Road construction machine with wireless energy transmission function

Abstract

The invention relates to a road construction machine (1), in which the road construction machine (1) is a road paver (2) for generating a paving layer (PL) from a paving material (PM) or a supply vehicle (200) for supplying the paving material (PM) to the road paver (2), comprising an electric drive (3) and / or at least one electrical device (11, 211) for driving the road construction machine (1). The road construction machine further comprises means (14, 214) for receiving electrical energy. The receiving device (14, 214) is configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy from an external transmitting device and to forward the electrical energy to the electric drive device (3) and / or the electrical device (11, 211).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a road construction machine, a system for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to a road construction machine, and a method for operating a road construction machine. Existing technology

[0002] Road construction machines are well known in the prior art. For example, the road construction machine may be a road paver for generating a paving layer from paving material, or a feeder vehicle for supplying paving material to a road paver.

[0003] Traditional road construction machines typically use diesel as their energy source. Currently, road construction machines equipped with a diesel tank can travel for up to ten hours with a full tank, and can cover a certain distance. This assumes the road construction machine is used under high to maximum load. Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that road construction machines can be operated electrically. However, for electric road construction machines, a low range is a problem. When using energy storage devices—such as batteries, for example, rechargeable batteries (accumulators)—as the energy source and electric drive train for electric road construction machines, since batteries have a lower energy density than diesel, significantly larger and heavier energy storage devices must be used to achieve a similar range. Since this can only be achieved to a limited extent without significantly increasing the size of the road construction machine, the result is a significant reduction in the working time or workload that can be performed by the electric road construction machine. Due to the limited range of electric road construction machines powered by batteries, the batteries must be replaced or recharged one or more times. Alternatively, a road construction machine with a depleted battery must be removed from the construction site so that another with a fully charged battery can be used as a replacement. As a result, the construction site would have to be interrupted for short or longer periods. This is not only detrimental to the energy efficiency of the road construction machine (for example, the screed and material conveyor would have to be preheated again after the interruption), but also to the paving quality. Interruptions can cause start-up marks, segregation, a drop in mix temperature, compaction problems, and even cause the paving material in the road construction machine to cool and solidify. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the known prior art, the technical problem to be solved is to provide a road construction machine, a system for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to a road construction machine, or a method for operating a road construction machine that eliminates or at least reduces the aforementioned disadvantages. Ideally, the driving range and / or operating time of the road construction machine should be increased.

[0005] This problem is solved by a road construction machine, a system for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to a road construction machine or a method for operating a road construction machine according to the invention.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a road construction machine is provided. The road construction machine is a road paver for producing a paving layer from paving material, or a supply vehicle for supplying paving material to the road paver. The road construction machine includes an electric drive for driving the road construction machine and / or at least one electrical consumer. The road construction machine also includes an electrical energy receiving device. The receiving device is configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy from an external transmission device and forward the electrical energy to the electric drive and / or the electrical consumer. This enables a particularly simple and reliable supply of electrical energy to the road construction machine. The electric drive and / or the electrical consumer can be connected to the receiving device via a cable. The electric drive and / or the electrical consumer can be powered directly by the receiving device. This eliminates the need for a storage device, particularly a storage device between the receiving device and the electric drive and / or the electrical consumer. Ideally, this reduces the weight of the road construction machine and / or makes the road construction machine particularly compact. Optionally, the space saved by the storage device can be used for other components of the road construction machine. Ideally, this can extend the operating time and / or driving range of the road construction machine. Since the road construction machine does not need to be operated using a storage device and, in particular, can be supplied with power directly via the receiving device, it can be operated independently of the charge capacity of the storage device. For example, driving the road construction machine to a fixed charging station to charge the storage device can be avoided. This means that the road construction machine can be used efficiently. Ideally, it can be avoided that the road construction machine has to stop paving operations, in particular that the road paver stops producing a paving layer with paving material and / or that the feeder truck stops supplying paving material to the road paver. Since the paving units of the road construction machine (such as the screed and material conveyor) usually have to be reheated after an interruption, the present invention can optionally increase the energy efficiency of the road construction machine. Optionally, this can also improve the quality of the paved layer.

[0007] Energy can be transmitted wirelessly, for example, inductively. This means that an electromagnetic field can be established between a transmitting device and a receiving device, through which energy can be transmitted. The transmitting device can be configured to convert electrical energy into electromagnetic energy and transmit it wirelessly (particularly in a beamed form). The receiving device can be configured to convert electromagnetic energy into electrical energy. The transmitting device and / or the receiving device can include a coil through which current can flow.

[0008] The electric drive may include a fuel cell. In addition to or instead of the electric drive, an internal combustion engine may be provided to drive the road construction machine. The choice of drive may depend on the type, location and / or duration of the road construction machine's intended use. When using an electric drive, the road construction machine can operate without directly emitting pollutants. Ideally, the road construction machine can operate at a low noise level. This is particularly advantageous in situations where the road construction machine is only allowed to emit limited noise or pollutants, such as when operating in or near residential areas. Compared to an electric drive, an internal combustion engine enables the road construction machine to operate over long distances at a relatively low cost. This can be particularly advantageous where there are no requirements for noise or pollutant restrictions or where the road construction machine needs to operate over long distances without interruption.

[0009] Electrically powered equipment can be any electrical equipment required for the use of a road construction machine. Electrically powered equipment on a road paver can include, for example, an electrically powered lighting system, an electrically powered heating system, an electrically powered hydraulic system, an electrically powered control system, operating and / or indicating devices, an electrically powered longitudinal conveyor, and / or an electrically powered transverse conveyor. For example, an electrically powered equipment can include an electrically powered lighting system on a feeder truck, an electrically powered conveyor system for paving material, and / or an electrically powered heating system on the feeder truck.

