Utilization time increasing of road construction machine

Abstract

To increase operation scope or service life of a road construction machine.SOLUTION: A road construction machine includes a chassis for moving the road construction machine, a main drive device for driving the chassis, a primary storage unit for supplying electrical energy or an energy medium to the main drive device, a material hopper, and a material hopper inserter (14, 14a) for receiving paving materials. The material hopper inserter (14, 14a) is removably mounted in the material hopper. The material hopper inserter (14, 14a) has at least one secondary storage unit (15, 15a) for driving the chassis and / or supplying electrical energy or an energy medium to the main drive device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a road building machine equipped with a material hopper insert with a secondary storage unit, a method for changing a material hopper insert with a secondary storage unit in a road building machine, and a method for operating a road building machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Road construction machines are generally known from the prior art. These can be, for example, road pavers for forming paving layers from paving material or feeder vehicles for supplying paving material to the road pavers.

[0003] Conventional road construction machines typically use diesel fuel as an energy source. The chemical energy of the diesel fuel is converted into mechanical energy via a diesel engine, which is used to operate actuators. The actuators typically perform rotary or linear motion. The road construction machine then utilizes these motions to perform tasks and subtasks. For road pavers, this can be, for example, traveling, steering, conveying material, distributing material, leveling, and compacting material. For feeder vehicles, this can be, for example, traveling, steering, and conveying material. Rotary motion is implemented, for example, using hydraulic motors, and linear motion is implemented, for example, using hydraulic cylinders. For heating the road paver's screed, the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy via a generator, which is then converted into heat. A drawback of this drive mechanism is the use of fossil fuels (e.g., diesel fuel) and the associated exhaust emissions.

[0004] It is also known from the prior art that road construction machines can be electrically powered. However, a problem with electrified road construction machines is the short operating range of the road construction machine. Current road construction machines with diesel tanks are typically designed to operate for a maximum of 10 hours on one fuel tank and thus achieve a certain operating range. This assumes a high availability rate for the road construction machine. When an energy storage device, such as a battery, e.g., an accumulator, is used as the energy source and electric drive train in an electrified road construction machine, a fairly large and heavy energy storage device must be used to achieve a similar operating range because the energy density of the accumulator is low compared to the energy density of diesel fuel. This is only achievable within a limited range unless the size of the road construction machine is significantly increased, resulting in a significant reduction in the working time or amount of work that can be performed by an electrically powered road construction machine. Due to the short operating range of an electrified road construction machine with a battery as an energy source, the battery must be replaced or recharged at least once. Alternatively, a road construction machine with a depleted battery must be driven away from the construction site so that another road construction machine with a charged battery can take its place, resulting in short or long interruptions at the construction site. Interruptions at the construction site not only have a negative impact on the energy efficiency of the road construction machine (e.g., the screed and material conveyors need to be reheated after an interruption), but also on the pavement quality, as they can cause start marks, material segregation, a drop in mix temperature, compaction problems, and even cooling and solidification of the pavement material inside the road construction machine. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Based on the known prior art, the technical problem to be solved is to provide a road building machine which eliminates or at least reduces the above-mentioned drawbacks. Ideally, the operating range or service life of the road building machine should be increased. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a road building machine according to claim 1, a method for changing a material hopper insert with a secondary storage unit in a road building machine according to claim 14, or a method for operating a road building machine according to claim 16. Advantageous further embodiments of the invention are encompassed by the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a road construction machine is provided. The road construction machine includes a chassis for moving the road construction machine, a main drive unit for driving the chassis, a primary storage unit for supplying electrical energy or an energy medium to the main drive unit, a material hopper, and a material hopper insert for receiving paving material. The material hopper insert is removably attached to the material hopper. The material hopper insert has at least one secondary storage unit for driving the chassis and / or for supplying electrical energy or an energy medium to the main drive unit. This can extend the operating time and range of a road construction machine, particularly a self-propelled road construction machine. Even if the road construction machine runs out of energy or energy medium, it can prevent the road construction operation, particularly the formation of a paving layer from being stopped. Ideally, this can improve the paving quality of the paving layer, or at least ensure a substantially constant paving quality during the formation of the paving layer. Because paving units of the road construction machine, such as the screed and material conveyor, need to be reheated after an interruption, the present invention can optionally improve the energy efficiency of the road construction machine.

