WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste collection system. In particular, the present invention relates to a waste collection system that can be used to collect and process waste for disposal in a simple and reliable manner and with a high degree of automation.

[0002] It is often necessary to provide garbage bags and collect filled bags for disposal or recycling. This can be time-consuming and costly, especially when there are a large number of garbage bags.

[0003] US 2019 / 0382197 A1 describes an automatic trash can. This trash can automatically seals garbage bags at the push of a button and automatically opens a new garbage bag after the filled and sealed bag is removed.

[0004] US 2015 / 0324760 A1 describes a waste tracking system for tracking waste from one location to another. For this purpose, garbage bags are tagged, i.e., provided with a marking such as an RFID tag. The filled waste containers are collected and transported to designated recycling stations.

[0005] WO 2006 / 029038 A2 describes a waste disposal device comprising an external actuating mechanism for actuating a cartridge using flexible tubing packs. In particular, this document describes providing improved healthcare devices for the hygienic and odorless packaging and disposal of diapers and the like, where hygienic and substantially odorless disposal is desired.

[0006] WO 2011 / 45533 A1 describes a waste container comprising a main body having a built-in plastic bag for containing waste and a lid provided for opening and closing at the top of the main body. The waste container includes a holder into which a roll-shaped plastic bag is installed, and a plastic bag processing unit including a pair of horizontally movable knives that pull the plastic bag downward to release it and cut the top of the plastic bag. Furthermore, a plastic bag sealing device is provided, which is installed below the plastic bag handling device and includes a pair of hot wire elements for heat-sealing the top of the plastic bag containing waste.

[0007] CN111232487A describes an intelligent waste collection system comprising an intelligent waste bin, a mobile robot, and a server. The intelligent waste bin and the mobile robot are each connected to the server via a wireless network. The intelligent waste bin is used to recycle waste in the building floors, with empty waste bins stored at specific locations on the building floors and filled waste bins distributed across the building floors.

[0008] However, such solutions known from the state of the art may still have potential for improvement, particularly with regard to cost-effective and effective processing of waste.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a measure by which at least one disadvantage of the prior art can be at least partially overcome. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that enables cost-effective and efficient waste processing.

[0010] The object is achieved according to the invention by a waste collection system having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, in the description and in the figures, wherein further features described or shown in the subclaims or in the description or the figures can individually or in any combination constitute an object of the invention, unless the context clearly indicates the opposite.

[0011] Described is a waste collection system for at least partially automated processing of waste bags, comprising a filling arrangement with a receiving device, in particular a frame, for receiving and fixing a waste bag; a clamping arrangement for automatically clamping the waste bag in a filling position of the filling arrangement; and a closing device for automatically closing the waste bag; wherein the waste collection system has a collection position different from the filling position for collecting closed waste bags; and wherein the filling arrangement has a transfer mechanism for moving the waste bag from the filling position to the collection position, wherein the waste collection system has a collection robot that can automatically collect waste bags in the collection position.

[0012] Such a waste collection system allows for cost-effective and efficient processing of waste, in particular the collection of filled garbage bags.

[0013] The waste collection system is thus designed to process waste, whereby processing can take place solely at the location of a filling arrangement, or processing can also be carried out over a larger area, for example, up to a central collection station, as described in more detail below. The waste collection system is intended to serve at least partially, for example, fully automated processing of waste bags.

[0014] The described waste collection system has a filling arrangement. Within the meaning of the present invention, a filling arrangement is understood, in particular, to be an arrangement in which garbage bags can be filled by a user. Thus, a filling arrangement can be understood, for example, as a waste container in which garbage bags can be filled with waste by people. Such filling arrangements can, for example, be arranged in different rooms of a building, whereby, with a plurality of filling arrangements, corresponding garbage bags must be emptied after filling.

[0015] The filling assembly comprises a receiving device, such as in particular a frame, for receiving and securing a waste bag. The waste bag can thus be positioned and secured in the receiving device, such as in particular in the frame, so that the waste bag can be filled by a user. For example, a lid is arranged on the receiving device to close off access to the waste bag.

