Control unit, computer program, computer-readable medium, screed heating control device for controlling an actual power output for heating a screed unit of a road paver and road paver

Abstract

Control unit (15) for controlling an actual power output from a screed heating control unit (1) to a screed assembly (2) of a road paver (3) from a remote electrical energy source (4), for heating the screed assembly (2) of the road paver (3), wherein the screed heating control unit (1) comprises: - a power input connection device (10) configured to be connected to a remote electrical power source (4), - a power output connection device (11) designed for connection to the road paver (2), in particular to the screed assembly (2) of the road paver (3), and - a power control unit (12) configured to control the actual power output provided at the power output connection device (11) for heating the plank device (2) by connecting and disconnecting the power output connection device (11) and the power input connection device (10), wherein the control unit (15) is configured to perform the following steps: - Determining (1010) a maximum power input available at the power input connection device (10) provided by the remote electrical power source (4), - Determining (1020) a desired power output required at the power output connection device (11) for heating the screed assembly (2) of the road paver (3), and - Control (1030) the power setting unit (12) to control the actual power output of the screed heating control device (1) for heating the screed device (2) of the road paver (3) from the remote electrical power source (4) depending on the determined maximum power input and depending on the determined desired power output.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a control unit, a computer program, a computer-readable medium, a screed heating control device for controlling an actual power output for heating a screed device of a road finisher, and a road finisher.

[0002] The invention can be applied to heavy-duty vehicles, such as road pavers and construction machines. Although the invention is described with reference to a road paver, the invention is not limited to this specific vehicle but can also be used in other vehicles and construction machines. BACKGROUND

[0003] There is a growing need for sufficient power supply for road pavers, especially for the (pre-)heating of the screed system. The (pre-)heating of screed systems requires a lot of power. It is known that the screed power setting can be controlled by changing the electrical voltage. This is easily done because the electrical power comes directly from the paver's generator.

[0004] In addition, the paver engines must run to (pre-)heat the screed assembly. However, there is a need to reduce this idle time to minimize environmental pollution. Noise must also be reduced. Both of these are especially necessary when the paver is used in urban areas.

[0005] CN 106 677 015 A discloses a road paver with a preheating function and an operating method therefor, wherein the heating is carried out using hot exhaust gas, so that energy reuse is achieved and energy can be saved.

[0006] US 2009 / 0257825 A1 relates to a control system for heating a screed assembly of a paving machine to sequentially and automatically activate fewer than all of a plurality of resistance heating elements simultaneously to achieve a predetermined screed plate temperature using a 24 V DC power supply. This prevents the entire screed plate or multiple screed plates from being heated simultaneously to prevent consuming the power supply used for other functions, such as lighting, of the paving machine.

[0007] EP 1 757 734 B1 relates to an electric heater for road pavers that can be repaired more quickly and with less effort. This is achieved by providing a detachable electrical connection for the connecting cable on a route to a distributor in the area of ​​a radiator outlet.

[0008] WO 00 / 47822 A1 relates to an automatic heating system for a screed assembly of a paving vehicle having a control system connected to the screed assembly and electrically connected to the heating element and configured to automatically adjust the current flow through the heating element to regulate the temperature of the screed sheet.

[0009] The current state of the art has several drawbacks. There is a need for improvements in the field of screed heating control systems for road pavers. SUMMARY

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a control unit, a computer program, a computer-readable medium, a screed heating control device, and a road paver to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a method, a control unit, a computer program, a computer-readable medium, a screed heating control device, and a road paver to improve the heating of the screed device. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a method, a control unit, a computer program, a computer-readable medium, a screed heating control device, and a road paver to enable (pre-)heating of the screed device with reduced pollution and minimized noise emissions.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a spreader unit according to claim 1. In particular, the object is achieved by a control unit for controlling the actual power output of a screed heating control device for heating a screed device of a road paver. The term "power" should preferably be understood here as electrical power or electrical energy.

[0012] A paver, also known as a road finisher, asphalt paver, or road construction machine, is a vehicle or piece of construction equipment used to create a road surface or crust for the construction of a road or similar on a site. The road surface or crust is made of a material such as asphalt or concrete. The paver applies the material to the ground and compacts it. Typically, the material is placed flat on the ground and lightly compacted using the screed. After the paver has laid the material on the ground, a roller typically further compacts the provided material. Preferably, such a road paver includes a heating device that heats the screed of the road paver to produce a road surface or crust.The heating device can preferably comprise one or more heating units for heating the screed device, in particular for heating one or more screed units of the screed device. Preferably, the road paver or the screed device itself can have a heating device for heating the screed device.

[0013] The invention is based on the inventors' finding that the heating of the screed device, i.e., the power provided for heating, is easy to control if the road paver itself provides the power for heating the screed device, whereas controlling the power provided for heating the screed device is more complex if the power for heating is provided via a remote electrical energy source. In particular, if the heating power is provided via a remote electrical energy source and is fixed, there is a need to limit the power consumption on the screed device side. The inventors are aware that the screed device can be supplied with direct current via a DC-DC converter. However, this workaround is disproportionately expensive.

[0014] With the control unit and the screed heating control device described here, the heating of the screed device is improved and the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome.

[0015] The screed heating control device includes a power input connector configured to be connected to a remote power source. In particular, the remote power source is not a power source, such as a generator, located onboard a paver.

[0016] The power input connection device can preferably comprise one or more power input connection units. The power input connection device, in particular the one or more power input connection units, can be an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket. In particular, the power input connection device, in particular the one or more power input connection units, is configured such that it can be connected to an alternating current (AC) or a direct current (DC) source. The power input connection device, in particular the one or more power input connection units, is preferably configured such that it transmits a three-phase current. The power input connection device, in particular the one or more power input connection units, is preferably an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket or comprises an electrical plug and / or comprises an electrical socket.Preferably, the mains entry plug and socket device, in particular the one or more mains entry plug and socket devices, are electrical plug and socket devices that are harmonised in accordance with the rules of the Commission for the Approval of Electrical Equipment (CEE).

