Refuse collection truck

Abstract

To provide a garbage collection vehicle which can discover a failure of an emergency stop switch and the like in its early stage.SOLUTION: A garbage collection vehicle includes: a garbage storage box; a garbage charging box that is provided on a rear end of the garbage storage box and to which garbage is charged; a loading device that loads the garbage charged to the garbage charging box into the garbage storage box; and a control part that starts operation of the loading device when a predetermined first signal is input, and stops operation of the loading device when a predetermined second signal is blocked during operation of the loading device. The control part executes inspection control of confirming whether or not blockage of the second signal is normally performed when the control part is started.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refuse collection vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a refuse collection vehicle is equipped with a refuse collection box mounted on the vehicle body, a refuse input box provided at the rear end of the refuse collection box, a loading device that loads the refuse input into the refuse input box into the refuse collection box, and a control unit that controls the operation of the loading device. In an emergency, when a predetermined signal is input or cut off from a human detection device, an emergency stop switch, or the like, the control unit stops the operation of the loading device (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-199343 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since emergency stop switches and the like are used in emergencies, they are used infrequently. Therefore, even if an emergency stop switch or the like breaks down, the worker may not notice the failure.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a garbage collection vehicle that enables early detection of malfunctions in the emergency stop switch, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) The garbage collection vehicle of the present invention comprises a garbage storage box, a garbage drop box provided at the rear end of the garbage storage box and into which garbage is dropped, a loading device that loads the garbage dropped into the garbage drop box into the garbage storage box, and a control unit that starts operation of the loading device when a predetermined first signal is input, and stops operation of the loading device when a predetermined second signal is input or interrupted while the loading device is operating, and when the control unit is started up, performs inspection control to confirm whether the second signal is input or interrupted normally.

[0007] According to the present invention, for example, if the second signal is input or cut off when the emergency stop switch is operated, inspection control is executed when the control unit is started to check whether the second signal is input or cut off normally, so that an operator can discover a fault in the emergency stop switch at an early stage.

[0008] (2) It is preferable that the control unit executes the inspection control when the control unit is activated and a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this case, by appropriately setting the conditions, the inspection control can be executed at an appropriate timing.

[0009] (3) The condition is preferably at least one of a date and a time. The longer the time that has passed since the operation of the loading device was stopped, the higher the possibility that the second signal will not be input or cut off normally. Therefore, by setting the above conditions to a date (e.g., a date after the day following the calendar day on which the main switch of the loading device was last turned off) or time (e.g., morning time) when a relatively long time has passed since the operation of the loading device was stopped, inspection control can be performed at a more appropriate timing.

[0010] (4) The condition may be an amount of time that has elapsed since an ignition switch of the refuse collection vehicle or a main switch of the loading device was last turned off. The longer the time that has elapsed since the ignition switch or main switch was last turned off, the greater the possibility that the second signal will not be input or cut off normally. Therefore, by setting the time that has elapsed since the ignition switch or the like was last turned off as the above condition, inspection control can be performed at a more appropriate timing.

[0011] (5) In the inspection control, it is preferable that the control unit does not accept input of the first signal until it confirms that the input or interruption of the second signal is normally performed. In this case, the loading device can be prevented from operating until it is confirmed in the inspection control that the second signal is normally input or cut off.

[0012] (6) When the control unit determines during the inspection control that the second signal is normally input or cut off, it is preferable that the control unit outputs a notification command to notify that effect. In this case, it is possible to quickly notify the operator that the second signal has been normally input or cut off during the inspection control.

[0013] (7) It is preferable that the garbage collection vehicle further includes an emergency stop switch that is operated to output or cut off the second signal, and that the control unit, during the inspection control, outputs a first notification command to prompt the driver to operate the emergency stop switch. In this case, inspection control can be carried out quickly by prompting the worker to operate the emergency stop switch.

