Garbage weight information estimation device, garbage vehicle, and garbage weight information estimation method

Abstract

To provide a garbage weight information estimation device capable of estimating the weight of garbage at a lower cost.SOLUTION: A garbage weight information estimation device includes a processor configured to identify, as an operation mode of a garbage vehicle, one of a plurality of modes including a first mode in which an accessory of the garbage vehicle is operated for a time shorter than a predetermined time to collect garbage at each of a plurality of places and a second mode in which the accessory is continuously operated for the predetermined time or longer to collect garbage, acquire an operation time during which the accessory of the garbage vehicle is operated in the identified operation mode, and acquire information on a weight of the garbage based on the operation time and the operation mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for estimating weight information of garbage collected by a garbage truck, a garbage truck, and a method for estimating weight information of garbage. [Background technology]

[0002] When measuring the weight of garbage collected by a garbage truck, for example, if the garbage truck is operated using a weighing device, data can be collected in real time. Patent Document 1, for example, discloses a technique for estimating the weight of garbage. There is also a technique in which, after the garbage truck has collected garbage, for example at a garbage incineration plant, the total weight of the loaded garbage truck is measured, and the weight of the garbage truck is calculated by taking the difference between the weight of the loaded garbage truck and the weight of the empty garbage truck. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-56110 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, if all garbage trucks were fitted with weighing devices, the cost of operating the garbage trucks would increase. Furthermore, the total weight of a loaded garbage truck can be measured, for example, at a garbage incineration plant. However, while the incineration plant operator and the garbage collection company that operates the garbage truck can easily access this information, if various businesses enter and leave the incineration plant, it may be difficult for anyone other than the incineration plant operator and the garbage collection company that operates the garbage truck to access this information.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a garbage weight information estimation device, a garbage truck, and a garbage weight information estimation method that can estimate the weight of garbage in a garbage truck at a lower cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A garbage weight information estimation device according to one embodiment of the present invention has a processor that identifies one of a plurality of modes, including a first mode in which the garbage truck's mounting is operated for a time shorter than a predetermined time at each of a plurality of locations to collect garbage, and a second mode in which the mounting is operated continuously for a time longer than the predetermined time to collect garbage, as the garbage truck's operating mode, obtains the operating time that the garbage truck's mounting is operating in the identified operating mode, and obtains information regarding the weight of the garbage based on the operating time and the operating mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a garbage weight information estimation device, a garbage compactor vehicle, and a garbage weight information estimation method that can estimate the weight of garbage at a lower cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a garbage weight information estimation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing a garbage compactor (packer truck). [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the system shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a garbage truck including a garbage weight information estimation device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In this embodiment, what is called dust is referred to as "garbage" or "trash," but these have the same meaning.

[0010] (First embodiment) A garbage weight information estimation system (hereinafter, mainly referred to as the system) 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The graphs in Fig. 1 are graphs (first information, second information) showing the relationship between the operating time of the garbage collection unit 26 as a body and the weight of garbage (refuse), and after being acquired by the server 3, for example, the information is stored in the memory unit 32 of the server 3. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a garbage truck (compactor truck) 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the processing flow of the system 1.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) garbage trucks 2a to 2n and an information processing server (garbage weight information estimation device) 3 that can communicate with the garbage trucks 2a to 2n via a network N.

[0013] In the following description, when the n garbage trucks 2a to 2n are described without distinction, some of the reference numerals will be omitted and they will simply be referred to as "garbage truck 2." It is preferable that the garbage trucks 2a to 2n are garbage trucks of the same model and have the same body, but they may also be garbage trucks of different models but have the same body. Furthermore, even if the garbage trucks 2a to 2n are garbage trucks of different models and have different bodywork, they may be garbage trucks to which the relationship in the graph shown in FIG. 1 can be applied. If the relationship in the graph shown in FIG. 1 cannot be applied to the body of the garbage truck 2, it is sufficient to prepare a graph of the same relationship as the relationship in the graph shown in FIG. 1 that is applicable to the body of the garbage truck 2.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the garbage truck 2 has, in addition to a cab 12 and a chassis 14, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 16, a communication unit 18, a battery 20, a motor 22, a garbage storage unit 24, a garbage collection unit 26, and an input unit 28.