[0016] To keep the garbage bag open and allow the user access to waste, the filling assembly includes a tensioning assembly for automatically tensioning the garbage bag. This ensures that the garbage bag is always or temporarily open and can be filled. For example, the garbage bag can remain permanently open or be opened temporarily only upon request, for example by pressing a button on the filling assembly. In a position in which the garbage bag can be filled and, in particular, is tensioned, the garbage bag is in a so-called filling position.

[0017] Once the waste bag is filled to a predefined level, it can be sealed. This prevents odor pollution and also prevents waste disposed of in the bag from escaping from the bag during further processing. For this purpose, the filling assembly includes a closure device for automatically closing the waste bag. This can generally be designed in a suitable manner to securely seal the waste bag.

[0018] After a completed filling process, the filled waste bag is removed from the filling position in order to dispose of the filled waste bag and fill a new, particularly unused, waste bag. For this purpose, the waste collection system has a collection position, separate from the filling position, for collecting closed waste bags. The collection position is arranged, in particular, adjacent to the filling arrangement and / or, for example, is part of the filling arrangement. The collection position is arranged, for example, in such a way that a waste bag located there can be removed from the filling arrangement by a person, either manually or preferably automatically, and then processed further.

[0019] In order to transport filled waste bags from the filling position to the collection position, the filling arrangement further comprises a transfer mechanism for transporting the waste bag. The transfer mechanism can generally be configured in a selectable manner, as long as it allows the waste bag to be transported to the collection position. In a simple variant, the transfer mechanism can, for example, be a mechanism that releases the waste bag, i.e., allows the waste bag to fall from the filling position and land in the collection position. Furthermore, the transfer mechanism can be at least partially identical to the clamping arrangement.

[0020] A waste collection system as described above allows, in particular, automated response to the filling of a waste bag, thus always ensuring that an empty or at least fillable waste bag is available and can be used by a user. The design of the filling arrangement, using the components described above, allows a waste bag to always be opened for filling. After filling to a predetermined fill level, the bag can be closed and moved from the filling position to the collection position. This frees up the filling position, allowing a new waste bag to be opened in the filling position and used for waste disposal.

[0021] This simplifies waste disposal, whether by personnel or automatically, because the waste collection system always provides filled waste bags, which can be removed from the collection point and collected. The filled waste bags are located in the collection point, allowing for easy collection and removal. Furthermore, the waste bags located in the collection point are securely sealed, preventing environmental contamination from waste escaping from the waste bags.

[0022] Preferably, the filling arrangement can have a refill volume for providing unused waste bags. Such a volume, which can be formed, for example, by a cassette or a magazine for waste bags to be filled, can ensure that waste bags to be filled are always available, and thus, after filling a waste bag and transferring it to the collection location, waste can be disposed of in a new waste bag. Accordingly, the reliability of a waste collection system in this configuration can be particularly high.

[0023] For example, the refill volume can be equipped with an indicator that shows when only a limited number of garbage bags remain. This can ensure that the volume is refilled in a timely manner.

[0024] Furthermore, the refill volume can preferably be arranged such that it can be reached by the clamping arrangement or another mechanism, so that a garbage bag to be filled can be removed, preferably automatically, and clamped in the filling position. In other words, it can be advantageous if an unused garbage bag can be grasped by the clamping arrangement or another mechanism and clamped in the filling position. This process can be triggered, for example, when a garbage bag is closed or moved to the collection position. In this embodiment, after a garbage bag has been filled and transferred from the filling position to the collection position, a new garbage bag can be provided automatically. As a result, there is essentially no or only an extremely limited period of time in which there is no garbage bag to be filled and thus in which the filling arrangement would have to be paused.

[0025] It may further be preferred that the closure device comprises a welding device for sealingly welding the waste bag. A welding device makes it possible to seal waste bags easily and securely, thus preventing waste from falling out of the waste bag during processing. Essentially, a welding device can melt the material of the waste bag and bond the melted parts or regions to one another, which can enable a stable and secure connection. Accordingly, this embodiment can be particularly advantageous when using plastic waste bags. This is because, with plastic bags, welding is possible even at low temperatures, so that this embodiment can be easily implemented.

