Vehicle stopping system and vehicle stopping method

Abstract

This system provides a vehicle chock that can prevent contact between the delivery vehicle and the loading door. [Solution] A vehicle stopping system 100 capable of restricting the movement of a vehicle 10 that brings waste into a waste treatment facility 1 to a predetermined position, comprising: a first vehicle stopping section 106 provided corresponding to an input position into which waste can be input from the input door 102 of the receiving equipment (waste pit 3), and capable of restricting the movement of the vehicle 10 toward the input door 102; a second vehicle stopping section 108 provided corresponding to a standby position set at a position further from the input door 102 than the input position, and capable of restricting the movement of the vehicle 10 toward the input door 102; a switching section capable of switching the second vehicle stopping section 108 between a restricting state in which the movement of the vehicle 10 toward the input door 102 is restricted, and an allowable state in which the movement of the vehicle 10 toward the input door 102 is permitted; and a control section capable of controlling the operation of the switching section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle stop system and a vehicle stop method for regulating the movement of a vehicle at a predetermined position in a waste treatment facility.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a waste treatment facility, a technology of a vehicle stop system capable of regulating the movement of a vehicle at a predetermined position is known. For example, it is as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a rear-wheel vehicle stopper and a front-wheel vehicle stopper mechanism capable of regulating the backward movement of a garbage carrier are provided on a platform where the garbage carrier for throwing garbage into a garbage pit enters in a backward posture. The rear-wheel vehicle stopper and the front-wheel vehicle stopper mechanism can regulate the backward movement of the garbage carrier at a position (loading position) close to the garbage pit to such an extent that the garbage carrier can throw garbage into the garbage pit.

[0004] The front-wheel vehicle stopper mechanism can be switched between an operating posture that hinders the backward movement of the garbage carrier and a non-operating posture that allows the backward movement of the garbage carrier. When moving the garbage carrier, by switching the front-wheel vehicle stopper mechanism to the non-operating position, the necessary movement of the garbage carrier is not hindered.

[0005] However, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the backward movement of the garbage carrier is regulated at a position (loading position) close to the garbage pit. For this reason, when the garbage carrier enters the loading position before the loading door of the garbage pit is fully opened, there is room for improvement in that there is a risk of contact between the garbage carrier and the loading door.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem it seeks to solve is to provide a vehicle stopping system and a vehicle stopping method that can prevent contact between an incoming vehicle and the loading door. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0009] That is, a vehicle stop system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle stop system capable of restricting the movement of a vehicle that brings waste into a waste treatment facility at a predetermined position, comprising: a first vehicle stop section provided corresponding to an input position into which waste can be input from the input door of the receiving equipment and capable of restricting the movement of the vehicle toward the input door; a second vehicle stop section provided corresponding to a standby position set at a position further from the input door than the input position and capable of restricting the movement of the vehicle toward the input door; a switching section capable of switching the second vehicle stop section between a restricting state in which the movement of the vehicle toward the input door is restricted, and an allowing state in which the movement of the vehicle toward the input door is permitted; and a control section capable of controlling the operation of the switching section. According to one aspect of this disclosure, contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door can be prevented.

[0010] Furthermore, a vehicle stopper system according to one aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a vehicle detection unit capable of detecting the presence of the vehicle to be delivered at the loading position or the standby position, and the control unit sets the second vehicle stopper to the restricted state when the vehicle detection unit does not detect the vehicle to be delivered. According to one aspect of this disclosure, contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door can be effectively prevented.

[0011] Furthermore, a vehicle stopper system according to one aspect of the present disclosure further comprises a door front object detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of an object in front of the input door, and a door opening / closing unit capable of opening and closing the input door, wherein the control unit allows the input door to be opened when the vehicle detection unit detects the incoming vehicle and the door front object detection unit does not detect an object. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to prevent the loading vehicle from coming into contact with an object and preventing the object, including a person, from falling out of the loading door.

[0012] Furthermore, a vehicle stop system according to one aspect of the present disclosure further comprises an alarm unit capable of issuing an alarm, and the control unit activates the alarm unit when the vehicle detection unit detects the incoming vehicle and the door front object detection unit detects an object. According to one aspect of this disclosure, a warning can be given to the driver of the delivery vehicle.

[0013] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit switches the second vehicle stopper from the restricted state to the permitted state after the input door has started to open. According to one aspect of this disclosure, contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door can be effectively prevented.

[0014] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit switches the second vehicle stopper from the restricted state to the permitted state after the input door has opened to a predetermined opening. According to one aspect of this disclosure, contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door can be effectively prevented.

[0015] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit does not switch the second vehicle stopper from the restricted state to the permitted state if an object is detected by the object detection unit in front of the door after the input door has started to open. According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to prevent the loading vehicle from coming into contact with an object and preventing the object, including a person, from falling out of the loading door.