[0008] The chassis can be a wheeled or crawler chassis. A wheeled chassis can have a number of drive wheels, which allow the road building machine to move. A crawler chassis can have at least one drive crawler, which allows the road building machine to move.

[0009] The main drive for driving the chassis can be provided anywhere on the road construction machine, preferably near the chassis, in particular detachably. The main drive can be designed to drive the chassis so that the chassis moves the road construction machine in one travel direction. To drive the chassis, the main drive and the chassis can be mechanically connected to each other.

[0010] The primary storage unit can be preferably detachably provided at any location on the road construction machine, particularly detachably provided near the main drive. The primary storage unit can be suitable for storing electrical energy or an energy medium. The primary storage unit can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the main drive for supplying the main drive with electrical energy or an energy medium. The primary storage unit can be a battery, particularly a rechargeable battery, for example an accumulator (battery). Optionally, the primary storage unit can be a tank for storing an energy medium, for example a fossil fuel or a non-fossil fuel.

[0011] The chassis, the primary drive unit, the secondary drive unit described below, the primary storage unit, and / or the secondary storage unit may be communicatively connected.

[0012] The road construction machine may include a control system. The control system may be communicatively connected to the chassis, the main drive, the secondary drive, the primary storage unit, and / or the secondary storage unit. The control system may be configured to control and monitor the drive and movement of the road construction machine. For example, the control system may be configured to monitor the state of charge or fill level of the primary storage unit and / or the secondary storage unit of the road construction machine. The control system may further be configured to control and monitor the transfer of electrical energy or an energy medium from the primary storage unit and / or the secondary storage unit to the main drive and / or the secondary drive of the road construction machine for driving the road construction machine.

[0013] The material hopper insert can be removably mounted to the material hopper by a fastening device. The fastening device can be, for example, a screw-type or clamp-type device. This can facilitate attaching, detaching, and replacing the material hopper insert, for example, for maintenance or cleaning purposes. In particular, this can facilitate replacing the secondary storage unit, for example, replacing an empty secondary storage unit with a filled secondary storage unit. Optionally, the material hopper insert can be transported separately from the material hopper, facilitating transportation of the material hopper insert, for example, by truck.

[0014] Preferably, the main drive is an electric motor, especially with a fuel cell, or a combustion engine. The main drive can depend on the type, location, and / or duration of use of the road construction machine. An electric motor, especially with a fuel cell, allows the road construction machine to operate without directly emitting pollutants. Ideally, the road construction machine can be operated at a low noise level. This can be particularly advantageous when the amount of noise or pollutants emitted by the road construction machine is limited, for example when operating in or near urban areas. Compared to road construction machines driven by electric motors, a combustion engine can allow the road construction machine to be operated relatively economically over long distances. This can be particularly advantageous when there are no requirements regarding noise or pollutant limitations, or when the road construction machine is to be operated over long distances without interruption.

[0015] The secondary storage unit can be mounted anywhere on the material hopper insert, preferably removably, and can be mechanically and / or electrically connected to the main drive for supplying the main drive with electrical energy or an energy medium.

[0016] Preferably, the secondary storage unit comprises an additional battery, in particular with a battery management system, for storing electrical energy for the primary drive, thereby allowing for easy supply of electrical energy to the primary drive, in particular to the electric motor. In particular, the additional battery can be rechargeable. For example, the battery can be an additional accumulator. The additional battery can be electrically connected to the primary drive for supplying electrical energy to the primary drive. Optionally, the additional battery can be electrically connected to the secondary drive for supplying electrical energy to the secondary drive.

[0017] Preferably, the secondary storage unit comprises an additional tank for storing an energy medium, in particular in liquid or gas form, for the primary drive. The additional tank can be mechanically connected to the primary drive for supplying the primary drive with the energy medium. Optionally, the additional tank can be mechanically connected to the secondary drive for supplying the secondary drive with the energy medium.

[0018] Preferably, the energy carrier is hydrogen and / or ammonia and / or fossil fuel and / or synthetic fuel. This allows the road construction machine to be supplied with conventional energy carriers at low cost. The energy carrier may depend on the type of the primary drive and / or secondary drive.

[0019] Preferably, the additional tank is designed for compressed hydrogen storage or for storage of chemically bound hydrogen, in particular bound as LOHC or ammonia. Optionally, the secondary storage unit can be equipped with an electrolyzer for releasing hydrogen, in particular bound as LOHC or ammonia.