[0014] (8) In the inspection control, if the second signal is not input or interrupted for a predetermined time or longer after outputting the first notification command, the control unit preferably outputs a second notification command to notify that fact. In this case, if the worker receives the notification by the second notification command without operating the emergency stop switch, the worker can understand that he / she forgot to operate the emergency stop switch. Also, if the worker receives the notification by the second notification command despite having operated the emergency stop switch, the worker can understand that the emergency stop switch is broken. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the refuse collection vehicle of the present invention, malfunctions of the emergency stop switch, etc. can be detected at an early stage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a refuse collection vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a garbage collection vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of a switch box in the cab. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a refuse collection vehicle. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of inspection control executed by a control unit. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a first inspection control executed by a control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a refuse collection vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the refuse collection vehicle 1 is equipped with a refuse collection box 2 mounted on a vehicle body 1b behind a driver's cab 1a, and a refuse insertion box 3 provided at the rear end of the refuse collection box 2. An opening 2a is formed on the rear surface of the refuse collection box 2 for loading refuse into the refuse collection box 2. The refuse insertion box 3 has an insertion opening 3a at its rear through which the refuse is inserted, and a cover member 3b for opening and closing the insertion opening 3a.

[0018] The trash dump box 3 can rotate up and down around a fulcrum 3d provided at the top, which allows the opening 2a of the trash storage box 2 to be opened and closed. Specifically, the trash dump box 3 rotates between a downward rotation position (position shown by a solid line in FIG. 1) where the opening 2a of the trash storage box 2 is closed, and an upward rotation position (position shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) where the opening 2a can be opened by upward rotation to discharge the trash.

[0019] The garbage collection vehicle 1 is equipped with a loading device 4 provided on the garbage dump box 3. The loading device 4 loads garbage dumped into the garbage dump box 3 from the dump port 3a into the garbage storage box 2. The loading device 4 of this embodiment is a press type having a compression stroke in the garbage dumping operation. The loading device 4 has a slider 5 and a push plate 7 rotatably attached to the lower end of the slider 5 via a pin 6. The slider 5 can move along a guide rail 8 provided on the left and right side walls 3c of the garbage dump box 3. On both the left and right sides of the garbage dump box 3, a push cylinder 11 is attached between the slider 5 and the side wall 3c. In addition, a press cylinder 12 is attached between the push plate 7 and the slider 5. In this embodiment, the push cylinder 11 and the press cylinder 12 constitute a loading drive device 10.

[0020] The loading device 4 operates as follows. First, the press cylinder 12 is driven to contract to rotate the push plate 7 counterclockwise from the original position shown by the solid line in Fig. 1, and the push plate 7 is reversed (reversal process). Next, the slider 5 and the push plate 7 are both lowered diagonally backward by driving the push cylinder 11 to contract, and the trash introduced from the introduction port 3a is compressed by the push plate 7 (primary compression process). Then, the press cylinder 12 is driven to expand to rotate the push plate 7 clockwise, and the trash is secondarily compressed (secondary compression process).

[0021] Next, from the state shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 1, the push cylinder 11 is extended to raise the slider 5 and the push plate 7 diagonally forward to the state shown by the solid line in Fig. 1, and the secondarily compressed trash is pushed into the trash storage box 2 (pushing process). In this way, the loading device 4 can load the trash thrown into the trash throw-in box 3 into the trash storage box 2 through a loading process cycle consisting of the reversing process, the primary compression process, the secondary compression process, and the pushing process.

[0022] A discharge plate 18 is provided inside the trash collection box 2 so as to be movable back and forth. A telescopic discharge cylinder (discharge drive device) 19 is connected to the discharge plate 18. The discharge plate 18 can be moved between the rearmost position shown by the solid line in Fig. 1 and the frontmost position shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 1 by the extension and contraction drive of the discharge cylinder 19.

[0023] When the trash storage box 2 is empty, the discharge plate 18 is in the rearmost position, and the trash loaded into the trash storage box 2 by the push plate 7 is compressed between the push plate 7 and the discharge plate 18. Then, the discharge cylinder 19 is gradually contracted to move the discharge plate 18 forward. In addition, with the trash input box 3 in the upper rotation position, the discharge cylinder 19 is extended to move the discharge plate 18 backward, so that the trash stored in the trash storage box 2 can be discharged to the outside through the opening 2a.