[0016] Further, when the loading door is fully open, and the loading vehicle is not detected by the vehicle detection unit and no object is detected by the object detection unit in front of the door, the control unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure switches the second vehicle stopper to the restricted state. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the loading vehicle moves away from the loading door, the restriction on the movement of the loading vehicle at the standby position can be promptly resumed.

[0017] Also, the object detection unit in front of the door according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a human presence sensor capable of detecting a person. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, contact between the loading vehicle and a person can be prevented, and a person can be prevented from falling from the loading door.

[0018] Also, a vehicle stopping method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle stopping method for restricting the movement of a loading vehicle that transports waste to a waste treatment facility at a predetermined position. The method includes a loading position where the loading vehicle can load waste from the loading door of the receiving facility, and a standby position of the loading vehicle set at a position farther from the loading door than the loading position. When the loading vehicle does not exist at the standby position, the vehicle stopper restricts the movement of the loading vehicle from the standby position toward the loading door side. When the loading vehicle exists at the standby position and no object exists in front of the loading door, the loading door is opened and the restriction by the vehicle stopper is released. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door can be prevented. Also, contact between the loading vehicle and an object can be prevented.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door can be prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] A schematic side cross-sectional view showing a platform of a waste treatment facility equipped with a vehicle stopping system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Front view showing the periphery of the loading door. [Figure 3] Schematic plan view showing the positional relationship of the loading door, the second vehicle stopper, and the loop coil. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the configuration related to the control of the vehicle stopper system. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the procedure for loading waste. [Figure 6] (a) Enlarged side view showing the state where the second vehicle stopper restricts the backward movement of the incoming vehicle. (b) Enlarged side view showing the state where the first vehicle stopper restricts the backward movement of the incoming vehicle.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, the directions indicated by the arrows U, D, L, R, F, and B shown in the figures will be defined as the upward direction, downward direction, left direction, right direction, forward direction, and backward direction, respectively, for the description.

[0022] First, using FIG. 1, an overview of the waste treatment facility 1 where the vehicle stopper system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided will be described.

[0023] The waste treatment facility 1 is a facility for treating waste. The method of treating waste in the waste treatment facility 1 is not particularly limited, and for example, incineration treatment, melting treatment, gasification treatment, recycling treatment, crushing treatment, etc. can be adopted. Further, the waste treatment facility 1 may be a relay facility for collecting, aggregating, and transporting waste.

[0024] The waste treatment facility 1 is equipped with a platform 2 into which waste is brought. The platform 2 is sized to allow a waste transport vehicle 10 to enter. The waste treatment facility 1 is also equipped with a waste pit 3 adjacent to the platform 2. The waste pit 3 is connected to the platform 2 via an input opening 3a. A transport vehicle 10 that has entered the platform 2 approaches the input opening 3a while reversing and deposits the waste into the waste pit 3 through the input opening 3a. The waste deposited into the waste pit 3 is processed, for example, by incineration in an incinerator or crushing in a crusher.

[0025] Next, the vehicle stopping system 100 will be described using Figures 1 to 4.

[0026] The vehicle chock system 100 is for restricting the movement of transport vehicles 10 that bring waste into the waste treatment facility 1 to a predetermined position. The vehicle chock system 100 mainly comprises an input door 102, a door drive unit 104, a first vehicle chock unit 106, a second vehicle chock unit 108, a vehicle chock drive unit 110, a loop coil 112, a photoelectric sensor 114, a motion sensor 116, an alarm 118, a first signal 120, a second signal 122, an operation panel 124, and a control unit 126, etc.

[0027] The input door 102 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is for opening and closing the input opening 3a of the waste pit 3. In this embodiment, the input door 102 is a double-hinged door that opens and closes to the left and right around pivot axes 102a provided on the left and right sides. When the input door 102 is closed, it can block the input opening 3a of the waste pit 3. The input door 102 can also open the input opening 3a by rotating backward around the pivot axis 102a.

[0028] The door drive unit 104 shown in Figure 1 is a drive source for opening and closing the input door 102. The door drive unit 104 can be configured, for example, with an actuator such as a motor or cylinder. The door drive unit 104 is connected to the pivot shaft 102a of the input door 102 via a power transmission mechanism such as a link mechanism. When the door drive unit 104 is operated, the pivot shaft 102a is rotated, and the input door 102 can be opened and closed.

