Autonomous construction machine with bi-directional charging system

Abstract

A construction machine includes a propulsion system for operating the construction machine. The construction machine further includes a battery system comprising bi-directional charging circuit; the battery system configured to provide power to an external electric device. The construction machine further includes an automation controller for autonomous operation of the propulsion system to move the construction machine to the external electric device.

Description

Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0011AUTONOMOUS CONSTRUCTION MACHINE WITH BIDIRECTIONAL CHARGING SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates generally to construction machines. In particular aspects, the disclosure relates to autonomous construction machines with bi-directional charging systems. The disclosure can be applied to heavy-duty machines, equipment, and / or vehicles, such as trench compactors, excavators, and / or material transports, among other machine types. Although the disclosure may be described with respect to a particular machine, the disclosure is not restricted to any particular machine.BACKGROUND

[0002] As battery-powered vehicles and equipment become more prevalent on construction sites and in other industrial applications, the need for power delivery solutions increases. Existing charging solutions include taking electric machines from the jobsite to a power source or moving or installing a dedicated power source to the jobsite. These dedicated power sources have traditionally only provided power and have no other functionality on the jobsite. Thus, there is a need for more versatile and efficient power delivery solutions for these and other applications.SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, construction machine includes a propulsion system for operating the construction machine, a battery system comprising bidirectional charging circuit; the battery system configured to provide power to an external electric device, and an automation controller for autonomous operation of the propulsion system to move the construction machine to the external electric device. The first aspect of the disclosure may seek to allow the construction machine to be utilized for charging functionality when the primary function of the construction machine is not in use. A technical benefit may include increasing providing power to external devices using machinery that would otherwise be unused.Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0012

[0004] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the propulsion system comprises at least one electric motor, and the battery system is further configured to provide power to the at least one electric motor.

[0005] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the propulsion system comprises at least one hydraulic motor.

[0006] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the construction machine further includes an external power connector configured to provide power to an external electric device when the external electric device is coupled to the external power connector.

[0007] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the autonomous controller is configured to: determine a location of an external electric device; autonomously operate the propulsion system to move the construction machine to a location proximate the external electric device; and provide power to the external electric device when the external electric device is coupled to the bi-directional charging circuit.

[0008] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the autonomous controller is further configured to wirelessly receive a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the automation controller, and the determination of the location of the external electric device and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system are performed in response to receipt of the charging instruction.

[0009] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the charging instruction further comprises location information indicative of the location of the external electric device.

[0010] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the construction machine further includes wireless control circuit comprising a radio frequency receiver circuit for receiving radio instructions, and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system is performed in response to the received radio instructions.

[0011] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the construction machine further includes a trench compactor system for compacting a substrate.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a method of operating a construction machine includes determining, by an automation controller of a construction machine, a location of an external electric device; autonomously operating a propulsion system of the construction machine to move the construction machine to a location proximateDocket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0013the external electric device; and in response to connection of the external electric device to a bi-directional charging circuit of a battery system of the construction machine, provide power to the external electric device. The second aspect of the disclosure may seek to allow the construction machine to be utilized for charging functionality when the primary function of the construction machine is not in use. A technical benefit may include increasing providing power to external devices using machinery that would otherwise be unused.

[0013] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the propulsion system comprises at least one electric motor, the method further comprising providing, by the battery system, power to at least one electric motor.

[0014] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the propulsion system comprises at least one hydraulic motor.

[0015] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the method further includes connecting the external electric device to the bi-directional charging circuit of the battery system of the construction machine.

[0016] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the method further includes wirelessly receiving a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the construction machine, wherein the determination of the location of the external electric device and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system are performed in response to receipt of the charging instruction.

[0017] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the charging instruction further comprises location information indicative of the location of the external electric device.

[0018] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the wireless control circuit comprises a radio frequency receiver circuit for receiving radio instructions, and wherein the autonomous operation of the propulsion system is performed in response to the received radio instructions.

[0019] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the method further includes comprising compacting a substrate via a trench compacting system of the construction machine.