[0010] The road construction machine may further comprise a control device. The control device may be configured to control the operation of the road construction machine.

[0011] Preferably, the receiving device has a receiving antenna that is particularly plate-shaped. This allows the receiving device to be configured in a particularly simple and economical manner. Optionally, a particularly simple and particularly reliable reception of electrical energy can be achieved. The receiving antenna can be mounted on the upper area and / or the side area of ​​the road construction machine, for example on the cab of a control station of the road construction machine. In particular, the receiving antenna can be exposed to the environment, i.e. not covered by parts of the road construction machine. This reduces interference when receiving electrical energy. The area of ​​the receiving antenna for receiving electrical energy can be at least approximately 1 m 2 , preferably at least about 1.5m 2 and / or up to about 6m 2 , preferably up to about 3m 2 The larger the area, the easier it is to receive electrical energy.

[0012] Preferably, the wirelessly transmitted electrical energy comprises a plurality of bundled, particularly high-frequency, electrical signals. This allows for a targeted and particularly efficient energy supply to the road construction machine. Ideally, atmospheric and scattering losses are reduced. Optionally, since little radiation is transmitted in the environment surrounding the energy beam, energy transmission can be particularly safe for living beings in the vicinity of the road construction machine. This can improve occupational safety. The frequency of the electrical signals may depend, in particular, on the signal quantity (i.e., the amount of energy) and / or the transmission distance and / or transmission speed of the signals. For example, the electrical signals may be in the range of at least approximately 80 kHz (preferably at least approximately 2 GHz) and / or at most approximately 30 GHz (preferably at most approximately 10 GHz).

[0013] The electrical energy can range from at least approximately 5 W (preferably at least approximately 150 W) and / or at most approximately 500 kW (preferably at most approximately 400 kW). This allows the road construction machine to be reliably supplied with the energy required for paving operations, in particular the electric drive and / or consumers. The transmitted electrical energy can be scalable, depending in particular on the transmission distance, the energy requirements of the road construction machine (in particular the electric drive and / or consumers), and / or the charge level of the road construction machine's buffer storage, as described below. This means, for example, that energy can be transmitted at a higher power as the energy requirements of the road construction machine increase.

[0014] The receiving device is preferably configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy during the road construction machine's paving operations. This allows the road construction machine to be supplied with electrical energy during the paving operation. Ideally, this prevents the road construction machine from shutting down due to insufficient energy. Optionally, the receiving device can wirelessly receive electrical energy before and / or after the road construction machine completes its paving operations. The energy can then be transferred to and stored in a buffer storage device, such as the one described below. The buffer storage device can then supply electrical energy to the road construction machine during the paving operation.

[0015] Preferably, the road construction machine includes at least one rechargeable buffer storage device, wherein the buffer storage device is configured to receive and store electrical energy from the receiving device and supply electrical energy to the electric drive device and / or the electrical equipment. The receiving device can thus indirectly supply energy to the electric drive device and / or the electrical equipment via the buffer storage device. This enables the road construction machine to operate reliably during paving operations. The buffer storage device can improve the reliability of the road construction machine by allowing the receiving device and / or the buffer storage device to supply electrical energy to the road construction machine. The buffer storage device can be a rechargeable battery, such as a storage battery. The buffer storage device can be a high-voltage storage device (particularly with multiple cells) or a supercapacitor. Both the high-voltage storage device and the supercapacitor can be charged and discharged quickly, i.e., they can quickly supply energy to the road construction machine. Furthermore, supercapacitors can operate efficiently, particularly even at low ambient temperatures.

[0016] The buffer storage device may include a battery management system for monitoring and / or controlling the charging and / or discharging process of the buffer storage device, in particular, the battery current and / or battery voltage and / or battery temperature. The battery management system may monitor and / or control the charge level of the buffer storage device. The buffer storage device may have a minimum charge level and a maximum charge level. The minimum charge level may be approximately 10%, preferably approximately 15%. The maximum charge level may be approximately 100%, preferably approximately 98%. The battery management system may control the discharging of the buffer energy storage device so that the charge level does not fall below the minimum charge level, which could damage the buffer storage device. The battery management system may control the charging of the buffer storage device so that when the maximum charge level is reached, the buffer storage device no longer receives energy from the receiving device. The battery management system may control the charging of the buffer storage device so that when the charge level falls below the maximum charge level, the buffer storage device receives energy from the receiving device.

[0017] The road construction machine can start and / or end the charging process of the buffer storage device, in particular in an automated manner. In particular, the receiving device and / or the battery management system and / or the control device can start and / or end the charging process of the buffer storage device, in particular in an automated manner. Alternatively, the operator of the road construction machine can manually start and / or end the charging process of the buffer storage device. The road construction machine (in particular, the receiving device and / or the control device) and / or the transmitting device (in particular, the control system) can start and / or end the reception of electrical energy by the receiving device, in particular in an automated manner. Alternatively, the operator of the road construction machine can manually start and / or end the reception of electrical energy. The receiving device can simultaneously forward the electrical energy to the electric drive and / or consumers and / or the buffer storage device. For example, if the energy supplied by the receiving device is insufficient for the movement of the road construction machine and / or the supply of electrical consumers, or vice versa, electrical energy can be supplied to the electric drive and / or consumers simultaneously from the receiving device and the buffer storage device. The buffer storage device can simultaneously receive and release energy.

[0018] The road construction machine and the transmitting device can be communicatively connected to one another, in particular wirelessly. The receiving device and / or the battery management system and / or the control device and / or the electric drive and / or the electric consumer and / or the receiving position monitoring unit described below and / or the object detector described below and / or the energy forwarding device described below and / or the display device described below can be communicatively connected to one another, in particular wirelessly or via a cable.