[0024] 2 is a rear view of the refuse collection vehicle 1. The refuse collection vehicle 1 is equipped with a swing cylinder (drop-in box drive device) 20 that rotates the refuse drop-in box up and down relative to the refuse storage box 2. The swing cylinders 20 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the refuse drop-in box 3. One end of the swing cylinder 20 is attached to the side of the refuse storage box 2, and the other end of the swing cylinder 20 is attached to the refuse drop-in box 3. When the swing cylinder 20 is driven to extend, the refuse drop-in box 3 rotates upward, and when the swing cylinder 20 is driven to contract, the refuse drop-in box 3 rotates downward.

[0025] [Hydraulic circuit] 3 is a hydraulic circuit diagram relating to the push cylinder 11, press cylinder 12, discharge cylinder 19, and swing cylinder 20. This hydraulic circuit is configured by connecting an oil tank 21, a hydraulic pump 22, pressure control valves 23a-23f, a push cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 24, a press cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 25, a discharge cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 26, a swing cylinder electromagnetic switching valve (also serves as a tailgate lock electromagnetic valve) 27, switching valves 28a-28b, check valves 29a-29g, filters 30a-30b, and a tailgate lock (cylinder) 31 as shown in the figure.

[0026] The hydraulic pump 22 discharges hydraulic oil to drive the push cylinder 11 and the press cylinder 12, thereby operating the loading device 4. The hydraulic pump 22 also discharges hydraulic oil to drive the discharge cylinder 19, thereby moving the discharge plate 18 back and forth. Furthermore, the hydraulic pump 22 discharges hydraulic oil to drive the swing cylinder 20, thereby rotating the trash bin 3 up and down.

[0027] When the solenoid 25s of the press cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 25 is excited, the press cylinder 12 is driven to contract (reverse rotation process). When the solenoid 25e of the press cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 25 is excited, the press cylinder 12 is driven to extend (secondary compression process). When the solenoid 24s of the push cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 24 is excited, the push cylinder 11 is driven to contract (primary compression process). When the solenoid 24e of the push cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 24 is excited, (push process in which the push cylinder 11 is driven to extend).

[0028] When the solenoid 26e of the discharge cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 26 is excited, the discharge cylinder 19 is driven to extend. When the solenoid 26s of the discharge cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 26 is excited, the discharge cylinder 19 is driven to contract.

[0029] When the solenoid 27e of the swing cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 27 is excited, the tailgate lock 31 operates in the unlocking direction, the swing cylinder 20 is extended, and the garbage bin 3 rotates upward. When the solenoid 27e of the swing cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 27 is demagnetized and the switching valve 28b is excited, the swing cylinder 20 is contracted, and the garbage bin 3 rotates downward. After the garbage bin 3 reaches the downward rotation position, when the solenoid 27s of the swing cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 27 is excited, the tailgate lock 31 performs a locking operation, and the garbage bin 3 is locked.

[0030] [Switch box] Fig. 4 is a front view showing a switch box SB1 provided in the operator's cab 1a. The switch box SB1 is provided with a main switch 33, an open / close switch 34, a discharge switch 35, a scraping switch 36, a PTO changeover switch 37, a main lamp 38, and a lock lamp 39. The switches 33 to 37 and the lamps 38 and 39 are connected to a control unit 50 (see Fig. 5).

[0031] The main switch 33 is a switch that is switched to any one of the positions "LOAD", "OFF", and "DISCHARGE", and is, for example, an alternate type toggle switch. When the main switch 33 is "OFF", the drive of each of the push cylinder 11, the press cylinder 12, the discharge cylinder 19, and the swing cylinder 20 is restricted.

[0032] When the main switch 33 is switched from "OFF" to "LOADING", the drive of each of the push cylinder 11 and the press cylinder 12 is permitted. When the main switch 33 is switched from "OFF" to "DISCHARGE", the drive of each of the discharge cylinder 19 and the swing cylinder 20 is permitted.

[0033] The opening / closing switch 34 is a switch that is operated to rotate the garbage bin 3 up and down. In this embodiment, the opening / closing switch 34 is a switch that is switched to any one of the positions "up," "OFF," and "down," and is, for example, a momentary toggle switch. When the opening / closing switch 34 is switched from "OFF" to "up," the swing cylinder 20 is driven to extend, and the garbage bin 3 is rotated upward. When the opening / closing switch 34 is switched from "OFF" to "down," the swing cylinder 20 is driven to contract, and the garbage bin 3 is rotated downward.