[0020] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by a processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to perform the method.Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0014

[0021] According to a third aspect of the disclosure an automation controller for a construction machine includes a processor circuit and a memory coupled to the processor circuit. The memory includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to determine a location of an external electric device; autonomously operate a propulsion system of the construction machine to move the construction machine to a location proximate the external electric device; and, in response to connection of the external electric device to a bi-directional charging circuit of a battery system of the construction machine, provide power to the external electric device. The third aspect of the disclosure may seek to allow the construction machine to be utilized for charging functionality when the primary function of the construction machine is not in use. A technical benefit may include increasing providing power to external devices using machinery that would otherwise be unused.

[0022] Optionally in some examples, including in at least one preferred example, the instructions further cause the processor circuit to: wirelessly receive a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the construction machine, wherein the determination of the location of the external electric device and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system are performed in response to receipt of the charging instruction.

[0023] The disclosed aspects, examples (including any preferred examples), and / or accompanying claims may be suitably combined with each other as would be apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art. Additional features and advantages are disclosed in the following description, claims, and drawings, and in part will be readily apparent therefrom to those skilled in the art or recognized by practicing the disclosure as described herein.

[0024] There are also disclosed herein computer systems, control units, code modules, computer-implemented methods, computer readable media, and computer program products associated with the above discussed technical benefits.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Examples are described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings.

[0026] FIGS. 1A and IB are views of an exemplary autonomous trench compactor having a bi-directional charging system, according to an example.Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0015

[0027] FIGS. 2A-2C are views of a jobsite utilizing the autonomous trench compactor of FIG. 1 for autonomously travelling to other electric equipment for providing charging for the other electric equipment.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of operations of an exemplary method to operate an autonomous construction machine according to an example.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system for implementing examples disclosed herein, according to an example.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the disclosed technology with sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0031] As discussed above, there is a need for more versatile and efficient power delivery solutions for electric construction machines and equipment. In this regard, autonomous construction machines, such as trench compactors, having on-board energy storage and bidirectional charging capability may be employed to autonomously move around a jobsite to locations proximate other electrical equipment that may require power. One advantage of using a trench compactor as a potential platform is its small size and higher mobility compared to other vehicles and / or mobile equipment on a jobsite, such as heavy trucks, excavators, etc. Trench compactors and other smaller, more- specialized machines may also be used relatively infrequently for their primary function, resulting in a high proportion of downtime for these types of machines.

[0032] By incorporating autonomous control and bi-directional electrical charging capabilities, trench compactors and other small, specialized machines, can be repurposed during this downtime to autonomously move around a jobsite to provide a mobile power source for other electrical equipment. In this regard, FIGS. 1A and IB illustrate an exemplary autonomous trench compactor 100 having a bi-directional charging system 102 according to an example. It should be understood, however, that any number of autonomous construction machines may be used.

[0033] The trench compactor 100 in this example includes a propulsion system 102 for operating the trench compactor 100, including a motor 104. For example, the motor 104 may be a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, or other type of motor, as desired. In this example,Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0016the trench compactor may also include an internal combustion engine (ICE) 105 and / or a hydraulic system 106 for some functions or as a backup power system for the machine, as desired.

[0034] The trench compactor 100 in this example further includes a battery system 108 configured to provide power to the electric motor 104, and further including a bi-directional charging circuit 110 for providing power to an external electric device, which may be coupled to the bi-directional charging circuit 110 via an external power connector 112.

[0035] The trench compactor 100 in this example further includes an automation controller 114 for autonomous operation of the propulsion system 102 to move the trench compactor 100, e.g., to the external electric device. In this example, the automation controller 114 is a computing device that includes a processor circuit 116 and a memory 118 storing instructions for execution by the processor circuit 116 and for control of various components and functions of the trench compactor 100. In this manner, the automation controller 114 of the trench compactor 100 may be configured to determine a location of the external electric device, autonomously operate the propulsion system 102 to move the trench compactor 100 to a location proximate the external electric device, and, in response to connection of the external electric device to the bi-directional charging circuit 110, provide power to the external electric device.

