Method for weighing waste and automatically refilling waste bags

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of waste bins, in particular individual waste bins arranged in furniture, in particular kitchen furniture, but also pedal waste bins external to the furniture.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a method for controlling a connected bin allowing the weighing of waste and the automatic management of the supply of bags. Technical background

[0003] When a waste bin is installed in a kitchen unit, it can be arranged in a sliding drawer or in a unit with doors, for example one or two doors. The user triggers the opening of the unit manually or by voice command, with or without electrical assistance. The waste bin can also be external to a unit and opened using a pedal.

[0004] The trash can has at least one waste collection bin that is equipped with a waste bag. When the collection bin is full, it is necessary to remove the bag to evacuate the waste and install a new bag to replace the first one.

[0005] It is not always easy for the user to know the status of his stock of waste bags. Thus, it may happen that the reserve of bags is empty and the user is unable to replace the bag. DE19730684 describes a waste weighing method using a bin and an automated bag supply management system. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention proposes to solve in particular the problems mentioned above in a simple and economical manner by proposing a method for weighing waste using a bin comprising a waste collection container and comprising an open position and a closed position, the waste collection container being designed to be provided with a waste bag, the bin comprising at least one weight sensor capable of measuring the weight of the items contained in the container, the method comprising the following steps: determining the weight of the empty bin, storing the quantity of bags available in reserve, detecting an opening of the bin, activating a nominal mode from the opening until the closing of the bin, the nominal mode comprising the following steps: -- activating the weight sensor so as to monitor the change in the weight of the collection bin from the opening until the closing of the bin, -- determining the state of the bin according to the change in the weight of the collection bin measured by the weight sensor, the state of the bin being selected from the following states: a) adding waste then closing the bin, b) adding waste followed by a change of bag before closing the bin, c) replacing the bag with a new bag, -- storing information related to the state of the bin,-- triggering a bag refill command when state b) or c) has been detected and the quantity of bags available in reserve is less than a predetermined value.

[0007] Thanks to the invention, the user no longer has to worry about the state of his bag stock. The replenishment of bags is managed automatically by the method according to the invention, which also allows him to better control his expenses, to no longer spend time buying them in supermarkets, to always have suitable bags for his bins and to never run out of bags.

[0008] In addition, thanks to the systematic weighing of their waste, the user can, using statistics, measure their impact on the environment.

[0009] According to other characteristics of the invention: the method comprises a step of transmitting information on the state of the bin to a control module or a mobile terminal; the method comprises a step of calculating and storing the weight of the waste added to the bin in order to enable the production of statistics on the quantity of waste that has been in the bin; the bin comprises several bins and in that the step of calculating and storing the weight of the waste makes it possible to produce separate statistics for each bin, in particular to distinguish the accumulated quantity of recyclable and non-recyclable waste; the method comprises a step of determining the number of bags stored in the bin and a step of detecting the supply of the bin with a new refill of bags;

[0010] The invention also proposes an automated bag supply management system comprising a trash can comprising a waste collection bin, an open position and a closed position, a weight sensor capable of measuring the weight of the bin, a control module, and a first communication interface configured to communicate with a central system, the central system being configured to: memorize the quantity of bags available in reserve, detect an opening of the bin, activate a nominal mode from the opening until the closing of the bin, the nominal mode comprising the following steps: -- activation of the weight sensor so as to monitor the evolution of the weight of the recovery bin from the opening until the closing of the bin, -- determination of the state of the bin according to the evolution of the weight of the recovery bin measured by the weight sensor, the state of the bin being selected from the following states: a) addition of waste then closing of the bin, b) addition of waste followed by a change of bag before closing of the bin, c) replacement of the bag with a new bag, -- store the information linked to the state of the bin, -- trigger a bag refill command when state b) or c) has been detected and the quantity of bags available in reserve is less than a predetermined value.

