Road construction machine with photovoltaic system

Abstract

SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a road construction machine (1). The road construction machine (1) is in the form of a road finishing machine (2) or a charger vehicle (30) for conveying a laying material (B, B') to the road finishing machine (2), is self-propelled, and includes a travel drive unit (3, 3'), a material bunker (7, 7'), and a driver stand (5, 5'). The road construction machine (1) includes a photovoltaic system (12, 12'). The photovoltaic system (12, 12') includes at least one photovoltaic module (13, 13') for generating electric current (S, S'), a power storage system (25, 25'), and a charge controller (26, 26').SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a road construction machine in the form of a road finisher or a charger vehicle for a road finisher.

Background Art

[0002] Road finishers are used to pave land, roads, and streets with paving materials such as concrete, asphalt (bitumen) mixture, or asphalt. Such road finishers usually have a material bunker for storing a certain amount of paving material. When it is desired to increase the storage capacity, a charger is arranged in front of the working direction of the road finisher. This charger includes an additional material bunker and conveyor means for conveying the paving material from the material bunker of the charger to the material bunker of the road finisher.

[0003] Road construction machines consume a significant amount of energy. The power grid in conventional road construction machines with internal combustion engines is usually powered by generators driven by expensive fossil energy carriers. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the operating costs of road construction machines.

[0004] Automobiles having solar modules are known, for example, from EP1110779A1 and EP0685363A1.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a road construction machine in the form of a road finisher or a charger vehicle for a road finisher that can be operated at low cost.

[0006] This object is achieved by the features described in claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] The road construction machine according to the present invention is provided in the form of a road finishing machine or a charger vehicle for transporting laying materials to a road finishing machine. The road construction machine is self-propelled and includes a drive unit, a material bunker, and a driver's cab. The road construction machine includes a photovoltaic power generation system, which includes at least one solar cell module for generating electric current, a power storage system, and a charge controller.

[0008] The advantages of the road construction machinery according to the present invention are that energy costs are reduced by obtaining energy from a solar power generation system. Another advantage is that environmental pollution is reduced due to lower CO2 emissions. Yet another advantage is that power can be supplied to the electrical load off-grid when the road construction machinery is switched off.

[0009] A photovoltaic power generation system can be a technological system for converting solar energy into electrical energy or solar power. A photovoltaic power generation system can generate 500 kWh to 2000 kWh of solar power per year. The width of the solar cell module can be, for example, 100 mm to 1000 mm. The length of the solar cell module can be, for example, 200 mm to 2000 mm. A photovoltaic power generation system may include at least one voltage converter. A solar cell module may include, for example, 10 to 100 solar cells. A solar cell module may be rigid so as not to bend. A solar cell module may be bendable and may be bent. A solar cell module may include at least one protective layer. A solar cell module can be mounted between two plates or protective layers. The protective layer may be a glass layer, i.e., tempered glass (ESG), or a transparent plastic layer of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). A solar cell module may be frameless. A solar cell module may include a frame to facilitate assembly. A solar cell module may include a rigid rack. Adjacent solar cell modules may be connected to each other by fastening means. Adjacent solar modules can be shifted relative to each other via groove-spring connections. Solar modules can be engaged with road construction machinery by fastening means and / or pillar systems. Solar modules can include at least one outlet (electrical outlet). Solar modules can include at least one cable wiring. Charge controllers and accumulators can be incorporated into solar modules. Voltage converters can be incorporated into solar modules.

[0010] Road construction machinery may include asphalt crushers or rollers.

[0011] The solar cell modules may be detachably or permanently fixed to parts of road construction machinery. Non-detachable fixing of the solar cell modules can be achieved by welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, riveting, press-fitting, or shrink-fitting. Parts of road construction machinery can be partially or completely replaced with solar cell modules.

