Procedure for operating a heavy-duty scale

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a heavy-duty scale (1) with a communication unit (2), a computer unit (3) for a good for filling into a container (4), characterized by the following steps: - the communication unit (2) establishes an empty initial state; - the communication unit (2) detects an initial weight increase of 1 second to 30 seconds on the heavy-duty scale (1) when the empty container (4) is placed on the scale; - the communication unit (2) and immediately triggers a tare adjustment (6) after the completion of the first weight increase (5) after 1 to 60 seconds, recording the tare weight (10) of the empty container (4); - based on the recorded tare weight (10) of the empty container (4), the computer unit (3) performs an actual / target comparison and determines from a stored container weight list the container (4) placed on the heavy-duty scale (1) for filling; - the communication unit (2) records the net weight of the goods in real time during the filling process; - the net weights (13) recorded in real time are sent to the computer unit (3); - the net weights (13) recorded in real time are transmitted by the computer unit (3) as regularly recorded net weights (9) to a cloud storage (7) for retrieval; - the computer unit (3) calculates a fill time end (8) based on the regularly recorded net weights (9); - the computer unit (3) transmits the regularly recorded net weights (9) and the calculated end of the filling time (8) to a cloud storage device (7); - the regularly recorded net weights (9) and the calculated end of the fill time (8) are available for retrieval on the cloud storage (7).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a heavy-duty scale according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Such methods for operating a heavy-duty scale are already known and commonly used in a variety of forms and configurations. For example, DE 10 2016 117 539 A1 discloses a scale comprising a weighing platform for receiving weights to be measured and at least one measuring cell for determining the weight force of the weights to be measured, wherein the scale has a primary display, wherein the weighing platform has an electronic radio interface for bidirectional data transmission between the weighing platform and the primary display, wherein the data is transmitted bidirectionally between the weighing platform and the primary display via two separate channels, wherein only weighing information such as weighing result, gross or net weight, tare and zeroing is transmitted via the first channel, and only application data is transmitted via the second channel.

[0003] Reference is also made to US Patent 8,194,129 B2. This patent discloses a system for monitoring waste and recycling materials in which a standardized container with a known tare weight is assigned to a weighing system. The weighing system continuously records weight increases during filling, transmits this data to authorized parties, and thus ensures tamper-proof documentation. Cameras are also used to monitor the container during filling and provide image data for inspection and auditing purposes. A notification is automatically generated when certain fill levels are reached, enabling efficient and transparent coordination of container pickup, transport, and billing. Object of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a method for operating a heavy-duty scale is to be provided that creates transparency between fillers, recipients and the intermediary logistics during the filling of containers. Solution to the task

[0005] The features according to claim 1 lead to the solution of the problem.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] A method according to the invention serves to operate a heavy-duty scale with a communication unit and a computer unit for loading goods into a container.

[0008] Heavy-duty scales like these are used, for example, in recycling companies, construction firms, and other industries that produce valuable waste materials. This includes, for instance, the machining industry. The correct and safe recording of these valuable residual materials is crucial.

[0009] Suitable heavy-duty scales are those that can be loaded with standard containers or driven onto by a truck.

[0010] The following steps are carried out, for example, by software.

[0011] First, the communication unit detects an empty starting state. This could be, for example, an empty start-up. However, it could also be that a previous filling process has been completed.

[0012] The communication unit detects an initial weight increase on the heavy-duty scale when the empty container is placed on the scale. This initial increase can occur within a period of time between the 1st and 240th seconds, or preferably between the 1st and 180th seconds, or even more preferably between the 1st and 120th seconds. This initial weight increase occurs within typically predictable timeframes, allowing the processing unit to compare this data with stored information and determine that the empty container has now been placed on the heavy-duty scale for filling.

[0013] The communication unit immediately triggers a tare function after the initial weight increase is complete. The empty container's tare weight is recorded, and based on this, the computer unit performs a comparison of the actual and target weights. Using a stored list of container tare weights, it then determines which container is to be placed on the heavy-duty scale for filling. The software / computer unit can allow a deviation of 0.5 to 5% of the stated tare weights to compensate for minor impurities in the container and prevent false readings.

[0014] The communication unit records the net weight of the goods in real time during the filling process. The real-time net weight data is transmitted to the computer unit, enabling complete traceability of the filling process. For example, any discrepancies during filling can be recorded and reported for investigation. This prevents unauthorized manipulation during the filling process.