[0017] A car charging infrastructure, generators, or other electrical energy sources such as power grids or battery packs or the like can be understood as a remote electrical energy source. Furthermore, an electric truck, e.g., an electric truck that supplies the road paver with material, can preferably function as a remote power source, providing a power input for heating a screed device. Preferably, the remote electrical energy source supplies a three-phase alternating current or a direct current. In particular, the remote electrical power source supplies a current of, for example, 10 to 20 amperes, in particular 16 amperes. Furthermore, the remote power source can preferably supply a current of approximately 32 amperes or approximately 63 amperes. It can also be preferred that the remote electrical power source supplies at least 230 volts. In particular, it is preferred that the remote power source provides at least 400 volts.

[0018] Preferably, the power input connection device and the remote electrical power source are connected via a corresponding cable. In particular, it is preferred that the cable connection between the power input connection device and the remote electrical power source cannot be separated while the road paver is being supplied with power from the remote electrical power source for heating the screed device. In particular, it is preferred that the cable connection between the power input connection device and the remote electrical power source cannot be mechanically separated. It is understood that the cable has an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket that correspond to the electrical plug and / or the electrical socket of the power input connection device and the remote electrical power source.

[0019] Furthermore, the screed heating control device comprises a power output connection device designed for connection to the road paver, in particular to the screed device of the road paver. It is understood that the energy supplied to the screed heating control device can be distributed within the road paver directly to the screed device via the power output connection device, without the screed device having to be directly connected to the screed heating control device.

[0020] Preferably, the power output connection device can comprise one or more power output connection units. The power output connection device, in particular the one or more power output connection units, can be an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket. In particular, the power output connection device, in particular the one or more power output connection units, is configured to be connectable to an alternating current (AC) or a direct current (DC) remote power source. Most preferably, the power output plug device, in particular the one or more power output plug units, is configured to transmit a three-phase current. Preferably, the power connection device, in particular the one or more power connection units, is an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket or comprises an electrical plug and / or comprises an electrical socket.Preferably, the power delivery device, in particular the one or more power delivery units, are electrical connectors harmonised in accordance with the rules of the Commission for the Approval of Electrical Equipment (CEE).

[0021] Preferably, the power connection device and the road paver are connected via a corresponding cable. In particular, it is preferred that the cable connection between the power output device and the road paver cannot be separated while the road paver is being supplied with electrical energy from the remote power source for heating the screed device. In particular, it is preferred that the cable connection between the power connection device and the road paver cannot be mechanically separated. It is understood that the cable has an electrical plug and / or an electrical socket that correspond to the electrical plug and / or the electrical socket of the power output device and the road paver.

[0022] Preferably, the power input connection device, in particular the one or more power input connection units, and / or the power output connection device, in particular the one or more power output connection units, are configured according to IEC 61851-1 and / or according to IEC 61851-24. In particular, it may be preferred for the remote electrical power source to be designed according to IEC 61851-1 and / or according to IEC 61851-24. Further preferably, the road paver, in particular the screed device, is configured according to IEC 61851-1 and / or according to IEC 61851-24. Preferably, the communication between the power input connection device and / or the power output connection device and / or the remote power source and / or the road paver, in particular the screed device, is bidirectional.Further preferably, the communication between the power input and / or power output connection device and / or the remote power source and / or the road paver, in particular the screed, is standardized and / or automated.

[0023] For example, it may be preferable to automatically communicate the power required by the screed device. Further preferably, it may be preferable to automatically communicate the power available from the remote electrical energy source. It may also be preferable to additionally or alternatively manually determine the power required by the screed device and the power available from the remote electrical energy source. It may be preferable to alternate between automatic transmission of the respective power levels and manual detection of the respective power levels.

[0024] The screed device preferably consists of one or more screed units. The screed device preferably comprises one or more paving plates and / or one or more compactors or vibrators. The screed device is preferably arranged behind the material intended for paving the roadway in the direction of travel of the road paver. In particular, a rammer is arranged in front of at least one paving stone in the direction of travel of the road paver. Preferably, at least two paving stones are arranged behind a tamper in the direction of travel of the road paver. It is understood that it may be preferred for each screed unit of the screed device to comprise at least one tamper and at least one paving stone.

[0025] A screed unit can extend orthogonally to the direction of travel of the road paver with a width of at least 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 4 m, 5 m, 6 m, 7 m, 8 m, 9 m, 10 m or more. In particular, the width of the screed unit can be adjusted orthogonally to the direction of travel of the road paver during operation or before the start of creating a road surface on the ground. Preferably, at least two or more screed units of the screed unit are arranged next to one another orthogonally to the direction of travel of the road paver. In particular, each screed unit can have a width orthogonal to the direction of travel of the road paver of at least 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m or more. Furthermore, each screed unit can in particular have a maximum width transverse to the direction of travel of the road paver of 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m or 2 m.

[0026] Typically, several heating circuits are provided for heating the screed system. Preferably, three or more heating circuits are typically provided for heating the screed system. In particular, five heating circuits are provided for heating the screed system. Each heating circuit can use three phases for a three-phase alternating current. More preferably, each heating circuit can be switched on and off by a single contactor. Sequential connection is possible for more than three heating circuits.

[0027] Furthermore, the screed heating control device comprises a power adjustment unit configured to control the actual power output provided at the power output connection device for heating the screed device by connecting and disconnecting the power output connection device and the power input connection device. The screed heating control device thus controls whether the screed device of the road paver is heated or not. In particular, the screed heating control device controls which power provided at the power input connection device is provided at the power output connection device for heating the screed device. The power adjustment device is configured to automatically or manually control the power provided at the power output connection device.