[0026] Further preferably, it can be provided that the waste collection system, in particular the filling arrangement, has a transmitter by which a signal can be output when a waste bag is located in the collection position. Such a transmitter allows information to be output in a reliable manner when a filled waste bag is present and can be removed or collected accordingly by the filling arrangement. This applies both to further manual processing of the waste bag and to automated processing of the waste bag, as described in more detail below. With regard to manual collection, such a signal can, for example, be transmitted to a receiver, which indicates to a person whether and, if applicable, where a waste bag to be collected is present.Furthermore, such a signal can be transmitted to a collection robot, which can then also be controlled accordingly, as described in more detail below.

[0027] The transmitter can generally be freely selected. For example, the transmitter can be a Bluetooth transmitter, an RFID transmitter, a WLAN transmitter (e.g., a Wi-Fi transmitter), a mobile radio transmitter, or similar. Such transmitters can transmit signals that can be received, for example, by a cleaner's portable receiver, thus improving the manual removal and processing of garbage bags. Furthermore, corresponding signals can also be received by an automated device for collecting garbage bags, such as a collection robot, which can simplify the automated collection of filled garbage bags.

[0028] Such a transmitter can, for example, be coupled to a sensor or connected via a data connection, which can be wired or wireless, which detects whether a waste bag is in the collection position. Such a sensor can, for example, be a camera-based sensor or another sensor, such as a radiation-based sensor, which detects whether there is an obstacle at a certain position, from which the presence of a waste bag can be inferred. Furthermore, a weight sensor can be used, which detects whether a weight is lying on the collection position, which also serves to detect a waste bag in the collection position. Finally, the transfer mechanism can also be connected to the transmitter, since after the transfer mechanism is actuated, a waste bag is in the collection position. All of the above solutions are therefore examples of detecting a waste bag in the collection position.In summary, it can be advantageous for the transmitter to be connected to a sensor for detecting a garbage bag in the collection position via a data line, which can be wired or wireless. It is also within the scope of the present invention for the transmitter to be activated manually, for example, when a user presses a button.

[0029] In addition to or as an alternative to a signal indicating that a full waste bag is in the collection position, this transmitter, or another, technologically equivalent transmitter, can emit a signal indicating the type of waste contained in the waste bag. This can be particularly advantageous because the type of waste—for example, whether it is recycling waste, so-called residual waste, or paper—can determine the further processing of the waste. Accordingly, further processing can be made dependent on the type of waste contained in the respective waste bag.

[0030] It is also planned that the waste collection system will include a collection robot that automatically collects waste bags located in the collection position. This will enable a particularly high degree of automation. In particular, if the filled waste bags are automatically sealed and transferred to the storage position, a collection robot can collect the waste bags located there at the appropriate time.

[0031] For this purpose, the collection robot can have a storage volume in which the filled waste bags can be stored. The collection robot can accordingly have a collection mechanism, such as a gripper arm, which grasps waste bags located in the respective collection positions and transfers them to the storage volume of the collection robot.

[0032] The collection robot can also have a single storage volume for holding waste bags, or it can be equipped with a corresponding number of storage volumes. The latter configuration allows, for example, different types of waste, such as recycling waste, residual waste, or even paper, to be stored in different volumes, thus facilitating further processing of the waste.

[0033] To collect the garbage bags, the collection robot can, for example, travel through a predetermined area along a predefined route periodically and / or at specific times. For example, all rooms in a building or on a floor of a building can be traveled through and garbage bags located in collection positions can then be identified, for example, using a camera and / or appropriate pattern recognition. Garbage bags to be collected can, for example, be provided with a corresponding display feature that can be recognized by a camera, so that the collection robot recognizes the garbage bags to be collected. Corresponding display features include a QR code, a graphic pattern, a specific color and / or a feature that is only visible under UV or IR light.

[0034] Detected waste bags can then be placed in the storage area, whereupon the collection robot can travel to a central collection point. There, the waste bags can be placed either automatically or by a person into a central collection container or into different collection containers, depending on the type of waste. Accordingly, as described above, it can be advantageous for the collection robot to have a camera for camera-based detection of waste bags.

[0035] Alternatively, the collection robot can follow a route, also referred to as a basic route, which could correspond to a corresponding hallway in a building. While traveling along the basic route, the collection robot receives corresponding signals indicating waste bags located in collection positions, as described in detail above. The collection robot can then approach the corresponding filling stations and, based on the emitted signal, which can provide an indication of the position of the waste bag, or again based on a camera, detect and collect waste bags. The waste bags can then be transported to a central collection position. In this configuration, it is possible to respond to changing requirements in real time.This means that the collection robot doesn't necessarily have to travel a predetermined route to check all collection points for waste bags to be collected. Instead, the collection robot only needs to consider the filling arrangements or collection points where there are actually waste bags to be collected. This design thus allows for particularly short routes, which can result in time and cost savings.