[0036] The automation controller 114 in this example may further include a wireless control circuit 120 to wirelessly receive a charging instruction, which may include location information indicative of the location of the external electric device, and which may instruct the automation controller 114 to determine the location of the external electric device and / or autonomously operate the propulsion system 102. In some examples, the controller 114 may be connected to an external wireless control circuit 120, as a standalone component or as part of another component, for example, as desired. The wireless control circuit 120 may include a radio frequency receiver circuit 122 for receiving the instructions as radio instructions. But it should be understood that other types of wireless communication may be used, such as infrared (IR) for example. The automation controller 114 may further include and / or be connected to one or more sensors, e.g., for detecting location, obstacles, other machines, etc., as desired.

[0037] Additional features of the trench compactor 100 may include one or more input devices 124, which may be used to manually control operation of the trench compactor 110Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0017and components such as the bi-directional charging circuit 110. For example, in some embodiments, after the arrival of the trench compactor 100 at a location proximate to the external electrical device, a worker may manually connect the external electrical device to the external power connector 112, and may manually activate power delivery by the battery system 108 to the external electrical equipment.

[0038] In this example, the trench compactor 100 further includes a trench compactor system 126 for compacting a substrate, which is the primary function of the trench compactor 100 in this embodiment. The trench compactor system 126 may be operated by the electric motor 104 and / or by the internal combustion engine 105 and / or hydraulic system 106, as desired.

[0039] FIG. IB is a simplified view of the trench compactor 100 of FIG. 1 A, according to an example. In this view, the propulsion system 102, the battery system 108, and the automation controller 114 are illustrated.

[0040] FIGS. 2A-2C are views of a jobsite 326 utilizing the autonomous trench compactor 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B for autonomously travelling to other electric equipment 228 for providing charging for the other electric equipment 228. As shown by FIG. 2 A, the trench compactor 100 may be located at a first compactor location 230 on the jobsite 226, and various electrical equipment 228 may be located at different equipment locations 232 around the jobsite 226.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2B, the wireless control circuit 240 of the trench compactor 100 may receive a radio instruction 242 that may include a charging instruction 244 instructing the trench compactor 100 to travel to a first external electrical equipment 229 that is in need of charging. The radio instruction 242 may further include location information 246 indicative of a first equipment location 233 for the first external electrical equipment 229 and / or a proximate location 248 that is proximate the first equipment location 233.

[0042] In this example, a site controller 242, which may be another computing device, may transmit the radio instruction 236 or other instruction to the trench compactor 100. Alternatively or in addition, the radio instruction 236 or other instruction may be transmitted by the first external electrical equipment 229 and / or by another equipment or device.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2C, in response to the charging instruction 244, the trench compactor 100 autonomously travels to the proximate location 248, where the first external electrical equipment 229 can be connected to the bi-directional charging circuit 110 of theDocket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0018battery system 108, e.g., by coupling a charging cable 250 to the external power connector of the battery system 108.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of operations 300 of an exemplary method to operate an autonomous construction machine, such as the trench compactor 100 of FIGS. 1A-2C for example, according to an example. The operations 300 may include determining, by an automation controller of a construction machine, a location of an external electric device (Block 302). For example, determining the location may be performed in response to wirelessly receiving a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the construction machine.

[0045] The operations 300 may further include autonomously operating a propulsion system of the construction machine to move the construction machine to a location proximate the external electric device (Block 304). In some examples, operating the propulsion system may include providing, by the battery system, power to at least one electric motor. For example, operating the propulsion system may also be performed in response to wirelessly receiving the charging instruction via the wireless control circuit of the construction machine.

[0046] The operations 300 may further include, in response to connection of the external electric device to a bi-directional charging circuit of a battery system of the construction machine, provide power to the external electric device (Block 306).

[0047] The operations 300 may further optionally include connecting the external electric device to the bi-directional charging circuit of the battery system of the construction machine (Block 308).