[0028] Further preferably, the screed heating control device can be configured to control the power provided at the power output connection device as a function of a desired power consumption and / or a desired heating temperature of the screed device and / or a detected heating temperature of an environment of the road paver, as a function of a desired heating start time and / or a desired heating end time and / or a required heating duration. If, for example, the heating of the screed device is preferably to begin at a desired time, a desired heating start time is set accordingly. Once the heating start time is reached, the screed heating control device provides power to heat the screed device at the power output connection device. As a further example, it can be preferred that the heating of the screed device preferably ends at a desired time.In this case, a desired heating end time is set accordingly. If the time reaches the desired heating duration, the heating of the screed system is finished, i.e. the screed heating control device no longer provides any power to the output connection device for heating the screed system. If a desired heating duration is set, the screed system is only heated during this time, i.e. the screed heating control device provides power to the output connection device for heating the screed system during this time. If the desired heating duration is exceeded, the screed heating control device no longer provides any power to the output connection device for heating the screed system. Even if, for example,If a desired heating temperature is set and a detected heating temperature is below the desired heating temperature, the screed heating control unit provides power to the output connection device to heat the screed system. As soon as the detected heating temperature of the screed system exceeds the set target heating temperature, the screed heating control unit stops providing power to the output connection device to heat the screed system. The example regarding the heating temperature applies accordingly for the desired power consumption and a detected power consumption.

[0029] The control according to the invention by the control unit comprises several steps.

[0030] One step of the control consists in determining a maximum power input available at the power input connection device provided by the remote electrical power source. Preferably, the maximum power input available at the power input connection device provided by the remote power source is determined automatically. Preferably, the screed heating control device is configured to determine the maximum power input available at the power input connection device once the power input connection device is connected to the remote power source. Preferably, the screed heating control device and the remote electrical power source are configured to communicate with each other in accordance with IEC 61851-1 and / or IEC 61851-24.Additionally or alternatively, it may be preferred according to the invention that the maximum input power available at the power input connection device provided by the remote power source is determined manually. For example, the maximum input power provided at the power input connection device can be provided by signs, labels, or the like on the remote power source.

[0031] A further control step is determining a desired power required at the power connection device for heating the screed device of the road paver. The target power provided at the power connection device is preferably determined automatically. The screed heating control device is preferably configured to determine the desired power provided at the power output connection device as soon as the power output connection device is connected to the screed device. The screed heating control device and the screed device are preferably configured to communicate with each other in accordance with IEC 61851-1 and / or IEC 61851-24. Additionally or alternatively, it may be preferred according to the invention to determine the target power required at the power connection device for manually heating the screed device of the road paver.The desired power required at the power output device can be indicated, for example, by stickers, labels or the like on the road paver or screed device or in an operating manual.

[0032] Further included is the step of controlling the power setting unit to control the actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device of the road finisher from the remote electrical energy source as a function of the determined maximum power consumption and as a function of the determined desired power output.

[0033] The invention enables (pre-)heating using a remote electrical energy source, such as a car charging infrastructure, other electrical energy sources, such as the power grid or batteries, or the like. Furthermore, the invention enables the control of (pre-)heating depending on the available power input provided by the remote power source. Thus, if the electrical energy source is insufficient to heat the screed device, the screed device can still be connected to the electrical energy source to (pre-)heat the screed device. In particular, (pre-)heating can start earlier, since (pre-)heating of the screed device can take longer if the remote electrical power source does not provide sufficient power to heat the screed device.

[0034] In particular, the present invention relates to a road paver having a heated screed device powered by an on-board power source and having an interface capable of receiving electrical energy from a remote power source to (pre-)heat the screed device without using on-board energy, wherein the interface has a control device for the screed heating control device that controls the power consumption of the screed heating as a function of the power output of the remote power source.

[0035] The method according to the invention and the respective screed heating control device for heating a screed device of a road paver are thus configured to control the power supplied to the screed device for heating. Advantageously, the on-board electrical system provided in road pavers is not required for preheating the screed device. However, it may be required again for heating the screed device during operation. In particular, electrical consumers on the road paver, such as ambient lighting, air conditioning, etc., can be used without restriction while the screed device is being heated.

[0036] In general, the invention improves the heating of screed devices of road pavers where the energy is provided by a remote electrical power source.

[0037] Furthermore, this method also enables the use of existing infrastructure for electrical vehicle charging. In particular, the charging infrastructure or vehicle batteries can be used to provide the energy needed to heat the screed system. This minimizes engine idle time and thus the environmental impact, i.e., the pollution from exhaust fumes and engine noise.

[0038] The screed heating control device, in particular the power adjustment unit, can be used to control the power provided to the screed system according to the power requirements of the screed system. For example, the screed heating control device, in particular the power adjustment unit, controls the power provided to the screed system if the heating power required by the screed system is greater than the power provided by the remote electrical power source. Likewise, the screed heating control device, in particular the power adjustment unit, controls the power provided to the screed system if the power provided by the remote electrical power source is less than the heating power required by the screed system; in this case, the heating power requested by the screed system must be reduced.The same applies if the cable is limited to transmitting a certain electrical power that is less than the heating power required by the screed device.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the method, the actual output power provided at the power output plug-in device is equal to or less than the maximum input power available at the power input plug-in device when the determined desired output power required at the power output plug-in device is equal to or less than the determined maximum input power available at the power input plug-in device.

[0040] This preferred embodiment protects against overloading of the road paver and / or the screed device and / or the power adjustment unit and / or the power input and / or power output connection device.

[0041] Preferably, according to another embodiment of the method, the actual power provided at the power output connection device is equal to the determined target power if the determined target power required at the power output connection device is less than the determined maximum power consumption available at the power input connection device.

[0042] This preferred embodiment protects against overloading of the road paver and / or the screed device and / or the power adjustment unit and / or the power input and / or power output connection device.

