Waste system for recording fill levels in waste management

Abstract

The invention relates to a waste management system with waste containers and a sensor set for recording fill levels. The waste management system includes: a) at least two waste containers with lids and b) a sensor set for detecting the fill level of the waste containers, comprising: - a base station with radio module and connection for a cable, - at least two sensors with a connection for the cable, and - at least two separate cables to connect the base station and the sensors. The use of the oa sensor set for detecting the fill level of waste containers with lids is also described.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a waste management system with waste containers and a sensor set for recording fill levels.

[0002] In industrial settings, there are container systems with, for example, ultrasonic sensors for very large volumes (>3 square meters).

[0003] Infrared (IR) sensors or weight sensors are often used for level measurement.

[0004] As is known, optimal collection routes can be established based on the fill levels wirelessly transmitted by each individual sensor (such as in CN109062123A).

[0005] Motion sensors and voice sensors are frequently described in connection with other sensors. Motion sensors register the filling process of a waste container based on movement and can, for example, trigger subsequent waste compaction. However, they cannot register the fill level or the need for impending emptying, or can only do so inadequately.

[0006] Waste disposal stations with sensors are also known, with each sensor containing a built-in radio module for transmitting measurements. A disadvantage is their large size (approximately hand-sized). Each sensor requires its own battery. Due to their size, they are typically mounted on the underside of a fully enclosing lid. Unfortunately, swing lids are not an option, as the electronics must not be visible or accessible to users in public spaces. Otherwise, users could damage or steal the sensors on the swing lids.

[0007] Therefore, existing sensors could only be attached to waste containers using a hinged lid (the hinge being located at one end of the lid). Touchless opening when throwing waste in is only possible with technically complex foot pedal systems.

[0008] The use of known sensors without a cover is not possible at all due to the sensor size.

[0009] The object of the invention is to provide a small, space-saving, and robust / durable solution for detecting the fill level of waste containers without the need for a hinged lid (hinged lids are lids with a hinge at the end and the pivot point at that point). Contactless disposal of waste should be possible, and if a lid is required, a swing lid (hinge in the center of the lid) should be feasible, where the sensor technology is neither visible nor accessible. Weight sensors, which usually require a separate setup, should be easily integrated. The invention should be durable. The risk of contact between the disposed waste and the sensor technology (such as cables) should be prevented.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention relates to a waste management system comprising a) at least two waste containers with lids, and b) a sensor set for detecting the fill level of the waste containers, comprising: - a base station with radio module and connection for a cable, - at least two sensors with a connection for the cable, and - at least two separate cables to connect the base station and the sensors.

[0012] The individual sensors do not need to have a radio module. Only the base station has a radio module. The sensors are correspondingly small.

[0013] "Lid" within the meaning of the invention can also be a lid with a slot opening, i.e., where the covering surface of the waste container is not completely closed, but where the lid merely has a lid rim with a surrounding edge area, which is, for example, a maximum of 10 cm wide. In the case of a slot opening, the lid can also be a non-opening top of a housing for the waste containers, for example, with an outer edge area of ​​a maximum of 15 cm wide, so that the waste containers could, for example, be removed from the front. Also included are (fully enclosed) hinged lids (with a hinge at one end of the lid) and swing lids (with a hinge in the middle of the lid), with swing lids or lids with a slot opening being preferred.

[0014] The "base station" as defined in the invention sensibly comprises a circuit board on which the radio module (preferably based on the LoRa standard) is mounted. The radio module is designed to transmit the sensor data to an external server.

[0015] According to the invention, the "at least two sensors" are located outside the base station housing, a first sensor being provided to be connected to the base station by cable, and a second sensor being provided to be connected either to the first sensor by cable (this corresponds to a series circuit) or to the first sensor by cable (this corresponds to a parallel circuit), with each additional sensor that may be present also being directly connected to the base station by cable and / or is connected to the base station by cable.

[0016] However, in the case of a series circuit, it is also possible to connect many more such sensors according to the invention linearly via cable to the second sensor, so that ultimately a large number of waste containers of a waste system can be monitored.

[0017] The phrase "one connection for the cable" on the sensors clearly does not specify the number of connections. For example, a first sensor connected between the base station and a second sensor (in series) has at least two connections: one for the cable to the base station and one for the cable to the second sensor.

[0018] The invention further relates to the use of a sensor set (or the waste system according to the invention) for detecting the fill level of waste containers in waste management, wherein the sensor set comprises: - a base station with radio module and connection for a cable, - at least two sensors with a connection for the cable, and - at least two individual cables for connecting the base station and the sensors, in particular also the use of the sensor set of the waste system according to the invention, for example also in the method according to the invention mentioned below.

