Lifting-tilting device and method for operating a lifting-tilting device

Abstract

The invention relates to a lifting and tipping device for a refuse collection vehicle, comprising a travel unit which has a receptacle for a refuse container, a guide which guides the travel unit along a lifting direction, a traction means having a first end and a second end, the first end being fastened to the travel unit, and a drive device for lifting the travel unit via the traction means along the lifting direction, at least one of the ends of the traction means being fastened rotatably to a fixed point via a connecting piece, the connecting piece being subjected to a torque around the fixed point, and a sensor being provided which can detect one or more states of the connecting piece. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a lifting and tilting device, wherein a controller determines the state of the connecting piece by means of the sensor and controls the drive device depending on the state of the connecting piece.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting-tilting device and a method for operating a lifting-tilting device.

[0002] Refuse collection vehicles are equipped with devices for picking up waste containers and emptying their contents into a collection compartment of the refuse collection vehicle. Generally, the waste containers are first lifted and then tilted during or after the lifting process, allowing the contents of the waste containers to be emptied through an opening in the collection compartment.

[0003] The garbage container is held by a receptacle of a moving unit, which is moved up and down by a drive device and has a rotatable pivot shaft. The pivot shaft is lifted in the lifting direction by the drive device of the moving unit and rotates about a pivot axis that runs perpendicular to the vehicle's vertical direction, so that the garbage container is tilted into an emptying position. Such designs are disclosed, for example, in DE 38 35 748 C1 or WO 2020 / 151849 A1.

[0004] To protect the drive mechanism from external influences and prevent it from posing a health risk to the refuse collectors, it is usually enclosed in a housing with an opening through which the pivot shaft is guided. The lift truck is guided along a guide that extends along the lifting direction. A traction mechanism is attached to the lift truck, by means of which the lift truck is lifted. Such a lifting and tilting device is known, for example, from EP 4 215 459 A1.

[0005] Such a lifting and tilting device is also disclosed in DE 10 2020 128 034 A1, wherein a drive device is provided for lifting the lifting truck, which is connected to the traction means by an eccentric drive element.

[0006] DE 10 2021 109 585 A1 discloses a similar lifting and tilting device, which is also equipped with a retaining device that is activated as soon as a limit speed is exceeded during a downward movement of the carriage.

[0007] The guide is often also located in the housing, among other things to protect it from dirt. Nevertheless, it can happen that the pallet truck gets stuck on the guide because particles from the waste contaminate the guide and block the pallet truck. The pallet truck can also become jammed on the guide. If the pallet truck gets stuck permanently, the lifting and tipping device must be cleaned and serviced manually. But even a temporary jam can have far-reaching consequences. If the pallet truck gets stuck while lowering and the traction device continues to move, the traction device loses its tension. If the blockage is released, the pallet truck can suddenly fall unbraked until it is held by the traction device again. This puts a sudden load on the traction device, which can lead to its failure. There is also a risk of injury if waste disposal workers try to free the blocked pallet truck.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] This object is achieved by the lifting-tilting device according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0010] The lifting and tilting device according to the invention comprises a travel unit, a guide, a traction mechanism, and a drive device. The travel unit has a receptacle for a garbage container. The garbage container can be temporarily attached to this receptacle. The guide guides the travel unit along a lifting direction. The lifting direction is preferably vertical. In some embodiments, however, the lifting direction can also run at an inclination to the vertical. The traction mechanism has two ends, a first end and a second end. The first end is attached to the travel unit. If the traction mechanism is pulled, the travel unit moves with the traction mechanism. The drive device lifts the travel unit along the lifting direction via the traction mechanism.

[0011] The moving unit can further comprise a mechanism that converts the lifting movement of the moving unit into a pivoting movement of the receptacle. The moving unit then also includes a pivot shaft, which is rotated about a pivot axis to empty the waste container and on which the receptacle for the waste container is arranged.