[0015] The refuse truck 2 according to this embodiment may be, for example, an engine vehicle such as a diesel engine vehicle, HEV vehicle, PHEV vehicle, or FCEV vehicle, or an EV vehicle. Here, the refuse truck 2 is described as an EV vehicle, with an ECU 16, a communication unit 18, a battery 20, a motor 22, a refuse storage unit 24, and a refuse collection unit 26 mounted on a chassis 14. Of these, the refuse storage unit 24 and the refuse collection unit 26 are mounted as bodywork on the truck.

[0016] The ECU 16 is a computer of the garbage truck 2 that controls each part of the garbage truck 2. The ECU 16 controls the overall operation of the garbage truck 2 in accordance with programs stored in the memory of the ECU 16. For example, the ECU 16 is made up of electronic circuits such as one or more processors, such as a CPU. The ECU (processor) 16 executes various programs stored in the memory of the ECU 16 to realize appropriate functions and perform various operations.

[0017] There may be one ECU 16 per refuse truck 2, or there may be multiple ECUs, one for controlling the various parts of the refuse truck 2 related to vehicle travel and one for controlling the equipment such as the refuse collection unit 26. For simplicity of explanation, the following will explain the case where there is one ECU 16. Note that even if the refuse truck 2 is divided into two ECUs, one for controlling the various parts of the refuse truck 2 related to vehicle travel and one for controlling the equipment such as the refuse collection unit 26, these still control the refuse truck 2 in the same way as when there is one ECU.

[0018] The communication unit 18 transmits and receives various information signals relating to the refuse compactor 2 to and from the server (computer) 3 of the system 1 via the network N.

[0019] The battery 20 supplies appropriate power to the ECU 16, the communication unit 18, the motor 22, the dust collection unit 26, etc., as controlled by the ECU 1.

[0020] The motor 22 is used as a drive source for moving the wheels 14 a of the garbage compactor 2 using power from the battery 20 .

[0021] The dust storage section 24 is provided, for example, between the cab 12 and the dust collection section 26, and is formed as a container for storing dust.

[0022] The dust collecting unit 26 operates the hydraulic device of the dust collecting unit 26 using power from the battery 20, causing the dust collecting unit 26 to store dust in the dust storage unit 24. The dust collecting unit 26 also operates the hydraulic device of the dust collecting unit 26 using power from the battery 20, causing the dust collecting unit 26 to discharge dust from the dust storage unit 24 to the outside of the dust truck 2. For this reason, the dust collecting unit 26 can switch between a mode in which dust is stored in the dust storage unit 24 and a mode in which dust stored in the dust storage unit 24 is discharged to the outside. In this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, the operation of either mode will be described as the hydraulic device of the dust collecting unit 26 being operated by pressing a switch on the dust collecting unit 26.

[0023] The mechanism of the dust collection unit 26 when storing dust in the dust storage unit 24 may be, for example, a winding type (rotating plate type), a press type (compression plate type), a rotary type using a drum, or the like, and any of these may be used. In this embodiment, the mechanism of the dust collection unit 26 in the collection mode is a rotary type.

[0024] The garbage storage section 24 and the garbage collection section 26 may be arranged at the position shown by the dashed line, for example, in a garbage incineration plant, or the garbage collection section 26 may be arranged at the position shown by the dotted line, for example, in a garbage incineration plant, so that the garbage stored in the garbage storage section 24 can be easily discharged.