[0019] This sensor set is clearly the sensor set of the waste system according to the invention. Statements concerning parts of the waste system therefore also apply to the use according to the invention or the method according to the invention described below, and vice versa.

[0020] The subject of the invention is therefore also a method for facilitating the detection of the fill level of waste containers in waste management, comprising the following steps: - Provision of the waste system according to the invention, - Acquisition of sensor data using the sensors of the sensor set, - Sending the sensor data from all sensors to an external server via the base station's radio module. Advantages

[0021] The sensors themselves have no transmitter (no radio module) and are therefore correspondingly small. They are so small that they can be installed in a space-saving manner in the outer rim of a lid, ensuring that there is no line of sight to the sensor technology when waste is being disposed of and that the sensor technology cannot be touched by the user. This allows the fill level of waste containers to be detected without the need for a hinged lid. A lid that completely covers the waste container is unnecessary, as the sensor set can be mounted below the top edge of the waste container.

[0022] Disposing of waste is possible without contact.

[0023] Therefore, it is no longer necessary to install a more complex foot pedal system for touchless waste disposal. Previously, hinged lids had to be opened either with a complicated foot pedal system or by lifting the lid with the fingers.

[0024] Touchless waste disposal is now also possible with a lid featuring a swing-top (hinge in the center of the lid), where the sensor technology is neither visible nor accessible (installed at the edge of the lid). No hand contact is required, yet protection from birds is still provided.

[0025] Weight sensors, which usually require a separate setup, can simply be connected.

[0026] Furthermore, the invention is durable. The risk of the waste coming into contact with the sensor technology (such as cables) is virtually eliminated. The cable can be neatly integrated into the edge of the lid in such a way that contact with the waste is impossible, thus preventing any strain on the cables.

[0027] A single base station can be connected in series with up to 255 sensors via cable. The sensor set (and consequently the number of waste containers in the waste management system) is therefore infinitely expandable. Existing waste containers can easily be upgraded.

[0028] Another advantage is that the sensors (due to the cable connection to the base station) do not require batteries. Only the base station needs a battery, and thanks to the radio module, an approaching battery level can be indicated early on the external server (receiving the data). Preferred embodiments

[0029] Preferably, the individual sensors do not have a radio module, meaning they are not able to transmit data wirelessly (and this does not refer to induction).

[0030] The base station can be located in a base station housing or in a recess in the lid: In one version with a "loose base station," the base station and radio module are housed in a single base station casing. In another preferred version, the base station (in the form of a circuit board) is integrated into the lid, i.e., installed in a recess milled into the lid. The base station is then enclosed by the lid on all but one side, and shielded from the waste container's interior by a baffle on the remaining side. Ideally, the milled recess is located on the underside of the lid within the aforementioned outer edge area, with a maximum width of 15 cm. The advantage of this design is that there are fewer loose parts inside the waste container, as these are frequently damaged or torn off during emptying.

[0031] The cables according to the invention can be 4-core cables (two cores for power and two I2C-type cores). This is because they advantageously offer a very small connector size. For example, 1.25 mm HDR4 CKT right-angle connectors can be used.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the sensors have a maximum size of 5x5x5 cm. 3 on, especially even just 3×2×3 cm 3 The lid should therefore be at least 2 cm or even at least 5 cm thick. The circuit boards of the sensors should ideally be the same size for all sensors.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the lid has recesses milled into the outer edge of its underside, into which components such as the base station, sensors, and / or cables can be embedded. A cover for the embedded components is particularly advantageous. The benefit is that no individual parts protrude from the underside of the lid that could break off or tear away.

[0034] Preferably, the lid of the invention is a - Lid with a slot opening and lid rim with a border area, or to create a - Lid with swing hood in the middle (swing hood with swing hinge in the middle of the lid) and lid edge with edge area.

[0035] In both versions, the sensors can be stowed in the edge area, so that the sensor technology is neither visible nor touchable when the waste is thrown in.

[0036] A hinged lid (with a hinge at one end) with a central opening and outer edge is particularly preferred, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shown.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is a lid with a disposal opening or a lid with a hinged cover, and an outer rim (of the lid) of a maximum width of 15 cm, particularly preferably even a maximum width of 10 cm, encloses both the disposal opening and the lid (preferably symmetrically). In particular, the rim can also be 5-10 cm or even 6-9 cm wide. Advantageously, each waste container has a disposal opening or a hinged cover. That is, in the at least two waste containers according to the invention, each waste container has a lid when assembled, with each of these lids having such an outer rim. This rim is circumferential, so that there are also rims of the lids between the individual waste containers.