[0029] Furthermore, an opening degree sensor 104a capable of detecting the degree of opening of the input door 102 is provided near the power transmission path from the door drive unit 104 to the input door 102. The opening degree sensor 104a can detect when the input door 102 has opened to a predetermined degree. The opening degree sensor 104a can be composed of, for example, a sensor that detects the length of the cylinder constituting the door drive unit 104, a sensor that detects the position of the input door 102, and a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the pivot shaft 102a. Alternatively, the opening degree sensor 104a can be composed of a timer that measures the time elapsed since the input door 102 began opening and closing, and detects the degree of opening according to that time.

[0030] The first vehicle stopper 106 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is for restricting the movement of the loading vehicle 10 toward the waste pit 3. The first vehicle stopper 106 is formed just below the input opening 3a. The first vehicle stopper 106 is formed to protrude upward from the floor surface. The first vehicle stopper 106 can restrict the loading vehicle 10 from moving further backward by contacting the wheels (rear wheels 11) of the loading vehicle 10 once it has reached a position where waste can be loaded from the input opening 3a into the waste pit 3 (hereinafter referred to as the "loading position"). The first vehicle stopper 106 is not movable but is permanently fixed and is formed to stop the rolling of the wheels above the contact surface of the loading vehicle 10's wheels. In this embodiment, it is formed to protrude upward from the floor surface.

[0031] The second vehicle stopper 108 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is for restricting the movement of the loading vehicle 10 toward the waste pit 3. The second vehicle stopper 108 is positioned in front of the first vehicle stopper 106. As a result, the second vehicle stopper 108 is positioned further away from the loading door 102 than the first vehicle stopper 106.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the second vehicle stopper 108 is provided so as to be movable (movable) and can move up and down relative to the floor surface. The second vehicle stopper 108 can move up and down between a position where it protrudes above the floor surface and a position where it does not protrude above the floor surface. When the second vehicle stopper 108 protrudes above the floor surface, it can contact the wheels (rear wheels 11) of the loading vehicle 10, thereby restricting the loading vehicle 10 from moving further backward. When the second vehicle stopper 108 does not protrude above the floor surface, it allows the loading vehicle 10 to move backward.

[0033] In the following, the state in which the second vehicle stopper 108 protrudes from the floor surface will be referred to as the "restricted state," and the state in which it does not protrude from the floor surface will be referred to as the "allowed state." Furthermore, the position in which the loading vehicle 10 is restricted from reversing by the second vehicle stopper 108 will be referred to as the "waiting position."

[0034] In this embodiment, a second vehicle stopper 108 that moves up and down relative to the floor is shown as an example, but the specific configuration of the second vehicle stopper 108 is not limited to this, and it is acceptable as long as it is possible to switch between a restrictive state and a permissive state. For example, the second vehicle stopper 108 can be formed in the shape of a flat plate, with the state where it is lying parallel to the floor being the permissive state, and the state where one end or the entire plate rises from the floor and can come into contact with the rear wheels 11 of the loading vehicle 10 being the restrictive state. Also, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, an example is shown where the second vehicle stopper 108 comes into contact with one of the rear wheels 11 of the loading vehicle 10, but for example, it is also possible to provide a pair (two) of second vehicle stoppers 108 so that they can come into contact with the left and right rear wheels 11, respectively. Furthermore, it is also possible to make the second vehicle stopper 108 elongated from side to side so that one second vehicle stopper 108 can come into contact with both the left and right rear wheels 11.

[0035] The vehicle stopper drive unit 110 shown in Figure 1 is for driving the second vehicle stopper 108. The vehicle stopper drive unit 110 can be configured with an actuator such as a motor or cylinder. The vehicle stopper drive unit 110 is embedded in the floor. When the vehicle stopper drive unit 110 is operated, the second vehicle stopper 108 can be raised and lowered, and the second vehicle stopper 108 can be switched between a restricted state and a permitted state.

[0036] The loop coil 112 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is for detecting incoming vehicles 10. The loop coil 112 is embedded in the floor surface immediately in front of the second vehicle stopper 108. The loop coil 112 can detect the presence of incoming vehicles 10 by detecting changes in the magnetic field when the metal parts of the incoming vehicles 10 pass over the loop coil 112. In this embodiment, the loop coil 112 is positioned to detect incoming vehicles 10 that are present at least between the standby position and the loading position.

[0037] The photoelectric sensor 114 shown in Figure 2 is intended to detect the presence or absence of an object (more specifically, a person or delivery vehicle) near the input opening 3a in order to prevent contact between the object and the input door 102. The photoelectric sensor 114 consists of a pair of light emitters and receivers. The light emitters and receivers of the photoelectric sensor 114 are positioned on the left and right sides of the input opening 3a. The photoelectric sensor 114 can detect the presence of an object near the input opening 3a if the light (infrared rays, etc.) emitted from the light emitter to the receiver is blocked.