[0025] In this embodiment, the equipment of the garbage truck 2 (for example, the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26) is moved to sequentially discharge the garbage stored in the garbage storage unit 24 to the outside of the garbage truck 2. The mechanism for discharging garbage from the garbage storage unit 24 may be a rotary type that reverses the rotation of the drum described above, a push type that moves a discharge plate (not shown), or a dump type that lifts the garbage storage unit 24 using, for example, a hoist mechanism (not shown), and any of these may be used.

[0026] For example, when using the dump type, the garbage storage unit 24 is tilted using a hoist mechanism, and the garbage collection unit 26 is rotated relative to the garbage storage unit 24 to open the garbage storage unit 24 and discharge the garbage. Also, when using the dump type, the garbage storage unit 24 and the garbage collection unit 26 of the garbage truck 2 move between the positions shown by the solid lines and the positions shown by the dashed lines in Figure 2. When using the push type, the garbage collection unit 26 is rotated relative to the garbage storage unit 24 to open the garbage storage unit 24 and discharge the garbage using the discharge plate, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the input unit 28 is used for input when selecting a mode from the operation modes (selection modes) described later. The input unit 28 may be located, for example, in the cab 12, the garbage storage unit 24, or the garbage collection unit 26. An information terminal such as a smartphone carried by the worker can also be used as the input unit 28 connected via the communication unit 18, for example.

[0028] In this embodiment, the operating modes include a first mode in which, for example, household waste is collected and the waste collection unit 26 is operated intermittently, and a second mode in which, for example, waste is collected from an event venue or the like and the waste collection unit 26 is operated basically continuously.

[0029] In the first mode, the garbage truck 2's equipment (the hydraulic device of the garbage collection section 26) is operated at each of multiple locations for a time shorter than a predetermined time, and during a series of garbage collection operations, the hydraulic device of the garbage collection section 26 is operated intermittently to collect garbage at multiple locations.

[0030] In the second mode, the garbage truck 2's body (the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26) is operated continuously for a predetermined time or more to collect garbage. When the body is operated intermittently in the second mode, the garbage truck 2 is moved by a predetermined amount or less.

[0031] The operator of the garbage truck 2 drives the garbage truck 2 to, for example, one or multiple predetermined garbage collection locations, stops the garbage truck 2, and then activates the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 to store the garbage in the garbage storage unit 24. The operator also drives the garbage truck 2 to, for example, a predetermined garbage incineration plant, stops the garbage truck 2, and then activates the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 to discharge the garbage stored in the garbage storage unit 24 to, for example, a garbage incineration plant. In this way, the garbage truck 2 consumes power from the battery 20, for example, when moving to one or multiple locations to collect garbage, when moving to a garbage incineration plant or the like to discharge the garbage after collecting the garbage, and when the garbage collection unit 26 is operating (during collection and discharge).

[0032] Here, the running resistance R when the garbage truck 2 moves total (N) can be expressed as the following equation (1).

[0033]

number

[0034] Rr(N) is the rolling resistance, Ra(N) is the air resistance, Rg(N) is the gradient resistance, and Ri(N) is the acceleration resistance. total As a result, the refuse compactor 2 consumes power from the battery 20 when running (moving).

[0035] The rolling resistance Rr mainly refers to the resistance generated by energy loss due to deformation of the tires of the refuse truck 2. The rolling resistance Rr can be expressed by the following formula (2).

[0036]

number

[0037] where μ r is the rolling resistance coefficient, where g is the gravitational acceleration (m / s 2 ) and rolling resistance coefficient μ ris affected by, for example, road surface conditions (pavement material, wet / dry, etc.), tires (type, air pressure), wheel load, and wheel bearing conditions (grease temperature). test is the total weight (kg) of the refuse truck 2, including the body and refuse. Note that the total weight preferably includes the weight of the workers who ride in the refuse truck 2. The rolling resistance Rr increases in proportion to the total weight of the refuse truck 2. The rolling resistance Rr is affected not only by the weight of the refuse truck 2 itself, but also by the weight of the refuse.