[0038] In the invention, it is preferred that the sensors are each mounted in an edge area (the lid of the waste containers) with a maximum width of 10cm.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the waste system comprises two to ten waste containers, each having a single, common, one-piece lid. Most particularly, there are two to six, or even two to four, or exactly two.

[0040] In this embodiment, the lid has a (circumferential) edge area above each waste container (as in Fig. (3 shown as an example), in which the respective sensor can be attached. Preferably, the sensor is located in the part of the rim area where the hinge connecting this lid rim to the waste container is also attached. The waste containers are usually rectangular, so this rim area with the hinge and sensor is one of the four elongated parts of the surrounding rim area.

[0041] Consequently, such a lid has, for example, two openings or swing hoods for two waste containers and three openings or swing hoods for three waste containers.

[0042] The advantage of this one-piece lid design is that it prevents the cables (especially the cables between the sensors) from kinking or becoming strained. With separate lids, the distance between individual sensors would increase during the emptying process, i.e., when only one lid is opened, thus straining the cable. While this wouldn't occur with particularly long cables, large loops of cable would hang into the waste container opening when the lid is closed, potentially being pulled or torn by the waste being thrown in.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the waste containers have an internal upper suspension for attaching a ring for garbage bags or a weight sensor (ideally at the top of the waste containers to maximize volume utilization). This suspension can be a circumferential rim of the waste container, but preferably it consists of two hooks; in particular, these can be arranged on the rear wall of the waste container (the side where the lid hinge is usually located). The advantage of this embodiment with a suspension for both a garbage bag ring and weight sensors is its universal applicability, meaning that no modifications are necessary when weight sensors are to be used (except for connecting the weight sensor to one of the sensors).

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the base station and all of the at least two sensors can be connected in series by cable and / or linked (i.e. in the sequence: base station - cable - first sensor - cable - second sensor). and each sensor has two connections for the cables.

[0045] Any additional sensors that may be present in this possible embodiment are also connected to the second sensor in a linear switching manner, each connected by another cable.

[0046] The advantage of this design is a simple, modular system with standardized sensors.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor set additionally comprises: - at least one weight sensor for hanging in one of the waste containers (especially preferably for hanging in an upper suspension inside the waste container, e.g. on the back of the waste container), - for hanging in an upper support frame of the waste containers (that is, parts of or the entire upper circumferential edge of the waste container), and - at least one third cable (to connect the weight sensor to one of the sensors).

[0048] Ideally, each sensor has three cable connections, allowing the base station to be connected to at least two sensors in series, and the weight sensor to be connected to one of the sensors via cable. Ideally, each waste container has a sensor with an attached weight sensor.

[0049] The advantage of this design is that it results in a very universal waste system, independent of the type of waste, which treats every waste container equally and is therefore easy to assemble.

[0050] The upper suspension inside the waste container could, for example, consist of two hooks.

[0051] A preferred embodiment of the invention is one in which the waste containers have a volume of between 5L and 125L. These are therefore waste containers in private and public settings, for which the sensor set is particularly suitable.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, the sensors in the waste system are selected from a gas sensor and an IR sensor (infrared sensor).

[0053] Particularly preferred is the integration of both a gas sensor and an IR sensor on a common sensor board (which would then be referred to as the sensor according to the invention), so that each sensor is identical for each waste container. This system is also advantageously simpler and modular.

[0054] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cables of the sensor set are each at least 10cm long, preferably 10-35cm, or at least 20cm, in particular also 30±8cm.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base station includes a battery (also called a rechargeable battery). The sensors are thus powered via the base station and cables. The sensors themselves do not have a battery and are therefore correspondingly small.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, it comprises the following additional steps: - Calculation of fill levels for the respective waste container of the waste system (based on the known empty volume or, more accurately, the height of the waste container interior without filling, of each waste container), - Comparison of the calculated fill levels with preset fill level thresholds (specific to the respective waste containers) on the external server, and - Generating a emptying request when the fill level threshold is exceeded on the external server.

[0057] The fill level can thus be measured and transmitted via the base station with radio module to a receiver. If the fill level threshold is exceeded, a cleaning ticket could be generated, and emptying could be requested. Predictions of fill level development with a planned emptying date are also possible, which makes scheduling in the duty roster and route planning more efficient.