[0012] In one advantageous embodiment, a cab roof having a roof body is positioned on the cab, and the solar cell modules of a photovoltaic system are preferably detachably fixed to the roof body, or the roof body is at least partially embodied by the solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system. The cab roof can provide an optimal surface for the solar cell modules to perpendicularly incident sunlight. By detachably mounting the solar cell modules, it becomes possible to easily replace or completely remove the solar cell modules again. By incorporating the solar cell modules into the roof body, or by replacing the roof body, theft prevention can be achieved. Furthermore, the roof body can be made tighter and more compact, resulting in better weather resistance. At least one of the multiple solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system can be permanently fixed to the cab roof. Non-removable fixing of the solar cell modules can be achieved by welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, riveting, or by press-fitting or shrink-fitting.

[0013] In one advantageous embodiment, the cab roof includes an extension module. The extension module is positioned on the roof body so as to be shiftable and / or rotatable from a stowed position to an extended position, preferably so as to be shiftable and / or rotatable relative to the roof body. The solar cell modules of a photovoltaic system are preferably detachably attached to the extension module, or the extension module is at least partially embodied by the solar cell modules of a photovoltaic system. This allows the width of the cab roof to be extended laterally with respect to the direction of travel, and / or the length of the cab roof to be extended along the direction of travel. This provides a wide shaded and rain-sheltered area for road construction workers. Also, since the main module and the extension module each include solar cell modules, extending the cab roof can generate more current. In the stowed position, the solar cell modules can be protected from external conditions. The width and / or length of the cab roof can be extended basically horizontally. The width and / or length of the cab roof can be extended, for example, by twice or about five times. The extension module can be attached to the main module using screws, connectors, clamps, knuckles, articulated arms, belts, racks, or rails. The expansion module can be positioned below and / or above the main roof structure. The expansion module can function as an awning (sunshade, rain cover). By making the solar modules removable, they can be easily replaced or completely removed again. Theft prevention can be achieved by integrating the solar modules into the expansion module or by replacing the expansion module with solar modules.

[0014] In one advantageous embodiment, the solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system are preferably detachably fixed to the outer wall of the material bunker. This allows for optimal utilization of the covering surface of the road construction machinery to obtain electrical energy. Detachable mounting of the solar cell modules allows for easy replacement or complete removal of the solar cell modules. At least one of the (multiple) solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system may be permanently fixed to the material bunker. Non-detachable fixing of the solar cell modules can be achieved by welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, riveting, or press-fit and shrink-fit.

[0015] In one advantageous embodiment, the solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system are preferably detachably fixed to the outer wall of the engine cowling. This allows for optimal utilization of the road construction machine's cover to obtain electrical energy. Removably mounting the solar cell modules makes it possible to easily replace or completely remove them again. At least one of the (multiple) solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system may be permanently fixed to the engine cowling. Non-removable fixing of the solar cell modules can be achieved by welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, riveting, or press-fit and shrink-fit.

[0016] In one advantageous embodiment, the road construction machine has a screed, embodied in the form of a road finishing machine, and the solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system are preferably detachably fixed to the basic screed body of the screed. This allows for optimal utilization of the multiple covers of the road construction machine to obtain electrical energy. By detachably mounting the solar cell modules, it becomes possible to easily replace or completely remove the solar cell modules again. At least one of the (multiple) solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system may be permanently fixed to the screed. Non-detachable fixing of the solar cell modules can be achieved by welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, riveting, or press-fit and shrink-fit.

[0017] In one advantageous embodiment, the solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system are fixed to at least one pull-out section located on the base screed body, allowing them to shift from a retracted position to an extended position. This allows the photovoltaic system to have a larger area for generating current in the extended position. In the retracted position, the solar cell modules can be protected from external conditions.

[0018] In one advantageous embodiment, the solar cell modules of the photovoltaic system are preferably detachably attached to at least one screed extension that is fixed to the base screed body or a lead-out section. This allows the photovoltaic system to have a larger area for generating current.

[0019] In one advantageous embodiment, the solar cell module is a removable foil. The foil can be bonded during road construction work. The foil can be removed after road construction work or for maintenance or cleaning work.