[0043] According to a further embodiment of the method, the step of controlling the actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device comprises closing the power adjustment unit to connect the power input connection device to the power output connection device, in particular to connect the external electrical power source to the screed device via the screed heating control device. If the power adjustment unit is closed, the power input connection device is electrically connected to the power output connection device. It is preferred that, when the power adjustment unit is closed, the power adjustment unit supplies power from the power input connection device to the power output connection device. Thus, when the power adjustment unit is closed, the remote electrical power source is electrically connected to the screed device.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the step of controlling the actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device comprises opening the power adjustment unit to disconnect the power input connection device from the power output connection device, in particular to disconnect the external electrical power source from the screed device by means of the screed heating control device. When the power adjustment unit is opened, the power input connection device is electrically disconnected from the power output connection device. It is preferred that the power adjustment unit does not supply power from the power input connection device to the power output connection device when the power output connection device is open. Thus, in the open state of the power adjustment unit, the remote electrical power source is electrically disconnected from the screed device.

[0045] When the power adjustment unit is switched between the open state and the closed state, the power adjustment unit has the function of a switch that electrically connects and disconnects the power input connection device and the power output connection device.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the step of controlling the actual output power of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device comprises a discrete or continuous adjustment of the power adjustment unit for discrete or continuous adjustment of the actual output power supplied to the screed device.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the power input connection device of the screed heating control device comprises one or more power input connection units, wherein the one or more power input connection units are configured to be connectable to one or more remote electrical power sources.

[0048] This embodiment enables the connection of multiple remote electrical energy sources to a single screed heating control device. In particular, the screed heating control device is capable of controlling the power output depending on the power input provided at multiple power input connection devices or power input connection units of a power input connection device.

[0049] In this preferred embodiment, the power connection device of the screed heating control device additionally or alternatively comprises one or more power connection units, wherein the one or more power connection units are configured to be connectable to one or more screed units of the screed device of the road paver.

[0050] This embodiment makes it possible to connect multiple screed devices or screed units of a screed device to a single screed heating control device. In particular, the screed heating control device is suitable for controlling the power output for multiple screed devices or multiple screed units of a screed device.

[0051] According to this preferred embodiment of the method, the step of controlling the actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device comprises closing the power setting unit for connecting the one or more power input connection units of the power input connection device to the one or more power output connection units of the power output connection device, in particular for connecting the external electrical power source to the screed device via the screed heating control device.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, the step of controlling the actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device comprises opening the power setting unit to disconnect the one or more power input connector units of the power input connector device from the one or more power output connector units of the power output connector device, in particular to disconnect the external electrical power source from the screed device by means of the screed heating control device.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the step of controlling the actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device comprises a discrete or continuous adjustment of the power adjustment unit for discrete or continuous adjustment of the actual output power supplied to one or more screed units of the screed device.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment of the method, the screed heating control device comprises a timer and / or a temperature sensor and / or a power consumption detector, wherein the screed heating control device is designed such that it determines the actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device of the road finisher from the remote electrical power source as a function of - a desired start time for heating up the screed device, and / or - a desired heating time of the screed device, and / or - a desired heating time of the screed device, and / or - a desired heating temperature of the screed device, and / or - a desired power consumption of the screed system, whereby the step of closing the power adjustment unit is initiated when the desired heating start time is reached. For example, if the desired heating temperature or the desired power consumption of the screed system is reached, no further power is supplied to the screed system. The screed heating control unit therefore regulates the provided power accordingly.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the step of opening the power control unit is initiated when the desired heating end time and / or the desired heating duration and / or the desired heating temperature and / or the desired power consumption is reached.

[0056] In a further preferred embodiment, the time control device comprises a plurality of time control units designed to control the actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed units of the screed device of the road paver from the remote electrical energy source as a function of a desired heating start time of each screed unit of the screed device and / or a desired heating end time of each screed unit of the screed device, and / or a desired heating duration of each screed unit of the screed device, wherein the step of closing the power adjustment unit is initiated with respect to the screed units of the screed device for which the desired heating time has been reached, and / or wherein the step of opening the power adjustment unit is initiated with respect to the screed units of the screed device,of which the desired heating end time and / or the desired heating duration has been reached.

[0057] In particular, the purpose of the invention is achieved by a control unit for controlling an actual power output of a screed heating control device to a screed device of a road finisher from a remote electrical energy source, which control unit is designed to carry out the steps of one of the embodiments of the method according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0058] With regard to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the control unit, reference is made to the corresponding aspects and embodiments of the control steps described above.

[0059] According to a second aspect of the invention, the purpose is achieved by a computer program according to claim 8. In particular, the purpose is achieved by a computer program comprising program code means for performing the steps of one of the embodiments of control by the control unit according to the first aspect of the invention when the program is executed on the control unit.

[0060] With regard to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the computer program, reference is made to the corresponding aspects and embodiments of the control unit described above.

[0061] According to a third aspect of the invention, the purpose is achieved by a computer-readable medium according to claim 10. In particular, the subject matter is achieved by a computer-readable medium containing a computer program with program code means for carrying out the steps of one of the embodiments of the control by the control unit according to the first aspect of the invention when the program product is executed on the control unit.

[0062] With regard to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the computer-readable medium, reference is made to the corresponding aspects and embodiments of the control unit described above.

[0063] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a screed heating control device according to claim 12. In particular, the object is achieved by a screed heating control device for controlling an actual power for heating a screed device of a road paver. The screed heating control device comprises a power input connection device designed for connection to a remote electrical energy source. Furthermore, the screed heating control device comprises a power output connection device configured to be connected to the road paver, in particular to the screed device of the road paver.Furthermore, the screed heating control device comprises a power setting unit configured to control the actual power output for heating the screed device provided at the power output connection device by connecting and disconnecting the power output connection device and the power input connection device.

[0064] The screed heating control device has a control unit as described above, which is signal-coupled to the power adjustment unit.