[0038] Air resistance Ra refers to the resistance generated by friction between the surface of the refuse compactor 2, including the body, and the air. Air resistance Ra can be expressed as in the following formula (3).

[0039]

number

[0040] where μ a is the air resistance coefficient (N m -2 (km / h) -2 ) to the frontal projection area of ​​garbage truck 2 (m 2 ) is a coefficient multiplied by μ a varies depending on the shape of the front of the garbage truck 2 (cab 12, chassis 14, garbage storage section 24, etc.). x is the travelling speed (km / h) of the refuse truck 2. Air resistance Ra increases in proportion to the square of the vehicle speed. Therefore, it can be seen that the faster the speed of the refuse truck 2, the greater the power consumption while traveling.

[0041] Grade resistance Rg refers to the resistance that occurs when going uphill, for example. Grade resistance Rg can be expressed as the following equation (4).

[0042]

number

[0043] where m testis the total weight (kg) of the garbage truck 2 including the body and garbage, and g is the weight acceleration (m / s 2 ), where β (not shown) in sinβ is the inclination angle of the road surface relative to the horizontal plane. Grade resistance Rg is proportional to the total weight of the garbage truck 2 and sinβ of the inclination angle β. Therefore, grade resistance Rg is affected not only by the weight of the garbage truck 2 itself, but also by the weight of the garbage. Furthermore, grade resistance Rg changes according to changes in the gradient at the position where the garbage truck 2 is traveling. For this reason, it can be seen that as the weight of the garbage increases when the garbage truck 2 is traveling and the gradient increases, the power consumption during traveling increases.

[0044] Acceleration resistance Ri refers to the resistance that occurs when accelerating. Acceleration resistance Ri can be expressed as the following equation (5).

[0045]

number

[0046] where m test is the total weight (kg) of the garbage truck 2 including the body and garbage, and Δm drv+eng is the inertia equivalent weight (kg) of the rotating parts of the drive mechanism. When accelerating, the rotating parts of the drive mechanism must accelerate the engine, transmission, propeller, differential, and rear wheels, and this is converted into weight. x is the vehicle speed (km / h) and indicates acceleration in equation (5). Acceleration resistance Ri is proportional to the acceleration and the weight of the garbage truck 2. Acceleration resistance Ri is affected not only by the weight of the garbage truck 2 itself, but also by the weight of the garbage, etc.

[0047] Therefore, the running resistance R total is affected by the weight of the garbage truck 2 itself, the weight of the worker, and also the weight of the garbage. total When this value increases, the power consumption (energy) when the refuse compactor 2 is moving (driving) increases, and the so-called power consumption decreases.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of an information processing server 3 according to this embodiment.

[0049] The server 3 is a computer including a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 33. The control unit 31, the storage unit 32, and the communication unit 33 are connected to each other via a bus line.

[0050] The control unit 31 controls the overall operation of the information processing server 3 in accordance with the programs stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the control unit 31 is configured with electronic circuits such as one or more processors. The control unit 31 is assumed to be, for example, a CPU. The control unit 31 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 32 to realize appropriate functions and perform various operations.

[0051] The storage unit 32 is composed of a main storage unit and an auxiliary storage unit. For example, the main storage unit is composed of a volatile memory that provides a working area for the processor. For example, the main storage unit is composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. For example, the auxiliary storage unit is composed of a non-volatile memory that stores various information and programs for the operation of the information processing server 3. For example, the auxiliary storage unit is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) or the like. The storage unit 32 stores programs that cause the control unit 31 to realize various functions. In this embodiment, for example, the storage unit 32 stores a garbage weight estimation processing program, which is executed by the control unit 31. The storage unit 32 also stores information shown in the graph (first information, second information) shown in FIG. 1, which is provided via the network N, for example. That is, the storage unit (storage medium) 32 stores first information regarding the change in garbage weight relative to the operating time of the mounting in the first mode, and second information regarding the change in garbage weight relative to the operating time of the mounting in the second mode. After completing a series of garbage collections, the server 3 preferably measures the weight of the garbage truck 2, for example at a garbage incineration plant, and then obtains the relationship between the cumulative operating time of the equipment and garbage weight information from at least some of the garbage trucks 2a to 2n, and updates the information in the graph shown in Figure 1 stored in the memory unit 32.