[0020] In one advantageous embodiment, the solar cell module has a wheel that is non-removably fixed to a road construction machine. The non-removable fixing of the solar cell module can be achieved by welding, soldering, adhesive bonding, riveting, or press-fit and shrink-fit.

[0021] In one advantageous embodiment, at least one electrical load and / or power grid of the road finishing machine is configured to be supplied with current generated by the road construction machine, which takes the form of a charger vehicle. The electrical load may be a cooling system. The cooling system may be used to cool a battery or other electrical load. The electrical load may be a battery. The electrical load may be a heating unit. The heating unit may be used to heat the screed of the road finishing machine. The electrical load may be a control panel. The electrical load may be a projector for the road finishing machine, designed to project at least one process parameter set on the control panel and / or displayed on a display onto at least one projection area. The electrical load may be a GPS unit. The electrical load may be a telematics terminal for a telematics system. The telematics system can record information on location, speed, fuel consumption, and engine efficiency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even if the road construction machine is stopped for a relatively long period of time with the onboard battery depleted, the telematics terminal can function by being supplied with solar power. The electrical load may be a light. The lights may be marking lights used during nighttime construction work to indicate access areas for road construction machinery to workers or to show areas that should not be stepped on. The electrical load may be a mobile unit. By being powered by solar energy, the electrical load can function without additional batteries or power from the road finishing machine's vehicle battery or generator.

[0022] In one advantageous embodiment, at least one electrical load and / or power grid of the charger vehicle is configured to be supplied with current generated by road construction machinery in the form of a road finishing machine. The electrical load may be a cooling system. The cooling system may be used to cool a battery or other electrical load. The electrical load may be a battery. The electrical load may be a heating unit. The heating unit may be used to heat the material bunker of the road finishing machine. The heating unit may be used to heat the transport system of the road construction machine. The electrical load may be a GPS unit. The electrical load may be a telematics terminal for a telematics system. The telematics system can record information on location, speed, fuel consumption, and engine efficiency 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even if the road construction machine is stopped for a relatively long period of time with the onboard battery depleted, the telematics terminal can function by being supplied with solar power. The electrical load may be a light. The light may be a marking light to indicate to workers the access area of ​​the road construction machine or areas that should not be stepped on during nighttime construction work. The electrical load can be a mobile unit. By powering it with solar energy, the electrical load can function without the need for additional batteries or power from the road finishing machine's vehicle battery or generator.

[0023] In one advantageous embodiment, at least one of the multiple solar cell modules of a photovoltaic system is positioned to be rotatable and / or shiftable relative to a part of a road construction machine. In another advantageous embodiment, at least one of the multiple solar cell modules of a photovoltaic system is positioned to be tiltable relative to a part of a road construction machine. This allows for an optimal setting of the tilt of the solar cell module relative to that part of the road construction machine in order to obtain electrical energy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing a road construction machine in the form of a road finishing machine equipped with a solar power generation system. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view of a road finishing machine. [Figure 3] It is a schematic partial plan view of the screed of a road finishing machine. [Figure 4] It is a schematic partial plan view of the screed of a road finishing machine. [Figure 5] It is a schematic perspective view showing a road construction machine in the form of a charger vehicle having a solar power generation system. [Figure 6] It is a schematic perspective view of a charger vehicle.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a road construction machine 1 which is a road finishing machine 2 for forming a paving layer ES, seen obliquely from the rear. The road finishing machine 2 is self-propelled. The road finishing machine 2 includes a traveling drive device 3, a chassis 4, an operator's cab 5, an operator's cab roof 6, a work unit such as a material bunker 7 for receiving a paving material B, a screed 8 which is attached to the chassis 4 so as to be height-adjustable and is towed in the traveling direction R, and a conveyor unit 9 for supplying the paving material B from the material bunker 7 of the road finishing machine 2 to the screed 8. The road finishing machine 2 includes an engine room cowling 10 and further components. The operator's cab roof 6 is provided so as to cover the operator's cab 5 and is supported by a pillar structure 11. The pillar structure 11 is foldable.