[0020] Preferably, the secondary storage unit has a secondary drive for driving the chassis of the road construction machine. This allows the road construction machine to be operated with the primary drive and / or the secondary drive. That is, the chassis can be driven by at least one of the secondary drive and the primary drive. The secondary drive can be, for example, an electric motor or a combustion engine, and in particular one having a generator for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The secondary drive can be provided at any location in the secondary storage unit. By providing a secondary drive in addition to the primary drive, the reliability of the road construction machine can be increased. For example, the secondary drive can drive the chassis of the road construction machine when operation with the primary drive is not possible, for example, when the primary drive has failed. Optionally, the secondary drive can drive the chassis in addition to the primary drive, for example, when the driving force of the primary drive is insufficient to move the road construction machine. This allows reliable operation of the road construction machine. Optionally, the secondary drive can be electrically connected to the primary storage unit. For example, the secondary drive can be a combustion engine with a generator, and the secondary storage unit can be an energy storage tank. The combustion engine uses energy provided by the secondary storage unit to generate mechanical energy. The generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy and sends it to the primary storage unit in the form of a rechargeable battery, which then supplies the electrical energy to the road construction machine.

[0021] Preferably, the material hopper insert has a base opening and a plurality of side walls adjacent thereto, wherein at least one side wall is inclined relative to the base opening, particularly the base opening surface, and the upper edge of the inclined side wall is located outside the base opening, particularly the base opening surface, particularly in a plan view, and wherein the secondary storage unit is disposed below the inclined side wall. The side wall may particularly have a bottom edge opposite the upper edge. The base opening, particularly the base opening area, may be formed by the lower edge of the side wall. The upper opening surface may extend between the upper edges. The material hopper insert may be, for example, funnel-shaped, particularly such that the upper opening area is larger than the bottom opening area. This allows the material hopper insert to be easily and uniformly filled with paving material. By disposing the secondary storage unit below the inclined side wall, it is possible to utilize the existing installation space in the material hopper. This allows for a very compact design of the road construction machine. The upper edge of the inclined side wall can extend, especially in a top view, parallel to the longitudinal extension of the road building machine, especially the direction of travel. The inclined side wall can, for example, be a lateral side wall of a material hopper insert. The secondary storage unit can be arranged below the lateral side wall. Optionally, the upper edge of the inclined side wall can extend, especially in a top view, perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the road building machine, especially the direction of travel. The inclined side wall can, for example, be a front or rear wall of a material hopper insert. The secondary storage unit can be arranged below the front or rear wall.

[0022] Preferably, the angle between the side wall and the plane of the base opening, in particular the base opening surface, is at least 100°, preferably at least 110°, and / or at most 135°, preferably at most 125°. In principle, this angle can be any suitable size. The size of the angle can depend on the material hopper, the material hopper insert, and / or the secondary storage unit. The size of the angle can be selected so that the paving material in the material hopper insert can slide easily and particularly evenly onto a conveyor unit of a road building machine arranged below the material hopper insert.

[0023] Preferably, the sloping sidewalls form a cover for the secondary storage unit, especially in a top view of the main bunker insert, thereby protecting the secondary storage unit from external influences, especially from damage, thereby increasing the service life of the secondary storage unit and ideally reducing repair / maintenance costs. The sloping sidewalls may at least partially, preferably completely, cover the secondary storage unit, especially in a top view.

[0024] Preferably, the material hopper insert has thermal insulation. This prevents the temperature of the paving material in the material hopper insert from changing significantly, particularly from cooling. Ideally, it is possible to ensure that the paving material in the material hopper insert has a minimum temperature, for example, of at least about 80°C. This improves further processing of the paving material. Ideally, it is possible to prevent the paving material from solidifying in the material hopper insert. Warm paving material can radiate some of its heat to the material hopper insert, heating it. The thermal insulation can be used to reduce the heat radiated by the material hopper insert to its surroundings and, in particular, to the secondary storage unit. This ensures that the secondary storage unit is not overheated by the heat radiated by the material hopper insert, and in the worst case, does not become too hot for operation. In particular, the thermal management system of the secondary storage unit, which controls its temperature during operation, can be compact and particularly energy-efficient. Optionally, the heating device for heating the paving screed and / or conveyor belt can be compact and particularly energy-efficient due to the thermal insulation. If the paving material does not cool below a minimum temperature, a reduction in the energy required by the heating device to keep the paving material warm for further processing can be achieved. The insulation can be attached at least partially or entirely to the material hopper insert, particularly to the outside of its side wall. The insulation can be, for example, an insulating mat or insulating foil, which can be particularly removably attached to the material hopper insert. Optionally, the insulation can be or is sprayed onto the material hopper insert as an insulating film, particularly permanently.