[0015] The net weights, recorded in real time, are transmitted by the computer unit as regularly recorded net weights to a cloud storage server for retrieval. For example, the regularly recorded net weights are determined and recorded every 60 to 180 seconds during the container filling process and transmitted to the cloud storage server and / or its cloud storage server. This ensures the desired transparency between the parties involved, such as a filler (e.g., a copper filler) and a recipient (e.g., a copper recipient). All industrially packaged valuable materials and raw materials are eligible for this service.

[0016] The computer unit calculates the end of the filling time based on regularly recorded or real-time net weights. This can be determined for a specific container by knowing its permissible total weight. Furthermore, a prediction of the end of the filling time can be generated based on the filling speed. The end of the filling time occurs when the container's permissible payload weight is between 95% and 100% full. This simplifies planning between the filler and the customer. Logistics are also easier to plan, resulting in significant time and cost savings, as logistics personnel don't have to wait until the container is full but can arrive just in time for the end of the filling process, i.e., the end of the filling time.

[0017] The computer unit of the communication unit transmits the regularly recorded net weights and the calculated end of the filling time to the cloud storage system or its cloud storage server, where the regularly recorded net weights and the calculated end of the filling time are available for retrieval. This, in turn, creates absolute transparency at every stage of the filling process, as all participating parties have access to the cloud storage system without being able to influence it.

[0018] Depending on how long the inventive method is applied at a location, the calculation of the end of the filling time also improves. For this purpose, the average filling times until the end of the filling time are recorded, for example, per ton. The resulting empirical data on filling speed allows for a more accurate calculation of the end of the filling time.

[0019] An automatic message can also be sent to a pickup recipient, such as the logistics company or the customer. The cloud storage system transmits the calculated end time for filling to a pickup recipient, provided this has been previously configured. This can also lead to additional savings in time and money.

[0020] The regularly recorded net weights during the container filling process can be stored in the cloud and presented in tabular and / or graphical form, making them available to all parties involved, such as the filler, the recipient, and the logistics provider. This significantly increases transparency at all times. When the container is picked up, the communication unit records its departure to the recipient, allowing them to calculate the estimated delivery time.

[0021] Additionally, once the filling time has ended, an electronic information sheet, an electronic invoice, and / or an electronic credit note can be issued based on the calculated net total weight and the stored price tables for the goods. This also saves working time, which in turn leads to cost reductions.

[0022] Full automation leads to cost reduction and time savings.

[0023] The process and communication unit features an application programming interface (API) that communicates with other software, such as the customer's existing software or logistics system, to further simplify and automate processes.

[0024] It can also be provided that the communication unit is made available for retrofitting a heavy-duty scale. This allows previously location-bound scales to become more intelligent and gain cost-effective and transparent access to cloud storage. The communication unit comprises, within a single housing, a receiver unit, a transmitter unit, and the processing unit for carrying out the process. The receiver unit is connected to a weight sensor on the heavy-duty scale, and the transmitter unit is connected to the processing unit and / or the cloud storage via a data line. The processing unit can consist of two components: one is the processing unit housed within the communication unit, and the other is the cloud storage computer, which is part of the cloud storage system.

[0025] The system also includes the heavy-duty scale already manufactured with the communication unit and the base with a weight sensor for carrying out the process, whereby the weight sensor is connected to the receiver unit and the transmitter unit is connected to the cloud storage via a data connection. The computer unit would then again be part of the communication unit and the cloud storage computer would be part of the cloud storage.

[0026] The communication unit is, for example, a UMTS router, which can be used cheaply and reliably.

[0027] The computing unit is a Raspberry Pi setup, which can also be manufactured cheaply and reliably. Character description

[0028] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the single figure. A heavy-duty scale 1 is shown therein. The heavy-duty scale 1 comprises a communication unit 2 and a platform 14 with two exemplary weight sensors 12 for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0029] The weight sensors 12 are connected to a receiver unit within the communication unit 2. The transmitter unit 11 is also part of the communication unit 2 and is connected to the cloud storage 7 via a data connection. Additionally, a computer 3 is present in the communication unit 2, which is also present in the cloud storage 7 as a cloud storage computer 16. The cloud storage computer 16 from the cloud storage 7 and the computer unit 3 of the communication unit 2 form a common basis on which the software carrying out the method according to the invention is installed.

[0030] The lower part of the figure shows a diagram illustrating the steps of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the communication unit 2 includes a part of the computer unit 3, and the cloud storage unit 7 also includes a part of the cloud storage computer 16.

[0031] First, communication unit 2 establishes an empty starting position 15.

[0032] Then, when the empty container 4 is placed on the ground, the communication unit 2 detects an initial increase in weight 5 on the heavy-duty scale 1, which usually lasts from the 1st second to the 240th second.

