Method for determining and displaying a filling level of a press container, press container, computer programme, and computer-readable medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining and displaying a filling level of a press container (2), in which method a content in an interior (4) of the press container (2) can be compacted by means of at least one hydraulically actuatable press ram (3), which method comprises at least the following steps: a) actuating the at least one hydraulic press ram (3); b) detecting at least two operating parameters of the press ram (3) during step a); c) evaluating the at least two operating parameters by means of a comparison with at least one previously known reference parameter; d) displaying a filling level of the press container (2) depending on the evaluation in step c). The invention also relates to a correspondingly designed press container.

Description

[0001] Method for determining and displaying a fill level of a press container, press container, computer program and computer-readable medium

[0002] The present invention relates to methods for determining and displaying a fill level of a press container, press containers, also called self-pressing containers, as well as related computer programs and computer-readable media.

[0003] In the compactor, the material is compacted with at least one hydraulic press ram inside the compactor. Such compactors are primarily used for the collection, compaction, and (temporary) storage of waste, recyclables, and other bulky materials. Compactors can be temporarily deployed locally and, if necessary, transported by vehicles.

[0004] It is desirable to obtain or provide information about the current fill level of the container. This fill level can be used, in particular, to indicate when further loading of the container is no longer possible / practical and / or when the full container needs to be emptied or replaced with an empty one.

[0005] Currently, a rough assessment of the fill level has been performed. With fixed pressure switches, the displacement pressure of the press piston can be monitored during the pressing process. This generates a time-dependent message, for example, "75% full" or "100% full." This makes precise and continuous measurement of the fill level impossible.

[0006] In addition, this parameter depends on many (environmental) parameters, which can lead to significant deviations and inconsistent readings during the filling process or between individual pressing cycles.

[0007] There is a desire to provide a more accurate, reliable, and flexible method for determining and displaying the current fill level. Based on this, the object of the present invention is to at least partially alleviate the problems described with reference to the prior art.

[0008] In particular, methods and devices are to be proposed that enable a more accurate, reliable and / or continuous display of the current or future fill level of the press container.

[0009] This object is achieved by a method according to the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features listed in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

[0010] A method for determining and displaying the fill level of a press container contributes to this, wherein the press container is equipped with at least one hydraulically operated or actuated press ram, with which the contents in an interior of the press container can be (moved and) compacted. The press container can essentially be designed as described above. In particular, it is a press container that is designed to receive and compact materials, garbage or waste. The press ram is driven by a controllable hydrostatic transmission and can be moved transversely, in particular in front of and partially into and out of the interior. The press container has a feed (open or closed) via which the contents or the material to be pressed can be placed in front of the press ram (in the retracted position). By activating the hydrostatic transmission orThe associated hydraulic circuit retracts the press ram into the interior, transporting the placed contents into the container interior and compacting them if necessary. Once compaction has been completed as required, the press ram can be retracted using the hydrostatic transmission or the hydraulic circuit.

[0011] The method proposed here comprises at least the following steps: a) actuating at least one hydraulic press ram; b) recording at least two operating parameters of the press ram during step a); c) evaluating the at least two operating parameters by comparison with at least one previously known reference parameter; d) displaying a fill level of the press container depending on the evaluation in step c).

[0012] In principle, it is possible for the method to be carried out using the sequence of steps a), b), c), and d) specified here. It is possible for steps a), b), c), and d) to be carried out directly one after the other. However, it is also possible for the steps to at least partially overlap one another in time or to be carried out in parallel. It is possible for at least one of steps b), c), or d) to be carried out multiple times, in particular during step a).

[0013] The actuation of the at least one press ram can be initiated manually or automatically. The press ram is moved in front of or into the interior of the press container, preferably over at least part of a (maximum) travel distance. The actuation can include activating a hydraulic actuator of the press ram. Step a) can be (automatically) terminated or aborted when a predetermined limit value of an operating parameter characteristic of the press ram operation is reached.