[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system for implementing examples disclosed herein, according to an example. The computer system 400 is adapted to execute instructions from a computer-readable medium to perform these and / or any of the functions or processing described herein. The computer system 400 may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a LAN (Local Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), automotive network communication protocol (e.g., FlexRay), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet. While only a single device is illustrated, the computer system 400 may include any collection of devices that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Accordingly, any reference in the disclosure and / or claims to a computer system, computing system, computer device, computing device, control system, control unit, electronic controlDocket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0019unit (ECU), processor device, processing circuitry, etc., includes reference to one or more such devices to individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. For example, control system may include a single control unit or a plurality of control units connected or otherwise communicatively coupled to each other, such that any performed function may be distributed between the control units as desired. Further, such devices may communicate with each other or other devices by various system architectures, such as directly or via a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, etc.

[0049] The computer system 400 may comprise at least one computing device or electronic device capable of including firmware, hardware, and / or executing software instructions to implement the functionality described herein. The computer system 400 may include processing circuitry 402 (e.g., processing circuitry including one or more processor devices or control units), a memory 404, and a system bus 406. The computer system 400 may include at least one computing device having the processing circuitry 402. The system bus 406 provides an interface for system components including, but not limited to, the memory 404 and the processing circuitry 402. The processing circuitry 402 may include any number of hardware components for conducting data or signal processing or for executing computer code stored in memory 404. The processing circuitry 402 may, for example, include a general-purpose processor, an application specific processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a circuit containing processing components, a group of distributed processing components, a group of distributed computers configured for processing, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The processing circuitry 402 may further include computer executable code that controls operation of the programmable device.

[0050] The system bus 406 may be any of several types of bus structures that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and / or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The memory 404 may be one or more devices for storing data and / or computer code for completing or facilitating methods described herein. The memory 404 may include database components, object code components, script components, or other types of information structure for supporting theDocket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W00110various activities herein. Any distributed or local memory device may be utilized with the systems and methods of this description. The memory 404 may be communicably connected to the processing circuitry 402 (e.g., via a circuit or any other wired, wireless, or network connection) and may include computer code for executing one or more processes described herein. The memory 404 may include non-volatile memory 408 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.), and volatile memory 410 (e.g., randomaccess memory (RAM)), or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a computer or other machine with processing circuitry 402. A basic input / output system (BIOS) 412 may be stored in the non-volatile memory 408 and can include the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the computer system 400.

[0051] The computer system 400 may further include or be coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium such as the storage device 414, which may comprise, for example, an internal or external hard disk drive (HDD) (e.g., enhanced integrated drive electronics (EIDE) or serial advanced technology attachment (SATA)), HDD (e.g., EIDE or SATA) for storage, flash memory, or the like. The storage device 414 and other drives associated with computer-readable media and computer-usable media may provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and the like.

[0052] Computer-code which is hard or soft coded may be provided in the form of one or more modules. The module(s) can be implemented as software and / or hard-coded in circuitry to implement the functionality described herein in whole or in part. The modules may be stored in the storage device 414 and / or in the volatile memory 410, which may include an operating system 416 and / or one or more program modules 418. All or a portion of the examples disclosed herein may be implemented as a computer program 420 stored on a transitory or non-transitory computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium (e.g., single medium or multiple media), such as the storage device 414, which includes complex programming instructions (e.g., complex computer-readable program code) to cause the processing circuitry 402 to carry out actions described herein. Thus, the computer-readable program code of the computer program 420 can comprise software instructions for implementing the functionality of the examples described herein when executed by theDocket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W00111processing circuitry 402. In some examples, the storage device 414 may be a computer program product (e.g., readable storage medium) storing the computer program 420 thereon, where at least a portion of a computer program 420 may be loadable (e.g., into a processor) for implementing the functionality of the examples described herein when executed by the processing circuitry 402. The processing circuitry 402 may serve as a controller or control system for the computer system 400 that is to implement the functionality described herein.

[0053] The computer system 400 may include an input device interface 422 configured to receive input and selections to be communicated to the computer system 400 when executing instructions, such as from a keyboard, mouse, touch-sensitive surface, etc. Such input devices may be connected to the processing circuitry 402 through the input deviceinterface 422 coupled to the system bus 406 but can be connected through other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 1394 serial port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an IR interface, and the like. The computer system 400 may include an output device interface 424 configured to forward output, such as to a display, a video display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 400 may include a communications interface 426 suitable for communicating with a network as appropriate or desired.