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a graph in which the horizontal axis represents the operating time of the waste collection unit 26 as a mounted device, and the vertical axis represents the weight of the waste. The data shown in FIG. 1 is an example of data (first information) obtained when household waste is actually collected from multiple locations along a certain route, and an example of data (second information) obtained when waste is collected after an event at a certain location. While such data (first information, second information) will differ depending on the local government in the case of household waste, it is preferable that such data exist for each type of waste to be separated.

[0053] The operating time of the garbage collection unit 26 is the time that the garbage collector presses the switch of the garbage collection unit 26 and the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 operates using power from the battery 20. For example, when collecting household garbage, the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 operates continuously at each collection location, but it is rare that it continues to operate while moving to multiple locations; it is often operated intermittently by starting the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 at each collection location, stopping it, and then moving on. On the other hand, when collecting garbage at an event venue, for example, the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 often operates continuously.

[0054] Note that the graph in FIG. 1 shows that when collecting household waste (first mode), the weight tends to increase over a shorter operating time of the hydraulic device of the waste collection unit 26 compared to when collecting waste at an event venue (second mode). However, this is merely an example and may vary depending on the type of waste. For example, the types of household waste vary depending on the local government, and can be categorized into, for example, plastic, PET bottles, metals, paper, and other waste. Therefore, the weight of waste collected by the waste compactor truck 2 varies depending on the type of waste and collection day. On the other hand, the types of waste at an event venue can be categorized into, for example, PET bottles, paper food and drink containers, plastic food and drink containers, and other waste. The weight of waste collected by the waste compactor truck 2 also varies depending on the items for sale at the event venue.

[0055] The communication unit 33 is configured with one or more communication interfaces capable of performing communication conforming to any wireless communication standard. The communication unit 33 includes one or more communication interfaces capable of performing communication between the information processing server 3 and the garbage truck 2 via the network N as described above.

[0056] The hardware configuration of the information processing server 3 is not limited to the above configuration. The information processing server 3 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0057] The system 1 is a so-called client-server system. The system 1 is realized by mutual communication between the ECUs 16 of n refuse trucks 2, which are clients, and the server 3 via a network N and communication units 18 and 33. The network N may be realized by, for example, the Internet, a network such as a mobile phone network, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a network that combines these.

[0058] The garbage weight estimation process implemented by the control unit 31 of the information processing server 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that each process implemented by the control unit 31 here can also be said to be implemented by a computer including a processor.

[0059] First, for example, assume that an operator of the garbage truck 2 selects the first mode and inputs it into the input unit 28 of the garbage truck 2 when the garbage storage unit 24 of the garbage truck 2 is empty (step S1). In accordance with the input into the input unit 28, the ECU 16 transmits the operating mode (first mode) to the information processing server 3 via the communication unit 18. The server 3 then identifies the garbage truck 2.

[0060] Then, the worker drives the refuse truck 2, stops it at a predetermined refuse collection location, presses the switch of the refuse collection unit 26, and activates the hydraulic device of the refuse collection unit 26.

[0061] The ECU 16 of the garbage truck 2 acquires the operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 at each garbage collection location. Note that the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 may be operated multiple times at the same garbage collection location. In this case, for example, by linking with the GPS function of the garbage truck 2, the total operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 at one garbage collection location can be acquired.

