METHOD FOR MAKING A ROAD SURFACE, ASPHALTING SYSTEM AND COMPACTOR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a road surface, an asphalt paving system comprising a road paver and a compactor and a compactor for compressing a road surface.

[0002] When installing road surface layers, at least one compactor, typically a roller, usually follows a paver to compact the asphalt laid by the paver's screed. The asphalt temperature of the newly laid surface is a crucial factor in determining when to first engage the compactor. Engaging the compactor too early in asphalt that is still too hot leads to structural defects, such as roller cracks. Engaging it too late results in the asphalt cooling significantly, leaving less time for compaction. Therefore, it is essential to determine precisely the right time, or rather the right temperature, to begin the compaction process.

[0003] From EP 3 124 698 B1, a system is known in which the area of ​​the new road surface intended for compaction is marked on the new road surface for the operator of the roller compactor, for example by a laser. From DE 11 2015 000 363 T5, a system is known in which display devices are provided on the compactor that graphically present information to the operator about the areas to be compacted. However, both systems have disadvantages, such as a complex design or the difficulty for an operator of monitoring the display devices in addition to the paving operation. Another asphalt paving system, in which temperature data of the paving material is taken into account, is known from US 8,099,218 B2.From DE 10 2018 124 513 A1, a road construction system with a paving machine and a compaction machine is known, in which temperature data of a paving material is recorded by means of a sensor in order to create a compaction boundary map and to partially steer the compaction machine based on this map. From JP 2003 184131 A, a control lever for a construction machine is known which can vibrate depending on an operating condition.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved system which conveys to an operator of a compactor the areas of a road surface to be driven on.

[0005] The problem is solved by a method according to claim 1, an asphalt paving system according to claim 11 and a compactor according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] A method according to the invention for producing a road surface using a road paver and a compactor comprises the following process steps: Installation of a road surface using a paving screed of the road paver, definition of a rolling pre-field using an electronic data processing system, determination of a relative position of the compactor in relation to the rolling pre-field, generation of a vibration of a main switch of the compactor, depending on the relative position to the rolling pre-field.

[0007] The roller compaction zone defines the area of ​​the newly laid road surface layer that is currently suitable for compaction because it has the correct temperature and is therefore intended for use by the compactor, for example, a roller compactor. Driving into the uncompacted and still too hot material too early would create a kind of bow wave and thus damage the road surface. Driving into material that has already cooled too much too late would lead to cracks because the road surface is no longer sufficiently elastic. The relative position of the compactor to the roller compaction zone indicates whether the compactor is located inside or outside the zone. Furthermore, the exact position of the compactor in relation to the roller compaction zone can be recorded, so that the distances to the edges of the roller compaction zone are known, both when the compactor is inside and outside the zone.The compressor's main operating switch may vibrate if the compressor is in a restricted area. Additionally, vibration can occur even if the compressor is still within a permitted operating area but is approaching an area not currently intended for compression. The vibration may gradually increase as the compressor approaches this restricted area.

[0008] The compressor operator receives direct haptic feedback regarding their position. They do not need to pay attention to any additional visual or audible signals and can concentrate fully on operating the machine. The main travel switch is the compressor's central control device, controlling forward and reverse movement. It can also be designed as a joystick and be used to control lateral steering. Because the operator always grips the main travel switch during operation to control the compressor's movement, they always perceive the vibration signal without being distracted, as would be the case when monitoring visual displays. Furthermore, the vibration signal is not ignored, as often happens with audible signals, which can become filtered out.

[0009] In particular, if a vibration signal is given as soon as the edge of the permitted area is approached, and this signal can gradually increase in intensity, damage to the road surface is prevented, as the operator can stop or reverse the journey in time.

[0010] Programming the vibration signal can take many parameters into account. For example, the vibration can be triggered depending on the direction or side of the rolling zone being exited or approached. Vibration can be omitted if the compactor leaves the rolling zone on the side facing away from the paver, as the road surface is already compacted and hardened there. Conversely, a warning signal can be given by vibration when the compactor approaches the edge of the rolling zone facing the paver, because there is a still-too-hot area of ​​freshly laid pavement between the paver and the rolling zone, which would be damaged by premature rolling. Likewise, a vibration signal can be triggered on either side of the rolling zone.The rolling zone is typically defined by both front and rear boundaries as viewed in the direction of travel of the paver, but can also be limited by lateral edges. These lateral edges can be particularly relevant when paving two or more carriageways in parallel, especially when two pavers are working side-by-side, e.g., "hot-to-hot".

