Roll-off container with lid

Abstract

Roll-off container (100), with a container floor (10) and side walls defining a receiving area (22), a pivotable lid (20) attached to the top of a side wall (12, 14, 16, 18) and coupled to an electric motor drive (30) with which the lid (20) can be pivoted into an open or closed state, a solar module (24) mounted on the cover (20) which is electrically connected to an accumulator (42), the accumulator (42) being electrically connected to the drive (30), a control unit (44) which is connected to the drive (30) and the accumulator (42) for opening and closing the lid (20) and which can be operated manually via operating elements (46) arranged on the container or via a remote control.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a roll-off container, as it is usually used for the disposal of household or commercial waste, garden waste or construction rubble, but also for the transport of bulk and general cargo.

[0002] When loading roll-off containers, such as but not limited to a roll-off container in accordance with DIN 30722, a container that is open at the top or a container that is equipped with a pivoting lid is always loaded from above if the load requires this due to its size or because it is easier to handle.

[0003] When such a container is full, the lid is closed, as far as possible, for transport. This usually has to be done manually, requiring a person working on the container to exert considerable force, using a hydraulic unit operated by a hand crank or similar device, and it takes a relatively long time to first open and then close the heavy lid.

[0004] Containers are also known in which the lid can be opened or closed with an electrically driven hydraulic unit. However, this requires an accessible power supply on site to operate the electric drive. This can be provided, for example, by a power cable connected to a transport vehicle that picks up the container. While such an approach is certainly practical, it requires additional operator time each time the lid is operated.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to enable flexible, motorized lid operation of a roll-off container that is independent of external conditions and requires less labor. A further object is to improve a known roll-off container so that it can exchange information regarding relevant parameters, such as the fill level, with a remote mobile unit.

[0006] A roll-off container according to the invention comprises a container floor and a plurality of side walls which define a receiving area, a pivotable lid which is fastened to the top of a side wall and which is coupled to an electric motor drive with which the lid can be pivoted into an open or closed state, a solar module which is mounted on the lid and / or a side wall and is electrically connected to an accumulator, the accumulator being electrically connected to the drive, and a control unit which is connected to the drive, the accumulator and optionally the solar module for opening and closing the lid and which can be operated manually via operating elements arranged on the container or via a remote control.

[0007] The accumulator is preferably designed as a high-energy battery, e.g., a Li-ion battery, and provides the container with energy autonomy for several days or weeks, depending on how frequently energy-intensive actions such as opening or closing the lid are performed. Additional container functions, explained below, which are enabled by various sensors, or monitoring and lighting functions, require comparatively little energy.

[0008] The control system can also be configured to charge the battery via the solar module, provided the solar module itself does not already provide such functionality. The container is conveniently equipped with a power connection that allows both the container to be powered when the battery is discharged, e.g., via a suitable power cable from a waiting transport vehicle, and the battery to be charged from the power grid.

[0009] On the other hand, when the battery is fully charged, it is possible to supply power to another consumer via the power connection if required.

[0010] In one embodiment, the electric motor drive can be designed as a hydraulic drive or as an electromechanical drive, for example by means of a gear or rack.

[0011] Furthermore, the remote control can comprise a wireless operating unit, which can be equipped with a screen and with which the control unit can be controlled. In one embodiment, the remote control can be integrated into a towing vehicle that can accommodate the container, or it can be stored loosely, so that when the vehicle approaches, the container comes within signal range of the remote control and can be conveniently controlled from the vehicle. Alternatively, the remote control can be in the possession of a customer, who can then query data and initiate control processes near the container. The remote control can be connected to a user's mobile device (e.g. smartphone), which can be controlled via an app.

[0012] The controller can be programmed or coded so that it can only communicate with a specific, assigned or correspondingly coded control unit, thus establishing a clear association between a control unit and a container. Alternatively, of course, a control unit can be assigned to multiple containers, or conversely, a container can be assigned to multiple control units, provided that it is ensured that this does not result in unintentional operating errors.

[0013] The hydraulic drive can comprise one or more piston / cylinder units for opening and closing the pivoting cover, a hydraulic pump, and an electric motor coupled to the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump can be a piston pump or a dynamic rotary pump. For emergency use, the hydraulic pump can be manually operated.

[0014] Furthermore, a locking means for mechanically securing the lid in a fully or partially open state may be provided, wherein the locking means may be actuated and released by the control unit.

[0015] It can be provided that the pivoting lid is equipped with a resistance sensor which is connected to the control unit, whereby a signal can be sent to the control unit as soon as a predetermined closing resistance is detected when closing the lid, whereupon the closing can be interrupted and / or an optical and / or acoustic warning signal can be issued via a warning unit with which the roll-off container can be provided.