[0034] The discharge switch 35 is a switch that is operated to move the discharge plate 18 back and forth. In this embodiment, the discharge switch 35 is a switch that is switched to any one of the positions "discharge," "OFF," and "return," and is, for example, a momentary toggle switch. When the discharge switch 35 is switched from "OFF" to "discharge," the discharge cylinder 19 is driven to extend, and the discharge plate 18 moves backward. When the discharge switch 35 is switched from "OFF" to "return," the discharge cylinder 19 is driven to contract, and the discharge plate 18 moves forward.

[0035] The scraping switch 36 is a switch that can be switched to any one of the positions "AUTO", "OFF", and "MANUAL", and is, for example, a toggle switch that combines an alternate type and a momentary type. The "AUTO" side of the scraping switch 36 is an alternate contact, and the "MANUAL" side of the scraping switch 36 is a momentary contact.

[0036] When the scooping switch 36 is switched to "automatic", the loading device 4 automatically performs one loading process cycle when the garbage bin 3 is rotated to the upper rotation position by operating the opening / closing switch 34. This makes it possible to remove garbage remaining in the garbage bin 3. When the scooping switch 36 is switched to "manual" and the garbage bin 3 is rotated to the upper rotation position by operating the opening / closing switch 34 while the scooping switch 36 is in the "OFF" state, the loading device 4 performs one loading process cycle. This makes it possible to remove garbage remaining in the garbage bin 3.

[0037] The PTO changeover switch 37 is a switch that can be switched to either the "work" or "end" position, and is, for example, a rocker switch. When the PTO changeover switch 37 is switched to "work", the travel engine (not shown) of the refuse collection vehicle 1 and the hydraulic pump 22 are connected via the PTO. This allows the hydraulic pump 22 to be driven. When the PTO changeover switch 37 is switched to "end", the connection between the travel engine and the hydraulic pump 22 by the PTO is cut. This restricts the drive of the hydraulic pump 22 and allows the refuse collection vehicle 1 to travel.

[0038] The main lamp 38 is turned on when each switch of the switch box SB1 can be operated, and the lock lamp 39 is turned on when the tailgate lock 31 is in the locked state.

[0039] 2, switch boxes SB2 and SB3 are provided at the rear of both left and right side walls 3c of the trash bin 3. The left switch box SB2 is provided with a changeover switch 41, a loading switch 42, and a first emergency stop switch (emergency stop switch) 43. The switches 41 to 43 of the switch box SB2 are connected to a control unit 50.

[0040] The changeover switch 41 is a switch for selecting either a continuous operation mode in which the loading device 4 repeats a loading process cycle, or a single operation mode in which the loading device 4 executes the loading process cycle only once (one cycle). The changeover switch 41 in this embodiment is, for example, an alternate type toggle switch that is switched to either the position "continuous" which is the continuous operation mode, or the position "single" which is the single operation mode.

[0041] The loading switch 42 is a switch that outputs a first signal to the control unit 50 to start operation in each operation mode of the loading device 4, and is, for example, a momentary push button switch. When the loading switch 42 is turned on, a first signal is input to the control unit 50, which drives the push cylinder 11 and the press cylinder 12 to extend and retract, and a loading process cycle is executed by the slider 5 and the push plate 7.

[0042] The first emergency stop switch 43 is a switch operated to stop the operation of the loading device 4, and is, for example, a momentary push button switch. The first emergency stop switch 43 in this embodiment is, for example, a B-contact type, and outputs a second signal to the control unit 50 in the OFF state, and cuts off the output of the second signal when turned on. When the first emergency stop switch 43 is turned on, the input of the second signal to the control unit 50 is cut off, and the extension and retraction drive of the push cylinder 11 and the press cylinder 12 is stopped.

[0043] The right switch box SB3 is provided with a second emergency stop switch (emergency stop switch) 44 connected to the control unit 50. Like the first emergency stop switch 43, the second emergency stop switch 44 is a switch that is operated to stop the operation of the loading device 4, and is, for example, a momentary push button switch. The second emergency stop switch 44 in this embodiment is, for example, a B contact type, and outputs a second signal to the control unit 50 in the OFF state, and cuts off the output of the second signal when turned ON.