[0038] The motion sensor 116 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is intended to detect the presence or absence of an object (more specifically, a person) near the loading opening 3a, with the aim of preventing contact between the loading vehicle 10 and objects. The motion sensor 116 is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor capable of distinguishing and detecting people and objects by temperature. The motion sensor 116 is installed, for example, above the loading opening 3a. The motion sensor 116 is positioned with its detection range facing downwards. This allows the motion sensor 116 to detect the presence of a person in front of the loading opening 3a.

[0039] The alarm device 118 shown in Figure 2 is intended to provide some kind of warning to, for example, the driver of the loading vehicle 10 or the worker loading the waste. The alarm device 118 is positioned, for example, to the side of the loading opening 3a (loading door 102). For the alarm device 118, for example, an alarm light (lamp) or a buzzer can be used.

[0040] The first signal 120 shown in Figures 1 and 2 displays information regarding the usability of the loading door 102. For example, the first signal 120 can indicate whether the loading door 102 is in a state where it can be opened and closed automatically, manually, or prohibited. The first signal 120 can notify whether the loading door 102 is usable by illuminating one of the following indicators: "automatic," "manual," or "prohibited." The first signal 120 is positioned above the loading door 102.

[0041] The second signal 122 shown in Figure 1 displays information regarding the status of the input door 102. For example, the second signal 122 can indicate whether the input door 102 is open, closed, in the process of opening, or in the process of closing. The second signal 122 can notify the status of the input door 102 by lighting or flashing either the "Open" or "Closed" indicator.

[0042] Specifically, the second signal 122 can indicate that the loading door 102 is open by illuminating the "Open" indicator. The second signal 122 can also indicate that the loading door 102 is in the process of opening by flashing the "Open" indicator. The second signal 122 can also indicate that the loading door 102 is closed by illuminating the "Closed" indicator. The second signal 122 can also indicate that the loading door 102 is in the process of closing by flashing the "Closed" indicator. The second signal 122 is positioned in front of the loading door 102. This ensures that the second signal 122 is positioned in front of the loading vehicle 10 at the waiting position and loading position, improving visibility for the driver.

[0043] The control panel 124 shown in Figure 2 is for manually operating the input door 102. The control panel 124 is equipped with operating devices (buttons, etc.) for opening and closing the input door 102. The control panel 124 is located on the wall near the input door 102 (to the right in this embodiment).

[0044] The control unit 126 shown in Figure 4 is for controlling the operation of each part of the vehicle stopper system 100. The control unit 126 mainly consists of a processing unit such as a CPU, and a storage device such as RAM or ROM. The storage device of the control unit 126 stores information and various programs necessary for controlling the operation of each part of the vehicle stopper system 100.

[0045] The control unit 126 is connected to the opening degree sensor 104a and can acquire information regarding the opening degree of the input door 102. The control unit 126 is also connected to the loop coil 112, the photoelectric sensor 114, and the human presence sensor 116 and can acquire detection results from the loop coil 112, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 126 is connected to the operation panel 124 and can acquire operation signals from the operation panel 124.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 126 is connected to the door drive unit 104, the vehicle stopper drive unit 110, the alarm 118, the first signal 120, and the second signal 122, and can control the operation of the door drive unit 104 and the like.

[0047] The control unit 126 is configured to switch between automatic, semi-automatic, and manual operation. In automatic operation mode, it controls the signal lights, loading door 102, and second vehicle stopper 108 in accordance with the movement of the loading vehicle 10. In semi-automatic and manual operation modes, the loading door 102 can be opened and closed by operating the control panel 124.

[0048] Furthermore, in semi-automatic operation, the control unit 126 determines whether opening or closing is possible based on the status of the input door 102, the second vehicle stopper 108, etc., taking safety into consideration, and only the opening and closing operation of the input door 102 can be operated by a person using the control panel 124. In manual operation, the input door 102 can be opened and closed at any time using the control panel 124, regardless of the position of the incoming vehicle 10 or the status of the human presence sensor 116, etc.

[0049] In the following section, we will describe how waste is brought into the waste treatment facility 1 configured as described above, along with the operation of the vehicle barrier system 100 (the vehicle barrier method using the vehicle barrier system 100).

[0050] If the control unit 126 is set to automatic operation, it normally (when it does not detect the incoming vehicle 10) lights up the "Automatic" indicator on the first signal 120 (step S1). This indicates that the input door 102 can be opened and closed automatically and that waste can be put into the input port 3a. In this state, the input door 102 is closed. The control unit 126 lights up the "Closed" indicator on the second signal 122 to notify that the input door 102 is closed.

[0051] In this case, the control unit 126 controls the vehicle stopper drive unit 110 and holds the second vehicle stopper unit 108 in a restricted state (standby) (step S1).