[0025] The material hopper insert can be equipped with at least one picking device for lifting the material hopper insert into or out of the material hopper. This can facilitate assembly and disassembly of the material hopper insert to or from the material hopper. Ideally, this allows for quick and easy replacement of the material hopper insert, for example, for maintenance or cleaning purposes. For example, the picking device can be designed as an eyelet that can be engaged by a lifting device, such as a crane hook, to move the material hopper insert.

[0026] Preferably, the secondary storage unit can be connected to the road construction machine, in particular to the main drive and / or the primary storage unit, via an interface for transmitting electrical energy or an energy medium. This can allow for a simple transmission of electrical energy or an energy medium. Via the interface, the road construction machine can be docked to the secondary storage unit or vice versa. Via the interface, the secondary storage unit can be mechanically or electrically connected to the road construction machine.

[0027] Preferably, the road construction machine is a road paver that forms a paving layer from paving material, or a feeder vehicle that supplies paving material to the road paver. This can extend the operating time and range of the road paver or feeder vehicle. It can avoid having to stop the road paver or feeder vehicle before the paving layer is completed, thereby interrupting the paving process. In particular, this can improve the paving quality of the paving layer, or at least ensure a substantially constant paving quality during the formation of the paving layer.

[0028] The main drive and / or the secondary storage unit can supply energy, particularly electrical energy, to at least one, particularly electrical, consumer of the road construction machine. This allows the chassis and consumer of the road construction machine to be driven together. Separate drives or energy storage units for the consumers are not required. This can contribute to a particularly compact and lightweight design of the road construction machine. In principle, the consumer can be any consumer required for the use of the road construction machine. In a road paver, the consumer can be, for example, an electrically operated lighting system, an electrically operated heating device, an electrically operated electro-hydraulic unit, an electrically operated longitudinal conveyor device, and / or an electrically operated lateral conveyor device. In a feeder vehicle, the consumer can be, for example, an electrically operated lighting system, an electrically operated conveyor device for the loaded material, and / or an electrically operated heating device of the feeder vehicle. The main drive and / or the secondary storage unit can be connected to a single consumer or to multiple consumers. Optionally, the consumer may be connected to at least one of the primary drive and the secondary storage unit.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for replacing a material hopper insert having a secondary storage unit in a road building machine. The method includes the steps of: releasing a first fastening device of a first material hopper insert from a material hopper of the road building machine; removing the first material hopper insert having the first secondary storage unit from the material hopper; inserting a second material hopper insert having a second secondary storage unit into the material hopper; and securing the second material hopper insert to the material hopper with the second fastening device. The first material hopper insert and the second material hopper insert can be identical or of different designs. The first secondary storage unit and the second secondary storage unit can be identical or of different designs.

[0030] Preferably, electrical energy or an energy medium can be transferred between the secondary storage unit and the road construction machine via an interface, wherein the connection between the first secondary storage unit and the road construction machine via the first interface is released before the first material hopper insert is removed from the material hopper, and / or wherein the connection between the second secondary storage unit and the road construction machine via the second interface is established after the second material hopper insert is attached to the material hopper.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a road construction machine, the method comprising the steps of: providing electrical energy or an energy medium via a primary storage unit of the road construction machine; supplying electrical energy or an energy medium to a main drive unit of the road construction machine via the primary storage unit; driving a chassis of the road construction machine via the main drive unit; and moving the road construction machine via the chassis. At least one secondary storage unit supplies electrical energy or an energy medium to the main drive unit and / or drives the chassis, wherein the secondary storage unit is provided in a material hopper insert that receives paving material. The material hopper insert is removably provided in a material hopper of the road construction machine.

[0032] The secondary storage unit can supply electrical energy or an energy medium to the main drive unit when the primary storage unit has finished supplying electrical energy or an energy medium to the main drive unit. For example, if the charge state of the primary storage unit is not sufficient to form a laying layer, when the primary storage unit reaches a minimum charge state, the secondary storage unit can supply energy or an energy medium to the main drive unit instead of the primary storage unit.