[0016] Irrespective of this, the roll-off container can be equipped with a warning unit for emitting a visual and / or acoustic warning signal and the control unit can be designed in such a way that a corresponding warning is triggered each time the lid is opened and closed in order to prevent accidents.

[0017] In addition, it can be provided that the receiving area is equipped with an optical monitoring device connected to the control unit, via which a signal can be sent to the control unit when a predetermined fill level in the container is reached.

[0018] This prevents accidents involving people working on the container, as well as damage to materials or objects, and damage to the container itself, especially in the case of particularly bulky waste or general cargo.

[0019] Furthermore, the roll-off container can be equipped with a humidity sensor connected to the control unit, which sends a signal to the control unit as soon as a predetermined level of humidity is detected in the receiving area and initiates closure of the pivoting lid.

[0020] For remote monitoring, the roll-off container can be provided with a camera system connected to the control unit for monitoring the recording area and / or the surroundings of the container, wherein an image signal of the camera system can be displayed by the wireless control unit or another mobile unit that is wirelessly connected to the control unit or that can be connected to it.

[0021] Advantageously, the receiving area can be equipped with a level sensor for liquid media, which sends a signal to the control unit when a certain level is reached or exceeded.

[0022] Alternatively, an image signal can be sent at the same time to avoid incorrect detection of the fill level due to bulky items or similar.

[0023] Preferably, the roll-off container is equipped with marking and / or exterior lighting, e.g. parking lights, which are connected to the control unit and can be time- or brightness-controlled or switched on or off as required.

[0024] Parking, marking and / or exterior lighting enables safe transport, loading and unloading and other operations carried out on a roll-off container, even in poor lighting conditions.

[0025] In addition, the recording area can be equipped with interior lighting that is connected to the control unit.

[0026] To support an automated transport process, the roll-off container can be equipped with a proximity sensor that is connected to the control unit and sends a signal to the control unit when a container transport vehicle approaches, which then initiates the closing of the lid.

[0027] Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to regularly send signals (e.g., via Bluetooth or radio) that can be received by the control unit of the assigned "correct" container when the control unit approaches the container within a certain distance. The control unit can then immediately initiate the lid closing process.

[0028] Furthermore, the roll-off container can be equipped with a visual signal that indicates whether the roll-off container is ready for use, in operation, or out of service or not ready for use.

[0029] For example, this can be done using a traffic light system, so that people working on the container always know what the current status is.

[0030] The container may be out of service or not ready for use if, for example, the battery is not charged or the power supply is not guaranteed.

[0031] Advantageously, the control unit can be configured for a mobile data connection with a mobile unit connectable to the control unit.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control unit on the roll-off container can be connected to a mobile network, for example by adding a SIM card, so that data about the roll-off container can be accessed remotely.

[0033] To enable the control unit to communicate with the wireless control unit, the control unit and the wireless control unit are equipped with common data transmission technologies, such as Bluetooth, radio or, if necessary, WLAN.

[0034] The invention is described below using an embodiment of the roll-off container, with reference to drawings in which Fig. 1 the roll-off container in a frontal view, Fig. 2 the roll-off container in a frontal view opposite to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 the roll-off container in a side view, Fig. 4 the roll-off container in a side view opposite to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 the pivoting lid of the roll-off container in a side view, Fig. 6 the pivoting lid Fig. 5 in a frontal view, Fig. 7 shows the pivoting lid in a plan view.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the roll-off container 100 in a front view.

[0036] The roll-off container 100 comprises a container base 10, a first side wall 12, a second side wall 14, a third side wall 16, and a fourth side wall 18, as well as a pivoting lid 20 that can be moved into an open or closed position, which together define the receiving area 22. Here, the pivoting lid 20 is shown in the closed position.

[0037] The first and second side walls 12, 14 extend along the long sides of the roll-off container 100, which are concealed here. The third side wall 16 is designed as an end wall, and the fourth side wall 18 (not shown here) extends opposite it. The roll-off container 100 is closed with a pivoting lid 20 formed opposite the container floor 10.

[0038] A solar module 24 is mounted on the pivoting cover 20, which is Fig. 7 is shown.

[0039] The cover 20 is pivotally mounted on the third side wall 16 about a horizontal pivot axis and is connected to an electric motor drive 30, which is held on the third side wall 16. The mount comprises a first articulated strut 26, which is pivotally connected to a second articulated strut 28, and the electric motor drive 30 designed as a hydraulic drive 32. The hydraulic drive 32 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 34 movably coupled between the two articulated struts 26, 28. The hydraulic cylinder 34 is connected to a hydraulic pump 36 and an electric motor 38 via a cable and hose unit 40.