[0012] In the lifting and tilting device according to the invention, at least one of the ends of the traction mechanism is rotatably attached to a fixed point via a connecting piece. The connecting piece is also subjected to a torque around the fixed point. Furthermore, a sensor is provided that can detect one or more states of the connecting piece, in particular a normal state, which the connecting piece assumes when the traction mechanism is under tension.

[0013] When lifting and lowering, the traction device should be under tension at all times, as otherwise the travel unit could suddenly fall off the guide. Such movements of the travel unit can cause damage to parts of the lifting and tilting device, particularly to the connection between the traction device and the travel unit. There is also a risk of injury. If the traction device is under tension, the connecting piece is in a normal state. If the traction device is no longer under tension, the connecting piece is moved into a state deviating from the normal state, whereby this state can depend on the extent to which the traction device has lost tension. The connecting piece is turned by the torque when the traction device is not under tension. Applying torque ensures that the connecting piece is always turned in the same direction in a controlled manner when the traction device loses tension.If no torque were applied, the connector would rotate uncontrollably in one direction or the other. The sensor detects whether the connector is in the normal state or in another state and, depending on the state, generates a signal that can be received and processed by a controller. The controller can be part of the lift-and-tilt device. It is also possible for the controller to be part of the refuse collection vehicle or another external controller, and the sensor signal is transmitted to this controller via an interface.

[0014] The invention can be used at both ends of the traction device. It is possible for the first end of the traction device to be connected to the connecting piece and the fixed point to be arranged on the travel unit. In this case, the sensor is also preferably arranged on the travel unit so that the travel unit does not move the connecting piece away from the sensor. Arranging the connecting piece on the travel unit provides particularly reliable detection when the traction device is no longer under tension, since the direct connection between the traction device and the travel unit is monitored.

[0015] Alternatively, the second end of the traction mechanism can be connected to the connecting piece, and the fixed point can be fixed relative to the guide. The fixed point can, for example, be located on a housing of the lifting and tilting device. This housing accommodates parts of the travel unit. This arrangement has the advantage that the travel unit is not burdened with additional components. Firstly, the additional weight on the travel unit must always be lifted. Furthermore, a signal from a moving sensor on the travel unit must ultimately be transmitted to the stationary part, which requires a complex routing of a signal cable or a sliding contact. Both of these increase the design effort.

[0016] It is also possible to install a connector at both ends of the traction device. This allows redundant monitoring of the tension of the traction device.

[0017] The connecting piece can be subjected to a torque in various ways. In advantageous further developments, the connecting piece is a lever mounted around a rotational axis running through the fixed point, which is preloaded by spring force to produce the torque. This makes it easy to connect the traction device to the fixed point. The connecting piece can be used simultaneously to connect the traction device and to apply the spring force. The spring force is preferably exerted by a spring element, in particular a tension spring, a compression spring, or a torsion spring. Tension and compression springs can be used particularly advantageously with the lever. In the case of a torsion spring, there is no need to apply the spring force via a lever. In this case, the connecting piece can be designed more simply.

[0018] The rotation axis of the connecting piece preferably runs perpendicular to the direction of travel. This design is particularly advantageous when using a chain as a traction device. A chain is preferably used lying in a single plane. This means that the rotation axes of the individual chain links to the adjacent chain link all run perpendicular to a single plane. The rotation axis preferably also runs perpendicular to the same plane. This enables a particularly secure and structurally simple connection of the traction device to the fixed point.