[0058] In one embodiment of the invention, the waste containers in the waste system are rectangular.

[0059] Unless otherwise specified, it is advisable to combine the different embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the waste system, wherein the base station is attached to one of the inner sides of the waste container and is therefore not visible (due to being covered by a garbage bag). The lid is a one-piece lid (hinged lid) which has two openings for disposal. The waste containers are rectangular. Fig. Figure 2 shows parts of the sensor set in a preferred configuration. Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the waste system, in which the base station, two sensors, and cables are located in recesses milled into the lid. The lid (here a hinged lid) is again a single-piece lid with two openings for waste disposal.

[0060] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to several preferred embodiments. These embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. Examples of implementation:

[0061] Fig. Figure 2 shows one version of parts of the sensor set.

[0062] Fig. Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the waste system according to the invention. Example 1:

[0063] Exemplary embodiment 1 corresponds to Fig. 1. Four-core cables were used (positive and negative poles, plus two I2C-type wires (sda and scl)). The cable ends were fitted with 1.25mm HDR4 CKT right-angle connectors from Molex, part number 53261-0471.

[0064] The lid is a one-piece lid with a single opening above each waste container. The waste system has two rectangular waste containers.

[0065] The lid hinges are located on a section of the surrounding edge, with the sensors also positioned in the same section. The cable between the sensors also runs along the edge. Example 2:

[0066] Example 2 is achieved by Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. There are two hooks on the inside of the waste container, serving as the upper inner suspension point. The lid is also a single piece, and the rim surrounds the respective opening. Reference sign 1 Waste system 2 waste containers 3 Base stations 4 Connections for a cable 5 Sensor 6 cables 7 lids 8 Outer edge of the lid 9 Inner upper suspension (for hanging a ring for garbage bags or a weight sensor) QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 109062123A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Waste system (1), comprising a) at least two waste containers (2) with lids (7) and b) a sensor set for detecting the fill level of the waste containers, comprising: - a base station (3) with radio module and connection (4) for a cable (6), - at least two sensors (5) with a connection (4) for the cable, and - at least two individual cables (6) to connect the base station and the sensors. [2] Waste system according to claim 1, wherein the sensors have a maximum size of 5×5×5 cm 3 have. [3] Waste system according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the lid (7) is a lid with an insertion opening or a lid with a swinging hood, and wherein an outer edge region (8) of the lid with a maximum width of 15 cm encloses both, [4] Waste system according to claim 3, wherein the sensors are each mounted in the edge region (8) of the lids of the waste containers. [5] Waste system according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising two to ten waste containers, said containers having a single, common, one-piece lid (7). [6] Waste system according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the waste containers have an upper suspension (9) inside for hanging a ring for garbage bags or a weight sensor. [7] Waste system according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the base station (3) is connectable and / or connected to all of the at least two sensors (5) in series by cable, so that at least the base station is connected to a first sensor and the first sensor is connected to a second sensor, and wherein each sensor has two connections (4) for the cables (6). [8] Waste system according to claim 7, wherein the sensor set additionally comprises: - at least one weight sensor for hanging in one of the waste containers (2), and - at least a third cable, and wherein each sensor has three connections for the cables (6), so that in addition to the connection of the base station (3) to the at least two sensors (5) in series, the weight sensor can be connected to one of the sensors by cable. [9] Waste system according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the waste containers (2) have a volume between 5L and 125L. [10] Waste system according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensors (5) are selected from a gas sensor and an IR sensor. [11] Waste system according to claim 10, wherein both the gas sensor and the IR sensor are mounted on a common sensor board, so that each sensor is the same for each waste container. [12] Waste system according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cables (6) are each at least 10 cm long. [13] Waste system according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base station (3) comprises a battery. [14] Use of a sensor set for detecting the fill level of waste containers (2) with lids (7) in waste management, the sensor set comprising: - a base station (3) with radio module and connection (4) for a cable (6), - at least two sensors (5) with a connection (4) for the cable, and - at least two individual cables (6) to connect the base station and the sensors. [15] Procedure for facilitating the recording of the fill level of waste containers (2) in waste management, comprising the steps: - Providing a waste system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, - Acquisition of sensor data using the sensors (5) of the sensor set, - Sending the sensor data of all sensors to an external server using the radio module of the base station (3). [16] A method according to claim 15, comprising the additional steps of: - Calculation of filling levels for the respective waste container of the waste system, - Comparison of the calculated fill levels with preset fill level thresholds on the external server, and - Generation of an emptying request when the fill level threshold is exceeded on the external server.

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