[0033] When the driving of the chassis by the primary drive unit is terminated, the secondary storage unit, in particular the secondary drive unit of the secondary storage unit, can drive the chassis. For example, the secondary drive unit can drive the chassis of the road construction machine when operation by the primary drive unit is not possible, for example when the primary drive unit has failed. For example, the control system of the road construction machine can monitor the operation of the primary drive unit and cause the secondary drive unit to drive the chassis when operation by the primary drive unit is not possible. Optionally, the operator of the road construction machine can manually stop operation of the primary drive unit and start operation of the secondary drive unit.

[0034] Features or instructions described with respect to one aspect of the invention (road building machine or method) may be transferred to and combined with other aspects, either individually or in any combination.

[0035] The invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a road construction machine in the form of a road paver according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a material hopper insert for a road paver according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the road paver. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic view from above of a road paver. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a road construction machine in the form of a feeder vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a material hopper insert for a feeder vehicle according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a road construction machine 1 in the form of a road paver 2 according to one embodiment. The road paver 2 is configured to form a paving layer PL from a paving material PM (asphalt mixture) (see Figure 4). The road paver 2 is self-propelled in a travel direction D.

[0038] The road paver 2 also has a chassis 4, an operator's platform 5 for the operator of the road paver 2, a driver's roof 6, and a material hopper 7. A material hopper insert 14 for holding paving material PM is provided in the material hopper 7 (see Figures 2 to 4). Furthermore, an adjustable paving screed 8 towed in the traveling direction D and a conveyor unit 9 with a conveyor belt 9a are attached to the chassis 4 so that the paving material PM is supplied from the material hopper insert 14 of the road paver 2 to the paving screed 8 by a lateral distribution device 10 of the road construction machine 1.

[0039] 1 also shows two exemplary electricity consumers 11 of the road paver 2. The first electricity consumer 11a is a lighting device that illuminates the surroundings or the control stand 5. The second electricity consumer 11b is a heating device that heats the paving screed 8. The paving screed 8 comprises components such as a compaction device (screed plate, tamper and pressure bar (not shown)). The paving material PM is compacted by the action of the compaction unit's own weight. To prevent adhesion of the paving material PM to the components of the paving screed 8, heating devices (not shown), usually electric heating devices, can be integrated into these components.

[0040] For movement in direction R, the road paver 2 has a wheeled chassis 12 with two drive wheels 12a. The road paver 2 also has a main drive 3 in the form of an electric motor 3a for driving the wheeled chassis 12. The electric motor 3a allows the road paver 2 to operate without directly emitting pollutants. Ideally, the road paver 2 can be operated with a low noise level. This is particularly advantageous when only limited levels of noise or pollutants are tolerated, for example when the road paver 2 is operated in or near built-up areas. The electric motor 3a is designed to drive the wheeled chassis 12 so that the wheeled chassis 12 moves the road paver 2 in the travel direction D. For this purpose, the electric motor 3a and the wheeled chassis 12 are mechanically connected to each other.

[0041] Furthermore, the electric motor 3a is electrically connected to a primary storage unit 17 for receiving electrical energy from the primary storage unit 17. For this purpose, the primary storage unit 17 is designed as a rechargeable accumulator 17a for storing electrical energy and supplying it to the electric motor 3a. The accumulator 17a is removably mounted in the road paver 2 near the electric motor 3a by means of a screw connection.

[0042] 2 to 4 show details of the material hopper insert 14. The material hopper insert 14 is used to store the paving material PM and is removably mounted in the material hopper 7. For this purpose, for example, four fastening devices 24 are provided in the form of screw connections, which are arranged on the outside of the side wall 19a of the material hopper insert 14 and connect the material hopper insert 14 to the material hopper 7 (see FIG. 4). This makes it easy to replace the material hopper insert 14, for example for maintenance or cleaning purposes.

[0043] 2, the material hopper insert 14 also has thermal insulation 22, which is completely adhered to the outside of all side walls 19, 19a of the material hopper insert 14 in the form of a thermal insulation film. This prevents the paving material PM in the material hopper insert 14 from changing temperature significantly, particularly from cooling and solidifying within the material hopper insert 14.

[0044] 3 and 4 show schematic front and top views of the road paver 2, and in particular the material hopper insert 14. The material hopper insert 14 has a bottom opening 21. The paving material PM in the material hopper insert 14 falls from the bottom opening 21 onto the conveyor belt 9a, which feeds it to the paving screed 8.