[0014] At least two operating parameters of the press ram are recorded at least over a plurality or multiplicity of times and / or a period of time during the actuation of the press ram. The recording of the at least two (different) operating parameters can take place at different and / or overlapping times / periods of time. It is preferred that the recording of the operating parameters is carried out very closely, i.e. at a high frequency. It is preferred that the recorded operating parameters are not directly or linearly dependent on one another. The operating parameters are characteristic of the operation of the press ram, in particular with regard to the travel path on the one hand and the (energetic) travel effort on the other. The recording of the operating parameter can comprise sensing and / or calculating and / or deriving manipulated variables.

[0015] One or both recorded operating parameters can be (directly) compared with at least one previously known reference parameter. It is possible that a separate reference parameter can be provided for each operating parameter. The reference parameters can be retrieved, set by the user, provided as needed and / or learned. The evaluation of the operating parameters can take place sequentially or simultaneously. It is possible that the results of the evaluation are saved and / or processed using data. The comparison can comprise a mathematical comparison of numerical values, signals or data. In particular, the reference parameter can be designed in the form of a limit value and / or an (open or closed) value range.

[0016] The two detected operating parameters can be evaluated relative to each other with respect to (predetermined) reference parameters. For example, it is possible for a first detected value of the first operating parameter to be evaluated differently depending on the second detected value of the second operating parameter, or to lead to a different result or a different display. It is preferred if one of the operating parameters is evaluated taking into account the at least one other operating parameter, and a display is generated from this evaluation.

[0017] Furthermore, it is intended that a specific statement regarding the fill level of the compactor container be displayed depending on the evaluation. In particular, it is possible that the result of the evaluation or a result (directly) derived from the evaluation, in particular the fill level itself, is displayed. The display can be made on the compactor container itself. It is possible that the suction is transmitted via the fill level and, for example, (additionally) displayed on a stationary or mobile display device.

[0018] The recording of operating parameters, the evaluation of operating parameters and the display of the filling level are preferably carried out (automatically) using the press container.

[0019] Within the scope of step b), continuous recording of the at least two operating parameters can take place at least during a final temporal portion of step a). It is possible that one or a plurality of the operating parameters are initially only recorded sporadically and / or not at all. Once a predetermined operating situation of the press ram has been reached, the recording intensity can then be expanded or increased. This recording intensity is then preferably maintained until the end of step a), i.e. in particular until the end of compaction and / or the retraction of the press ram. The at least two operating parameters can comprise at least one of the following parameters: hydraulic pressure, (a derived therefrom) pressing force, ram travel. Preferably, a first operating parameter is selected from the group hydraulic pressure and pressing force, and a second operating parameter is the ram travel.The hydraulic pressure is a characteristic of the hydraulic circuit that drives or moves the press ram. The pressing force is, in particular, the force with which the press ram presses against the contents of the press container. Since hydraulic pressure and pressing force are clearly related to each other, they can preferably be recorded alternatively as one of the relevant operating parameters. The ram travel is, in particular, an operating parameter that indicates the current position or the traveled distance into the interior of the press container. The joint consideration of these two operating parameters allows an evaluation of which pressures / forces are present at which point along the ram travel.

[0020] It is possible for all steps b) to d) to only be carried out when at least one of the at least two operating parameters reaches a threshold value. For example, it is possible for the second operating parameter to only be recorded when one of the operating parameters has reached the specified threshold value. It is possible for an evaluation to only be carried out when one or both operating parameters have each reached a specified threshold value. It is possible for a display to only be made when the evaluation has reached a specific (further) threshold value. This makes it possible to keep the computing effort low in a targeted manner and thus also to protect a (local) energy source and save energy.

[0021] At least one of the at least two operating parameters can be determined by sensors. In particular, hydraulic pressure and / or the travel of the press ram can be measured with a sensor. The (electronic) signals from the sensor relating to this operating parameter can be transmitted via cable or wirelessly to a control unit of the press container. These signals, which are characteristic of the operating parameters, can be processed or used directly for the process.