[0019] Preferably, the road construction machine includes a receiving position monitoring unit for monitoring the position of the receiving device and the position of the transmitting device. Specifically, the road construction machine can be configured to determine the transmission distance for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy between the transmitting device and the receiving device. This allows the positions of the road construction machine and the transmitting device to be monitored, particularly their distance from each other. This supports reliable operation of the road construction machine during paving operations. The receiving device may include or be communicatively connected to the receiving position monitoring unit. The receiving position monitoring unit may include a position sensor, such as a GPS sensor, to determine the position of the receiving device. The receiving position monitoring unit may be configured to receive the transmitter position from the transmitting device. The receiving device position may indicate the position of the receiving device, particularly the position of the receiving antenna. The transmitting device position may indicate the position of the transmitting device, particularly the position of the transmitting antenna. The transmission distance may indicate the distance between the transmitter and receiving device positions. The receiving device (particularly the receiving position monitoring unit) and / or the control device of the road construction machine may be configured to determine the transmission distance. The road construction machine may forward the receiving device position and / or the transmission distance to the transmitting device. The determined receiving device and transmitter positions may be processed by the control device to actively control the position of the receiving device. This can increase the efficiency of the energy transmission. The determination of the receiving device position and the transmitting device position can optionally be based on the detection of signals of the road construction machine and / or the transmitting device that are guided (preferably directionally) within the transmitted energy beam.

[0020] If the transmission distance corresponds to at most the maximum transmission distance, the receiving device can receive the electrical energy. The maximum transmission distance can be up to approximately 1000 meters, preferably up to approximately 500 meters, and even more preferably up to approximately 100 meters. If the transmission distance is approximately 90%, preferably approximately 80%, of the maximum transmission distance—that is, if the distance between the transmitter and receiver locations is still small enough for electrical energy transfer—the receiving device can forward the electrical energy to the buffer storage device. If the transmission distance exceeds the maximum transmission distance, that is, if the road construction machine is too far from the transmitter to transfer energy, the buffer storage device can be used to supply energy to the road construction machine and continue or terminate paving operations. This improves the reliability of the road construction machine. Optionally, an indicator device can output a message to the operator, a second road construction machine in the paving train, the transmitter, a secondary transmitter, and / or an external construction site control system, indicating that energy transfer may no longer be possible as the transmission distance increases. This may be useful, for example, if the road construction machine moves rapidly away from the transmitter, or if the buffer storage device is very small, has a low energy capacity, and / or can only be recharged slowly.

[0021] Preferably, the road construction machine includes an object detector for detecting objects within the transmission range. This ensures a reliable supply of electrical energy to the road construction machine. The receiving device, in particular the receiving position monitoring unit, may include an object detector or be communicatively connected to it. The object detector may include at least one radar, ultrasonic or lidar sensor and / or a camera for detecting objects. The object detector may evaluate the signal state of the received energy beam to obtain information about the detected object. The object detector may forward the information about whether an object was detected to the road construction machine and / or the transmitting device. If no object is detected within the transmission range, the receiving device may receive electrical energy. If an object is detected within the transmission range, the receiving device may not receive electrical energy. The object detector may evaluate all signals, a single signal or a range of single signals in the received energy beam.

[0022] A road construction machine may include an indicator device for indicating the energy requirements of the road construction machine, in particular the energy requirements of the electric drive and / or consumers, and optionally the energy requirements of the energy forwarding device. The indicator device may also be configured to display the energy received by the receiving device and / or the charge level of the buffer storage device. The indicator device may also be configured to indicate the position of the transmitting device and / or the position of the receiving device and / or the transmission distance and / or detected objects. The display may be visual and / or audible. The indicator device may also be configured to receive manual input from the operator and forward it to the control device. For example, the indicator device may include a screen, a touchpad, input buttons, an input switch, and / or a loudspeaker.

[0023] Preferably, the road construction machine includes an energy forwarding device for wirelessly forwarding electrical energy from a receiving device and / or a buffer storage device to a second road construction machine. In principle, the energy forwarding device can wirelessly forward electrical energy to any unit with a compatible receiving device. This allows the road construction machine to release excess energy. Furthermore, the range and / or operating time of the second road construction machine can be increased, and in particular, its reliability can be enhanced. The energy forwarding device can include a forwarding antenna for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to the second road construction machine, in particular, a second receiving device, preferably a second receiving antenna. The forwarding antenna can be plate-shaped or rod-shaped. The forwarding antenna can be mounted on the upper and / or side areas of the road construction machine. In particular, the forwarding antenna can be exposed to the environment, i.e., not covered by components of the road construction machine. For example, the forwarding antenna can be mounted on the cab of the road construction machine's control console. This can reduce interference during the transmission of electrical energy. The energy from the buffer storage device to the energy forwarding device can be connected via a cable. When the receiving device of the road construction machine receives electrical energy from the transmitting device and / or forwards it to the electric drive and / or the electrical consumer and / or the buffer storage device, the energy forwarding device can simultaneously forward the electrical energy to the second road construction machine.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to a first road construction machine is provided. The system includes the first road construction machine having a first receiving device for wirelessly receiving electrical energy. The system also includes an external transmitting device for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to the first receiving device. The system also includes an energy source for supplying electrical energy to the transmitting device. This facilitates the supply of electrical energy to the first road construction machine, ensuring reliable operation of the first road construction machine during paving operations.

[0025] The launch device may be electrically connected to the energy source, in particular via a cable. The launch device may comprise a control system for controlling the operation of the launch device. The launch device, in particular the control system, may be communicatively connected to the energy source.

[0026] The energy source may be, for example, a local energy distribution network. Alternatively, the energy source may be a wind, solar or hydroelectric power plant or an internal combustion engine, in particular an internal combustion engine with a generator.