[0011] According to the invention, a speed and / or a compression rate of the compressor is determined, and a vibration of the compressor's main drive switch is generated depending on the determined speed and / or the determined compression rate. Excessively rapid movement of the compressor on the road surface would result in strong braking and acceleration during changes of direction, which would also lead to the generation of a bow wave, i.e., pushing and thus damaging the road surface. Excessive compression, i.e., excessive vibration of the rollers, would leave unevenness and indentations in the road surface and result in segregation of the road surface components, for example, the bitumen content migrating upwards.Monitoring the parameters and providing corresponding haptic feedback to the operator via the vibration of the main drive switch can prevent these impairments to the installation quality by allowing the operator to adjust the speed and compaction performance.

[0012] According to the invention, the vibration pattern of the main drive switch, in particular frequency and amplitude, is varied depending on the type of operating parameter such as speed, position, compression power, so that the operator can recognize which operating parameter he should correct.

[0013] Preferably, the relative position of the compactor is determined by acquiring a GNSS signal and / or by determining the distance between the compactor and the asphalt paver. Similarly, the rolling zone can be defined either by its global coordinates or by its position relative to the asphalt paver. The relative position can therefore be determined either by calculation in the global coordinate system or by calculation in the coordinate system defined by the asphalt paver. In the latter case, the absolute coordinates of the compactor received via GNSS can first be converted into a relative position with respect to the asphalt paver. The determination of the coordinates using a GNSS signal can be carried out by antennas mounted on the compactor. Similarly, the coordinates of the asphalt paver can be determined. The determination of the relative position can, for example,This can be done by laser measurement, radar measurement, or similar methods, whereby the measuring device can be located on the paver, the compactor, or externally. It is therefore also possible to determine the relative position of the compactor to the paver, and thus to the rolling guide field, using local systems and without GNSS. "Distance" can be defined as a suitable distance to a point on the paver, for example, a connecting vector between the paver and the compactor. Similarly, the distance can refer to, for example, a distance parallel to the direction of travel to the trailing edge of the paver.

[0014] In a practical approach, the rolling zone is defined by an electronic data processing system on the paver or an external electronic data processing system and transmitted to the compactor. An on-board paver data processing system can be located, for example, on the tractor or the screed. An external data processing system could be, for example, a wirelessly connected site management computer. On-board data processing is particularly advantageous because additional sensors, such as those for recording the paver's travel speed or measuring asphalt temperature, are typically located on the paver, allowing the data to be read directly. External data processing can be easier to maintain and program.Both variants allow for a simple compressor design, as only the systems for receiving and executing the control signals for the main drive switch need to be present. However, it is also possible to perform all or essential calculations for the rolling setpoint using a data processing system on the compressor.

[0015] According to the invention, the rolling control area is determined based on a temperature image generated by means of simulation calculations. Additionally, the rolling control area can be determined based on a temperature image of the installed road surface obtained by one or more sensors.

[0016] Thermographic modules, pyrometers, or other suitable types of temperature sensors can measure the temperature of the newly laid road surface behind the paver, either over an area or at one or more points. The temperature sensors are conveniently mounted on the paver or the screed. However, it is also possible to record the temperature using external devices or sensors mounted on the compactor. The calculation can describe the temperature profile as the road surface cools and can take into account other measured values, such as ambient temperature and / or wind speed. Material properties of the paving material, such as the bitumen content or aggregate size, can also be considered. In the aforementioned variants, data points are preferably generated in a two-dimensional arrangement, which are used to define the rolling control area.However, it is also possible to generate a one-dimensional line of measurement or data points along the direction of travel, which defines the sections to be traversed based on their distance from the screed or the paver. In a preferred variant, the measured or calculated temperature profile is compared with stored temperature data to determine the rolling zone. This allows the rolling zone to be defined based on stored upper and / or lower temperature limits. Advantageously, the temperature of the paving material is measured by a sensor before it is laid by the paver's screed. The temperature values ​​obtained in this way can serve as the basis for the aforementioned calculation of the temperature profile over time.