[0027] The road finishing machine 2 has a solar power generation system 12 having a plurality of solar cell modules 13. In one embodiment, the first solar cell module 13a is fixed to the first outer wall 14 of the material bunker 7. In one embodiment, the solar cell module 13a can be rotatably attached to a fastening member T between a first position P and a second position P' so that the tilt angle α of the solar cell module 13a can be adjusted toward the sun. A solar cell module (not shown) can also be fixed to a second outer wall (not shown).

[0028] The second and third solar cell modules 13b and 13c are fixed onto two cover plates 15a and 15b of the basic screed body 16 of the screed 8. The fourth solar cell module 13d is attached to the engine room cowling 10. In embodiments not shown, the tilt angle α of the solar cell modules 13b, 13c, and 13d is also adjustable.

[0029] The fifth solar cell module 13e is fixed to the roof body 17 of the driver's cab roof 6. In this embodiment, the roof body 17 is a resin plate. It is also possible to completely replace the roof body 17 with the fifth solar cell module 13e and fix the fifth solar cell module 13e directly to the pillar structure 11.

[0030] The cab roof 6 has a first width B1 and / or a first length L1. The first width B1 and / or first length L1 of the cab roof 6 can be extended to provide a wide shaded and rain-sheltered area for workers and to extend the first cover surface A of the photovoltaic power generation system 12. (The cover surface A corresponds to the entire surface of the photovoltaic power generation modules of the installed photovoltaic power generation system 12 that is visible from the outside). For this purpose, the cab roof 6 has two extension modules E1 and E2, such as awnings, which are arranged on the roof body 17 so as to be expandable laterally. In Figure 1, the extension modules E1 and E2 are in a storage position 18, which is stored below the roof body 17.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the expansion modules E1 and E2 of the cab roof 6 in the expanded position 19. Here, the cab roof 6 has a second width B2 which is greater than the first width B1. Expansion module E1 has a sixth solar cell module 13f. Expansion module E2 has a seventh solar cell module 13g. The photovoltaic power generation system 12 has an expanded cover surface A' when expansion modules E1 and E2 are in their expanded position 19. In the retracted position 18, the solar cell modules 13f and 13g are protected from external conditions.

[0032] The first length L1 of the cab roof 6 is extendable along the direction of travel R, that is, extendable by an extension module E3 having a solar cell module 13 which is arranged to be extendable along the direction of travel R.

[0033] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the screed 8, in which two extension sections 21a and 21b are positioned in their retracted position 22 and are arranged laterally movable on the basic screed body 16. Second and third solar cell modules 13b and 13c are fixed on two cover plates 15a and 15b of the basic screed body 16 of the screed 8. The laying width EB of the screed 8 can be changed laterally with respect to the direction of travel R of the road finishing machine 2 to ensure different laying widths. For this purpose, the extension sections 21a and 21b can be extended from their retracted position 22 to an extended position 23.

[0034] Figure 4 shows the extension sections 21a and 21b, which are extended laterally with respect to the direction of travel R and are in the extended position 23. The extension sections 21a and 21b have solar cell modules 13h and 13i that are exposed to sunlight and generate an electric current S in their extended position 23. In the retracted position 22, the solar cell modules 13h and 13i are protected from external conditions.

[0035] To further widen the laying width EB' of the screed 8, screed extensions 24a and 24b can be fixed to the pull-out sections 21a and 21b. The screed extensions 24a and 24b may also have solar cell modules 13j and 13k.

[0036] The photovoltaic power generation system 12 includes a power storage (energy storage) system 25 (see Figure 1). The photovoltaic power generation system 12 further includes a charge controller 26 for protecting the power storage system 25 from overcharging. Solar cell modules 13a to 13k may be connected to the charge controller 26, which is connected to the power storage system 25, via cable wiring (not shown).