[0062] The server 3 then communicates with the communication unit 18 of the garbage truck 2 via the network N and acquires the operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 at each garbage collection location. To this end, the server 3 calculates the cumulative operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 of a certain garbage truck 2, and outputs the weight of the garbage (garbage) as an estimated value from the first information of the graph (intermittent operation) shown in Figure 1 (step S2).

[0063] The timing of communication between the communication unit 33 of the server 3 and the communication unit 18 of the garbage truck 2 via the network N may be immediately after each operation of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 is completed, for example, after all scheduled garbage collection locations have been passed and the garbage has been collected.

[0064] Next, for example, suppose that the operator of the garbage truck 2 selects the second mode and inputs it into the input unit 28 of the garbage truck 2 when the garbage storage unit 24 of the garbage truck 2 is empty (step S1). In accordance with the input into the input unit 28, the ECU 16 transmits the operating mode (second mode) to the information processing server 3 via the ECU 16 and the communication unit 18. The server 3 then identifies the garbage truck 2.

[0065] Then, the worker drives the refuse truck 2, stops it at a predetermined refuse collection point at an event site, for example, and presses the switch of the refuse collection unit 26 to operate the hydraulic device.

[0066] The ECU 16 of the garbage truck 2 acquires the operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 at a garbage collection point, for example, at an event venue. Note that the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 may be operated multiple times at the same garbage collection point at the same event venue. In this case, for example, by linking with the GPS function of the garbage truck 2, the total operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 at one garbage collection point can be acquired. The server 3 communicates with the communication unit 18 of the garbage truck 2 via the network N and acquires the operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 at the garbage collection point.

[0067] For this purpose, the server 3 calculates the cumulative operation time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 of a certain garbage truck 2, and outputs the weight of the garbage (garbage) as an estimated value from the second information of the graph (continuous operation) shown in Figure 1 (step S2).

[0068] The timing of communication between the communication unit 33 of the server 3 and the communication unit 18 of the garbage truck 2 via the network N may be immediately after each operation of the garbage collection unit 26 is completed, or, for example, after the garbage has been collected, but the former is preferable.

[0069] For example, if the server 3 obtains the operating time of the garbage collection unit 26 immediately after each operation of the garbage collection unit 26 is completed, the server 3 can estimate not only the current weight of garbage in the garbage truck 2 but also the total weight of the current garbage truck 2 including the weight of the garbage. Note that when the first mode is selected, the server 3 may estimate the change in weight of the garbage truck 2, and in other words, the change in weight of the garbage, for each garbage collection from the previous collection location.

[0070] When performing such weight estimation, it is not necessary to move the garbage truck 2. For example, when the garbage collection unit 26 is operated continuously, as in the second mode, the server 3 can obtain weight information of the garbage truck 2 in real time while the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 is operating.

[0071] Furthermore, in order to obtain the weight data of the garbage, it is not necessary to add various sensors, including a weight sensor, to the garbage truck 2. Therefore, the server 3 can estimate the weight of the garbage at a lower cost.

[0072] As described above, the total weight of the garbage truck 2 including the body (garbage storage section 24 and garbage collection section 26) and garbage is the running resistance R total Among these, the rolling resistance Rr, the gradient resistance Rg, and the acceleration resistance Ri are affected. The server 3 can estimate the current total weight of the garbage truck 2, including the garbage. Therefore, the server 3 can estimate the running resistance R of the garbage truck 2 by using the current total weight of the garbage truck 2, including the garbage, as a parameter.total can be calculated more accurately.

[0073] The server (processor) 3 acquires information about the weight of the garbage based on the first information or the second information according to the specified operation mode. Such garbage weight information in the first mode and the second mode can be used for energy management of the garbage truck 2, for example.

[0074] For example, if the operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 when the garbage truck 2 is at a certain location is relatively long and the weight of the garbage increases, this is likely to affect the subsequent power consumption. For example, the heavier the garbage, the greater the power consumption when the garbage truck 2 travels uphill. For this reason, when collecting household garbage, for example, the garbage collection route can be adjusted to one that first collects garbage from locations where the operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 is relatively short, thereby reducing the power consumption of the garbage truck 2 when traveling uphill, for example.