[0052] The transport vehicle 10, loaded with waste, enters the platform 2 and moves in reverse to a waiting position in front of the loading door 102 (step S2). At this time, because the second vehicle stopper 108 protrudes from the floor surface, the transport vehicle 10 is restricted from moving in reverse at the waiting position and stops at the waiting position (see Figure 6(a)). This prevents the transport vehicle 10 from coming into contact with the loading door 102.

[0053] When the delivery vehicle 10 reaches the standby position, the control unit 126 detects the delivery vehicle 10 via the loop coil 112 (step S3).

[0054] Furthermore, if the control unit 126 detects the presence of a person near the loading opening 3a using the motion sensor 116 while the loop coil 112 is detecting the loading vehicle 10, it activates the alarm 118. This allows the control unit 126 to notify the driver of the loading vehicle 10 that there is a person behind the loading vehicle 10 (between the loading vehicle 10 and the loading door 102). The order in which the loop coil 112 detects the loading vehicle 10 and the motion sensor 116 detects the person is irrelevant; the alarm is triggered based on an AND condition.

[0055] When the loop coil 112 detects the incoming vehicle 10 (see step S3), the control unit 126 permits the opening of the input door 102 and starts the opening operation (step S4). That is, the control unit 126 controls the operation of the door drive unit 104 and rotates the input door 102 in the direction of opening. The control unit 126 flashes the "Open" indicator on the second signal 122 to indicate that the input door 102 is in the process of opening. In the case of the aforementioned semi-automatic operation, the control unit 126 permitting the opening of the input door 102 allows a person to open the input door 102 using the control panel 124.

[0056] However, in step S4, if the control unit 126 detects the presence of a person near the input opening 3a using the motion sensor 116, it does not start opening the input door 102. In other words, the control unit 126 holds the input door 102 closed. This prevents a person from falling into the input opening 3a. In this case, the control unit 126 also activates the alarm 118 to notify the driver of the delivery vehicle 10 that there is a person behind the vehicle (in the driver's blind spot).

[0057] The control unit 126 opens the input door 102 at a preset speed (step S5). If the control unit 126 detects the presence of a person near the input slot 3a using the motion sensor 116 while the input door 102 is opening, it continues opening the input door 102 without stopping. In this way, it is assumed that a person approaching the input slot 3a while the input door 102 is opening is aware that the input door 102 is in the process of opening, and the second vehicle stopper 108 is in a restricted state, so it is presumed that there is no particular danger. However, an alarm will still be sounded in this case.

[0058] The alarm device 118 can emit an audible alarm, a light (such as a flashing light), or a combination of sound and light. It is possible to arbitrarily set which alarm is emitted in which situation.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 126 activates the alarm 118 if, during the opening operation of the loading door 102, the motion sensor 116 does not detect a person, and the photoelectric sensor 114 detects an object. In such a case, for example, it is thought that the loading vehicle 10 has unintentionally gone over the second vehicle stopper 108 and is moving backward, so the alarm 118 can be used to warn the driver.

[0060] When the opening sensor 104a detects that the loading door 102 has opened to a predetermined opening, the control unit 126 controls the vehicle stopper drive unit 110 to start switching the second vehicle stopper 108 from a restricted state to a permitted state (step S6). This releases the restriction on the loading vehicle 10 from moving backward by the second vehicle stopper 108.

[0061] The degree to which the loading door 102 is opened can be set arbitrarily, but it is preferable to set the opening degree to such an extent that the loading vehicle 10 and the loading door 102 do not come into contact even when the loading vehicle 10 is reversed to the loading position (for example, 80% if fully open is 100%).

[0062] Furthermore, in step S6, if the control unit 126 detects the presence of a person near the input opening 3a using the human presence sensor 116, it does not switch the second vehicle stopper 108 from the restricted state to the permitted state. This restricts the reverse movement of the loading vehicle 10, thereby preventing the loading vehicle 10 from coming into contact with a person and preventing the person from falling into the input opening 3a.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 126 activates the alarm 118 if, while the second vehicle stopper 108 is being switched to an allowable state, the human presence sensor 116 does not detect a person and the photoelectric sensor 114 detects an object. In such a case, for example, it is thought that the delivery vehicle 10 has unintentionally gone over the second vehicle stopper 108 and is moving backward, so the alarm 118 can be used to warn the driver.

[0064] The control unit 126 continues to rotate the input door 102 until it is fully open (step S7). The control unit 126 illuminates the "open" indicator on the second signal 122 to indicate that the input door 102 is open. The control unit 126 also lowers the second vehicle stopper 108 to its lowest position, completing the switchover of the second vehicle stopper 108 to the permissible state (step S7).