[0037] The road finishing machine 2 may have multiple electrical loads 27 to which a current S generated by a solar power generation system 12 is supplied. An electrical load 27 may be a telematics module 27a. A power load 27 may be a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit 27b. An electrical load EV may be a cooling system 27c for cooling the vehicle battery 27d. An electrical load 27 may be a light 27e for illuminating the access area 28 of the road finishing machine 2, especially at night at construction sites. An electrical load 27 may be a heating unit 27f. The heating unit 27f may be used to heat the screed 8. The current S obtained from the solar power generation system 12 can be supplied to the power grid 29 of the road finishing machine 2.

[0038] Figure 5 is a perspective view of road construction machine 1, which is a charger vehicle for road finishing machine 2, from a diagonal rearward angle. The charger vehicle 30 is self-propelled and includes a drive unit 3', a chassis 4', a cab 5', a cab roof 6', a material bunker 7' for receiving laying material B', and a conveyor device 9' for transporting laying material B from the material bunker 7' of the charger vehicle 30 to the material bunker 7 of the road finishing machine 2. The charger vehicle 30 includes an engine room cowling 10'. The cab roof 6' is provided to cover the cab 5' and is supported by a pillar structure 11'. The pillar structure 11' is foldable.

[0039] The charger vehicle 30 has a photovoltaic system 12' having a plurality of solar cell modules 13'. In one embodiment, the first solar cell module 13a' is fixed to the first outer wall 14' of the material bunker 7'. In one embodiment, the solar cell module 13a' is attached to a fastening member T' so as to be rotatable between a first position P and a second position P' so as to be able to adjust the tilt angle α' of the solar cell module 13a' toward the sun. A solar cell module (not shown) may also be fixed to a second outer wall (not shown). The second solar cell module 13b' is attached to the engine room cowling 10'. In embodiments not shown, the tilt angle α of the solar cell module 13b' is also adjustable.

[0040] The third solar cell module 13c' is fixed to the roof body 17' of the driver's cab roof 6'. In this embodiment, the roof body 17' is a resin plate. It is also possible to completely replace the roof body 17' with the third solar cell module 13c' and fix the third solar cell module 13c' directly to the pillar structure 11'.

[0041] The cab roof 6' has a first width B1' and / or a first length L1'. The first width B1' and / or first length L1' of the cab roof 6' can be extended to provide a wide shaded and rain-sheltered area for workers and to extend the first cover surface A'' of the photovoltaic system 12. (The cover surface A'' corresponds to the entire surface of the photovoltaic modules of the installed photovoltaic system 12 that is visible from the outside). For this purpose, the cab roof 6' has two extension modules E1', E2', such as awnings, which are arranged in the roof body 17' so as to be expandable laterally. In Figure 5, the extension modules E1', E2' are in a storage position 18' where they are stored below the roof body 17'.

[0042] Figure 6 shows the expansion modules E1' and E2' of the cab roof 6' in the expanded position 19'. Expansion module E1' has a fourth solar cell module 13d'. Expansion module E2' has a fifth solar cell module 13e'.

[0043] Here, the cab roof 6' has a second width B2' which is greater than the first width B1'. The photovoltaic system 12' has an extended cover surface A''' when the extended modules E1', E2' are in their extended position 19'. In the retracted position 18', the solar modules 13d', 13e' are protected from external conditions.

[0044] The first length L1' of the cab roof 6' is extendable along the direction of travel R', i.e., extendable by an extension module E3' having a solar cell module and arranged to be extendable along the direction of travel R'.

[0045] The photovoltaic power generation system 12' has a power storage (energy storage) system 25'. The photovoltaic power generation system 12' further includes a charge controller 26' for protecting the power storage system 25' from overcharging. The solar cell modules 13a'~e' may be connected to the charge controller 26' which is connected to the power storage system 25' via cable wiring (not shown).

[0046] The charger vehicle 30 may have a number of electrical loads 27' to which a current S' generated by the photovoltaic system 12' is supplied. The electrical loads 27' may be a telematics module 27a'. The electrical loads 27' may be a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit 27b'. The electrical loads 27' may be a cooling system 27c' for cooling the vehicle battery 27d'. The electrical loads 27' may be lights 27e' for illuminating the access area 28 of the road finishing machine 2, especially at night at construction sites. The electrical loads 27' may be a heating unit 27f'. The heating unit 27f' can be used to heat the material bunker 7' or the conveyor unit 9'. The current S' obtained from the photovoltaic system 12' can be supplied to the power grid 29' of the charger vehicle 30.