[0040] The pivoting cover 20 can be moved into an open or, as shown here, a closed state via the hydraulic drive 32. In the open state, in which the cover is pivoted by a predetermined or preset angle relative to the closed state, a locking device can be provided, which mechanically secures the cover, thereby relieving the load on the hydraulic drive 32, so that no energy expenditure is required when the device is at a standstill.

[0041] To supply the drive 30, an accumulator 42 in the form of a high-energy battery is located on the side wall 16, which is electrically connected to the solar module 24 via the cable and hose unit 40 and is charged by means of an inverter 42b located on the side wall 16 and, if necessary, also generates a suitable voltage for the drive 30 and a control unit 44.

[0042] This has the advantage that no external power source is required for the Container 100.

[0043] Advantageously, the accumulator 42 is equipped with a charge level indicator, which transmits signals to the control unit 44, thus allowing the battery charge level to be determined at any time. The control unit is configured to determine the battery charge level, compare it with the power required for the drive to function, and then decide whether the roll-off container 100 is ready for operation or not.

[0044] The control unit 44 is electrically connected to the accumulator 42 and the drive 30 via a cable unit 48.

[0045] The operating unit 46 is connected or connectable to the control unit 44 either permanently, by a mobile cable connection or wirelessly and transmits signals to the control unit 44, such as a command to open or close the pivoting cover 20.

[0046] Here, the control unit 46 is designed as a unit of control elements with an on / off switch for the system, a switch for opening or closing the cover 20 and an emergency stop.

[0047] In another embodiment, the roll-off container 100 and / or the receiving area 22 are equipped with further sensors and aids that are connected to the control unit 44 and that benefit the operation of the roll-off container 100, but also the loading of the roll-off container 100.

[0048] In one embodiment, the pivoting lid 20 of the roll-off container 100 can be equipped with a resistance sensor that transmits a signal to the control unit 44 as soon as a predetermined closing resistance is detected or exceeded when closing the pivoting lid 20. This results in an automatic interruption of the closing process and / or the emission of a warning signal. Such a resistance sensor can prevent injury to persons who, for example, are performing a visual inspection of the load, as well as the destruction of cargo items that protrude above the upper edge of the receiving area 22.

[0049] Advantageously, the receiving area 22 of the roll-off container 100 can be equipped with an optical monitoring device, designed, for example, as a light grid, which monitors an opening area that, when closed, is congruent with the pivoting lid 20 and lies in the plane of the edges of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18. The light grid is coupled to the lid and transmits a signal to the control unit as soon as an interruption in the light grid is detected while the lid 20 is being closed.

[0050] Furthermore, the roll-off container 100 can be equipped with a humidity sensor that transmits a signal to the control unit 44 as soon as either a certain degree of humidity, particularly due to fog or rain, is detected in the receiving area 22 of the roll-off container 100, or a certain increase in the humidity level is detected. For example, upon detecting the ingress of moisture within a comparatively short time interval, the humidity sensor, with the aid of the control unit 44, initiates an automatic closure of the pivoting lid 20.

[0051] In addition to protecting loads and people in the vicinity of the roll-off container 100, the operability of the roll-off container 100 can be simplified with the help of various sensors and systems, thereby relieving the burden on the people involved in operating the roll-off container 100.

[0052] Advantageously, in one embodiment, a remote control with a wireless operating unit can be provided for this purpose. This remote control sends signals to the control unit and, if necessary, receives them from it and controls the control unit. Furthermore, the remote control can be equipped with a screen. An alternative can be an application ("app") that is used via a user's mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to control the remote control or the operating unit 46. The remote control with the wireless operating unit communicates with the control unit 44 using common data transmission technologies, such as Bluetooth, radio, or WLAN.

[0053] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the roll-off container 100 is equipped with a camera system that monitors the receiving area 22 of the roll-off container 100 and / or the surroundings of the container, wherein an image signal can be displayed from the wireless control unit or a mobile unit that is or can be connected wirelessly to the control unit, such as a smartphone or tablet. This allows a person working with the container to see at any time what is happening on and in the container and what cargo is in the container.

[0054] In addition, the receiving area 22 of the roll-off container 100 can be equipped with a fill level sensor, primarily for liquid media, which sends a signal to the control unit when a certain fill level is reached. Furthermore, the fill level sensor can also be combined with a fill level indicator, which can, for example, have an easy-to-read digital display, so that the remaining capacity of the roll-off container can be seen at any time.

[0055] In order for the aforementioned sensors and aids to also function when the lid 20 of the roll-off container 100 is closed, for example during a journey, the roll-off container can be equipped with artificial light sources arranged within the receiving area.