[0022] It is possible that step d) allows a selection of displays with different energy consumption depending on the evaluation in step c). It is possible that several display options are provided, which in particular consume different amounts of energy (from a possibly local energy source) for the display. Consequently, the option of choosing between different displays can be given, which can in particular include the use of different display devices and / or different display types (such as visualizations). The at least one display can be provided on the press container. It is possible that the press container uses its resources to trigger a display at a remote location, such as a monitor, a mobile device, or on the Internet. The specific selection can be made depending on the result of the evaluation. For example, thresholds can be set to send a notification to users.For example, an increased filling level, a longer service life and thus also a greater emptying of the local (finite) energy source can be concluded.

[0023] Within the scope of step d), further (environmental) parameters can be included, whereby (at least continuously, as needed and / or upon specific request) adapted information on the fill level of the press container is determined and displayed. Environmental parameters can in particular include parameters relating to the contents (the material to be pressed) and / or the routine for adding contents to the press container. The environmental parameters can, for example, be used to interpret the result based (solely) on the operating parameters. It is possible that the parameters are included to define threshold values, limit values ​​and / or reference values. It is possible that the parameters are used to determine an expected result from step c), which is compared with the determined result and / or evaluated.

[0024] Tracking or interpreting the results from step c) and / or incorporating parameters can make it possible to anticipate or determine a fill level in the future in a timely manner. This allows a proactive prediction of the fill level or its development at a future point in time.

[0025] Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the method that includes determining the fill level of the press container based on a hydraulic pressure measurement and the press position during the filling process. By observing the characteristic pressure curve during the filling process, the fill level can be continuously recorded and output with higher resolution. In addition, the recording of the press position can be evaluated as an actual measured value or a mathematically modeled value as a condition for the press fill level. Continuous recording enables better planning and utilization of the container capacity.

[0026] The user can define various types of information output or actions depending on the fill level. This information can also be used to optimize energy supply via batteries, solar power, or grid connection.

[0027] In this way, errors or special cases in use can be detected, for example to warn the user of damage or to avoid premature collection.

[0028] Based on specified material data, the fill level measurement can be further refined.

[0029] It is possible to evaluate parameters that reveal routines and / or trends. Artificial intelligence or machine learning can be used to identify typical filling processes in terms of timing, filling materials, and / or quantities. This information can be used for improved or predictive determination and display of the fill level. In addition to the fill level, this also enables a prediction of the fill mass or material.

[0030] According to a further aspect, a compactor container with at least one hydraulic compactor ram is proposed. The compactor ram can be used to compact the contents in an interior of the compactor container. Furthermore, an indicator for the fill level of the compactor container is provided. Furthermore, the compactor container comprises means suitable for (at least partially) carrying out the steps of the method proposed here.

[0031] The explanations of the process can also be used to characterize the press container, the display and / or the means.

[0032] The at least one display can be provided on the compactor. It is possible for the compactor to use its resources to trigger a display at a remote location, such as a monitor and / or a mobile device.

[0033] A computer program is further proposed which comprises instructions which cause the press container to carry out the steps of a method proposed here. It is possible that a computer-readable medium is provided on which the computer program is stored.

[0034] The press container can have a control unit with a predetermined computing and / or storage capacity, in particular comprising a microcontroller on which the computer program is stored or installed and / or the computer program can be executed.

[0035] The means may also include sensors for recording operating parameters.

[0036] Furthermore, the press container can be equipped with a radio device including an antenna to send and receive data, results, parameters, displays, etc. (wirelessly). A (secure) radio communication with a cloud can be established.

[0037] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures show a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, but are not limited thereto. Identical components in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals. They show, by way of example and schematically:

[0038] Fig. 1 : a variant of a press container,

[0039] Fig. 2: a first diagram,

[0040] Fig. 3: another diagram,

[0041] Fig. 4: a first diagram illustrating a situation with an empty paper container,

[0042] Fig. 5: a second diagram illustrating a situation with a half-full paper container

[0043] Fig. 6: A third diagram illustrating a situation with a full paper container. Fig. 1 shows an example of a compactor 2 with a hydraulic press ram 3, with which a content 12 (such as waste) can be compacted in an interior space 4 of the compactor 2 with a predetermined pressing force 6. The compactor 2 can be set up in a mobile manner, with a correspondingly limited interior space 4 being provided for a maximum predetermined amount of the content 12.