[0044] A third emergency stop switch (emergency stop switch) 45 connected to the control unit 50 is provided below the input port 3a at the rear of the garbage input box 3. The third emergency stop switch 45 is a switch that is operated to stop the operation of the loading device 4, similar to the first emergency stop switch 43. The third emergency stop switch 45 has a switch body (not shown) made of, for example, a momentary type push button switch, and an operation plate 45a that operates the switch body to turn on and off. The switch body is, for example, a B contact type, and outputs a second signal to the control unit 50 in the off state, and blocks the output of the second signal when operated on. The operation plate 45a is formed to extend in the vehicle width direction.

[0045] [Control configuration] 5 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the refuse collection vehicle 1. The refuse collection vehicle 1 is equipped with a control unit 50 that controls the operations of the loading device 4, the discharge plate 18, and the refuse input box 3. The control unit 50 is a microcomputer composed of a CPU, memory, etc. The control unit 50 is started by receiving power from an on-board battery or the like when the ignition switch 9 of the refuse collection vehicle 1 is turned on.

[0046] The control unit 50 receives or blocks operation signals from the switches 33-37 of switch box SB1, operation signals from the switches 41-43 of switch box SB2, operation signals from the second emergency stop switch 44 of switch box SB3, and operation signals from the third emergency stop switch 45.

[0047] The control unit 50 controls the switching of the push cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 24 and the press cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 25 based on the input of an operation signal (first signal) from the loading switch 42. In this way, the extension and contraction drive of the push cylinder 11 and the press cylinder 12 (the operation of the loading device 4) is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0048] When the input of an operation signal (second signal) of any of the first to third emergency stop switches 43-45 is cut off during operation of the loading device 4, the control unit 50 controls the switching of the push cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 24 and the press cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 25, respectively, to stop the extension and retraction drive of the push cylinder 11 and the press cylinder 12 (operation of the loading device 4).

[0049] The control unit 50 controls the switching of the swing cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 27 based on the input of an operation signal from the open / close switch 34. As a result, the extension and contraction drive of the swing cylinder 20 (the up and down rotation of the trash bin 3) is controlled by the control unit 50.

[0050] The control unit 50 controls the switching of the discharge cylinder electromagnetic switching valve 26 based on the input of an operation signal from the discharge switch 35. As a result, the extension and contraction drive of the discharge cylinder 19 (the forward and backward movement of the discharge plate 18) is controlled by the control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the turning on and off of the main lamp 38 and the lock lamp 39 .

[0051] The control unit 50 is connected to the alarm 40. The alarm 40 notifies the worker by voice during the execution of the inspection control described below. The alarm 40 is provided near the input port 3a of the trash input box 3 (e.g., the switch box SB2). The control unit 50 controls the voice notification of the alarm 40.

[0052] A communication unit 60 that transmits predetermined information to the outside is connected to the control unit 50. The communication unit 60 has a function of wirelessly transmitting and receiving predetermined information to and from a management device (not shown) that remotely manages the operation of the refuse collection vehicle 1 via a network. When the communication unit 60 receives a transmission command from the control unit 50 to the management device, it wirelessly transmits the predetermined information to the management device.

[0053] When the control unit 50 is started, it executes inspection control to check whether each of the first to third emergency stop switches 43-45 operates normally. Specifically, in the inspection control, the control unit 50 checks whether the second signal is normally cut off when each of the first to third emergency stop switches 43-45 is turned on. The inspection control of this embodiment includes a first inspection control for the first emergency stop switch 43, a second inspection control for the second emergency stop switch 44, and a third inspection control for the third emergency stop switch 45. The control unit 50 has a built-in timer 51 used in the inspection control.

[0054] [Inspection and control] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the inspection control executed by the control unit 50. Here, the explanation starts from the point when the control unit 50 is started. When the control unit 50 is started, it first judges whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied (step ST1). The condition is preferably set so that the inspection control is executed at an appropriate timing. Specifically, the condition may be a date (for example, a date on or after the day after the calendar day on which the ignition switch 9 or the main switch 33 was last turned off) or a time (for example, 8:00 a.m. every morning), or may be an elapsed time (for example, 8 hours) since the ignition switch 9 or the main switch 33 was last turned off. The condition may also be a combination of date and time (for example, 8:00 a.m. on or after the day after the above-mentioned last time when the ignition switch 9 or the main switch 33 was last turned off).