[0017] Preferably, data representing the rolling target area is updated periodically or continuously on the compactor. For example, the rolling target area can be moved along with the asphalt paver if this corresponds to the measured temperature development of the road surface. Similarly, the rolling target area can be enlarged or reduced if, for example, the measured values ​​indicate this or the simulation calculation specifies it. Likewise, the area already rolled can be taken into account, for example, by recording the compactor's position data based on the GNSS signal.

[0018] In another advantageous variant, the vibration of the main drive switch comprises several vibration patterns and / or intensities, which are generated depending on the relative position of the compressor to the rolling set area. For example, the vibration frequency can increase from a position near the center of the rolling set area towards the edge and beyond. Thus, as the drive approaches the edge at a greater distance, a vibration perceived as individual knocking pulses may occur, and shortly before, for example, half a meter, and from the edge onwards, a high-frequency vibration may be present. Likewise, the amplitude, i.e., the magnitude of the deflection of the main drive switch, can be varied.

[0019] Preferably, a display mounted on the compressor provides visual information about the compressor's position and / or the remaining rolling distance and / or the rolling distance already traveled. This gives the operator additional precise information to plan and execute the rolling operation.

[0020] In a practical variant, one or more operating states of the compressor, in particular a drive speed, are automatically controlled depending on the relative position of the compressor to the rolling set area. For example, the speed can be automatically reduced when the compressor approaches the edge of the rolling set area from the inside. It is also conceivable to automatically stop the compressor at a specific position, e.g., at the edge of the rolling set area. It is also conceivable to automatically influence the steering so that the compressor does not leave the rolling set area at a lateral edge.

[0021] An asphalt paving system according to the invention comprises a road paver and a compactor, wherein the road paver includes a screed configured for laying a road surface. The road paver further comprises a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the laid road surface, an electronic data processing system configured to determine a rolling zone, and a transmitter configured to transmit the rolling zone data to the compactor.The compressor includes a receiver for receiving the data and a main drive switch which includes a vibration unit configured to be controlled based on the data of the rolling target field and depending on a certain relative position of the compressor to the rolling target field as well as on a certain speed and / or a certain compression power of the compressor, whereby the vibration pattern of the main drive switch varies depending on the type of operating parameter such as speed, position, compression power.

[0022] The paving screed may include extendable sections and / or be suitable for attaching widening sections. The temperature sensor may be suitable for taking area-wide measurements of the road surface temperature, similar to a thermal imaging camera or thermographic module, and / or may be suitable for taking point measurements. The temperature measurements may be taken in front of, on, or behind the paving screed.

[0023] Preferably, the compressor includes an electronic data processing system configured to process the data from the rolling mill control field and send control signals to the vibration unit of the main drive switch. The electronic data processing system may include a processor and a data storage device.

[0024] A compactor according to the invention for compressing a road surface comprises an electronic data processing system, an operator station, and a main control switch, wherein the main control switch includes a vibration unit configured to vibrate in response to signals received from the data processing system. The frequency and amplitude of the vibration can be variable. The data processing system is configured to send control signals to the vibration unit of the main control switch, so that the vibration pattern of the main control switch varies depending on the type of operating parameter, such as speed, position, or compaction power.

[0025] The following describes in more detail the exemplary embodiments of a method for producing a road surface using a road paver and a compactor with reference to the figures.

[0026] This shows Figure 1: a schematic representation of an asphalt paving system with a road paver and compactor, Figure 2: a side schematic representation of an asphalt paving system, Figure 3: a side schematic representation of a main drive switch, Figure 4: a schematic representation of a temperature image of a road surface.