[0036] Accordingly, it may be advantageous if the collecting robot has a receiver for receiving signals, wherein the collecting robot can further be controlled by a control unit based on received signals.

[0037] In principle, a collection robot can perform a collection trip periodically according to predetermined time patterns, or even upon a specific user request. The request can be made manually by a user or, for example, via a corresponding transmitter signal, as described above. For this purpose, it can be advantageous, as described above, for the collection robot to be equipped with a corresponding receiver.

[0038] Furthermore, it may be preferable for the collection robot to only collect waste bags belonging to a specific system. For this purpose, the waste bags can, for example, be provided with a marking that is recognized by the collection robot. The marking can be visible in UV or IR light, for example, and can be recognized accordingly by the collection robot. Alternatively or additionally, such qualification for a specific system can also be part of a signal that is sent, for example, by the filling arrangement or another component, as described above.

[0039] It may also be advantageous for the waste collection system, such as the collection robot, to have a door-opening mechanism that allows the door to be opened when the collection robot approaches. This door-opening mechanism can be a gripping hook or a similar geometry, for example, by means of which a door handle can be pressed or a knob can be turned. However, the door-opening mechanism can also function electronically, for example by using an RFID chip or another mechanism to detect the collection robot's approach to a door and automatically open the door. This design allows filled waste bags to be collected even when they are located in a room with a locked door.

[0040] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the features shown below can represent an aspect of the invention both individually and in combination, and wherein the invention is not limited to the following drawing, the following description and the following embodiment.

[0041] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of an embodiment of a waste collection system; and Fig. 2 a schematic view of an embodiment of a filling arrangement for a waste collection system according to Fig. 1 .

[0042] In the Figure 1 a waste collection system 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, which is suitable for the at least partially automated processing of waste bags 56. The waste collection system 10 comprises a plurality of filling assemblies 12, which are arranged in the Figure 2shown in greater detail in a top view.

[0043] As in Figure 2 As shown, the filling assembly 12 comprises a frame 14 for receiving and securing a waste bag 56. The frame 14 forms a stand that can, for example, stand on four legs. The waste bags 56 can be arranged and clamped accordingly within the frame 14. For this purpose, the filling assembly 12 comprises a clamping assembly 16 for automatically clamping the waste bag 56 in a filling position 18 of the filling assembly 12. As indicated, the filling position 18 is located within the frame 14.

[0044] The clamping arrangement 16 comprises, for example, two gripping assemblies 20, 22 which can be moved relative to one another, approximately via parallel and horizontally aligned rails 24, and which can grip and clamp a waste bag 56, for example, using rotatable and / or pivotable handles 26, for example designed as hooks. The waste bags 56 can, for example, be removed from a refill volume 28, such as a cassette, for providing unused waste bags 56. Accordingly, an unused waste bag 56 can be gripped and clamped in the filling position 18 by the clamping arrangement 16 or another mechanism. The waste bag 56 can now be filled.

[0045] When the waste bag 56 is filled, the waste bag 56 can be closed automatically or by a manual command and moved to a collection position 30. This position of the waste bag 56 is shown in the Figure 2shown. For this purpose, the filling assembly 12 has a closure device 32 for automatically closing the waste bag 56. The closure device 32 can be designed, for example, as a welding device 34, which has one or two heating elements 36, by which the waste bag 56 can be welded and thus closed. The welding device 34 can be attached, for example, to gripping assemblies 20, 22.

[0046] Once the waste bag 56 is closed, it can be moved from the filling position 18 to the collection position 30 by a transfer mechanism 38, for example, again by the gripping arrangement 20, 22. For this purpose, the gripping arrangement 20, 22 can pivot such that the waste bag 56 falls into the collection position 30.

[0047] If the waste bag 56 is full, which can be detected by a suitable sensor 40, a signal can be emitted, for example by a transmitter 42, which can be part of the filling arrangement 12, that the waste bag 56 can be disposed of. This can be done manually by a cleaning worker, or automatically by a collecting robot 44, as shown in the Figure 1 is shown.