[0019] The tensile force exerted by the travel unit on the traction device is not constant, but depends, among other things, on whether a garbage can is arranged on the travel unit and how full the garbage can is. The inventor recognized that it is advantageous if these different forces do not work against the torque applied to the connecting piece. In concrete terms, the tensile forces of the traction device should not act against the spring forces of the spring element. In advantageous further developments, a pulling direction of the traction device in the tensioned state runs through the axis of rotation. The tensioned state is understood to be the state the traction device assumes when at least the weight of the travel unit is hanging from the traction device. Even with the minimum weight, i.e. the travel unit without a garbage can, the traction device is therefore in a tensioned state.If the pulling direction of the traction device runs through the axis of rotation in this state, any additional weight does not result in work being done against the torque applied to the fixed point. Rather, the additional weight is absorbed solely by the fixed point or the bearing of the connecting piece. It is particularly advantageous if the torque is dimensioned such that it does not significantly deflect the connecting piece when the traction device is under tension. In other words, the springs should be strong enough to rotate the connecting piece when the traction device is not under tension, but at the same time weak enough that they do not work against the additional weight of a garbage can. A significant deflection is defined as a deflection of more than 1°.

[0020] In advantageous refinements, the connecting piece has two legs, with the tension element engaging one leg and the spring element, in particular the tension spring, engaging the other leg. This allows for greater customization in the design of the connecting piece. The two legs can each be designed according to their primary function, reducing the need for compromise solutions.

[0021] In advantageous further developments, the tension spring is attached at one end to the connecting piece and at the other end to a bracket. The bracket is preferably fixedly attached to the housing of the lifting and tilting device. The bracket creates a defined position for one end of the tension spring.

[0022] A distance sensor is preferably used as the sensor. The distance sensor is then aligned with the connecting piece such that, when the traction device is tensioned, the connecting piece is positioned such that it is detected by the distance sensor. The normal state of the connecting piece is thus detected by the sensor. Furthermore, the distance sensor is positioned such that it no longer detects the connecting piece or detects it with a different signal strength when the tension of the traction device has decreased. For example, the connecting piece can be completely removed from the distance sensor due to the torque when the traction device has lost its tension. The distance sensor then no longer detects the connecting piece, which can be determined from the sensor signal.Alternatively, the distance sensor can also be designed and positioned in such a way that the movement of the connector can be detected, for example by the sensor signal gradually becoming weaker.

[0023] The sensor is preferably fixed to the bracket. This way, it is stationary relative to the fixed point and can easily detect any movement or change in the condition of the connector. Furthermore, the sensor can be pre-mounted to the bracket, simplifying installation.

[0024] The traction device is preferably a chain or a rope. If a chain is used, the drive device preferably has a gear over which the chain is mounted. If a rope is used, the drive device preferably has a pulley over which the rope runs. However, a rope can also be lowered directly from the drive device, for example, a winch, to the travel unit and secured to the travel unit by its end there.

[0025] When using a gear or roller, the traction means preferably runs from the first end, with which it is attached to the travel unit, over the gear or roller, and then to the fixed point. The traction means preferably runs along the stroke direction on the way to and from the gear or roller. The fixed point is preferably arranged directly below the lateral edges of the gear or roller. In other words, the fixed point is located on a tangential extension of the gear circumference or roller circumference in the vertical direction.

[0026] The drive device is preferably electric and / or hydraulic. An electric drive device preferably includes an electric motor that rotates the gearwheel over which the chain is mounted. The same applies to the use of a pulley or a winch. A hydraulic drive device preferably includes a hydraulic cylinder that can move the gearwheel or pulley up and down.

[0027] The object of the invention is also achieved by a method for operating a lifting and tilting device according to the above description, in which a controller determines the state of the connecting piece by means of the sensor and controls the drive device depending on the state of the connecting piece. The controller can preferably deactivate the drive device and / or output a signal if it has determined that the traction device is not energized. For example, the controller can stop the drive device if the connecting piece is not in the normal state. In this way, it is avoided that the travel unit drops suddenly in the event of a blockage and the traction device, other components, or people are injured.

[0028] The invention is illustrated and explained by way of example with reference to the drawings. The following figures are shown in the drawings: Fig. 1 a lifting and tilting device in a side view Fig. 2 Detail A of the lifting and tilting device of the Fig. 1

[0029] The lifting and tilting device 100 of the Fig. 1 comprises a travel unit 10, a guide 20, a traction means 30 in the form of a chain and a drive device 40. The travel unit 10 and the guide 20 are arranged in a housing 50 of the lifting and tilting device 100.