[0027] The transmitting device is preferably fixed or mobile. In particular, a mobile transmitting device can increase the range and / or duration of use of the first road construction machine. The mobile transmitting device can move with the first road construction machine. This ensures that the transmission distance is small enough for energy transfer. For example, the transmitting device can be mounted on a mobile vehicle. Optionally, the mobile vehicle can include an energy source. For example, the mobile vehicle can have an energy storage device that supplies the transmitting device with energy to be transferred. Alternatively, the mobile vehicle can generate its own electrical energy, particularly using an internal combustion engine and a generator. The system can include multiple transmitting devices for supplying energy to the first road construction machine. For example, multiple fixed transmitting devices can be provided at the construction site. This ensures that the first road construction machine is close enough to at least one of the multiple transmitting devices for energy transfer. The transmitting device control system and / or the road construction machine control system can, for example, assign one or more transmitting devices to the road construction machine based on the current location and / or operating status of the road construction machine and / or the transmitting device. This can improve the efficiency of energy transfer and, optionally, the efficiency of the road construction machine.

[0028] Preferably, the transmitting device includes a transmitting antenna, and the first receiving device includes a first receiving antenna, wherein the transmitting antenna is rotatably mounted relative to the transmitting device and / or the first receiving antenna is rotatably mounted relative to the first road construction machine so that the transmitting antenna and the first receiving antenna are aligned with each other. This makes power transmission particularly simple and reliable. Rotation may include or constitute tilting. To rotate the transmitting antenna and / or the first receiving antenna, a pivot joint may be provided between the transmitting antenna and the transmitting device and / or between the first receiving antenna and the first road construction machine. The transmitting antenna and / or the first receiving antenna are rotatable about at least one pivot axis. The transmitting antenna and / or the first receiving antenna are rotatable about the pivot axis by at least 30°, preferably at least 60°, and / or up to 360°, in particular in both directions. The transmitting antenna may, for example, be plate-shaped or rod-shaped. The transmitting antenna may be mounted on an upper region and / or a side region of the transmitting device. For example, the transmitting antenna may be mounted on the roof of a movable vehicle. In particular, the transmitting antenna may be exposed to the environment, i.e., not covered by components of the transmitting device (in particular, components of the movable vehicle). This reduces interference when transmitting power.The transmitting antenna can be communicatively connected to the control system.

[0029] Preferably, the distance between the transmitter (particularly the transmitter antenna) and the first receiver (particularly the first receiver antenna) is at most approximately 1000 m, preferably at most approximately 500 m, and preferably at most approximately 100 m, and / or the speed of the first road construction machine relative to the transmitter while receiving electrical energy is at most approximately 20 m / min, preferably at most approximately 6 m / min. In particular, the road construction machine and the transmitter can move at approximately the same (particularly constant) speed and / or at a constant distance from each other. This allows for reliable transmission of electrical energy. The distance between the transmitter (particularly the transmitter's location) and the first receiver (particularly the first receiver's location) can indicate the transmission distance. If the first road construction machine moves at most the aforementioned speed and at most a certain distance from the transmitter, this ensures that the first road construction machine does not move too far or too quickly from the transmitter, such that the transmission distance becomes too great for energy transfer. The transmitter can include a position sensor (e.g., a GPS sensor) to determine the transmitter's location. The position sensor can be communicatively connected to the control system.

[0030] Preferably, the system includes a second road construction machine having a second receiving device for wirelessly receiving electrical energy, wherein the first road construction machine includes an energy forwarding device for wirelessly forwarding electrical energy from the first receiving device and / or buffer storage device to the second road construction machine. This can increase the range and / or duration of use of the second road construction machine, and in particular, its reliability. The second road construction machine can be substantially identical or similar in structure to the first road construction machine. The first and second road construction machines can be communicatively connected to each other, in particular wirelessly. The first and / or second road construction machines can initiate and / or terminate energy transmission. The second receiving device can be configured to receive electrical energy from the transmitting device and / or the first road construction machine. The second road construction machine can include a second receiving position monitoring unit for monitoring the position of the second receiving device of the second road construction machine and the forwarding position of the first road construction machine. The first road construction machine can also include a forwarding position monitoring unit for monitoring the forwarding position of the first road construction machine and the position of the second receiving device of the second road construction machine. The second receiving position monitoring unit can include a position sensor, such as a GPS sensor, for determining the position of the second receiving device. The forwarding location monitoring unit may include a position sensor, such as a GPS sensor, for determining the forwarding location. The second road construction machine and / or the first road construction machine may be configured to determine a second transmission distance for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy. The second transmission distance may be the distance between the forwarding location and the location of the second receiving device. The road construction machine may transmit energy to the second road construction machine if the second transmission distance between the road construction machine and the second road construction machine corresponds to at most a second maximum transmission distance. The second maximum transmission distance may be at most approximately 200 meters, preferably at most approximately 50 meters. For energy transmission, it is particularly advantageous if the first road construction machine and the second road construction machine do not move away from each other too quickly. The speed of the first road construction machine relative to the second road construction machine may be at most approximately 150 m / min, preferably at most approximately 6 m / min. The first road construction machine and the second road construction machine may, in particular, move at approximately the same (particularly constant) speed and / or at a constant distance from each other. Optionally, the road construction machine may transmit energy to the second road construction machine if the charge level of the buffer storage device of the road construction machine is at least approximately 70%, preferably at least approximately 80%, of the maximum charge level. Energy transmission from the first road construction machine to the second road construction machine can be particularly advantageous if the second road construction machine is no longer within range of the transmitter and cannot be supplied with energy from it. In this case, the first road construction machine can supply electrical energy to the second road construction machine until the second road construction machine is once again within range of the transmitter.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a road construction machine is provided. The method includes the following steps: supplying electrical energy to an external transmitting device disposed outside the road construction machine via an energy source; wirelessly transmitting the electrical energy from the transmitting device to a receiving device of the road construction machine; forwarding the electrical energy from the receiving device to an electric drive device and / or at least one electric consumer of the road construction machine; and moving the road construction machine via the electric drive device and / or operating the electric consumer using the electrical energy.