[0056] The roll-off container can also be equipped with exterior lighting, such as marker lighting, which can be operated using the (wireless) control unit and can be time- or brightness-controlled, or switched on or off as needed. Exterior lighting can be advantageous for operating the roll-off container's lid in difficult lighting or weather conditions, as well as for moving and maneuvering the container, or for performing other activities that require daylight.

[0057] Additionally, a proximity sensor can be attached to the roll-off container 100 for an automated transport process. Such a proximity sensor is particularly advantageous in the area of ​​the receiving bracket 52. As soon as a container receiving vehicle approaches and moves a receiving hook toward the receiving bracket 52, the proximity sensor, with the help of the control unit 44, initiates an automated closing of the lid 20.

[0058] To ensure the safe and error-free handling and use of the roll-off container 100, a visual signal may be advantageous, indicating whether the roll-off container is ready for use, in operation, or out of service or not ready for use.

[0059] For example, this can be done using a traffic light system, so that people working on the container always know what the current status is.

[0060] Additionally, a ladder 50 is attached to the side wall 16, which can be used to inspect the lid 20 or the solar module or to look into the opened container 100.

[0061] Centrally located on the side wall 16, a support bracket 52 is attached to two structural reinforcement ribs 54 and 56 of the container 100. The support bracket 52 can be used to hold the roll-off container 100 by means of a hook, for example, to pull the container onto a transport vehicle or, conversely, to move it from the vehicle and place it in a storage location.

[0062] Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the roll-off container 100 from Fig. 1 with the opposite fourth side wall 18.

[0063] Two pairs of rollers 58a and 58b are mounted on the underside of the container floor 10. The pair of rollers 58a is arranged toward the first side wall 12, and the pair of rollers 58b is arranged toward the second side wall 14.

[0064] With the help of these pairs of rollers 58a, b, the container can be moved short distances on a flat surface.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fourth side wall 18, i.e., the rear end wall, is formed in two parts with two door-like flaps. A first container flap 60a is located aligned with the first side wall 12, and a second container flap 60b is located aligned with the second side wall 14.

[0066] The container flap 60a is here pivotally attached to the first side wall 12 with three hinges 62 and the container flap 60b is also pivotally attached to the opposite second side wall 14 with three hinges 64.

[0067] The hinges 62, 64 make it possible to open the container flaps 60a, 60b opposite to the receiving area 22 and to load and unload the receiving area 22 essentially horizontally through the opened container flaps 60a, 60b without the need for larger technical aids such as a crane to lift cargo over the side walls.

[0068] The container flaps 60a, 60b are closed and secured by a locking system 66, which consists of a door locking bar 66a, a quick-release fastener 66b and a central locking device 66c, which is located outside the receiving area 22 on the container floor 10.

[0069] Fig. Figure 3 shows the roll-off container 100 in a side view, looking toward the first side wall 12. This side wall 12 extends along one long side of the container 100. A central locking lever 66d is arranged and secured on the side wall 12 below the container floor 10, on a reinforcing rib toward the fourth side wall 18. This lever secures the locking system 66 and the central locking lock 66c. The three hinges 62, which hold the container flap 60a, are arranged and secured on the side wall 12, perpendicular to the fourth side wall 18.

[0070] Furthermore, the pair of rollers 58a is arranged below the container floor 10, with which the container 100 can be moved.

[0071] On the second structural reinforcement rib 56 there are four fastening screws 52 SA which hold one side of the receiving bracket 52 to the reinforcing rib 56.

[0072] On the side wall 12, in a plane with the closed lid 20, a locking point 68 is arranged on the side of the side wall 18 and on the opposite side of the side wall 16 a locking point and a clamping bracket 70 into which the lid 20 can snap into place and is then fastened.

[0073] Fig. 4 shows the roll-off container 100 in a side view, looking at the second side wall 14. This side wall 14 also extends along one long side of the container 100. The three hinges 64, which hold the container flap 60b, are arranged and fastened on the side wall 14, perpendicular to the fourth side wall 18. The pair of rollers 58b, with which the container 100 can be moved, is arranged below the container floor 10. The third side wall 16 is arranged opposite the fourth side wall 18. Four fastening screws 52SB, which hold one side of the receiving bracket 52 to the reinforcing rib 54, are arranged on the first structural reinforcing rib 54.

[0074] On the front side of the container 100, the third side wall 16, there is also the ladder 50 mentioned above.

[0075] On the side wall 14, in a plane with the closed cover 20, a bearing bush 72, 74 is arranged on the side of the side wall 18 and on the side of the side wall 16, into which bearing pins 76, 78 for the cover 20 are inserted.