[0030] The guide 20 comprises two parallel rods 22. The rods 22 extend along a stroke direction H. In the embodiment shown here, the stroke direction H is vertical. The travel unit 10 has receptacles for the rods 22 and is movable along the guide 20.

[0031] The drive device 40 has a lifting cylinder 42 and a gear 44. The gear 44 is rotatably mounted on the piston of the lifting cylinder 42 and can thus be moved by the lifting cylinder 42 along the lifting direction H.

[0032] The traction means 30 has two ends 32, 34. At the first end 32, the traction means is connected to the travel unit 10. At the second end 34, the traction means 30 is connected to the housing 50 via a connecting piece 70 at a fixed point (see Fig. 2). The traction mechanism 30 extends over the gear 44 of the drive device 40. The gear 44 is mounted so as to rotate freely. Both the connection point of the traction mechanism 30 to the travel unit 10 and the fixed point are located on a tangential extension of the gear circumference in the stroke direction H. In other words, they are arranged directly below the lateral edges of the gear 44. In this way, the traction mechanism 30 extends from the gear 44 to the connection point and to the fixed point along the stroke direction H, i.e., perpendicularly in this case.

[0033] When the lifting cylinder 42 is extended, the gear 44 moves upward along the lifting direction. The traction mechanism 30 rolls over the gear 44, as it is held by the housing at the second end 34. As a result, the travel unit 10 is pulled upward by the traction mechanism 30. The travel unit 10 moves upward along the lifting direction H through the guide 20.

[0034] The lifting and tilting device 100 can be mounted on a refuse collection vehicle (not shown), particularly at its rear or side. A waste container (not shown) can be lifted by the lifting and tilting device 100 and then emptied, particularly by a pivoting movement, into a receiving container of the refuse collection vehicle. To convert the lifting movement into a pivoting movement, the traversing unit 10 has a mechanism that is not described in detail here.

[0035] The Fig.Figure 2 shows the connection of the traction device 30 to the housing 50. The traction device 30 is attached to the fixed point by its second end 34 via the connecting piece 70. The connecting piece 70 is fixedly mounted on the housing 50 by a bolt 54 and is freely rotatable about a rotation axis D passing through the fixed point. The fixed point is therefore also fixed to the housing 50. In the embodiment shown, the rotation axis D runs perpendicular to the lifting direction H and perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. If the lifting and tipping device 100 is attached to the rear of a refuse collection vehicle, the rotation axis D runs parallel to the transverse axis of the vehicle.

[0036] The connecting piece 70 has several legs 72, 74, a tension leg 72 and an indicator leg 74. The legs 72, 74 are not movable or rotatable relative to one another. The tensioning means 30 is attached to the tensioning leg 72. Thus, the tensioning means 30 is connected to the housing 50 via the connecting piece 70.

[0037] The lifting and tilting device 100 comprises a bracket 52, which is fixedly arranged on the housing 50. A tension spring 60 and a sensor 80 are attached to the bracket 52. The tension spring 60 is connected at one end to the bracket 52 and at the other end to the indicator leg 74. The bracket 52 and the indicator leg 74 each have an eyelet for this purpose. The tensile force of the tension spring 60 exerts a torque on the connecting piece 70 via the indicator leg 74 as a lever.

[0038] In the embodiment shown here, the sensor 80 is a distance sensor. If the tensioning means 30 is tensioned, the connecting piece 70 is oriented due to the tensile force exerted by the tensioning means 30 such that the indicator leg 76 is detected by the sensor 80. In this state, the connecting piece 70 indicates that the tensioning means 30 is tensioned. If the tension of the tensioning means 30 decreases or is completely lost, the connecting piece 70 rotates due to the tensile force of the tension spring 60 such that the indicator leg 76 is only partially or no longer detected by the sensor 80. The connecting piece 70 thus indicates that the tensioning means 30 is no longer tensioned. The connecting piece 70 can assume any number of states, with the sensor 80 detecting the extent to which the tensioning means 30 has lost its tension. The signal from the sensor 80 can be evaluated by a controller (not shown).The control system can use the signal to determine whether the traction device 30 is tensioned or not.