[0044] The material or waste can be introduced into the compactor container 2 (e.g., through a hatch along the white arrow). The hydraulic compactor 3 can be moved within the interior space 4 along a ram path 7, whereby upon entering the interior space 4, the contents 12 are compacted against the opposite container wall.

[0045] The drive and control unit 13 for the hydraulic press ram 3 are housed outside, but adjacent to the interior space 4. The drive includes a controllable hydraulic circuit 14. The control unit 13 can adjust and monitor the operation of the press ram 3 or the hydraulic circuit 14. For this purpose, it can be connected to sensors 11, which are assigned, for example, to the hydraulic circuit 14, the press ram 3, and / or the interior space 4.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 13 is equipped with an antenna 9 for establishing a radio connection to a cloud 10. The press container 2 has a battery 8 as an energy source, for example, to be operated with solar energy or from the power grid.

[0047] Furthermore, a display 1 is provided to indicate (in particular visualize) the (current or possibly future) filling level of the press container 2.

[0048] The press container 2 and its means are configured such that they can carry out at least the steps of the following method: a) actuating the at least one hydraulic press ram 3, b) recording at least two operating parameters of the hydraulic press ram 3 during step a); c) evaluating the at least two operating parameters by comparing them with at least one previously known reference parameter; d) displaying a fill level of the press container 2 as a function of the evaluation in step c). Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 illustrate the method, in particular steps b) and c) in a specific embodiment. It should be noted that the curves shown are examples. The pressure curve here relates in particular to the pressure on the piston rod of the hydraulically operated press ram.

[0049] Shown are the curves of the hydraulic pressure 5 and the ram travel 7 over time, in particular over the retraction and return cycle of the hydraulic press ram 3.

[0050] Fig. 2 illustrates a monitored or recorded curve of the hydraulic pressure 5 over time t. It can be seen that the hydraulic pressure 5 is initially approximately constant over time and the ram travel 7 and then increases up to a value Pi. At this point in time, a (possibly automatic) switchover from a rapid traverse setting of the ram 3 to a press travel setting took place. With a rapid traverse setting, the ram 3 can be moved with lower pressure and higher speed in order to quickly convey the material to be pressed into the press chamber. With a press travel setting, the ram 3 can be moved with higher pressure and lower speed in order to press the material to be pressed into the press chamber. After a local, brief drop in pressure, the pressure continues to rise up to a (maximum) value P2 (here, for example, 181 bar), whereby at the same time a (maximum) value of the ram travel Li (here, for example, 1,711 mm) can be detected.From this pair of values ​​it can be concluded that the filling level is approximately 95%.

[0051] Fig. 3 illustrates another pressing process, in which new material to be pressed has been added to the press container 2 in the meantime. The curve of the hydraulic pressure 5 is similar to that of Fig. 2, whereby a switchover from a rapid traverse setting of the ram 3 to a pressing speed setting occurs at the pressure value P3. After a local, brief pressure drop, the pressure continues to rise up to a (maximum) value P4 (here also e.g. 181 bar), whereby at the same time a (maximum) value of the ram travel L2 (here e.g. 1,687 mm) can be detected. From this pair of values, it can be concluded that the fill level is approximately 100%.

[0052] If one considers the situation at the maximum value P2 or P4 of both curves, it can be determined that the (approximately equal) maximum value of the hydraulic pressure 5 occurs at different piston travels 7. For example, the hydraulic pressure 5 can be considered at a specific reference value and then the corresponding piston travel 7 can be evaluated in order to make a decision about the display according to step c).

[0053] It is obvious that the curves depend in particular on the properties of the material being pressed (cardboard, residual waste, bulky waste, etc.) and the design of the press hydraulics. The value of the limit or maximum pressure is not characteristic in itself, because it depends on the settings of the hydraulic system. In particular, it depends on the machine settings (setting of the pressure relief valve to protect components from overload) and, increasingly, on the pressing of the material being pressed (bulky waste behaves differently than paper during pressing). The specified limit pressure is relevant in this example. For other press types, which may have a lower pressure set on the pressure relief valve due to the hydraulic system, other limit pressures may be relevant.