[0033] The communication unit 2 immediately triggers a tare adjustment 6 after the completion of the first weight increase 5 from the 1st to the 240th second, recording an empty weight 10 of the empty container 4.

[0034] Based on the recorded tare weight 10 of the empty container 4, the computer unit 3 performs an actual / target comparison and determines, from a stored container weight list, the container 4 to be placed on the heavy-duty scale 1 for filling. The identified container 4 is also transmitted to the cloud storage computer 16 and made available for retrieval in the cloud storage.

[0035] Communication unit 2 records the net weight of the goods in real time during the filling process. The net weights 13 recorded in real time are sent to computer unit 3. Communication unit 2, in turn, sends the net weights 13 recorded in real time from the integrated computer unit 3 as regularly recorded net weights 9 to the cloud storage computer 16 in cloud storage 7, where they are available for retrieval.

[0036] The cloud storage computer 16 in cloud storage 7, or the computing unit 3 in communication unit 2, calculates a fill time end time 8 based on the regularly recorded net weights 9. Computing unit 3, for example, transmits the regularly recorded net weights 9 and the calculated fill time end time 8 to cloud storage 7. The regularly recorded net weights 9 and the calculated fill time end time 8 are then available for retrieval by fillers, customers, and logistics personnel on cloud storage 7. The processing of the data in cloud storage 7 is carried out by cloud storage computer 16. Reference symbol list 1 heavy-duty scale 2 Communication Unit 3 computer units 4 containers 5 first weight gain 6. Buoyancy 7 Cloud storage 8 Filling time end 9 regularly recorded net weights 10 empty weight 11 transmitting unit 12 Weight sensor 13 net weights recorded in real time 14 storage areas 15 Empty starting position 16 cloud storage computers

Claims

[1] Method for operating a heavy-duty scale (1) with a communication unit (2), a computer unit (3) for a good to be filled into a container (4), characterized by the following steps: - the communication unit (2) establishes an empty initial state (15); - the communication unit (2) detects an initial weight increase (5) from the first second to the 240th second on the heavy-duty scale (1) when the empty container (4) is placed on the scale; - the communication unit (2) triggers a tare adjustment (6) after the completion of the first weight increase (5), whereby the tare weight (10) of the empty container (4) is recorded; - based on the recorded tare weight (10) of the empty container (4), the computer unit (3) performs an actual / target comparison and determines from a stored container weight list the container type of the container (4) placed on the heavy load scale (1) for filling; - the communication unit (2) records the net weight (13) of the goods in real time during the filling process; - the net weights (13) recorded in real time are sent to the computer unit (3) in the communication unit (2); - the net weights (13) recorded in real time are transmitted by the computer unit (3) as regularly recorded net weights (9) to a cloud storage computer (16) in a cloud storage (7) for retrieval; - the cloud storage computer (16) in the cloud storage (7) calculates a fill time end (8) based on the regularly recorded net weights (9); - the cloud storage computer (16) determines and makes available in the cloud storage (7) the regularly recorded net weights (9) and the calculated end of the fill time (8); - so that the regularly recorded net weights (9) and the calculated end of the fill time (8) are available for retrieval on the cloud storage (7). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the computing unit (3) transmits the calculated end of the filling time (8) to a collection receiver. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the regularly recorded net weights (9) are determined and recorded every 60 to 180 seconds during the filling process of the container (4). [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the determination of the container (4) placed on the heavy load scale (1) is manually confirmed. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the regularly recorded net weights (9) during the filling process of the container (4) are recorded in tabular form and / or graphically. [6] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that upon reaching the end of the filling time (8) based on a determined net total weight and the stored price tables for the good, an electronic information sheet and / or an electronic invoice and / or an electronic credit note will be issued. [7] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a programming interface (API) communicates with other software. [8] Communication unit (2) for retrofitting a heavy-duty scale (1) with a receiver unit and a transmitter unit (11) configured to carry out the method according to claims 1 to 7, characterized by, that the receiver unit is connected to a weight sensor (12) of the heavy-duty scale (1) and the transmitter unit (11) has a programming interface (API) and / or is connected to the computer unit (3) via a data line and / or to the cloud storage (7), wherein the programming interface (API) communicates with other software of the customer or logistics. [9] Heavy-duty scale (1) with a communication unit (2) and a storage area (14) with a weight sensor (12) configured to perform the method according to claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the weight sensor (12) is connected to the receiver unit and the transmitter unit (11) is connected to the cloud storage (7) via a data connection.

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