor section;
• and
• a fourth cam section following the third cam section and including the second detent position for locking the second transport conveyor section in the transport position relative to the first transport conveyor section.

A folding transport conveyor apparatus for a construction machine including a machine frame and a milling drum supported from the machine frame, the apparatus comprising:

• a first transport conveyor section;
• a second transport conveyor section pivotally connected to the first transport conveyor section so that the second transport conveyor section articulates relative to the first transport conveyor section;
• one continuous conveyor belt extending around both the first and second transport conveyor sections so that there is no gap between the conveyor sections and granular material cut by the milling drum can be carried by the belt from the first transport conveyor section to the second transport conveyor section;
• and
• at least one pivoting mechanism connected to the first and second transport conveyor sections, the pivoting mechanism including a cam mechanism, the pivoting mechanism being configured to pivot the second transport conveyor section from an extended position downwardly relative to the first transport conveyor section to a folded position wherein the second transport conveyor section is underneath the first transport conveyor section.