[0075] For example, in a facility such as a garbage incineration plant, the weight of the garbage is calculated by measuring the total weight of the garbage truck 2. The ECU 16 of the garbage truck 2 then transmits the relationship between the cumulative operating time of the garbage collection unit 26 during a series of garbage collections and the weight of the garbage in the garbage truck 2 to the server 3, and the server 3 then acquires the relationship between the cumulative operating time of the body and garbage weight information. The server 3 then updates the information (first information, second information) of the graph shown in FIG. 1 stored in the memory unit 32. The server 3 compares the actual weight (calculated value) of the garbage in the multiple garbage trucks 2 with the estimated value of the garbage weight corresponding to the cumulative operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26, and updates the information shown in the graph shown in FIG. 1, thereby improving the accuracy of the graph shown in FIG. 1.

[0076] 1 depends on the operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26, there is no need to obtain the data for each route for collecting household garbage. Therefore, the garbage weight information estimation device (server) 3 according to this embodiment can estimate the weight of garbage at a lower cost. Of course, the server 3 may obtain a graph showing the relationship between the operating time of the equipment and the garbage weight information for each route for collecting household garbage, and estimate the weight of the garbage based on that information.

[0077] In addition, the server 3 of this embodiment estimates the weight of the garbage for each of the first and second modes, and uses this information to calculate the running resistance of the garbage truck 2, thereby reducing the power consumption of the garbage truck 2 while leading to the creation of a highly accurate operation plan (route optimization) for the garbage truck 2.

[0078] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a garbage weight information estimation device (server) 3, a garbage weight information estimation method, and a garbage weight information estimation program that can estimate the weight of garbage at a lower cost.

[0079] In this embodiment, the input unit 28 is used to input selection information between the first mode and the second mode into the ECU 16, and the server 3 communicates with the server 3 to obtain the weight of garbage relative to the operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 in the selected operating mode. That is, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the operating mode selected by the input unit 28 of the garbage truck 2 is selected. For example, the server 3 may receive information (data) regarding the continuity of the operating time of the hydraulic device of the garbage collection unit 26 from the garbage truck 2 each time the operation of the hydraulic device stops, and determine whether the garbage collection unit 26 is operating intermittently in the first mode or continuously in the second mode, thereby setting the operating mode. Therefore, the server 3 may automatically determine the operating mode based on the movement status of the garbage truck 2 and the operating status of the garbage collection unit 26. If the server 3 makes such a determination, the input unit 28 may be unnecessary.

[0080] The server 3 can more accurately predict the so-called electricity cost, which changes depending on the weight of garbage in each garbage truck 2. This allows garbage truck operators to optimize garbage collection routes and realize more accurate operation plans, more accurate energy management, and even more accurate charging management, thereby reducing the operating costs of the garbage trucks 2 and reducing the energy consumed when the garbage trucks 2 are in operation.

[0081] If the refuse compactor 2 described above is not an EV but an engine vehicle such as a diesel vehicle, HEV vehicle, PHEV vehicle, or FCEV vehicle, a system called PTO (Power Take Off) that uses the engine's output, mainly when the refuse compactor 2 is stopped, provides power to operate the hydraulic device of the refuse collection unit 26 of the refuse compactor 2. In such a case, if the refuse compactor 2 is an engine vehicle, diesel fuel, for example, is used as the energy source. The server 3 can then estimate the amount of diesel fuel used as the energy source as the energy consumption. For this reason, the server (refuse weight estimation device) 3 according to this embodiment can be used to estimate the weight of the refuse and estimate the electricity consumption of the EV vehicle or the fuel consumption of the engine vehicle.

[0082] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the first mode and the second mode are options. For example, in addition to the first mode for collecting household waste and the second mode for collecting waste at an event venue, a third mode may also be set.