[0032] Preferably, the road construction machine comprises a buffer storage device for storing electrical energy, wherein the receiving device forwards the electrical energy to the buffer storage device, wherein the buffer storage device forwards the electrical energy to the electric drive and / or the electrical consumer.

[0033] Features or descriptions described with respect to one of the aspects of the invention (road construction machine, system or method) may be applied to and combined with other aspects, either individually or in combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Hereinafter, the present invention is explained by means of exemplary embodiments.

[0035] As shown in the figure:

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a road construction machine in the form of a road paver according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a road construction machine in the form of a feeder vehicle according to one embodiment;

[0038] Figure 3 A first system for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to a road paver according to one embodiment;

[0039] Figure 4 It is the first system at the first point in time of paving operation;

[0040] Figure 5 for the first system at a second point in time during the paving operation;

[0041] Figure 6 for the first system at a third time point in the paving operation;

[0042] Figure 7 A second system for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to a road paver and a feeder vehicle according to another embodiment;

[0043] Figure 8 A second system at a first point in the paving operation; and

[0044] Figure 9 A second system at a second point in time during the paving operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 A perspective view of a road construction machine 1 in the form of a road paver 2 according to one embodiment is shown. The road paver 2 is configured to produce a paving layer PL from a paving material (eg an asphalt mixture) PM. The paver 2 is self-propelled in a direction of travel R.

[0046] The road paver 2 further comprises a chassis 4, a control console 5 for the operator of the road paver 2, a cab 6, and a hopper 7 for receiving paving material PM. Furthermore, a paving screed 8 supported in an adjustable manner and pulled in the direction of travel R and a conveyor unit 9 (including a conveyor belt 9a) are attached to the chassis 4, so that the paving material PM from the hopper 7 of the road paver 2 is supplied to the paving screed 8 via a transverse distribution device 10 of the road construction machine 1.

[0047] Figure 1 Also shown are two examples of electrical consumers 11 of the road paver 2. The first electrical consumer 11a is a lighting system for illuminating the surrounding area or the control console 5. The second electrical consumer 11b is a heating device for heating the paving screed 8. The paving screed 8 includes components such as a compacting unit (screed plate, tamper, and pressure bars (not shown)). The weight of the compacting unit compacts the paving material PM. To prevent the paving material PM from adhering to components of the paving screed 8, a heating device (not shown, typically an electric heating assembly) may be integrated into these components.

[0048] To move in the direction R, the road paver 2 has a wheeled chassis 12 with two driven wheels 12a. The road paver 2 also has an electric drive 3 for driving the wheeled chassis 12. The electric drive 3 allows the road paver 2 to operate without directly emitting pollutants. Ideally, the road paver 2 can operate quietly. This is particularly advantageous if the road paver 2 is only permitted to emit a limited amount of noise or pollutants (for example, if it is operated in or near a residential area). The electric drive 3 is configured to drive the wheeled chassis 12, which moves the road paver 2 in the direction of travel R. To this end, the electric drive 3 and the wheeled chassis 12 are mechanically connected to each other.

[0049] In order to supply electrical energy to the electric drive 3 and the electrical consumers 11, the road paver 2 has a first receiving device 14 and a buffer storage device 18 (see Figure 3 Furthermore, the road paver 2 includes a first control device 13 and a first indicator device 22 for controlling the road paver 2. The wheeled chassis 12, the electric drive 3, the electric consumer 11, the first receiving device 14, the buffer storage device 18, the first control device 13, and the first indicator device 22 are communicatively connected to one another via cables.

[0050] In the following, reference Figure 3 The first system 1000 shown describes the supply of electrical energy to the road paver 2 and the functionality of the components described above.

[0051] The first system 1000 includes a road paver 2, an external transmitting device 34, and an energy source 40. The wireless connection between one or more components of the system is Figures 4 to 9 Indicated by dotted lines. Figures 4 to 9 In , wired connections are shown as solid lines. Figures 4 to 9 In the figure, arrows indicate the direction of transmission, and connections without arrows allow bidirectional transmission.

[0052] During paving operations at the construction site, road paver 2 wirelessly receives electrical energy from transmitting antenna 35 of transmitting device 34 via first receiving device 14. Wireless energy transmission makes it particularly easy to supply electrical energy to road paver 2. Furthermore, the operating time and range of road paver 2 are extended. Ideally, this avoids having to stop paving operations of road paver 2 due to insufficient energy. This ideally improves the quality of the paved layer PL.

[0053] In order to receive electric energy, the first receiving device 14 has a first plate-shaped receiving antenna 15, whose electric energy receiving area is about 1.5m 2 The first receiving antenna 15 is mounted on the cab 6 so that it is exposed to the environment, ie the first receiving antenna 15 is not covered by components of the road paver 2 (see Figure 1 This allows for a particularly simple and reliable reception of electrical energy. Interference during the reception of electrical energy is reduced, and thus energy transmission is improved.

[0054] The energy source 40 supplies the electrical energy to be transmitted to the transmitting device 34. To this end, the energy source 40 is configured as a local energy distribution network and is electrically and communicatively connected to the transmitting device 34 via cables.