[0045] The bottom opening 21, particularly the bottom opening surface 21', is formed by four side walls 19, 19a, particularly their lower edges 19', 19a'. The side walls 19, 19a also have upper edges 19", 19a" that face the lower edges 19', 19a' and extend across the top opening surface 21". The top opening surface 21" is larger than the bottom opening surface 21', particularly when viewed from above. The opposing side walls 19 are inclined relative to the bottom opening 21 so that their upper edges 19" extend outside the bottom opening 21 in a plan view of the material hopper insert 14. An angle 29 between the side walls 19 and the plane of the base opening 21, particularly the base opening surface 21', is approximately 130°. Therefore, the material hopper insert 14 is funnel-shaped. This allows the material hopper insert 14 to be filled easily and uniformly with paving material PM.

[0046] To extend the operating range and operating time of the road paver 2, the road paver 2 also has one or two secondary storage units 15 of substantially identical structure (see FIG. 2). Each secondary storage unit 15 includes an additional accumulator 15' for storing electrical energy. Each secondary storage unit 15 is electrically connected to the electric motor 3a via an interface 25 to transmit electrical energy to the electric motor 3a. This makes it possible to supply electrical energy to the electric motor 3a via the secondary storage unit 15 in addition to or as an alternative to the supply via the primary storage unit 17. This increases the reliability of the road paver 2. For example, it is possible to supply energy to the electric motor 3a via the secondary storage unit 15 even if the charge state of the primary storage unit 17 is not sufficient to form the pavement layer PL. This eliminates the need to stop the road paver 2 before the pavement layer PL is completed, thereby interrupting the paving process. This improves the paving quality of the pavement layer PL in particular.

[0047] The secondary storage units 15 are removably mounted by means of a screw connection on the outside of the inclined side walls 19 of the material hopper insert 14, in particular on the insulating section 22. This means that the secondary storage units 15 are each arranged below the inclined side walls 19. This makes use of the available installation space and allows for a particularly compact design of the road paver 2.

[0048] In a top view of the material hopper insert 14, the sloping side walls 19 also form a cover for the secondary storage unit 15 (see Figures 3 and 4). The sloping side walls 19 completely cover the secondary storage unit 15. This protects the secondary storage unit 15 from external influences, in particular from damage. This increases the service life of the secondary storage unit 15 and, ideally, reduces repair / maintenance costs.

[0049] Furthermore, the primary storage unit 17 and the secondary storage unit 15 are each electrically connected to the electrical load 11 to supply energy to the same, which means that a separate energy storage unit is not required for the load 11. This contributes to a compact and lightweight design.

[0050] The road paver 2 is controlled via a control system 16 (see FIG. 1 ). The control system 16, the wheeled chassis 12, the electric motor 3a, the primary storage unit 17, the secondary storage unit 15, and the consumers 11 are communicatively connected to one another. The control system 16 monitors the energy requirements of the road paver 2. Furthermore, the control system 16 monitors the state of charge of the primary storage unit 17 and the secondary storage unit 15. If the control system 16 detects, for example, that the state of charge of the primary storage unit 17 is insufficient for the formation of the paving layer PL, the control system 16 causes the electric motor 3a to receive additional energy via the secondary storage unit 15. This allows the road paver 2 to be stopped before the paving layer PL is completed, thereby avoiding the need to interrupt the paving process.

[0051] 2-4 show the road paver 2 before and after the first material hopper insert 14 installed in the road paver 2 is replaced with the second material hopper insert 14a. The first material hopper insert 14 and the second material hopper insert 14a have substantially identical structures. Similarly, the first secondary storage unit 15 and the second secondary storage unit 15a have substantially identical structures. To replace the first material hopper insert 14, the first secondary storage unit 15 is first disconnected from the road paver 2 via the first interface 25. In a next step, the first fastening device 24 of the first material hopper insert 14 is manually disconnected from the material hopper 7. This has the advantage that no additional tools are required. In a next step, the first material hopper insert 14, and therefore the first secondary storage unit 15, is removed from the material hopper 7. Four picking devices 23 in the form of eyelets are attached to the two side walls 19a to lift the material hopper insert 14. A lifting device, such as a crane hook, engages the eyelets, thereby lifting the material hopper insert 14 from the material hopper 7. This facilitates removal of the material hopper insert 14 from the material hopper 7. In a next step, a second material hopper insert 14a is inserted into the material hopper 7. This is performed in the same way as the removal of the first material hopper insert 14, by a crane engaging the second material hopper insert 14a with four picking devices 23a. A second secondary storage unit 15a is provided on the second material hopper insert 14a, and therefore the second secondary storage unit 15a is placed in the material hopper 7 together with the second material hopper insert 14a. In a next step, the second material hopper insert 14a is fixed to the material hopper 7 by four second fastening devices 24a. In a next step, the second secondary storage unit 15a is connected to the road paver 2 via a second interface 25a. The second secondary storage unit 15 a is thereby mechanically connected to the electric motor 3 a for transmitting electrical energy to the electric motor 3 a and thereby driving the road paver 2 .