[0065] After the driver of the loading vehicle 10 confirms that the input door 102 is fully open and that the second vehicle stopper 108 has been switched to the permissible state by the second signal 122 turning "open", the driver reverses the loading vehicle 10 toward the input opening 3a (input door 102) (step S8).

[0066] When the loading vehicle 10 reaches the loading position, the rear wheels 11 of the loading vehicle 10 come into contact with the first vehicle stopper 106, restricting the loading vehicle 10 from moving backward (see Figure 6(b)). This prevents the loading vehicle 10 from moving further backward from the loading position. When the loading vehicle 10 has reached the loading position, the loading vehicle 10 is detected by the photoelectric sensor 114 (step S9).

[0067] Workers and drivers load the waste loaded onto the transport vehicle 10 into the waste pit 3 through the input port 3a (step S10).

[0068] After the waste has been loaded, the driver moves the loading vehicle 10 forward and away from the loading port 3a (step S11).

[0069] When the delivery vehicle 10 moves forward to a certain extent (for example, beyond the waiting position), the loop coil 112, photoelectric sensor 114, and human presence sensor 116 all stop detecting objects such as the delivery vehicle 10 (step S12).

[0070] When the loading door 102 is fully open and the loop coil 112 and other components no longer detect any objects (see step S12), the control unit 126 controls the vehicle stop drive unit 110 to start switching the second vehicle stop unit 108 from the permissible state to the restricted state (step S13). The control unit 126 also starts the closing operation of the loading door 102 (step S13). The control unit 126 flashes the "closed" indicator on the second signal 122 to indicate that the loading door 102 is in the closing operation.

[0071] Furthermore, if the photoelectric sensor 114 detects an object while the input door 102 is closing, the control unit 126 will either stop the closing operation of the input door 102 or stop the closing operation and start the opening operation. By controlling the input door 102 in this way, it is possible to prevent any object (such as a person) from getting caught in the input door 102.

[0072] The control unit 126 continues to rotate the input door 102 until it is completely closed (step S14). The control unit 126 illuminates the "closed" indicator on the second signal 122 to indicate that the input door 102 is closed. The control unit 126 also raises the second vehicle stopper 108 to its highest position, completing the switch to the restricted state of the second vehicle stopper 108 (step S14). The control unit 126 waits in this state until the incoming vehicle 10 arrives again. If the loop coil 112 detects the incoming vehicle 10 while the second vehicle stopper 108 is rising, the second vehicle stopper 108 is raised to its highest position to prevent contact between the incoming vehicle 10 and the input door 102.

[0073] As described above, by controlling the second vehicle stopper section 108 etc. with the vehicle stopper system 100, it is possible to prevent contact between the incoming vehicle 10 and the input door 102, and to prevent people from falling into the input opening 3a.

[0074] As described above, the vehicle stopper system 100 according to this embodiment is A vehicle chock system 100 capable of restricting the movement of a transport vehicle 10 that brings waste into a waste treatment facility 1 at a predetermined location, A first vehicle stopper 106 is provided corresponding to an input position into which waste can be deposited from the input door 102 of the receiving facility (waste pit 3), and is capable of restricting the movement of the transport vehicle 10 toward the input door 102 side, A second vehicle stopper 108 is provided in a waiting position set at a position further away from the loading door 102 than the aforementioned loading position, and is capable of restricting the movement of the loading vehicle 10 toward the loading door 102. The second vehicle stopper 108 is configured to be switched between a restricting state that restricts the movement of the loading vehicle 10 toward the loading door 102, and a permitting state that allows the movement of the loading vehicle 10 toward the loading door 102, by a switching unit (vehicle stopper drive unit 110), A control unit 126 capable of controlling the operation of the switching unit, It is equipped with the following features.

[0075] This configuration prevents contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door. Specifically, the movement of the loading vehicle 10 can be restricted at a waiting position further away from the loading door 102 than the loading position, thus preventing the loading vehicle 10 from unintentionally approaching and contacting the loading door 102.

[0076] Furthermore, the vehicle stopping system 100 is The system further comprises a vehicle detection unit (loop coil 112) capable of detecting the presence of the loading vehicle 10 at the loading position or the standby position, The control unit 126, If the vehicle detection unit does not detect the incoming vehicle 10, the second vehicle stopper 108 is set to the restricted state (step S1).

[0077] This configuration effectively prevents contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door. In other words, by setting the loading vehicle 10 to a restricted state in advance, preparations can be made for the approach of the loading vehicle 10.

[0078] Furthermore, the vehicle stopping system 100 is The door front object detection unit (human presence sensor 116) detects the presence or absence of an object in front of the input door 102, The aforementioned input door 102 is openable and closable by a door opening / closing unit (door drive unit 104), Furthermore, it is equipped with, The control unit 126, If the vehicle detection unit detects the incoming vehicle 10 and the object detection unit in front of the door does not detect an object, the opening operation of the input door 102 is permitted (steps S3 and S4).