[0039] To lower the travel unit 10 from a raised position, the lifting cylinder 42 is retracted. This moves the gear 44 downward. Due to the weight of the travel unit 10 hanging from the traction mechanism 30, the traction mechanism 30 is tensioned and rolls on the gear 44. The travel unit 10 is consequently lowered downward. If the travel unit 10 becomes blocked, for example because it becomes jammed on the rods 22, the tension on the traction mechanism 30 is gradually relieved because the weight of the jammed travel unit 10 is absorbed by the rods 22. The traction mechanism 30 is then not under tension, but is slack. The further the lifting cylinder 42 is retracted, the less tension is on the traction mechanism 30. The torque exerted by the tension spring 60 on the connecting piece 70 rotates the connecting piece 70 as soon as the tension on the traction mechanism 30 loses.As a result, the indicator leg 76 is moved away from the sensor, which can be detected accordingly by the control system. The control system can then stop the lifting cylinder 42 and / or issue a warning signal. List of reference symbols 10 Traversing unit 20 leadership 22 bars 30 traction devices 32 first end 34 second end 40 Drive device 42 lifting cylinders 44 gear 50 housings 52 bracket 54 bolts 60 tension spring 70 connector 72 drawbars 74 indicator legs 80 sensors 100 lifting and tilting device D axis of rotation H stroke direction

Claims

[1] Lifting and tipping device (100) for a refuse collection vehicle with a moving unit (10) having a receptacle for a waste container, a guide (20) which guides the travel unit (10) along a stroke direction H, a traction means (30) having a first end (32) and a second end (34), the first end (32) being fastened to the travel unit (10), and a drive device (40) for lifting the travel unit (10) via the traction means (30) along the lifting direction H, characterized by , that at least one of the ends (32, 34) of the traction means (30) is rotatably attached to a fixed point via a connecting piece (70), that the connecting piece (70) is subjected to a torque around the fixed point and that a sensor (80) is provided which can detect one or more states of the connecting piece (70). [2] Lifting and tilting device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the connecting piece (70) is a lever mounted about an axis of rotation D passing through the fixed point, which is preloaded by spring force in order to cause the torque. [3] Lifting and tilting device according to claim 2, characterized by that the spring force is exerted by a tension spring (60). [4] Lifting and tilting device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the axis of rotation D is perpendicular to the stroke direction H. [5] Lifting and tilting device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that a pulling direction of the pulling means (30) in the tensioned state runs through the axis of rotation D. [6] Lifting and tilting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the torque is dimensioned such that it does not significantly deflect the connecting piece (70) when the traction means (30) is under tension. [7] Lifting and tilting device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized bythat the connecting piece (70) has two legs (72,74), wherein the tension means (30) acts on one leg (72,74) and the tension spring (60) acts on the other leg (72,74). [8] Lifting and tilting device according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by that the tension spring (60) is fastened at one end to the connecting piece (70) and at the other end to a holder (52) which is fixedly fastened to a housing (50) which partially accommodates the travel unit (10). [9] Lifting and tilting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor (80) is a distance sensor. [10] Lifting and tilting device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the sensor (80) is fixed to the bracket (52). [11] Lifting and tilting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor (80) detects the connecting piece (70) when the traction means (30) is tensioned. [12] Lifting and tilting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the traction means (30) is a chain or a rope. [13] Method for operating a lifting and tilting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a controller determines the state of the connecting piece (70) by means of the sensor (80) and controls the drive device (40) depending on the state of the connecting piece (70). [14] Method according to claim 13, characterized by that the drive device (40) is deactivated by the control and / or a signal is output when the control has determined that the traction means (30) is not under tension.

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