[0054] The operational actions described in any of the exemplary aspects herein are described to provide examples and discussion. The actions may be performed by hardware components, may be embodied in machine-executable instructions to cause a processor to perform the actions, or may be performed by a combination of hardware and software.Although a specific order of method actions may be shown or described, the order of the actions may differ. In addition, two or more actions may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence.

[0055] Further examples may include:

[0056] Example 1. A construction machine comprising:

[0057] a propulsion system for operating the construction machine;

[0058] a battery system comprising bi-directional charging circuit; the battery system configured to provide power to an external electric device; and

[0059] an automation controller for autonomous operation of the propulsion system to move the construction machine to the external electric device.Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W00112

[0060] Example 2. The construction machine of example 1, wherein the propulsion system comprises at least one electric motor, and

[0061] wherein the battery system is further configured to provide power to the at least one electric motor.

[0062] Example 3. The construction machine of any of examples 1 and 2, wherein the propulsion system comprises at least one hydraulic motor.

[0063] Example 4. The construction machine of any preceding example, further comprising an external power connector configured to provide power to an external electric device when the external electric device is coupled to the external power connector.

[0064] Example 5. The construction machine of any preceding example, wherein the autonomous controller is configured to:

[0065] determine a location of an external electric device;

[0066] autonomously operate the propulsion system to move the construction machine to a location proximate the external electric device; and

[0067] provide power to the external electric device when the external electric device is coupled to the bi-directional charging circuit.

[0068] Example 6. The construction machine of example 5, wherein the autonomous controller is further configured to wirelessly receive a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the automation controller,

[0069] wherein the determination of the location of the external electric device and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system are performed in response to receipt of the charging instruction.

[0070] Example 7. The construction machine of example 6, wherein the charging instruction further comprises location information indicative of the location of the external electric device.

[0071] Example 8. The construction machine of example 1, further comprising a wireless control circuit comprising a radio frequency receiver circuit for receiving radio instructions, and

[0072] wherein the autonomous operation of the propulsion system is performed in response to the received radio instructions.

[0073] Example 9. The construction machine of any preceding example, further comprising a trench compactor system for compacting a substrate.Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W00113

[0074] Example 10. A method of operating a construction machine comprising:

[0075] determining, by an automation controller of a construction machine, a location of an external electric device;

[0076] autonomously operating a propulsion system of the construction machine to move the construction machine to a location proximate the external electric device; and

[0077] in response to connection of the external electric device to a bi-directional charging circuit of a battery system of the construction machine, provide power to the external electric device.

[0078] Example 11. The method of example 10, wherein the propulsion system comprises at least one electric motor, the method further comprising providing, by the battery system, power to at least one electric motor.

[0079] Example 12. The method of any of examples 10 and 11, wherein the propulsion system comprises at least one hydraulic motor.

[0080] Example 13. The method of any of examples 10-12, further comprising connecting the external electric device to the bi-directional charging circuit of the battery system of the construction machine.

[0081] Example 14. The method of any of examples 10-13, further comprising wirelessly receiving a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the construction machine, wherein the determination of the location of the external electric device and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system are performed in response to receipt of the charging instruction.

[0082] Example 15. The method of example 14, wherein the charging instruction further comprises location information indicative of the location of the external electric device.

[0083] Example 16. The method of any of examples 14 and 15, wherein the wireless control circuit comprises a radio frequency receiver circuit for receiving radio instructions, and

[0084] wherein the autonomous operation of the propulsion system is performed in response to the received radio instructions.

[0085] Example 17. The method of any of examples 10-16, further comprising compacting a substrate via a trench compacting system of the construction machine.Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W00114

[0086] Example 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by a processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to perform the method of any of examples 10-17.