[0011] Advantageously, the bin equipping the system according to the invention comprises several bins and the control module comprises a mobile terminal. Brief description of the figure

[0012] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which one will refer to the appended drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] is a block diagram which schematically represents an automated bag supply management system for a bin equipped with a weight sensor in accordance with the teachings of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0013] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.

[0014] On the figure 1a bin 10 equipped with a motorization device 12 controlled by means of a control module 13 equipped with a control interface 14 is schematically represented.

[0015] According to the embodiment shown here, the bin 10 is arranged in a piece of furniture 16. It comprises a drawer 18 mounted to slide longitudinally relative to the structure of the piece of furniture 16, between a closed position and an open position illustrated by the figure 1 The drawer 18 is here designed to contain two waste collection bins 20, 22 and a stock of bags 24. Advantageously, a weight sensor 26, 28 is arranged under each bin 20, 22.

[0016] A first bin 20 is here equipped with a waste collection bag 30, for example intended for non-recyclable waste.

[0017] The control interface 14 here makes it possible to control the opening and closing of the bin 10 via the motorization device 12. It can operate with a control button (not shown) or with a voice control module (not shown).

[0018] The control module 13 retrieves the weighing information Ip provided by the weight sensors 26, 28.

[0019] The control module 13 comprises a first communication interface 32 which makes it possible to transmit the weighing information Ip to a central system 34, or remote server, via a second communication interface 36.

[0020] The central system 34 comprises a central unit 38 which processes the weighing information Ip according to the information available in a customer database 40 to transmit to a logistics unit 42 instructions for shipping and delivering refills of bags 44 to the user of the bin 10.

[0021] The control module 13 can for example be implemented in the form of an application installed in a mobile terminal 46 such as a mobile telephone or a tablet.

[0022] The bin 10 and the control module 13 associated with the central system 34 together form an automated bag supply management system 30.

[0023] The method for controlling the trash can 10 according to the invention is now described.

[0024] During an initialization phase, the weight of each empty bin 20, 22, tare weight, is determined and stored in memory. Similarly, the quantity of bags 30 available in the stock of bags 24 is memorized during this initialization phase, so as to be able to subsequently follow the evolution of this stock of bags 24.

[0025] During a nominal operating phase, the bin 10 is placed in a standby mode, and it switches to measurement mode when the bin 10 is opened. The measurement mode is active until the bin 10 is closed.

[0026] In the standby mode, the control module 13 monitors the bin 10 so as to detect each opening of the bin 10, for example by detecting an opening instruction given by a user by pressing a button or by a voice command. Alternatively, the opening of the bin 10 could be detected by means of a dedicated sensor.

[0027] When an opening of the bin 10 is detected, the measurement mode is activated and remains active from the opening until the closing of the bin 10. In this measurement mode, each weight sensor 26, 28 is activated so as to allow monitoring of the change in the weight of each recovery bin 20, 22 from the opening until the closing of the bin 10.

[0028] The weight measurements, called weighing information Ip, are transmitted to the central system 34 by the control module 13, via the communication interfaces 32, 36.

[0029] The central unit 38 then uses this weighing information Ip by comparing it with the information already stored in the customer database 40, for the customer associated with said bin 10. The association between the bin 10 and the customer can be done by means of a customer account provided with a unique reference. The customer can be invited to create this account at the first use, for example via a mobile application or a website.

[0030] The central unit 38 determines the state of the bin 10 based on the change in the weight of each collection bin 20, 22.

[0031] Thus, when the weight of the first bin 20 increases throughout the phase in which the bin 10 is open, called the opening phase, and the last weight measurement, that is to say the weight measurement carried out just before, or just after, the closing of the bin 10 shows that the weight of the first bin 20 has increased compared to the weight stored before opening, the central system 34 deduces that waste has been added to the first bin 20 and then the bin 10 has been closed.

[0032] As the weight of the first bin 20 increases, the weight measurement is stored and added to the waste accumulation for the associated customer.