[0027] Corresponding components are each provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0028] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an asphalt paving system 1 with a paver 3 and a compactor 5. The paver 3 includes a screed 7, which lays a road surface 9 on a subgrade 11. A temperature sensor 13 is arranged on the screed 7 or at another location on the paver 3, such as on the rear side of the roof of an operator's platform, and measures the temperature of the freshly laid road surface 9. A rolling zone 15 is calculated based on the measured temperature values, and additionally or alternatively by simulation. By acquiring a GNSS signal or by determining the distance of the compactor 5 to the paver 3, the relative position of the compactor 5 with respect to the rolling zone 15 is determined. For example, the front center point M of the compactor 5 can serve as a reference point, and the dimensions of the compactor 5 can also be taken into account.The distance between the compactor 5 and the paver 3 can be defined, for example, as a direct connecting line A1 from a front center point M of the compactor 5 to a reference point R of the paver 3, which is also located centrally. Alternatively, a connecting line A2 parallel to the direction of travel F to the paver 3 could be defined as the distance. The output of the vibration signals to a main control switch of the compactor 5 can depend on the position of the compactor 5 relative to a rear edge K1 and / or a front edge K2 and / or a right edge K3 and / or a left edge K4 of the rolling area 15. The lateral edges K3 and K4 can be particularly relevant when two pavers 3 are positioned side by side for hot-on-hot paving.Similarly, it may be sufficient to consider only the leading edge K2 as a vibration-triggering element to prevent entry into the still-too-hot part of the road surface 9 between the screed 7 and the rolling guide area 15. The position of the compactor 5 allows for the determination of the rolling distance already traveled W1 and the remaining rolling distance W2.

[0029] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an asphalt paving system 1 comprising a paver 3 and a compactor 5 in the form of a roller compactor. The paver 3 is equipped with an electronic data processing system 17 and a transmitter 19 for processing and exchanging data with the compactor 5. The compactor 5 has a receiver 21 and an electronic data processing system 23. The transmitter 19 can also function as a receiver, and the receiver 21 can also function as a transmitter, enabling bidirectional data exchange. The receiver 21 of the compactor 5 can simultaneously receive a GNSS signal for position determination. Alternatively, a separate receiver can be provided for this purpose. A main drive switch 25, located on an operator's platform 26 of the compactor 5, controls movement and can, for example, operate like a joystick to control forward, reverse, and lateral movement.

[0030] In addition to the temperature sensor 13, which measures the temperature of the installed road surface layer 9, another sensor 27 is attached to the screed 7, which measures the temperature of the uninstalled paving material 29. The calculation of the rolling target area 15 can also be carried out using an external electronic data processing system 31. This data processing system 31 can be integrated into the data communication between the paver 3 and the compactor 5, or it can replace direct communication between the paver 3 and the compactor 5. A display 32 can be provided on the compactor 5, particularly at the operator station 26, which shows information about the rolling target area 15, the position of the compactor 5, and / or the rolling distance already traveled W1 and the remaining rolling distance W2, or other useful information.

[0031] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a main drive switch 25 comprising an operating lever 33 and a base housing 35. The partial sectional view reveals the vibration unit 37, which is configured to cause the main drive switch 25 and / or the operating lever 33 to vibrate noticeably. The vibration unit 37 is controlled by the electronic data processing system 23 of the compressor 5. The vibration unit 37 can be an integral component of the main drive switch 25 during its manufacture, but it can also be designed as a retrofit version suitable for subsequent installation.

[0032] Figure 4Figure 39 shows a schematic representation of a temperature image 39 of a road surface 9. The temperature image 39 depicts the temperature distribution of the road surface 9, for which temperature lines 41 are shown, indicating lines of equal temperature, similar to a height profile. Such a temperature image 39 can, in particular, also mark areas of equal temperature with a uniform color, as is known from representations using a thermal imaging camera. It should be noted here that the data basis is relevant and that the representation is only relevant when displayed, for example, on the display 32 of the compressor 5. The temperature image 39 can be generated with the sensor 13 of the road paver 3, e.g., an infrared camera.However, it is also possible to detect and record only individual points along a line parallel to the direction of travel F, neglecting temperature differences in the transverse direction perpendicular to it, so that the temperature of the road surface 9 is essentially characterized by temperature lines orthogonal to the direction of travel F and parallel to each other.

[0033] Based on the embodiments of the invention described above, numerous variations are possible. All relevant calculations and data processing steps can be performed by the data processing system 17 of the paver 3, the data processing system 23 of the compactor 5, or the external data processing system 31. Data updates can be limited to the data that are expected to change, for example, excluding the lateral edges K3 and K4 of the rolling pre-field 15 or updating them at a lower frequency. All sensors, in particular the temperature sensors 13, 27, can be located on the construction machines 3, 5, but can also be external, for example, in the form of a mobile thermal imaging camera or a laser measuring device, which can be mounted on tripods next to the road surface 9 and equipped with GNSS receivers.