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, the screed heating control device comprises a timer configured to control the actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device of the road paver from the remote electrical power source. The actual power output of the screed heating control device for heating the screed device of the road paver from the remote power source is controlled as a function of a desired start time for heating the screed device and / or a desired end time for heating the screed device and / or a desired heating duration of the screed device.

[0066] With regard to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the screed heating control device, reference is made to the corresponding aspects and embodiments of the method described above.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the screed heating control device, the power control unit comprises a thyristor unit, wherein the thyristor unit preferably comprises two thyristors connected in parallel, wherein the two thyristors are further preferably connected in anti-parallel, and / or a TRIAC unit. Preferably, the thyristor unit controls the current strength based on a current measurement and / or a resistance measurement. This requires that the number of heating units used or in operation is known. By means of the thyristor unit, in particular, the current strength and phase of the power provided to the screed device for heating can be controlled. For example, the thyristor unit can regulate the current strength depending on a current measurement or a resistance measurement if the number of screed devices or the number of screed units used is known.

[0068] Preferably, the thyristor unit is connected in series with the screed device, in particular a heating element of the screed device. Such a series connection of the thyristor controller with the screed device constitutes an electrical circuit. It is understood that such a circuit is preferably required for each phase of a three-phase alternating current.

[0069] In a further preferred embodiment of the screed heating control device, the power adjustment unit comprises an inductance unit, wherein the inductance unit is preferably connected in series with the thyristor unit, and further preferably the inductance unit is arranged between the power input connection device and the thyristor unit. The inductance unit can be used, in particular, to control the stability of the power grid.

[0070] In a further preferred embodiment of the screed heating control device, the screed heating control device comprises a remote electrical power source, wherein the remote electrical power source is preferably connected to the power input connection device.

[0071] In a further preferred embodiment of the screed heating control device, the control unit is signal-coupled to the screed device and / or the remote power source.

[0072] Preferably, the control unit is configured to communicate with the screed device and / or the remote power source, in particular bidirectionally, in order to control the actual power output for heating the screed device of the road paver.

[0073] In particular, the control unit is configured to determine a maximum power input available at the power input terminal provided by the remote power source and to determine a desired power output required at the power output terminal for heating the screed assembly of the paver.

[0074] According to a further preferred embodiment, the screed heating control device comprises at least one temperature sensor for detecting a current temperature of the screed device. In particular, the screed heating control device comprises at least one temperature sensor for detecting a current temperature of the screed units of the screed device.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, the screed heating control device comprises a power consumption detector for detecting the current power consumption of the screed system. In particular, the screed heating control device comprises a power consumption detector for detecting the current power consumption of the screed units of the screed system.

[0076] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a road finisher according to claim 17. In particular, the object is achieved by a road finisher comprising a screed heating control device as described above, which is designed to heat a screed device of a road finisher, and the screed device which is coupled to the screed heating control device.

[0077] With regard to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the road paver, reference is made to the corresponding aspects and embodiments of the method described above.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the road paver comprises a remote-controlled electrical power source. Additionally or alternatively, the screed assembly comprises a screed element and a heating element for heating the screed element depending on the current power output.

[0079] In a further preferred embodiment, the power input connection device of the screed heating control device is connected to the remote power source and / or the power output connection device of the screed heating control device is connected to the screed device.

[0080] In a further preferred embodiment of the road paver, the screed heating control device and the remote electrical power source and / or the screed heating control device and the road paver are electrically coupled via one or more cables for heating the screed device of the road paver, wherein the coupling between the cables and the screed heating control device and / or the remote electrical power source and / or the road paver is blocked during the heating of the screed device, in particular one or more screed units, of the road paver, and / or the paver is suitable for blocking the travel of the road paver during the heating of the screed device, in particular one or more screed units, and / or the road paver is suitable for emitting signals, in particular optical and / or acoustic signals, which indicate that the screed device is being heated.

[0081] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention given as examples follows.

[0083] In the drawings: Fig. is a schematic three-dimensional view of a road paver; Fig. is a schematic block diagram of a screed heating control device in a preferred embodiment; Fig. is a schematic block diagram of a screed heating control device in another preferred embodiment based on the Fig. shown embodiment; Fig. is a schematic block diagram of a plank heating control device in a further preferred embodiment based on the Fig. shown embodiment; Fig. is a schematic block diagram of a screed heating control device in another preferred embodiment; Fig. is a schematic block diagram of a screed heating control device in another preferred embodiment; and Fig. is a schematic block diagram of the method in a preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0084] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a road paver 3. The road paver 3 comprises a screed assembly 2 and a screed heating control device 1 coupled to the screed assembly 2 and configured to heat the screed assembly 2. As can be seen, the screed heating control device 1 is electrically connected to a remote electrical power source 4.

[0085] The screed assembly 2 of the road paver 3 comprises a plurality of screed units 2a. Each of the screed units 2a of the screed assembly 2 comprises a screed element 20 and a heating element 21 for heating the screed element 20 of the screed unit 2a depending on the actual power provided by the screed heating control device 1.

[0086] The screed heating control device 1 is connected to the remote electrical power source 4. This allows the power required to heat the screed device 2 to be provided. Accordingly, the screed heating control device 1 is connected to the screed device 2 of the road paver 3 to provide the power required for heating. The screed heating control device 1 is electrically connected to the remote electrical power source 4 via a cable and to the screed device 2 via another cable or several cables, or to the screed units 2a of the screed device 2 via several additional cables. Accordingly, it is understood that the connection between the cable and the screed heating control device 1 and the remote electrical power source 4 is blocked while the screed device 2 is being heated.It is understood, however, that in some particularly preferred embodiments, the coupling between the cable and the screed heating control device 1 and the remote electrical power source 4 may not be locked even during the heating of the screed device 2 or the screed units 2a of the screed device 2.

[0087] On the contrary, when the screed system is not heated, the coupling between the cables and the screed heating control device 1 and the screed system 2 and the coupling between the cable and the screed heating control device 1 and the remote electrical power source 4 is not locked. Thus, the cables from the screed heating control device 1 and the screed system 2 and the remote electrical power source 4 can be disconnected when the screed system is not heated.