[0033] When the weight of the first bin 20 increases during a first part of the opening phase, then the weight of the first bin 20 falls to a level less than or equal to the tare weight, then the weight of the first bin 20 increases again relative to the tare weight, the central system 34 deduces that there has first been an addition of waste to the first bin 20, then evacuation of the bag 30 filled with waste, then installation of a new bag 30, with addition of waste, then closing of the bin 10.

[0034] When the weight of the first bin 20 falls to a level less than or equal to the tare weight, then the weight of the first bin 20 increases relative to the tare weight, the central system 34 deduces that the bag 30 filled with waste has been evacuated, then a new bag 30 is installed, then the bin 10 is closed.

[0035] At the end of the implementation of the measurement mode, the weight of each bin 20, 22 is stored as well as the state of the bin 10, depending on whether or not the bag has been changed. The information relating to the state of the bin 10 and in particular the number of bags 30 consumed are also stored. The central unit 38 is then able to determine whether the number of bags 30 present in the stock of bags 24 is less than a predetermined value, or supply threshold, for example equal to 4.

[0036] When the supply threshold is reached, the central unit 38 triggers a bag refill order 44 by transmitting a control instruction Ic to the logistics unit 42.

[0037] The central unit 38 checks the customer's account balance. If there are insufficient funds, an alert is sent to the customer to offer to renew their subscription or package.

[0038] Otherwise, the logistics unit 42 triggers the dispatch of one or more refills of bags 44 for use in said bin 10. The central unit 38 adds the number of bags 30 dispatched to the stock of bags 24 associated with said bin 10.

[0039] The motorization mechanism of the bin 10 can be delivered as standard with a refill of ten bags 30 for the first bin 20. The initial number of bags is therefore ten. However, it is possible to use these bags 30 for uses other than bin 20. It is however recommended to place them in bin 20 before their collection so that they can be weighed and counted. If this is not the case, the invention then makes it possible to specify the number of bags 30 used in order to maintain all the efficiency and comfort of use of the system.

[0040] Advantageously, the central unit 38 uses the weighing information Ip to calculate and store the weight of the waste having passed through the bins 22, 24. This allows, for example, the central unit 38 to produce statistics on the cumulative quantities of waste linked to a given bin 10.

[0041] Advantageously, the central unit 38 uses the second communication interface 36 to display information relating to the state of the bin 10, called status information 1c, for example the current weight of each bin 20, 22, the quantity of bags 30 in the stock 24, statistics. The first communication interface 36 can for example display this status information 1c on the customer's account accessible via a web page or directly on the mobile terminal 46 of the customer associated with the bin 10. Advantageously, the central unit 38 is able to produce separate statistics for each bin 20, 22, which makes it possible for example to distinguish the total weight of the non-recyclable waste having passed through the first bin 20 and the total weight of the recyclable waste having passed through the second bin 22.

[0042] It is thanks to these statistics that each user, through comparisons from the central system, will be able to assess their own impact on the environment.

[0043] According to an alternative embodiment, the bin 10 may be provided with a housing allowing the storage of the stock of bags 24. This housing is for example a location on the drawer 18 and it is equipped with a third weight sensor 48 configured to measure the weight of the stock of bags 24. The central unit 38 is then able to determine the number of bags 30 stored in the bin 10 by means of this third weight sensor 48, which facilitates the management of the stock 24 and the supplies of refills 44.

[0044] According to an alternative embodiment, the weighing information Ip can be stored and processed in whole or in part at the level of the control module 13.

[0045] Thanks to the 10 bin and its associated ordering process, it is possible, initially, to set up replenishment packs. For example, when creating an account on the application, the customer chooses a pack of 10 refills of 10 bags each. They then make a payment by credit card or other electronic payment method. Thus, their account is credited with 10 refills to be sent to them. When the system sends the last or penultimate refill to the customer, they are informed by email and / or SMS. They can then log in to their customer area and purchase a new refill pack.