[0055] The first control device 13 controls the energy transmission from the transmitting device 34 to the road paver 2. In order for energy to be transmitted from the transmitting device 34 to the road paver 2, they must be not too far from each other. In order to determine whether energy transmission is possible, the first receiving position monitoring unit 16 of the receiving device 14 determines the first receiving device position 17 of the first receiving device 14 via an integrated GPS sensor. The transmitting device 34 determines the transmitting device position 37 of the transmitting device 34 via the GPS sensor and forwards it to the first receiving position monitoring unit 16 via the control system 33. Based on the transmitting device position 37 and the first receiving device position 17, the first receiving position monitoring unit 16 determines a first transmission distance 50 between the transmitting device position 37 and the first receiving device position 17 (see Figure 4In this embodiment, first transmission distance 50 is approximately 300 meters. First receiving location monitoring unit 16 compares first transmission distance 50 with a stored first maximum transmission distance 51 of approximately 500 meters (the distance within which energy can be transmitted). In this case, first transmission distance 50 is less than first maximum transmission distance 51. First receiving location monitoring unit 16 forwards this information to first control device 13.

[0056] Furthermore, if no object 21 is within first transmission range 50, electrical energy can be transmitted. This is determined by first object detector 20 (which includes a radar sensor) of receiving device 14. In the present case, no object 21 is detected. Object detector 20 forwards the information that no object 21 has been detected to first control device 13 via a cable.

[0057] Furthermore, the first control device 13 receives information from the electric drive 3 and the electrical consumers 11 about their energy requirements during the paving work.

[0058] Based on the first transmission distance 50, the information indicating that no object 21 has been detected, and the energy requirement, the first control device 13 initiates energy transmission from the transmitting device 34 to the first receiving device 14. To this end, the first control device 13 wirelessly communicates with the control system 33 of the transmitting device 34, which then causes the transmitting antenna 35 to transmit electrical energy to the receiving antenna 15 of the road paver 2. This energy is transmitted in the form of multiple, bundled electrical signals with a frequency of approximately 2.5 GHz and a power of approximately 150 kW. This enables a targeted supply of sufficient electrical energy to the road paver 2, particularly without significant transmission losses. The first receiving device 14 transmits the received energy directly to the electric drive 3 and the powered device 11 via a cable to operate them.

[0059] In the first system 1000, the launch device 34 is arranged to be stationary at the construction site, in contrast to the mobile road paver 2. This means that the road paver 2 moves away from the launch device 34, in particular at a speed of about 6 m / min. Therefore, the first transmission distance 50 increases as the paving operation of the road paver 2 progresses (see Figures 5 and 6If the first transmission distance 50 exceeds the first maximum transmission distance 51, the road paver 2 will be too far from the first transmitting device 34 to transmit energy, and the road paver 2 will no longer receive any energy. To prevent the road paver 2 from having to interrupt or end the paving operation, the first receiving device 14 is configured to forward part of the electrical energy received from the transmitting device 34 to the buffer storage device 18 (which is configured as a supercapacitor) so that it can indirectly supply energy to the road paver 2. The buffer storage device 18 is charged by the receiving device 14 under the following conditions: the first transmission distance 50 is at least 90% of the first maximum transmission distance 51 and the charge level of the buffer storage device 18 is less than the maximum charge level of 100%.

[0060] for Figure 5 At the second point in time during the paving operation shown, the first receiving location monitoring unit 16 determines that the first transmission distance 50 is approximately 450 meters. This corresponds to 90% of the first maximum transmission distance 51. The battery management system 19 of the buffer storage 18 determines that the charge level is approximately 50%. Based on this information, the first control device 13 causes the first receiving device 14 to forward electrical energy to the buffer storage 18 via a cable, essentially as a precautionary measure. To charge the buffer storage 18, the control device 13 communicates with the battery management system 19. The battery management system 19 controls the charging and discharging of the buffer storage 18 in a manner that prevents damage to the buffer storage 18 and prolongs its service life.

[0061] exist Figure 6 In the example, first transmission distance 50 is greater than first maximum transmission distance 51, meaning that road paver 2 is too far from transmitter 34 to transmit energy. At this third point in the paving operation, buffer storage device 18 transmits the stored electrical energy to electric drive device 3 and power consumer 11 via the cable, allowing road paver 2 to continue, and in particular, to complete, its paving operation.

[0062] During the paving operation, the first indicator device 22 visually informs the operator about the operation of the paver 2 (see Figure 1 For this purpose, the indicator device 22 is configured as a display. The indicator device 22 provides information on whether the road paver 2 is supplied with energy directly by the first receiving device 14 (e.g. Figure 4 ) and / or indirectly supplying energy via a buffer storage device 18 (as shown Figure 6 If there is a risk of direct energy supply from the first receiving device 14 to the road paver 2, in particular the buffer storage device 18 is being charged as a precautionary measure, such as Figure 5 As shown, the operator can also see this from the indicator device 22 at an early stage.

[0063] Figure 2 A second road construction machine 1' is shown in perspective, which is a feeding vehicle 200 for delivering paving material PM to a road paver 2 travelling behind. The feeding vehicle 200 is self-propelled in a direction of travel R'.

[0064] The supply vehicle 200 comprises a chassis 204 , a control console 205 , a cab 206 , a hopper 207 for containing paving material PM, and a conveyor unit 209 comprising a conveyor belt 209 a for conveying the paving material PM from the hopper 207 of the supply vehicle 200 into the hopper 7 of the road paver 2 .

[0065] The feed vehicle 200 further comprises two electrical consumers 211. The first electrical consumer 211a is a lighting system for illuminating the surrounding area or the control console 205. The second electrical consumer 211b is a heating device for heating the conveyor belt 209a.

[0066] The feeder vehicle 200 is moved by a crawler chassis 212 with two driven chains 212a. An internal combustion engine 203 is hydromechanically connected to the crawler chassis 212 to drive it. Compared to operation using an electric drive, the internal combustion engine 203 enables the feeder vehicle 200 to operate economically over a relatively long range. This is particularly advantageous when there are no noise or pollutant restrictions or when the feeder vehicle 200 needs to operate over long distances without interruption.