[0088] Furthermore, the road paver 3 is configured to prevent the drive of the road paver 3 during the heating of the screed device 2. Furthermore, it may be preferred that the road paver 3 is configured to emit signals, in particular optical and acoustic signals, during the heating of the screed device 2, indicating that the screed device 2 is heating.

[0089] Fig. is a schematic block diagram of a screed heating control device 1 in a preferred embodiment. The screed heating control device 1 serves to control the actual power output for heating a screed device 2 of a road paver 3, as described above. The screed heating control device 1 comprises a power input connection device 10 and a power output connection device 11. The power input connection device 10 is configured to be connected to a remote electrical power source 4, as described above. The power output connection device 11 is configured to be connected to the paver 2, in particular to the screed device 2 of the road paver 3. Furthermore, the screed heating control device 1 comprises a power adjustment unit 12.The power adjustment unit 12 is configured to control the actual power output provided at the power output connection device 11 for heating the screed device 2 by connecting and disconnecting the power output connection device 11 and the power input connection device 10. In this preferred embodiment, the screed heating control device 11 comprises a timer device 13. The timer 13 is configured to control the actual power output provided at the power output connection device 11 of the screed heating control device 1 for heating the screed device 2 of the road paver 3.The timer 13 is configured to control the actual power output as a function of a desired start time for heating the screed device 2 and / or a desired end time for heating the screed device 2 and / or a desired heating duration of the screed device 2.

[0090] Fig. is a more detailed block diagram of a screed heating control device 1 in another preferred embodiment based on the previously described embodiment in Fig. It can be seen that the screed heating control device 1 comprises a power input connection device 10 with a power input connection unit 10a and a power output connection device 11 with five power output connection units 11a. The one power input connection unit 10a is connected to the five power output connection units 11a via thyristors of a thyristor unit 16. By means of the thyristors of the thyristor unit 16, the actual power output for heating the screed device 2 can be controlled, for example, depending on a measured current or resistance. It can be seen that in this preferred embodiment of the screed heating control device 1, the power provided to the five power output control units 11a is preferably controlled centrally by a timer 13. For example,At each of the five power connections 11a, a desired power is provided for heating the plank units 2a, which starts at the same heating time and / or ends at the same heating time.

[0091] Fig. Fig. 4 is a further detailed block diagram of a screed heating control device 1 in another preferred embodiment based on the previously described embodiment in Fig. 2. In contrast to the Fig. The embodiment of the plank heating control device 1 shown in Figure 3 comprises the Fig. The screed heating control device 1 shown in Figure 4 includes a timer device 13 with five timer units 13a. Each timer unit 13 is arranged in a row between the power input connection unit 10a and the respective five power output connection units 11a. Thus, each of the five power connection units 11a is assigned a timer unit 13a to control the power output for heating the screed device accordingly. The five power connections 11a can thus be controlled independently of one another.

[0092] Fig. is a schematic block diagram of a screed heating control device 1 in a further preferred embodiment. Fig. 5 shown plank heating control device 1 is the one in Fig. 2 is similar to the plank heating control device 1. It differs only in that the Fig. The screed heating control device 1 shown in Figure 5 has a control unit 15 instead of the timer 13. It can be seen that the control unit 15 is signal-coupled to the power control unit 12. Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, the control unit 15 is signal-coupled to the screed device 2 and the remote electrical power source 4. The control unit 15 is configured to communicate with the screed device 2 and the remote electrical power source 4 and the power adjustment unit 12. In particular, the control unit 15 is configured to determine a maximum power consumption available at the power input connection device 10 provided by the remote power source 4.Furthermore, the control unit 15 is configured to determine a desired power output required at the power output connection device 11 for heating the screed device 2 of the road paver 3.

[0093] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a screed heating control device 1 in another preferred embodiment. The screed heating control device 1 is connected via a power input connection device 10 to a remote electrical power source 4 and via a power output connection device 11 to a screed device 2 of a road finisher 3, wherein the screed device 2 comprises a screed element 20 heated by a heating element 21. In this preferred embodiment, the power control unit 12 of the screed heating control device 1 comprises a thyristor unit 16 with two anti-parallel connected thyristors 16a, 16b. Furthermore, an inductance unit 17 is arranged between the power input connection device and the thyristor unit 16. The Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 6 is based on the Fig. 5. Accordingly, the control unit 15 is signal-coupled to the screed device 2, the remote electrical power source 4, and the power control unit 12. The control unit 15 is signal-coupled to the screed device 2 to determine a desired power output required at the power output connection device 11 for heating the screed device 2 of the road paver 3. Furthermore, the control unit 15 is signal-coupled to the remote electrical energy source 4 to determine a maximum power input available at the power input connection device 10 provided by the remote electrical energy source 4.In particular, in this preferred embodiment, the control unit 15 is signal-coupled to the thyristors 16a, 16b of the thyristor unit 16 in order to control the actual power output provided by the screed heating control device 1 for heating the screed device 2 of the road finisher 3 from the remote electrical power source 4 as a function of the determined maximum power consumption and as a function of the determined desired power output.