[0055] If the condition is not satisfied (No in step ST1), the control unit 50 ends the process without executing the inspection control. On the other hand, if the condition is satisfied (Yes in step ST1), the control unit 50 executes the inspection control (step ST2). In the inspection control, the processes of steps ST3 to ST7 are performed in order.

[0056] In the inspection control, the control unit 50 first prohibits the operation of the switches that start the operation of the loading device 4, the garbage bin 3, and the discharge plate 18 (step ST3). Specifically, the control unit 50 does not accept the input of each operation signal from the open / close switch 34, the discharge switch 35, the scraping switch 36, and the loading switch 42. The control unit 50 "does not accept the input of an operation signal" not only means that the control unit 50 blocks the input of an operation signal to the control unit 50, but also means that the control unit 50 restricts the output of a command signal corresponding to the operation signal even if the operation signal is input to the control unit 50.

[0057] Next, the control unit 50 executes a first inspection control to check whether the first emergency stop switch 43 operates normally (step ST4). The details of the first inspection control will be described later. When the first inspection control ends, the control unit 50 executes a second inspection control to check whether the second emergency stop switch 44 operates normally (step ST5). When the second inspection control ends, the control unit 50 executes a third inspection control to check whether the third emergency stop switch 45 operates normally (step ST6).

[0058] When the third inspection control ends, the control unit 50 permits the operation of the switches that start the operations of the garbage bin 3, the loading device 4, and the discharge plate 18 (step ST7), and ends the process. Specifically, the control unit 50 accepts input of each operation signal from the opening / closing switch 34, the discharge switch 35, the scraping switch 36, and the loading switch 42.

[0059] As described above, in the inspection control of this embodiment, the control unit 50 will not accept input of any operation signals from the above switches 33, 35, 36, and 42 until the first to third inspection controls are all completed (as described below, until it has been confirmed that the first to third emergency stop switches 43 to 45 are all operating normally).

[0060] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the first inspection control executed by the control unit 50. The control unit 50 first outputs a first notification command to the alarm 40 to prompt the operator to turn on the first emergency stop switch 43 (step ST11). Then, the control unit 50 starts counting the timer 51 from the point in time when the first notification command is output (step ST12). Based on the first notification command, the alarm 40 issues a voice notification to prompt the operator to turn on the first emergency stop switch 43. This causes the operator to turn on the first emergency stop switch 43.

[0061] Next, the control unit 50 checks whether the first emergency stop switch 43 operates normally (step ST13). Specifically, the control unit 50 checks whether the second signal output from the first emergency stop switch 43 has been normally cut off by turning on the first emergency stop switch 43.

[0062] If the second signal from the first emergency stop switch 43 has been normally cut off (Yes in step ST13), the control unit 50 outputs a notification command to notify that fact to the alarm 40 (step ST14). Based on the notification command, the alarm 40 issues a voice notification indicating that the first emergency stop switch 43 is operating normally. This allows the worker to know that the first emergency stop switch 43 is operating normally. After outputting the notification command, the control unit 50 stops and resets the count of the timer 51 (step ST15) and ends the first inspection control process.

[0063] On the other hand, if the second signal from the first emergency stop switch 43 is not normally cut off (No in step ST13), the control unit 50 judges whether the count time of the timer 51, that is, the elapsed time from the output of the first notification command, is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (step ST16). If the elapsed time is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time (No in step ST16), the control unit 50 returns to the judgment of step ST13.

[0064] If the elapsed time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (Yes in step ST16), the control unit 50 outputs a second notification command to notify that the second signal from the first emergency stop switch 43 is not cut off (step ST17). Based on the second notification command, the alarm 40 issues a voice notification indicating that the second signal from the first emergency stop switch 43 is not cut off.

[0065] When the worker receives the notification by the second notification command without operating the first emergency stop switch 43, the worker can understand that he / she forgot to operate the first emergency stop switch 43. Moreover, when the worker receives the notification by the second notification command despite having operated the first emergency stop switch 43, the worker can understand that the first emergency stop switch 43 is broken.