[0054] With reference to Figs. 4 to 6, other situations are illustrated using the example of the relationship between the course of the hydraulic pressure 5 in relation to the piston travel 7 for determining the respective filling level of a (cardboard / paper) container.

[0055] Initially, i.e., with a (practically) empty press container 2, the material to be pressed (here paper) is only pushed into the interior 4 or pressing chamber. As can be seen from Fig. 4, the overall pressure level remains relatively (constant and) low until shortly before reaching the maximum ram travel 7 (cf. P5 here below 55 bar). Due to the low pressure Ps in at the end of the ram travel 7 (cf. L3; here, for example, approx. 1900 mm), the hydraulic press ram 3 returns to its starting position, and the pressure does not rise to the (previously known) maximum pressure, primarily to save energy.

[0056] After several filling processes, a curve can be observed for the same (approximately half-full) press container, as shown in Fig. 5. Here, the hydraulics are intended to automatically switch the hydraulic press ram 7 from rapid traverse to pressing mode when the specified pressure Pe (here 110 bar) is reached (generally, however, operation with different modes such as rapid and pressing mode is not necessary). In the further course, it can be seen that when the end position is reached (cf. L4; corresponds to L3 in Fig. 4), a higher pressure P7 (here approx. 105 bar) is reached or determined (compared to P5), but previously an even higher pressure value Pe was determined at a lower or earlier position (e.g. at approx. 1600 mm) of the hydraulic press ram 7. From this, it can be concluded that the press container is approximately 50% full. When the press container 2 is full, when the specified maximum pressure Pe is reached (here P9, e.g.approximately 180 bar), the end position of the piston travel 7 is no longer reached, see Fig. 6. In this situation, the predetermined maximum pressure P9 is already reached at a position L5, which here, for example, corresponds to a piston travel 7 of 1711 mm. Furthermore, from the fact that the pressure Ps at the switching point is lower than the determined maximum pressure P9, it can be concluded that the press container is full.

[0057] In this way, the problems described with reference to the prior art were alleviated. In particular, methods and devices were provided that enable a more accurate, reliable, and / or continuous display 1 of the current fill level of the press container 2.

[0058] List of reference symbols

[0059] 1 ad

[0060] 2 press containers 3 hydraulic press rams

[0061] 4 Interior

[0062] 5 hydraulic pressure (Pi)

[0063] 6 Press force

[0064] 7 Stamp path (Li) 8 Battery

[0065] 9 Antenna

[0066] 10 Cloud

[0067] 11 Sensor

[0068] 12 Contents

[0069] 13 Control unit

[0070] 14 Hydraulic circuit

Claims

Claims: A method for determining and displaying the fill level of a press container (2) in which at least one hydraulically actuated press ram (3) can be used to compact contents in an interior space (4) of the press container (2), comprising at least the following steps: a) actuating the at least one hydraulic press ram (3); b) recording at least two operating parameters of the hydraulic press ram (3) during step a); c) evaluating the at least two operating parameters by comparison with at least one previously known reference parameter; d) displaying a fill level of the press container (2) depending on the evaluation in step c).A method according to claim 1, wherein step b) involves the continuous acquisition of the at least two operating parameters, at least during a temporal end section of step a). A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two operating parameters comprise at least one of the following parameters: hydraulic pressure (5), pressing force (6), ram stroke (7). A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein all steps b) to d) are executed only when at least one of the at least two operating parameters reaches a threshold value. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the at least two operating parameters is determined by a sensor. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein step d) allows a selection of differently energy-consuming displays (1) depending on the evaluation in step c).Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein step d) includes further parameters and displays adapted information on the fill level of the press container (2). A press container (2) comprising at least one hydraulic press ram (3) with which contents can be compacted in an interior (4) of the press container (2), a display (1) for the fill level of the press container (2), and means suitable for carrying out the steps of a method according to any of the preceding claims. A computer program comprising instructions that cause the press container (2) of claim 8 to carry out the steps of a method according to any of the preceding claims. A computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to claim 9 is stored.

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