[0047] Furthermore, during road construction work, the charger vehicle 30 can be positioned in front of the road finishing machine 2 in the direction of travel R' to transport the laying material B' from the material bunker 7' of the charger vehicle 30 to the material bunker 7 of the road finishing machine 2. In this case, the current S' obtained from the solar power generation system of the charger vehicle 30 can be supplied to the power grid 29 of the road finishing machine 2, or the current S obtained from the solar power generation system 12 of the road finishing machine 2 can be supplied to the power grid 29' of the charger vehicle 30.

Claims

1. A road construction machine (1) in the form of a road finishing machine (2) or in the form of a charger vehicle (30) for transporting laying material (B, B') to the road finishing machine (2), being self-propelled and comprising a travel drive (3, 3'), a material bunker (7, 7') and a driver's cab (5, 5'), a solar power generation system (12, 12'), The road construction machine, characterized in that the solar power generation system (12, 12') includes at least one solar cell module (13, 13') for generating a current (S, S'), a power storage system (25, 25'), and a charge controller (26, 26').

2. 2. The road construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a cab roof (6, 6') having a roof body (17, 17') is arranged on the cab (5, 5'), and that photovoltaic modules (13e, 13e') of the photovoltaic power generation system (12, 12') are fixed to the roof body (17, 17'), preferably detachably, or that the roof body (17, 17') is at least partially embodied by the photovoltaic modules (13e, 13c') of the photovoltaic power generation system (12, 12').

3. 3. A road construction machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the cab roof (6, 6') comprises extension modules (E1, E2, E1', E2') which are arranged on the roof body (17, 17') in a shiftable and / or rotatable manner from a retracted position (18, 18') to an extended position (19, 19'), preferably in a shiftable and / or rotatable manner with respect to the roof body (17, 17'), or the extension modules (13e, 13e') are at least partly embodied by photovoltaic modules (13f, 13g, 13d', 13e') of the photovoltaic power generation system (12, 12').

4. 2. The road construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the solar cell modules (13a, 13a') of the solar power generation system (12, 12') are preferably detachably fixed to the outer wall (14, 14') of the material bunker (7, 7').

5. 2. The road construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the solar cell modules (13d, 13b') of the solar power generation system (12, 12') are preferably detachably fixed to the engine cowling (10, 10') of the road construction machine (1).

6. 2. The road construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the road construction machine (1) is embodied in the form of the road finishing machine (2) and has a screed (8), and the solar cell modules (13b, 13c) of the solar power generation system (12) are preferably detachably fixed to a basic screed body (16) of the screed (8).

7. 7. The road construction machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the solar cell modules (13h, 13i) of the solar power generation system (12) are preferably detachably fixed to at least one drawer (21a, 21b) arranged on the basic screed body (16) so as to be shiftable from a storage position (18) to an extended position (19).

8. 8. The road construction machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the solar cell modules (13j, 13k) of the photovoltaic power generation system (12) are preferably detachably fastened to at least one screed extension (24a, 24b) fixed to the basic screed body (16) or the drawer section (21a, 21b).

9. 2. A road construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one electrical load (27) and / or a power grid (29) of the road finishing machine (2) is configured to be supplied with the current (S') generated by the road construction machine (1) in the form of the charger vehicle (30).

10. 2. A road construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one power grid (29') and / or electrical loads (27') of a charger vehicle (30) are configured to be supplied with an electric current (S) generated by the road construction machine (1) in the form of the road finisher (2).

11. 2. The road construction machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the solar cell modules (13, 13') of the solar power generation system (12, 12') is arranged rotatably and / or shiftably relative to a part (4, 4', 6, 6', 7, 7', 8, 10, 10') of the road construction machine.

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