[0079] This configuration prevents the delivery vehicle from coming into contact with an object and the object from falling through the input door. For example, if a person is detected by the motion sensor 116, the input door 102 will not open, thus preventing the person from falling through the input door 102 into the input opening 3a.

[0080] Furthermore, the vehicle stopping system 100 is It is further equipped with an alarm unit (alarm device 118) capable of broadcasting an alarm, The control unit 126, The alarm unit is activated when the vehicle detection unit detects the incoming vehicle 10 and the door front object detection unit detects an object (steps S3 and S4).

[0081] This configuration allows for a warning to the driver of the delivery vehicle. Specifically, it can alert the driver to the presence of an object (such as a person) in front of the input door 102, thereby prompting their attention.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 126, After the input door 102 begins to open, the second vehicle stopper 108 is switched from the restricted state to the permitted state (steps S4 and S6).

[0083] This configuration effectively prevents contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door. Specifically, by the time the loading vehicle 10 is able to approach the loading door 102, the loading door 102 has already begun to open, making it difficult for the loading vehicle 10 to come into contact with the loading door 102.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 126, After the input door 102 has opened to a predetermined degree, the second vehicle stopper 108 is switched from the restricted state to the permitted state (step S6).

[0085] This configuration effectively prevents contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door. For example, by opening the loading door 102 to an opening degree that prevents the loading vehicle 10 from contacting the loading door 102, and then allowing the loading vehicle 10 to move backward, contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door can be reliably prevented.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit 126, If an object is detected by the object detection unit in front of the door after the input door 102 has started to open, the second vehicle stopper 108 is not switched from the restricted state to the permitted state (step S6).

[0087] This configuration prevents the loading vehicle from coming into contact with an object and the object from falling out of the loading door. For example, if a person is detected by the motion sensor 116, the second vehicle stopper 108 is held in a restricted state, thereby restricting the loading vehicle 10 from moving backward and preventing the loading vehicle 10 from coming into contact with the person and the person from falling.

[0088] Furthermore, the control unit 126, When the loading door 102 is fully open, and the vehicle detection unit has not detected the incoming vehicle 10, and the object detection unit in front of the door has not detected an object, the second vehicle stopper 108 is switched to the restricting state (steps S12 and S13).

[0089] This configuration allows for the immediate resumption of restrictions on the movement of delivery vehicles in the waiting area once they have moved away from the loading door.

[0090] Furthermore, the object detection unit in front of the door is It includes a human presence sensor 116 capable of detecting people.

[0091] This configuration prevents contact between delivery vehicles and people, and prevents people from falling through the loading door.

[0092] Furthermore, the vehicle stopping method according to this embodiment is A vehicle stopping method for restricting the movement of a vehicle 10 that brings waste into a waste treatment facility 1 at a predetermined location, The loading vehicle 10 has an loading position from which waste can be loaded through the loading door 102 of the receiving facility (waste pit 3), and a waiting position for the loading vehicle 10 set at a position further away from the loading door 102 than the loading position. If the loading vehicle 10 is not in the waiting position, a vehicle stopper (second vehicle stopper 108) restricts the movement of the loading vehicle 10 from the waiting position toward the loading door 102 (step S1). When the loading vehicle 10 is in the waiting position and there is no object in front of the loading door 102, the loading door 102 is opened and the restriction by the vehicle stopper is released (steps S3 and S6).

[0093] This configuration prevents contact between the loading vehicle and the loading door. It also prevents contact between the loading vehicle and the object.

[0094] The vehicle stopper drive unit 110 according to this embodiment is one form of the switching unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the loop coil 112 according to this embodiment is one form of the vehicle detection unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the photoelectric sensor 114 and the motion sensor 116 according to this embodiment are one form of the door front object detection unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the door drive unit 104 according to this embodiment is one form of the door opening and closing unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the alarm device 118 according to this embodiment is one form of implementation of the alarm unit according to the present invention. Furthermore, the second vehicle stopper 108 according to this embodiment is one form of the vehicle stopper according to the present invention. Furthermore, the waste pit 3 according to this embodiment is one form of implementing the receiving equipment according to the present invention.

[0095] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configurations, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as described in the claims.

[0096] For example, in the above embodiment, a loop coil 112 was shown as an example of a vehicle detection unit for detecting the incoming vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various sensors capable of detecting the incoming vehicle 10 can be used.