[0052] 5 shows a perspective view of a road construction machine 1 which is a feeder vehicle 18 for conveying paving material PM to a road paver 2 traveling behind it. The feeder vehicle 18 travels under its own power in a traveling direction D'.

[0053] The feeder vehicle 18 further comprises a chassis 104, a control stand 105, a driver's roof 106, a material hopper 107 having a material hopper insert 114 for receiving the paving material PM, and a conveyor unit 109 comprising a conveyor belt 109a for transporting the paving material PM from the material hopper insert 114 of the feeder vehicle 18 to the material hopper insert 114 of the road paver 2.

[0054] The feeder vehicle 18 further comprises two electricity consumers 111. The first electricity consumer 111a is a lighting device for illuminating the surroundings or the control stand 105. The second electricity consumer 111b is a heating device for heating the conveyor belt 109a.

[0055] A crawler chassis 112 is provided for moving the feeder vehicle 18. The crawler 112 has two drive crawlers 112a. The feeder vehicle 18 also has a main drive 103 in the form of a combustion engine 103a for driving the crawler chassis 112. Compared to operation with an electric motor, the combustion engine 103a allows the feeder vehicle 18 to be operated relatively economically over long distances. This is particularly advantageous where there are no requirements regarding noise or pollutant regulations, or where the feeder vehicle 18 is to be operated over long distances without interruption.

[0056] The combustion engine 103a is designed to drive the crawler chassis 112 so that the crawler chassis 112 moves the feeder vehicle 18 in the travel direction D'. To drive the crawler chassis 112, the combustion engine 103a and the crawler chassis 112 are mechanically connected to each other. The combustion engine 103a is also mechanically connected to a primary storage unit 117, which supplies it with an energy carrier in the form of diesel. For this purpose, the primary storage unit 117 is designed as a tank 117a for storing diesel. The primary storage unit 117 is detachably mounted on the feeder vehicle 18 near the combustion engine 103a by means of a screw connection.

[0057] 6 shows details of the material hopper insert 114. The material hopper insert 114 of the feeder vehicle 18 has substantially the same structure as the material hopper insert 14 of the road paver 2. Components of the material hopper insert 114 that correspond to those of the material hopper insert 14 are given the same reference numerals. Two secondary storage units 115 are provided in the material hopper insert 114 as well as in the material hopper insert 14.

[0058] In contrast to the secondary storage units 15 of the road paver 2, the secondary storage units 115 of the feeder vehicles 18 each have an additional tank 115b for storing diesel and a secondary drive 115c in the form of a combustion engine for driving the crawler chassis 112. For this purpose, the secondary drive 115c is mechanically connected to the crawler chassis 112 via an interface 125. Furthermore, an auxiliary tank 115b is mechanically connected to the secondary drive 115c for supplying the secondary drive 115c with diesel.

[0059] The feeder vehicle 18 is controlled via a control system 116 (see FIG. 5). The control system 116, the crawler chassis 112, the main drive 103, the primary storage unit 117, the secondary storage unit 115, i.e., the secondary drive 115c and the auxiliary tank 115b, and the consumer 111 are communicatively connected to one another.

[0060] The control system 116 monitors the energy demand of the feeder vehicle 18. Furthermore, the control system 116 monitors the fill level of the primary storage unit 117, i.e., tank 117a, and the fill level of the secondary storage unit 115, i.e., additional tank 115b. If the control system 116 determines, for example, that the energy generated by the main drive 103 is too low for the operation of the feeder vehicle 18, the control system 116 additionally drives the crawler chassis 112 via the two secondary drives 115c. This avoids the need to stop the feeder vehicle 18 before the paving layer PL is completed, thereby preventing an interruption of the paving process.