[0076] Adjacent to the bearing pin 78, the first and second articulated struts 26, 28 of the hydraulic drive 32 are mounted.

[0077] In Fig. Figure 5 shows the cover 20 in a longitudinal side view. Visible are the bearing pins 76, 78, with which the cover 20 is inserted into the bearing bushings 72, 74 on the side of the second side wall 14 and pivotally secured.

[0078] Fig. 6 shows the cover 20 after Fig. 5, which is depicted with the end face flush with the side of the fourth side wall 18. On the outer cover side, which lies outside the receiving area 22, structural mounting struts 80a to e are formed along the longitudinal sides, which serve to mount one or more solar modules 24.

[0079] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a top view of the cover 20. The longitudinal mounting struts 80a to 80e are arranged on the outer side of the cover 20. A solar module 24 is mounted between the mounting struts 80a and 80b. Another solar module 24 is mounted between the mounting struts 80d and 80e. List of reference symbols 100 roll-off containers / containers 10 Container floor 12 first side wall 14 second side wall 16 third side wall 18 fourth side wall 20 lockable lid / lid 22 Recording area 24 solar modules 26 first articulated strut 28 second articulated strut 30 electric motor drive 32 Hydraulic drive 34 hydraulic cylinders 36 Hydraulic pump 38 electric motor 40 Cable and hose unit 42 accumulator 42b inverter 44 Control unit 46 Control elements / control unit 48 cable unit 50 ladders 52 mounting brackets 52 SA Screws for the mounting bracket 52 SB Screws for the mounting bracket 54 first structural reinforcement rib 56 second structural reinforcement rib 58a first pair of rollers 58b second pair of rollers 60a first container flap 6ob second container flap 62 hinges first container flap 64 hinges second container flap 66 locking system 66a Door locking bar 66b quick release 66c central locking device 66d central locking lever 68 Rest area 70 Rest point and clamp 72 Bearing bush 74 Bearing bush 76 Storage pin 78 Storage pin 80 a - e mounting struts

Claims

[1] Roll-off container (100), with a container floor (10) and side walls defining a receiving area (22), a pivotable lid (20) attached to the top of a side wall (12, 14, 16, 18) and coupled to an electric motor drive (30) with which the lid (20) can be pivoted into an open or closed state, a solar module (24) mounted on the cover (20) which is electrically connected to an accumulator (42), the accumulator (42) being electrically connected to the drive (30), a control unit (44) which is connected to the drive (30) and the accumulator (42) for opening and closing the lid (20) and which can be operated manually via operating elements (46) arranged on the container or via a remote control. [2] Roll-off container (100) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the electric motor drive (30) is designed as a hydraulic drive or electromechanical drive (32). [3] Roll-off container (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the remote control is wireless or comprises a wireless operating unit which can be equipped with a screen and with which the control unit (44) can be controlled. [4] Roll-off container (100) according to claim 2, characterized by that the hydraulic drive (32) has one or more piston / cylinder units for opening or closing the pivotable cover (20), a hydraulic pump (36) and an electric motor coupled to the hydraulic pump (36). [5] Roll-off container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the pivotable lid (20) is equipped with a resistance sensor which is connected to the control unit (44), wherein a signal can be emitted to the latter as soon as a predetermined closing resistance is detected when closing the lid (20), whereupon the closing can be interrupted and / or a warning signal can be emitted. [6] Roll-off container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving area (22) is equipped with an optical monitoring device connected to the control unit (44), via which a signal can be emitted to the control unit (44) when a predetermined fill level in the container is reached. [7] Roll-off container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the roll-off container (100) is equipped with a humidity sensor connected to the control unit (44), which emits a signal to the control unit (44) as soon as a predetermined degree of humidity is detected in the receiving area (22) and a closure of the lid (20) can be initiated. [8] Roll-off container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the roll-off container (100) is provided with an optical monitoring system connected to the control unit (44) for monitoring the receiving area (22) and / or an environment of the container (100), wherein an image signal of the monitoring system can be displayed by the wireless operating unit or a further mobile unit that is wirelessly connected to the control unit (44) or that can be connected thereto. [9] Roll-off container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the receiving area (22) is equipped with a fill level sensor for liquid media, which sends a signal to the control unit (44) when a predetermined fill level is reached or undershot. [10] Roll-off container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the roll-off container (100) is equipped with a visual signal indicating whether the roll-off container (100) is ready for operation, in operation, or not ready for operation. [11] Roll-off container (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control unit (44) is configured for a mobile data connection with a mobile unit connectable to the control unit (44).

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