[0097] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the loop coil 112 is positioned in front of the second vehicle stopper 108 (see Figure 3), the present invention is not limited to this, and the positional relationship between the second vehicle stopper 108 and the loop coil 112 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, it is also possible to divide the second vehicle stopper 108 into left and right sections and position the loop coil 112 between them.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a human presence sensor 116 was shown as an example of a door-front object detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an object in front of the input door 102, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various sensors capable of detecting the presence or absence of any object, not limited to people, can be used.

[0099] Furthermore, the configuration of the sensors for detecting the various types of information exemplified in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, it is also possible to acquire an image of the area around the input door 102 using a camera and detect the presence or absence of the delivery vehicle 10 or people through image processing.

[0100] Furthermore, although the above embodiment uses the input door 102 in front of the waste pit 3 as an example, the receiving equipment for the waste is not limited to the waste pit 3; it may also be a steel hopper or a conveyor. Also, although a double-leaf door was used as an example for the input door 102, a hinged door or a door with an opening in the floor that closes the opening may also be used.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of the vehicle stopper system 100 was shown in which each part operates automatically by sensor detection without manual intervention, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle stopper system 100 may be a semi-automatic system in which an alarm is sounded and the operation of the loading door 102 and the second vehicle stopper unit 108 is restricted or released by sensor detection, and the operation of the loading door 102 and the second vehicle stopper unit 108 which is linked to the loading door 102 is manually operated by the control panel 124, or it may be a system in which control is not performed by sensor detection and only manual operation is performed by the control panel 124. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Waste treatment facility 2 Platforms 3. Garbage pit 10. Delivery Vehicles 100 Vehicle Stopping System 102 Input Door 104 Door drive unit 106 First vehicle stopper 108 Second vehicle stopper 110 Vehicle stopper drive unit 112 Loop Coil 116 motion sensors 118 Alarm 126 Control Unit

Claims

1. A vehicle chock system capable of restricting the movement of vehicles transporting waste into a waste treatment facility at a predetermined location, A first vehicle stopper is provided corresponding to an input position from which waste can be inserted through the input door of the receiving facility, and which can restrict the movement of the transport vehicle toward the input door. A second vehicle stopper is provided corresponding to a standby position set at a position further from the input door than the input position, and capable of restricting the movement of the transport vehicle toward the input door. The second vehicle stopper is equipped with a switching mechanism that can switch between a restricting state that restricts the movement of the incoming vehicle toward the input door, and a permissible state that allows the movement of the incoming vehicle toward the input door. A control unit capable of controlling the operation of the switching unit, Equipped with, Vehicle stopping system.

2. The system further comprises a vehicle detection unit capable of detecting the presence of the vehicle being delivered at the aforementioned loading position or standby position. The control unit, If the vehicle detection unit does not detect the incoming vehicle, the second vehicle stopper is set to the restricted state. The vehicle chock system according to claim 1.

3. A door-front object detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an object in front of the aforementioned input door, A door opening / closing mechanism that can open and close the aforementioned input door, Furthermore, it is equipped with, The control unit, If the vehicle detection unit detects the incoming vehicle and the object detection unit in front of the door does not detect an object, the opening operation of the input door is permitted. The vehicle chock system according to claim 2.

4. It is further equipped with an alarm unit capable of issuing alarms, The control unit, The alarm unit is activated when the vehicle detection unit detects the incoming vehicle and the door front object detection unit detects an object. The vehicle chock system according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, After the aforementioned loading door begins to open, the second vehicle stopper is switched from the restricted state to the permitted state. The vehicle chock system according to claim 3.

6. The control unit, After the loading door has opened to a predetermined degree, the second vehicle stopper is switched from the restricted state to the permitted state. The vehicle chock system according to claim 5.

7. The control unit, If an object is detected by the object detection unit in front of the door after the input door has started to open, the second vehicle stopper will not be switched from the restricted state to the permitted state. The vehicle chock system according to claim 3.

8. The control unit, When the loading door is fully open, and the vehicle detection unit has not detected the incoming vehicle, and the object detection unit in front of the door has not detected an object, the second vehicle stopper is switched to the restricting state. The vehicle chock system according to claim 3.

9. The object detection unit in front of the door is, Includes a human presence sensor capable of detecting people, The vehicle chock system according to claim 3.

10. A vehicle choking method for restricting the movement of vehicles transporting waste to a waste treatment facility at a designated location, The facility includes an input position from which the incoming vehicle can input waste through the input door of the receiving equipment, and a waiting position for the incoming vehicle set at a position further from the input door than the input position, and if the incoming vehicle is not in the waiting position, a vehicle stopper restricts the movement of the incoming vehicle from the waiting position toward the input door. When the aforementioned delivery vehicle is in the waiting position and there is no object in front of the input door, the input door is opened and the restriction by the vehicle stopper is released. Vehicle stopping method.

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