[0067] The feeding vehicle 200 also has a second receiving device 214, which has a structure substantially the same as that of the first receiving device 14. For example, the second receiving device 214 has a second receiving antenna 215, a second receiving position monitoring unit 216, and a second object detector 220 (see Figure 7 Unlike the road paver 2, the second receiving device 214 supplies electrical energy only to the electrical consumer 211. Furthermore, the feeder vehicle 200 does not include a buffer storage device 18, which frees up space for the enlarged internal combustion engine 203. This further increases the operating time and range of the feeder vehicle 200.

[0068] Furthermore, the feeding vehicle 200 includes a second control device 213 and a second indicator device 222 for controlling the feeding vehicle 200, each of which has substantially the same structure as that of the road paver 2. The power consumption device 211, the second receiving device 214, the second control device 213, and the second indicator device 222 are communicatively connected to each other via cables.

[0069] Figures 7 to 9 A second system 2000 is shown for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to a road paver 2 and a feeder 200. The second system 2000 includes the road paver 2, the feeder 200, a transmitter 34, and an energy source 40. The energy source 40 and the feeder 200 correspond to the energy source 40 and the feeder 200 described above.

[0070] This transmitting device 34 corresponds to the transmitting device 34 described above, however, it is configured to be mobile. To this end, the transmitting device 34 is mounted on a movable vehicle 30. To ensure reliable energy transmission, the transmitting antenna 35 of the transmitting device 34 is mounted on the roof of the movable vehicle 30. When the road paver 2 and the feeder vehicle 200 move, the movable vehicle 30 also moves relative to them, specifically moving together with them in the directions of travel R and R'.

[0071] The road paver 2 and the feeder vehicle 200 each move at a constant speed of approximately 4 m / min relative to the movable vehicle 30. Therefore, the first transmission distance 50 between the road paver 2 (particularly the first receiving device position 17) and the launch device 34 (particularly the launch device position 37), and the second transmission distance 52 between the feeder vehicle 200 (particularly the second receiving device position 217) and the launch device 34 (particularly the launch device position 37) increase as they travel (see FIG. Figure 8 and Figure 9 However, by designing the launch device 34 to be movable, it is possible to achieve that the road paver 2 and the supply vehicle 200 can be moved away from the launch device 34 at a slower speed than if they were stationary. This allows the road paver 2 and the supply vehicle 200 to be wirelessly supplied with energy for a longer period of time, in particular as long as the first transmission distance 50 and / or the second transmission distance 52 corresponds at most to the first maximum transmission distance 51 or the second maximum transmission distance 53. In the present embodiment, the second maximum transmission distance 53 corresponds to the first maximum transmission distance 51 of approximately 500 m.

[0072] Figure 8 The diagram shows a road paver 2, a feeder 200, and a transmitter 34 at a first point in time during a paving operation. The first transmission distance 50 and the second transmission distance 52 are less than the first maximum transmission distance 51 and the second maximum transmission distance 53, respectively, so that the transmitter 34 wirelessly transmits energy to the road paver 2 and the feeder 200. At this point in time, the road paver 2 directly supplies electrical energy to the electric drive 3 and the electrical consumer 11, in the same manner as the feeder 200 supplies electrical energy to the electrical consumer 211.

[0073] Figure 9 The figure shows the road paver 2, the feeder vehicle 200, and the transmitter 34 at a second point in time during the paving operation. The first transmission distance 50 between the road paver 2 and the transmitter 34 is still sufficiently short for energy transmission. This means that the first receiver 14 receives wireless energy from the transmitter 34, and the road paver 2 directly supplies electrical energy to the electric drive 3 and the power consumer 11.

[0074] On the contrary, the second transmission distance 52 between the feeding vehicle 200 and the launching device 34 is too large for energy transmission. However, the feeding vehicle 200 does not include a buffer storage device 18 (see Figure 7 This means that the feeder 200 (particularly the power consumer 211) can only obtain energy directly via the second receiving device 214. Nevertheless, in order to enable the feeder 200 to continue its paving operation, the feeder 200 is configured to wirelessly receive energy from the road paver 2 traveling behind. For this purpose, the road paver 2 has an energy forwarding device 23 with a plate-shaped forwarding antenna 24 (see Figure 7 The repeater antenna 24 is installed in an exposed position on the front side of the cab 6 of the road paver 2, facing the direction of the second receiving device 214 of the feeding vehicle 200 moving forward (see Figure 1 ) and is connected to the buffer storage device 18 via a cable to obtain electrical energy to be transmitted from the buffer storage device.

[0075] exist Figure 9 At the time point shown, under the conditions that the third transmission distance 54 between the road paver 2 and the feeder trolley 200 corresponds at most to the third maximum transmission distance 55 (100 m) and the charge level of the buffer storage device 18 of the road paver 2 is at least 80% of the maximum charge level, the second control device 213 of the feeder trolley 200 starts the wireless energy transmission from the road paver 2 to the feeder trolley 200.