[0066] After outputting the second notification command, the control unit 50 outputs a transmission command to the communication unit 60 to transmit information indicating that the worker has not operated the first emergency stop switch 43 during inspection control (step ST18). The communication unit 60 wirelessly transmits the information to the management device based on the transmission command. This allows the operator of the management device to grasp the status of inspection control at the site. In addition, the operator of the management device can instruct the worker to operate the first emergency stop switch 43 via the communication unit 60, etc.

[0067] After outputting the transmission command, the control unit 50 stops and resets the count of the timer 51 (step ST19), and returns to the determination in step ST13. It should be noted that the second inspection control and the third inspection control perform the same processing as the first inspection control, and therefore their explanations are omitted.

[0068] [Effects] As described above, according to the garbage collection vehicle 1 of this embodiment, when the control unit 50 is started up, inspection control is executed to check whether the second signal from the emergency stop switches 43-45 is normally cut off, so that the operator can discover any malfunction of the emergency stop switches 43-45 at an early stage.

[0069] Furthermore, since the control unit 50 executes the inspection control when it is started and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the inspection control can be executed at an appropriate timing. For example, the longer the time that has elapsed since the operation of the loading device 4 was stopped, the higher the possibility that the second signal from the emergency stop switches 43-45 will not be properly cut off. Therefore, by setting the above-mentioned conditions to a date (e.g., a date on or after the calendar day on which the main switch 33 was previously turned off) or a time (e.g., 8:00 a.m. every morning) on ​​which a relatively long time has elapsed since the operation of the loading device 4 was stopped, the inspection control can be executed at a more appropriate timing.

[0070] Furthermore, the longer the time that has passed since the ignition switch 9 or the main switch 33 was last turned off, the higher the possibility that the second signal from the emergency stop switches 43 to 45 will not be properly cut off. Therefore, by setting the condition that the time that has passed since the ignition switch 9 or the main switch 33 was last turned off is a predetermined time (e.g., 8 hours) or more, the inspection control can be executed at a more appropriate timing.

[0071] In addition, during inspection control, the control unit 50 does not accept input of operation signals from the switches 33, 35, 36, 42 that start the operation of the loading device 4, the garbage dump box 3, and the discharge plate 18 until it confirms that the second signal is normally cut off, thereby preventing the loading device 4, the garbage dump box 3, and the discharge plate 18 from operating until the second signal is normally cut off.

[0072] Furthermore, when the second signal from the emergency stop switches 43-45 is normally cut off during inspection control, the control unit 50 outputs a notification command to notify that fact, so that the operator can be quickly notified that the second signal has been normally cut off during inspection control.

[0073] Furthermore, since the control unit 50 outputs the first notification command for notifying the operator to operate the emergency stop switches 43 to 45 during inspection control, the inspection control can be performed quickly.

[0074] Furthermore, when the second signal is not interrupted for a predetermined time or longer after outputting the first notification command, the control unit 50 outputs a second notification command to notify that fact. As a result, when an operator receives a notification by the second notification command without operating the emergency stop switch 43-45, the operator can understand that he / she forgot to operate the emergency stop switch 43-45. Furthermore, when an operator receives a notification by the second notification command despite having operated the emergency stop switch 43-45, the operator can understand that the emergency stop switch 43-45 is broken.

[0075] [others] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the meaning equivalent thereto.

[0076] For example, the garbage collection vehicle 1 of this embodiment discharges garbage to the outside by a discharge plate 18 provided in the garbage storage box 2, but the garbage storage box 2 may be dumped to discharge the garbage to the outside. Also, the loading device 4 of this embodiment is a press type that loads garbage only with a push plate 7, but it may be a rotary plate type that loads garbage by cooperation between a push plate and a rotary plate.

[0077] The emergency stop switches 43 to 45 in this embodiment are of the contact B type, but may be of the contact A type. In that case, the control unit 50 may check in the inspection control whether or not the input of the operation signal (second signal) is normally performed when the emergency stop switches 43 to 45 are turned on.