[0048] In the Figure 1 The collection robot 44 is shown, which can travel to filling arrangements 12 located in different rooms 46 of a floor and dispose of filled waste bags 56. In Figure 1 Both filling arrangements 12a are shown in which there is no filled waste bag 56, and filling arrangements 12b in which a filled waste bag 56 to be collected is present at a collection position 30.

[0049] The collection robot 44 can now travel through each room 46 and, using a camera, search for waste bags 56 to be collected. These waste bags 56 can be placed in a collection container 48 of the collection robot 44 and then brought to a central collection station 50 on the floor. For this purpose, the collection robot 44 can have a camera 52 for camera-based detection of waste bags 56 located at a collection position 30.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, the waste collection system 10 may include the transmitter 42, and the collection robot 44 may include a receiver 54 for receiving signals, wherein the collection robot 44 may further be controllable by a control unit 62 based on received signals. In this embodiment, the collection robot 44 may receive the corresponding signal and selectively travel to only the rooms 46 in which a waste bag 56 is to be removed. For this purpose, doors 60 of the rooms 46 may be openable by the collection robot 48.

[0051] The garbage bags 56 can be recognized by the collection robot 44, for example, by a data signal or by physical display features 58 of the garbage bags 56, which can be recognized by a camera, so that the collection robot 44 recognizes the garbage bags 56 to be collected. Corresponding display features 58 include, for example, a QR code, a graphic pattern, a specific color, and / or a feature that is only visible under UV or IR light. Reference symbol

[0052] 10 Waste collection system 12 Filling arrangement 14 Frame 16 Clamping arrangement 18 Filling position 20 Gripping arrangement 22 Gripping arrangement 24 Rail 26 Handle 28 Refill volume 30 Collection position 32 Closure device 34 Welding device 36 Heating element 38 Transfer mechanism 40 Sensor 42 Transmitter 44 Collection robot 46 Room 48 Collection container 50 Collection station 52 Camera 54 Receiver 56 Waste bag 58 Display feature 60 Door 62 Control unit

Claims

1. Waste collection system (10) for processing waste sacks (56) in an at least partially automated manner, comprising - a filling arrangement (12) with - a receiving device, in particular a frame (14), for receiving and securing a waste sack (56); - a clamping arrangement (16) for spreading open the waste sack (56) in an automated manner in a filling position (18) of the filling arrangement (12); and - a sealing device (32) for sealing the waste sack (56) in an automated manner; wherein - the waste collection system (10) has a collection position (30), which is different from the filling position (18), for collecting sealed waste sacks (56); - and wherein the filling arrangement (12) has a transfer mechanism (38) for transporting the waste sack (56) from the filling position (18) to the collection position (30), characterized in that the waste collection system (10) has a collecting robot (44), by means of which waste sacks (56) located in the collection position (30) can be collected in an automated manner.

2. Waste collection system (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the filling arrangement (12) has a refill volume (28) for providing unused waste sacks (56).

3. Waste collection system (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an unused waste sack (56) can be picked up by the clamping arrangement (16) or another mechanism and spread open in the filling position (18).

4. Waste collection system (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sealing device (32) comprises a welding apparatus (34) for welding the waste sack (56) so as to seal it.

5. Waste collection system (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the waste collection system (10) has a transmitter (42) which can output a signal when a waste sack (56) is situated in the collection position (30).

6. Waste collection system (10) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the transmitter (42) is connected via a data line to a sensor (40) for detecting a waste sack (56) in the collection position (30).

7. Waste collection system (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the waste collection system (10) has a transmitter (42) by means of which a signal can be output, the signal indicating the type of waste contained in the waste sack (56).

8. Waste collection system (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the collecting robot (44) has a camera (52) for finding waste sacks (56) located in a collection position (30) in a camera-based manner.

9. Waste collection system (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the collecting robot (44) has a receiver (54) for receiving signals, wherein the collecting robot (44) can further be controlled by a control unit (62) based on received signals.

10. Waste collection system (10) according to any of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the waste collection system (10) has a door-opening mechanism by means of which a door (60) can be opened as the collecting robot (44) approaches the door.