Claims

1. A road construction machine (1), a chassis (12, 112) for moving the road construction machine (1); a main drive unit (3, 103) for driving the chassis (12, 112); a primary storage unit (17, 117) for supplying electrical energy or an energy medium to the main drive (3, 103); Material hopper (7, 107) and a material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) for receiving paving material (PM); Equipped with The material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) is removably mounted on the material hopper (7, 107), the material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) comprises at least one secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) for driving the chassis (12, 112) and / or for supplying electrical energy or the energy medium to the main drive (3, 103); Road construction machinery (1).

2. 2. Road building machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the main drive (3, 103) is an electric motor (3a), in particular with a fuel cell, or a combustion engine (103a).

3. 3. Road building machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) comprises an auxiliary battery, in particular having a battery management system, for storing electrical energy for the main drive (3, 103).

4. 4. A road construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the energy medium is hydrogen and / or ammonia and / or fossil fuel and / or synthetic fuel.

5. 5. A road construction machine according to claim 1, wherein the secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) comprises an additional tank (115b) for storing an energy carrier, in particular a liquid or gaseous energy carrier, for the main drive (3, 103).

6. 6. Road building machine according to claim 5, wherein the additional tank (115b) is designed for high pressure hydrogen storage or for storage of hydrogen chemically bound, in particular as low oxygen hydrogen or ammonia.

7. A road construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) comprises a secondary drive (115c) for driving the chassis (12, 112).

8. The material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) has a bottom opening (21) and a plurality of side walls (19, 19a) adjacent thereto; At least one side wall (19) is inclined relative to the bottom opening (21), and an upper edge (19″) of the inclined side wall (19) is located outside the bottom opening (21); A road construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) is arranged below the inclined side wall (19).

9. 9. Road building machine according to claim 8, wherein the angle (29, 129) between the side wall (19) and the bottom opening (21) is at least 100°, preferably at least 110° and / or at most 135°, preferably at most 125°.

10. A road building machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined side wall (19) forms a cover for the secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a).

11. A road building machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) comprises a thermal insulation portion (22, 122).

12. 12. A road construction machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) is connectable to the road construction machine (1), in particular to the main drive (3, 103) and / or to the primary storage unit (17, 117) via an interface (25, 125, 25a) for transmitting electrical energy or the energy medium.

13. The road construction machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the road construction machine (1) is a road paver (2) that forms a paving layer (PL) from the paving material (PM), or a feeder vehicle (18) that supplies the paving material (PM) to the road paver (2).

14. 1. A method for replacing a material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) having a secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) in a road construction machine (1), comprising: Releasing a first fastening device (24) of a first material hopper insert (14, 114) from a material hopper (7, 107) of said road construction machine (1); removing the first material hopper insert (14, 114) having a first secondary storage unit (15, 115) from the material hopper (7, 107); inserting a second material hopper insert (14a) having a second secondary storage unit (15a) into the material hopper (7, 107); and securing said second material hopper insert (14a) to said material hopper (7, 107) with a second fastening device (24a); A method comprising:

15. Electrical energy or an energy medium can be transferred between the secondary storage unit (15, 15a) and the road construction machine (1) via an interface (25, 125, 25a), the connection between the first secondary storage unit (15, 115) and the road construction machine (1) via the first interface (25, 125) is released before removing the first material hopper insert (14, 114) from the material hopper (7, 107); and / or 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein after attaching the second material hopper insert (14a) to the material hopper (7, 107), a connection between the second secondary storage unit (15a) and the road construction machine (1) via a second interface (25a) is established.

16. A method for operating a road construction machine (1), comprising: providing electrical energy or an energy medium via a primary storage unit (17, 117) of said road construction machine (1); supplying electrical energy or said energy medium to a main drive (3, 103) of said road construction machine (1) via said primary storage unit (17, 117); driving the chassis (12, 112) of the road construction machine (1) via the main drive (3, 103); moving the road construction machine (1) via the chassis (12, 112); Including, at least one secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) supplies the main drive (3, 103) with electrical energy or an energy medium and / or the secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) drives the chassis (12, 112); The secondary storage unit (15, 115, 15a) is provided in a material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) for receiving paving material (PM); The material hopper insert (14, 114, 14a) is removably mounted in a material hopper (7, 107) of the road construction machine (1).

Images