[0083] In addition, in the first mode, the server 3 (processor) may estimate at least one of the weight of garbage during a single garbage collection at a collection point, the total weight (cumulative weight) of garbage, and the change in weight of garbage, depending on the type of garbage involved in the garbage sorting.

[0084] (Second embodiment) FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a garbage truck 2 including a garbage weight information estimation device (ECU) 16 according to the second embodiment.

[0085] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the server 3 is used as a weight information estimation device to estimate the total weight of each garbage truck 2.

[0086] The ECU 16 of the garbage truck 2 shown in Fig. 4 may be used as a garbage weight information estimation device, and the ECU 16 may execute a program according to the flow shown in Fig. 3. In this case, when calculating the weight of the garbage, the ECU 16 may estimate the relationship between the operating time of the garbage collection unit 26 as a mounted unit and the weight of the garbage, based on the graph shown in Fig. 1, by reading it from the memory unit of the ECU 16 or by acquiring it via the communication unit 18. In this case, the garbage truck 2 has the weight information estimation device (ECU) 16 and / or a weight information estimation program.

[0087] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a garbage weight information estimation device (ECU) 16, a garbage truck 2, a garbage weight information estimation method, and a garbage weight information estimation program that can estimate the weight of garbage at a lower cost.

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1...weight information estimation system, 2 (2a to 2n)...garbage truck, 3...information processing server, 12...cab, 14...chassis, 14a...wheel, 18...communication unit, 20...battery, 22...motor, 24...garbage storage unit, 26...garbage collection unit, 28...input unit, 31...control unit, 32...memory unit, 33...communication unit.

Claims

1. One of a plurality of modes including a first mode in which the garbage truck's mounting is operated for a time shorter than a predetermined time at each of a plurality of locations to collect garbage, and a second mode in which the mounting is operated continuously for a time longer than the predetermined time to collect garbage, is identified as the operating mode of the garbage truck; Acquire the operating time during which the body of the garbage compactor vehicle has operated in the specified operating mode; obtaining information about the weight of the waste based on the operating time and the operating mode; A garbage weight information estimation device having a processor.

2. The device further includes a storage medium for storing first information regarding a change in weight of the garbage with respect to the operating time of the mounting in the first mode, and second information regarding a change in weight of the garbage with respect to the operating time of the mounting in the second mode; The processor acquires information about the weight of the garbage based on the first information or the second information in accordance with the specified operation mode. The weight information estimation device according to claim 1 .

3. In the first mode, the processor estimates at least one of a total weight of the trash and a change in weight of the trash according to the type of trash. The weight information estimation device according to claim 1 .

4. the processor sets the operating mode in response to a user input; The weight information estimation device according to claim 1 .

5. The processor obtains information regarding the continuity of the operating time of the bodywork and sets the operating mode based on the information. The weight information estimation device according to claim 1 .

6. A garbage truck comprising the weight information estimation device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. One of a plurality of modes including a first mode in which the garbage truck's equipment is operated to collect garbage at each of a plurality of locations within a predetermined range, and a second mode in which the equipment is operated to collect garbage at each of a plurality of locations within a range wider than the predetermined range is identified as the garbage truck's operating mode; Acquire the operating time during which the body of the garbage compactor vehicle has operated in the specified operating mode; obtaining information about the weight of the waste based on the operating time and the operating mode; A weight information estimation device having a processor.

8. Identifying one of a plurality of modes as the operating mode of the garbage truck, including a first mode in which the garbage truck's mounting is operated for a time shorter than a predetermined time at each of a plurality of locations to collect garbage, and a second mode in which the mounting is operated continuously for a time longer than the predetermined time to collect garbage; Obtaining the operating time during which the body of the garbage truck has operated in the specified operating mode; obtaining information about the weight of the waste based on the operating time and the operating mode; A method for estimating weight information of garbage, comprising:

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