[0094] Fig. is a schematic block diagram of the method in a preferred embodiment. The method comprises three steps. One step of the method consists in determining 1010 a maximum power input available at the power input connection device 10 provided by the remote power source 4. A further step of the method is the determination 1020 of a desired power output required at the power output connection device 11 for heating the screed device 2 of the road paver 3. A further method step is the control 1030 of the power setting unit 12 in order to control the actual power output of the screed heating control device 1 for heating the screed device 2 of the road paver 3 from the remote electrical energy source 4 as a function of the determined maximum power input and as a function of the determined desired power output.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the step of controlling 1030 the actual output power of the screed heating control device 1 for heating the screed device 2 comprises a continuous adjustment of the power adjustment unit 12, e.g., thyristors 16a, 16b of the thyristor unit 16, which are connected in anti-parallel for continuously adjusting the actual output power to be supplied to the screed device 2. It may be preferred that the screed heating control device 1 comprises at least one temperature sensor 22 - as in Fig.1 - to detect the temperature of the screed device 2. This enables the screed heating control device 1 to control the actual power output provided by the screed heating control device 1 for heating the screed device 2 of the road paver as a function of a set target heating temperature of the screed device 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it may be preferable to control the actual power output for heating the screed device 2 as a function of a desired heating start time and / or a desired heating end time of the screed device 2. It is understood that it may also be preferable to control the provided power as a function of a desired power consumption of the screed device 2. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 plank heating control unit 2 plank equipment 2a plank unit 3 road pavers 4 Remote electrical power source 10 Power input connector 10a connection unit for the power input 11 Power output connection device 11a Connection unit for the power output 12 Power control unit 13 Time control device 13a Timer timing unit 15 Control unit 16 Thyristor unit 16a,b Thyristors 17 Inductance unit 20 plank element 21 Heating element 22 Temperature sensor 23 Power consumption detector QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 106 677 015 A