Claims

1. Method of paving a road surface (9) by a road paver (3) and a compactor (5), comprising paving a road surface (9) by means of a paving screed (7) of the road paver (3), defining a target rolling field (15) by means of an electronic data processing system (17, 23, 31) on the basis of a temperature image (39) generated by means of simulation calculation, determining a speed and a compression power of the compactor (5) as well as a relative position of the compactor (5) in relation to the target rolling field (15), as operating parameters of the compactor (5), generating a vibration of a main driving switch (25) of the compactor (5), depending on the relative position of the compactor (5) to the target rolling field (15), and depending on the determined speed and / or the determined compression power, wherein a vibration pattern varies depending on the type of operating parameter, relative position, speed and compression power.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination of the relative position of the compactor (5) is performed by detecting a GNSS signal and / or by determining a distance (A1, A2) of the compactor (5) to the road paver (3).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the target rolling field (15) is defined by means of an electronic data processing system (17) on the road paver (3) or an external electronic data processing system (31) and is transmitted to the compactor (5).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the target rolling field (15) is determined on the basis of a temperature image (39) of the paved road surface (9) determined by one or a plurality of sensors (13).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the measured or calculated temperature image (39) is compared with stored temperature data to determine the target rolling field (15).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temperature of the paving material (29) is measured by means of a sensor (27) before the paving material (29) is paved by the paving screed (7) of the road paver (3).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that data representing the target rolling field (15) are periodically updated on the compactor (5).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vibration of the main driving switch (25) comprises several vibration patterns and / or intensities which are generated depending on the relative position of the compactor (5) to the target rolling field (15).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that optical information on the position of the compactor (5) and / or on a remaining rolling distance (W2) and / or on a rolling distance (W1) already covered is displayed by means of a display (32) arranged on the compactor (5).

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or a plurality of operating states of the compactor (5), in particular a drive speed, are automatically controlled as a function of the relative position of the compactor (5) to the target rolling field (15).

11. An asphalt paving system (1) comprising a road paver (3) and a compactor (5), the road paver (3) comprising a paving screed (7) configured to pave a road surface (9), the road paver (3) further comprising a temperature sensor (13) configured to measure a temperature of the paved road surface (9) and an electronic data processing system (17) configured to determine a target rolling field (15), and a transmitter (19) configured to transmit the data of the target rolling field (15) to the compactor (5), the compactor (5) comprising a receiver (21) for receiving the data and a main driving switch (25), characterized in that the main driving switch (25) of the compactor (5) comprises a vibration unit (37) configured to be driven based on the data of the target rolling field (15), and be driven depending on a determined relative position of the compactor (5) in relation to the target rolling field (15) as well as on a determined speed and / or determined compression power of the compactor (5), wherein a vibration pattern of the main driving switch (25) varies depending on the type of operating parameter, speed, position, compression power, wherein the electronic data processing system (17) is configured to defining the target rolling field (15) on the basis of a temperature image (39) generated by means of simulation calculation.

12. Asphalt paving system according to claim 11, characterized in that the compactor (5) comprises an electronic data processing system (23) configured to process the data of the target rolling field (15) and to send control signals to the vibration unit (37) of the main driving switch (25).

13. A compactor (5) for compressing a road surface (9), comprising an electronic data processing system (23) which is configured to defining a target rolling field (15), an operator station (26), and an main driving switch (25), characterized in that the main driving switch (25) comprises a vibration unit (37) configured to vibrate in response to signals received from the data processing system (23) based on the data of the target rolling field (15), wherein the electronic data processing system (23) is configured to defining a target rolling field (15) on the basis of a temperature image (39) generated by means of simulation calculation and is configured to send control signals to the vibration unit (37) of the main driving switch (25), so that the vibration of the main driving switch (25) of the compactor (5) is generated depending on a determined relative position of the compactor (5) in relation to the target rolling field (15) as well as a determined speed and / or a determined compression power of the compactor (5), wherein a vibration pattern varies depending on the type of operating parameter of the compactor (5), relative position, speed and compression power.