[0087] Example 19. An automation controller for a construction machine, the automation controller comprising:

[0088] a processor circuit; and

[0089] a memory coupled to the processor circuit, the memory comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to:

[0090] determine a location of an external electric device;

[0091] autonomously operate a propulsion system of the construction machine to move the construction machine to a location proximate the external electric device; and

[0092] in response to connection of the external electric device to a bi-directional charging circuit of a battery system of the construction machine, provide power to the external electric device.

[0093] Example 20. The automation controller of example 19, wherein the instructions further cause the processor circuit to:

[0094] wirelessly receive a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the construction machine, wherein the determination of the location of the external electric device and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system are performed in response to receipt of the charging instruction.

[0095] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0096] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W00115These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0097] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0098] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0099] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W00116ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A construction machine comprising:a propulsion system for operating the construction machine;a battery system comprising bi-directional charging circuit; the battery system configured to provide power to an external electric device; andan automation controller for autonomous operation of the propulsion system to move the construction machine to the external electric device.

2. The construction machine of claim 1, wherein the propulsion system comprises at least one electric motor, andwherein the battery system is further configured to provide power to the at least one electric motor.

3. The construction machine of any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the propulsion system comprises at least one hydraulic motor.

4. The construction machine of any preceding claim, further comprising an external power connector configured to provide power to an external electric device when the external electric device is coupled to the external power connector.

5. The construction machine of any preceding claim, wherein the autonomous controller is configured to:determine a location of an external electric device;autonomously operate the propulsion system to move the construction machine to a location proximate the external electric device; andprovide power to the external electric device when the external electric device is coupled to the bi-directional charging circuit.Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W001176. The construction machine of claim 5, wherein the autonomous controller is further configured to wirelessly receive a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the automation controller,wherein the determination of the location of the external electric device and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system are performed in response to receipt of the charging instruction.

7. The construction machine of claim 6, wherein the charging instruction further comprises location information indicative of the location of the external electric device.

8. The construction machine of claim 1, further comprising a wireless control circuit comprising a radio frequency receiver circuit for receiving radio instructions, and wherein the autonomous operation of the propulsion system is performed in response to the received radio instructions.

9. The construction machine of any preceding claim, further comprising a trench compactor system for compacting a substrate.

10. A method of operating a construction machine comprising: determining, by an automation controller of a construction machine, a location of an external electric device;autonomously operating a propulsion system of the construction machine to move the construction machine to a location proximate the external electric device; andin response to connection of the external electric device to a bi-directional charging circuit of a battery system of the construction machine, provide power to the external electric device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the propulsion system comprises at least one electric motor, the method further comprising providing, by the battery system, power to at least one electric motor.Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W0011812. The method of any of claims 10 and 11, wherein the propulsion system comprises at least one hydraulic motor.

13. The method of any of claims 10-12, further comprising connecting the external electric device to the bi-directional charging circuit of the battery system of the construction machine.

14. The method of any of claims 10-13, further comprising wirelessly receiving a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the construction machine, wherein the determination of the location of the external electric device and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system are performed in response to receipt of the charging instruction.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the charging instruction further comprises location information indicative of the location of the external electric device.

16. The method of any of claims 14 and 15, wherein the wireless control circuit comprises a radio frequency receiver circuit for receiving radio instructions, and wherein the autonomous operation of the propulsion system is performed in response to the received radio instructions.

17. The method of any of claims 10-16, further comprising compacting a substrate via a trench compacting system of the construction machine.

18. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by a processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to perform the method of any of claims 10-17.

19. An automation controller for a construction machine, the automation controller comprising:a processor circuit; anda memory coupled to the processor circuit, the memory comprising machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to:Docket No.: P2023-1272W001 / 1200-231272W00119determine a location of an external electric device;autonomously operate a propulsion system of the construction machine to move the construction machine to a location proximate the external electric device; andin response to connection of the external electric device to a bi-directional charging circuit of a battery system of the construction machine, provide power to the external electric device.

20. The automation controller of claim 19, wherein the instructions further cause the processor circuit to:wirelessly receive a charging instruction via a wireless control circuit of the construction machine, wherein the determination of the location of the external electric device and the autonomous operation of the propulsion system are performed in response to receipt of the charging instruction.

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