[0046] In a second stage, at least one year after the creation of the account, the system will be able to calculate the customer's actual consumption and thus offer them, as an alternative to the packs, to set up a subscription solution for replenishing bags 30 which will be adapted to the customer's consumption, which allows a personalized offer, for example a payment by debiting an account based on the consumption of bag refills 44.

[0047] Different methods of validating orders for refilling bags 44 based on different data relating to the customer and the associated bin(s) 10 can be envisaged. LEGEND

[0048] 10: bin 12: motorization device 13: control module 14: control interface 16: cabinet 18: drawer 20: first bin 22: second bin 24: bag stock 26: first weight sensor 28: second weight sensor 30: bag 32: first communication interface 34: central system 36: second communication interface 38: central unit 40: customer database 42: logistics unit 44: bag refills 46: mobile terminal 48: third weight sensor Ic: control instruction le: status information Ip: weighing information

Claims

1. Method for weighing waste using a garbage can (10) comprising at least one waste collection container (20, 22) and comprising an open position and a closed position, the at least one waste collection container (20) being designed to be provided with a waste bag (30), the garbage can (10) comprising at least one weight sensor (26, 28) which is able to measure the weight of the items contained in the at least one container (20, 22), the method comprising the following steps: - determining the weight of the at least one empty container (20, 22), - memorising the number of bags (30) available in reserve, - detecting an opening of the garbage can (10), - activating a nominal mode from the opening to the closing of the garbage can (10), the nominal mode comprising the following steps: -- activating the weight sensor (26) to monitor the change in weight of the at least one collection container (20) from the opening to the closing of the garbage can (10), -- determining the state of the garbage can (10) depending on the change in weight of the at least one collection container (20) measured by the weight sensor (26), the state of the garbage can (10) being selected from the following states: a) adding waste then closing the garbage can (10), b) adding waste followed by changing the bag (30) before closing the garbage can (10), c) replacing the bag (30) with a new bag (30), -- storing information relating to the state of the garbage can (10), -- triggering a bag refill command (44) when state b) or c) has been detected and the number of bags (30) available in reserve is less than a predetermined value.

2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a step of transmitting information on the state of the garbage can (10) to a control module (13) or a mobile terminal (46).

3. Method according to either of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a step of calculating and memorising the weight of the waste added into the at least one container (20, 22) in order to make it possible to produce statistics on the quantity of waste that has remained in the at least one container (20, 22).

4. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the garbage can (10) comprises a plurality of containers (20, 22) and in that the step of calculating and memorising the weight of the waste makes it possible to produce separate statistics for each container (20, 22), in particular to distinguish the accumulated quantity of recyclable and non-recyclable waste.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a step of determining the number of bags (30) stored in the garbage can (10) and a step of detecting the supply of a new refill of bags (44) to the garbage can (10).

6. Automated management system for supplying bags (30), comprising a garbage can (10) comprising at least one waste collection container (20, 22), an open position and a closed position, a weight sensor (26, 28) which is able to measure the weight of the at least one container (20, 22), a control module (13), and a first communication interface (32) which is configured to communicate with a central system (34), the central system (34) being configured to: - memorise the number of bags (30) available in reserve, - detect an opening of the garbage can (10), - activate a nominal mode from the opening to the closing of the garbage can (10), the nominal mode comprising the following steps: -- activating the weight sensor (26) to monitor the change in weight of the at least one collection container (20) from the opening to the closing of the garbage can (10), -- determining the state of the garbage can (10) depending on the change in weight of the at least one collection container (20) measured by the weight sensor (26), the state of the garbage can (10) being selected from the following states: a) adding waste then closing the garbage can (10), b) adding waste followed by changing the bag (30) before closing the garbage can (10), c) replacing the bag (30) with a new bag (30), -- storing information relating to the state of the garbage can (10), -- triggering a bag refill command (44) when state b) or c) has been detected and the number of bags (30) available in reserve is less than a predetermined value.

7. System according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the garbage can (10) comprises a plurality of containers (20, 22).

8. System according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the control module (13) comprises a mobile terminal (46).