[0076] In order to determine the third transmission distance 54, the energy forwarding device 23 has a forwarding position monitoring unit 25 (see Figure 7 ). This determines a forwarding position 26 via the integrated GPS sensor, which corresponds approximately to the first receiving device position 17 (see Figure 9The road paver 2 sends the forwarding position 26 to the second receiving position monitoring unit 216 of the supply vehicle 200. The second receiving position monitoring unit 216 also has a GPS sensor and uses it to determine the second receiving device position 217 of the second receiving device 214. Based on the forwarding position 26 and the second receiving device position 217, the second receiving position monitoring unit 216 determines that the third transmission distance 54 is 20 meters, which is less than the third maximum transmission distance 55. The second receiving position monitoring unit 216 forwards this information to the second control unit 213. Furthermore, the first control unit 13 forwards to the second control unit 213 information that the charge level of the buffer storage device 18 of the road paver 2 is 100%. Furthermore, the second control unit 213 receives information from the power consumer 211 regarding its energy requirement during the paving operation. Based on the third transmission distance 54, the charge level of the buffer storage device 18, and the energy requirement, the second control unit 213 initiates the energy transfer from the road paver 2 to the supply vehicle 200. For this purpose, the second control unit 213 of the feeder trolley 200 communicates wirelessly with the first control unit 13 of the road paver 2. The road paver 2 transmits sufficient electrical energy to the feeder trolley 200 via the repeater antenna 24 for a sufficient period of time so that the feeder trolley 200 can continue and, in particular, complete its paving operation together with the road paver 2.

Claims

1. A road construction machine (1), wherein: The road construction machine (1) is a road paver (2) for generating a paving layer from paving materials or a feeding vehicle (200) for supplying paving materials to the road paver (2), and the road construction machine (1) comprises: an electric drive device (3) for driving the road construction machine (1) and / or at least one electric device (11, 211), and An electric energy receiving device (14, 214) is provided, wherein the receiving device (14, 214) is configured to wirelessly receive electric energy from an external transmitting device (34) and forward the electric energy to the electric drive device (3) and / or an electric device (11, 211).

2. The road construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The receiving device (14, 214) has a receiving antenna (15, 215).

3. The road construction machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The receiving antenna (15, 215) is plate-shaped.

4. The road construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical energy that is transmitted wirelessly comprises a plurality of bundled electrical signals.

5. The road construction machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electrical signal is high frequency.

6. The road construction machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrical energy that is transmitted wirelessly comprises a plurality of bundled electrical signals.

7. The road construction machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The electrical signal is high frequency.

8. The road construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The receiving device (14, 214) is configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy during paving operations of the road construction machine (1).

9. The road construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: At least one rechargeable buffer storage device (18), wherein the buffer storage device (18) is configured to receive and store electrical energy from the receiving device (14, 214) and to supply electrical energy to the electric drive device (3) and / or the electric device (11, 211).

10. The road construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: A receiving position monitoring unit (16, 216) is used to monitor the receiving device position (17, 217) and the transmitting device position (37).

11. The road construction machine according to claim 10, characterized in that: The road construction machine (1) is configured to determine a transmission distance (50, 52) for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy between the transmitter location (37) and the receiver location (17, 217).

12. The road construction machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: An object detector (20, 220) is used to detect an object (21) within the transmission distance (50, 52).

13. The road construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: An energy forwarding device (23) is used for wirelessly forwarding electrical energy from the receiving device (14, 214) and / or the buffer storage device (18) to a second road construction machine (1').

14. A system (1000, 2000) for wirelessly supplying electrical energy to a first road construction machine (1), comprising: A first road construction machine (1) comprising a first receiving device (14) for wirelessly receiving electrical energy, an external transmitting device (34) for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to the first receiving device (14), and An energy source (40) is used to supply electrical energy to the transmitting device (34).

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein: The launching device (34) is fixed or movable.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein: The transmitting device (34) has a transmitting antenna (35), and the first receiving device (14) has a first receiving antenna (15), wherein the transmitting antenna (35) is rotatably mounted relative to the transmitting device (34) and / or the first receiving antenna (15) is rotatably mounted relative to the first road construction machine (1), so that the transmitting antenna (35) and the first receiving antenna (15) are aligned with each other.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein: The transmitting device (34) has a transmitting antenna (35), and the first receiving device (14) has a first receiving antenna (15), wherein the transmitting antenna (35) is rotatably mounted relative to the transmitting device (34) and / or the first receiving antenna (15) is rotatably mounted relative to the first road construction machine (1), so that the transmitting antenna (35) and the first receiving antenna (15) are aligned with each other.

18. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that The distance between the transmitting device (34) and the first receiving device (14) is at most approximately 1000 m, and / or the speed of the first road construction machine (1) relative to the transmitting device (34) during the reception of electrical energy is at most approximately 20 m / min.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein: The distance is the distance between the transmitting antenna (35) and the first receiving antenna (15).

20. The system according to claim 18, wherein The distance between the transmitting device (34) and the first receiving device (14) is at most about 500 m.

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein: The distance between the transmitting device (34) and the first receiving device (14) is at most about 100 m.

22. The system according to claim 18, wherein: During the reception of electrical energy, the speed of the first road construction machine (1) relative to the transmitting device (34) is at most approximately 6 m / min.

23. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that A second road construction machine (1') having a second receiving device (214) for wirelessly receiving electrical energy, wherein the first road construction machine (1) comprises an energy forwarding device (23) for wirelessly forwarding electrical energy from the first receiving device (14) and / or the buffer storage device (18) to the second road construction machine (1').

24. A method of operating a road construction machine (1, 1'), comprising the following steps: supplying electrical energy to an external transmitting device (34) arranged outside the road construction machine (1, 1') via an energy source (40), Wirelessly transmitting electrical energy from the transmitting device (34) to a receiving device (14, 214) of the road construction machine (1, 1'), Relaying electrical energy from the receiving device (14, 214) to an electric drive (3) and / or at least one electrical consumer (11, 211) of the road construction machine (1, 1'), and The road construction machine (1, 1') is moved by the electric drive (3) and / or the electrical consumer (11, 211) is operated by electrical energy.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that The road construction machine (1, 1') comprises a buffer storage device (18) for storing electrical energy, wherein the receiving device (14, 214) forwards the electrical energy to the buffer storage device (18), and the buffer storage device (18) forwards the electrical energy to the electric drive (3) and / or the electrical consumer (11, 211).

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