[0005] US 2009 / 0257825 A1

[0006] EP 1 757 734 B1

[0007] WO 00 / 47822 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Control unit (15) for controlling an actual power output from a screed heating control device (1) to a screed device (2) of a road finisher (3) from a remote electrical energy source (4) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), the screed heating control device (1) comprising: - a power input connection device (10) configured to be connected to a remote electrical power source (4), - a power output connection device (11) which is designed for connection to the road finisher (2), in particular to the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), and - a power adjustment unit (12) configured to control the actual power output provided at the power output connection device (11) for heating the screed device (2) by connecting and disconnecting the power output connection device (11) and the power input connection device (10), wherein the control unit (15) is configured to perform the following steps: - determining (1010) a maximum power consumption available at the power input connection device (10) provided by the remote electrical power source (4), - determining (1020) a desired power output required at the power output connection device (11) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), and - Controlling (1030) the power setting unit (12) to control the actual power output of the screed heating control device (1) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3) from the remote electrical power source (4) as a function of the determined maximum power consumption and as a function of the determined desired power output. [2] Control unit (15) according to the preceding claim 1, wherein - the actual power output provided at the power output connection device (11) is equal to or less than the maximum power consumption available at the power input connection device (10) when the determined desired power output required at the power output connection device (11) is equal to or less than the determined maximum power consumption available at the power input connection device (10). [3] Control unit (15) according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein - the actual power provided at the power output connection device (11) is equal to the determined target power (10) if the determined target power required at the power output connection device (11) is less than the determined maximum power input available at the power input connection device (10). [4] Control unit (15) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the step of controlling (1030) the actual power output from the screed heating control device (1) for heating the screed device (2) comprises: - closing the power adjustment unit (12) for connecting the power input connection device (10) to the power output connection device (11), in particular for connecting the external power source (4) to the screed device (2) via the screed heating control device (1); and / or - Opening the power adjustment unit (12) to disconnect the power input connection device (10) from the power output connection device (11), in particular to disconnect the external power source (4) from the screed device (2) by means of the screed heating control device (1); and / or - discrete or continuous adjustment of the power adjustment unit (12) for discrete or continuous adjustment of the actual output power to be supplied to the screed device (2). [5] Control unit (15) according to one of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein - the power input connection device (10) of the screed heating control device (1) comprises one or more power input connection units (10a), wherein the one or more power input connection units (10a) are configured to be connectable to one or more remote electrical power sources (4), and / or - the power output connection device (11) of the screed heating control device (1) comprises one or more power output connection units (11a), wherein the one or more power output connection units (11a) are configured to be connected to one or more screed units of the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), wherein the step of controlling (1030) the actual power output from the screed heating control device (1) for heating the screed device (2) comprises: - Closing the power adjustment unit (12) for connecting the one or more power input connection units (12a) of the power input connection device (10) to the one or more power output connection units (12a) of the power output connection device (11), in particular for connecting the external electrical power source (4) to the screed device (2) via the screed heating control device (1); and / or - Opening the power adjustment unit (12) to disconnect the one or more power input connection units (10a) of the power input connection device (10) from the one or more power output connection units (11a) of the power output connection device (11), in particular to disconnect the external electrical power source (4) from the screed device (2) by means of the screed heating control device (1); and / or - discrete or continuous adjustment of the power adjustment unit (12) for discrete or continuous adjustment of the actual output power to be delivered to one or more screed units (2a) of the screed device (2). [6] Control unit (15) according to one of the preceding claims 1-5, wherein the screed heating control device (1) comprises a time control device (13) and / or a temperature sensor (22) and / or a power consumption detector (23), wherein the screed heating control device (1) is designed to determine the actual power output of the screed heating control device (1) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3) from the remote electrical power source (4) as a function of - a desired heating time of the screed device (2), and / or - a desired heating time of the screed device (2), and / or - a desired heating time of the screed device (2), and / or - a desired heating temperature of the screed device (2), and / or - a desired power consumption of the screed device (2), wherein the step of closing the power control unit (12) is initiated when the desired heating start time is reached, and / or wherein the step of opening the power setting unit (12) is initiated when the desired heating end time and / or the desired heating duration and / or the desired heating temperature and / or the desired power consumption is reached. [7] Control unit (15) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the time control device (13) comprises a plurality of time control units (13a) which are suitable for controlling the actual power output of the screed heating control device (1) for heating the screed units (2a) of the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3) from the remote electrical energy source (4) in dependence on - a desired heating time of each screed unit (2a) of the screed device (2), and / or - a desired heating time of each screed unit (2a) of the screed device (2), and / or - a desired heating time of each screed unit (2a) of the screed device (2), wherein the step of closing the power adjustment unit (12) is initiated with respect to the screed unit (2a) of the screed device (2) at which the desired heating time is reached, and / or wherein the step of opening the power adjustment unit (12) is initiated with respect to the screed units (2a) of the screed device (2) whose desired heating time and / or desired heating duration has been reached. [8] Computer program with program code means for controlling an actual power output from a screed heating control device (1) to a screed device (2) of a road finisher (3) from a remote electrical energy source (4) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), the screed heating control device (1) comprising: - a power input connection device (10) configured to be connected to a remote electrical power source (4), - a power output connection device (11) which is designed for connection to the road finisher (2), in particular to the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), and - a power adjustment unit (12) configured to control the actual power output provided at the power output connection device (11) for heating the screed device (2) by connecting and disconnecting the power output connection device (11) and the power input connection device (10), wherein the computer program is designed to carry out the following steps • Determining (1010) a maximum power consumption available at the power input connection device (10) provided by the remote electrical power source (4), • Determining (1020) a desired power output required at the power output connection device (11) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), and • Controlling (1030) the power setting unit (12) to control the actual power output of the screed heating control device (1) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3) from the remote electrical power source (4) as a function of the determined maximum power consumption and as a function of the determined desired power output. when the program is executed on the control unit (15) according to the preceding claim 1. [9] Computer program with program code means according to claim 8, characterized by that the computer program is further designed program code means for executing the further steps of the control unit according to one of the preceding claims 2-7. [10] Computer-readable medium containing a computer program comprising program code means for performing the steps • Determining (1010) a maximum power consumption available at the power input connection device (10) provided by the remote electrical power source (4), • Determining (1020) a desired power output required at the power output connection device (11) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), and • Controlling (1030) the power setting unit (12) to control the actual power output of the screed heating control device (1) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3) from the remote electrical power source (4) as a function of the determined maximum power consumption and as a function of the determined desired power output, comprises the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1-7 when the program product is executed on the control unit (15) according to the preceding claim 1. [11] A computer-readable medium according to claim 10, characterized by that the computer program is further designed program code means for executing the further steps of the control unit according to one of the preceding claims 2-7. [12] Screed heating control device (1) for controlling an actual power output for heating a screed device (2) of a road finisher (3), the screed heating control device (1) comprising: - a power input connection device (10) configured to be connected to a remote electrical power source (4), - a power output connection device (11) which is designed for connection to the road finisher (2), in particular to the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), and - a power adjustment unit (12) configured to control the actual power output for heating the screed device (2) provided on the power output connection device (11) by connecting and disconnecting the power output connection device (11) and the power input connection device (10), characterized by - a control unit (15) according to claim 8, which is signal-coupled to the power adjustment unit (12), and / or - a time control device (13) which is designed to determine the actual power output of the screed heating control device (1) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3) from the remote electrical energy source (4) as a function of ◯ a desired heating time of the screed device (2), and / or ◯ a desired heating time of the screed device (2), and / or ◯ a desired heating time of the plank device (2). [13] Plank heating control device (1) according to the preceding claim 12, wherein the power control unit (12) comprises a thyristor unit (16), wherein preferably the thyristor unit (16) comprises two thyristors (16a, 16b) connected in parallel, wherein further preferably the two thyristors (16a, 16b) are connected in anti-parallel and / or a TRIAC unit. [14] Plank heating control device according to one of the preceding claims 12 or 13, wherein the power setting unit (12) has an inductance unit (17), wherein preferably the inductance unit (17) is connected in series with the thyristor unit (16), wherein further preferably the inductance unit (17) is arranged between the power input connection device (10) and the thyristor unit (16). [15] Plank heating control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 12-14, with a remote electrical power source (4), wherein preferably the remote electrical power source (4) is connected to the power input connection device (10). [16] Plank heating control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 12-15, wherein the control unit (15) is signal-coupled to the screed device (2) and / or the remote electrical energy source (4), wherein Preferably, the control unit (15) is configured to communicate with the screed device (2) and / or the remote electrical energy source (4), in particular to communicate bidirectionally, in order to control the actual power output for heating the screed device (2), In particular, the control unit (15) is configured to determine a maximum power input available at the power input connection device (10) provided by the remote electrical energy source (4) and to determine a desired power output required at the power output connection device (11) for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3). [17] Screed heating control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 12-16, comprising at least one temperature sensor (22) for detecting a current temperature of the screed device, in particular of the screed units of the screed device, and / or a power consumption detector (23) for detecting a current power consumption of the screed device, in particular of the screed units of the screed device. [18] A road paver (3), consisting of: - a screed heating control device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 12-17, which is designed to heat a screed device (2) of a road finisher (3), and - the screed device (2) which is coupled to the screed heating control device (1). [19] Road finisher (3) according to the preceding claim 18, with a remote-controlled electrical energy source (4), and / or wherein the screed device (2) comprises a screed element (20) and a heating element (21) for heating the screed element (20) depending on the current power output. [20] Road finisher (3) according to one of the preceding claims 18 or 19, wherein the power input connection device (10) of the screed heating control device (1) is connected to the remote electrical power source (4) and / or the power output connection device (11) of the screed heating control device (1) is connected to the screed device (2). [21] Road finisher (3) according to one of the preceding claims 18-20, wherein the screed heating control device (1) and the remote electrical power source (4) and / or the screed heating control device (1) and the road finisher (3) are electrically coupled via one or more cables for heating the screed device (2) of the road finisher (3), - wherein the coupling between the cables and the screed heating control device (1) and / or the remote electrical power source (4) and / or the road finisher (3) is locked during the heating of the screed device (2), in particular one or more screed units (2a), of the road finisher (3), and / or - the road finisher (3) is designed to block the drive of the road finisher (3) during the heating of the screed device (2), in particular one or more of the screed units (2a), and / or the road finisher (3) is designed to emit signals, in particular optical and / or acoustic signals, which indicate that the screed device (2) is being heated.

Images