[0078] In the inspection control of this embodiment, all inputs of operation signals from the switches 33, 35, 36, 42 that start the operation of the loading device 4, the garbage bin 3, and the discharge plate 18 are not accepted, but it is sufficient to at least not accept the input of the operation signal (first signal) of the loading switch 33 that starts the operation of the loading device 4. Also, in the inspection control of this embodiment, the first inspection control, the second inspection control, and the third inspection control are performed in this order, but the order is not limited to this.

[0079] In the inspection control of this embodiment, if the second signal from the emergency stop switches 43-45 is not normally cut off, information is sent to the management device (step ST18), but even if the second signal from the first emergency stop switch 43 is normally cut off, information indicating that may be sent to the management device.

[0080] The alarm 40 of this embodiment audibly notifies the driver by voice to prompt the driver to turn on each of the emergency stop switches 43 to 45, but the alarm may be visually notified by displaying characters on a screen or by turning on a lamp provided near each of the emergency stop switches 43 to 45. The alarm 40 may be provided in the driver's cab 1a or the waste collection box 2.

[0081] The refuse collection vehicle 1 of this embodiment is provided with three emergency stop switches 43 to 45, but may be provided with two or less or four or more emergency stop switches. In that case, too, the control unit 50 only needs to check whether each emergency stop switch operates normally during inspection control.

[0082] In this embodiment, the control unit 50 does not accept input of each operation signal from the switches 34, 35, 36, and 42 during inspection control. However, if the output of the corresponding command signal is restricted even if each operation signal is input at that time, the restricted command signal may be output after all inspection controls have been completed, and the operation of the loading device 4, etc. may be automatically started.

[0083] In this embodiment, the control unit 50 checks whether the emergency stop switch is operating normally (step ST13) after outputting a first notification command to prompt the operation of the emergency stop switch (step ST11) and starting the count of the timer 51 (step ST12), but step ST13 may be performed without performing steps ST11 to ST12. In that case, if the second signal from the emergency stop switch is not cut off at the time of checking in step ST13, the control unit 50 may determine that the emergency stop switch is not operating normally, transmit information to the management device (step ST18), and end the inspection control.

[0084] In this embodiment, the case where the second signal for stopping the operation of the loading device 4 is input to or cut off in the control unit 50 when the worker turns on the emergency stop switches 43 to 45 has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where the second signal for stopping the operation of the loading device 4 is input to or cut off in the control unit 50 when the human detection device detects a person in a predetermined area including the input port 3a of the garbage input box 3. In that case, in the inspection control, it can be confirmed whether the human detection device operates normally or not depending on whether the second signal is input to or cut off in the control unit 50 when the worker enters the area. This allows early detection of a malfunction of the human detection device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Refuse collection truck 2. Dustbin 3 Garbage disposal box 4 Loading device 9. Ignition Switch 33 Main switch 43 First emergency stop switch (emergency stop switch) 44 Second emergency stop switch (emergency stop switch) 45 Third emergency stop switch (emergency stop switch) 50 Control section

Claims

1. A dustbin; a trash input box provided at a rear end of the trash storage box and into which trash is input; a loading device that loads the trash thrown into the trash throwing box into the trash storage box; a control unit that starts an operation of the loading device when a predetermined first signal is input, and stops the operation of the loading device when a predetermined second signal is input or interrupted during the operation of the loading device; an emergency stop switch that is operated to input or cut off the second signal, The control unit, when started up, outputs a first notification command to prompt the user to operate the emergency stop switch, and executes inspection control to confirm whether the emergency stop switch is operating normally based on whether the second signal is input or cut off within a predetermined period after outputting the first notification command.

2. The control unit executes the inspection control when the control unit is activated and a predetermined condition is satisfied, 2. The refuse collection vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the condition is at least one of a date and a time, or an elapsed time since an ignition switch of the refuse collection vehicle or a main switch of the loading device was last turned off.

3. 3. The refuse collection vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, during the inspection control, does not accept input of the first signal until it is confirmed that the emergency stop switch operates normally.

4. 4. The refuse collection vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit determines during the inspection control that the emergency stop switch operates normally, it outputs a notification command to notify that effect.

5. A garbage collection vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit, during the inspection control, outputs a second notification command to notify the user that the second signal is not input or blocked for a predetermined time or more after outputting the first notification command.

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