EP0391225B1 - Safety switching circuitry for tilting and/or hoisting devices - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to prevent the manipulation of switches, such as flap and acknowledgement signal switches, which are provided for the safety of the operating personnel, these switches are connected to a circuit monitoring device 25 which is electrically connected to the automatic control device 30 for the automatic emptying of containers, in particular waste containers, into collecting containers. This circuit monitoring device 25 issues a release signal to the automatic control device 30 only when the desired switching state of the switches 11 and 16 is present. Additionally, further safety switches can be provided, such as for example an upper and a lower reference switch 9 and 32. Moreover, the circuit monitoring device is also connected to a barrier switch 13 and designed to test the switching position of the gear shifting of the vehicle 22. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a safety switching arrangement for lifting and tipping devices for emptying containers of different sizes, in particular for lifting and tipping devices of refuse collection vehicles, with a control device for automatically emptying the containers into collecting containers and with at least two actuators which are directly or indirectly electrically connected to the automatic control device and can be actuated by the containers System contacts or system switches, in particular flap and acknowledgment switches.

Garbage trucks are usually equipped with so-called automatic devices which, after the containers have been suspended in the lifting and tipping device, lift them up, empty them, shake them if necessary and put them back on the ground. This automatic device is triggered by a flap switch, which is arranged on the lifting and tipping frame, when the waste container is suspended on the lifting and tipping frame and this actuates the flap switch. Under certain circumstances, the flap switch can be manipulated by the waste workers in order to speed up the emptying process. Since the corresponding safety devices are also put out of operation as a result of the manipulation, the accident risk for the waste workers is increased considerably.

From EP-PS 173 180 a lifting and tilting device for emptying containers is known, which is provided in the area of the abutment device with electrical system contacts. Further system contacts are arranged on the middle gripping plates of the gripping device. A switching process can only be triggered by joint actuation of at least three contacts, this switching process may consist in that the driver in the cab or a garbage collector working on the emptying device is given a signal that the actual emptying process can now be initiated. However, it is also possible to use the three contacts simultaneously to initiate the actual emptying process automatically.

However, this device does not yet meet the desired high safety requirements, since the safety precautions can be overridden by manipulation of the system contacts.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a safety switching arrangement for lift-tilt devices of refuse collection vehicles, with which the disadvantages of the known devices are avoided and manipulation of the automatic control is at least made more difficult.

This object is achieved with a safety switching arrangement according to claim 1.

In order to make the manipulation of the system contacts or switches, which are preferably acknowledgment signal switches and / or flap switches, almost impossible, they are connected to a current monitoring device which constantly checks the desired switching status of these switches and only issues an enable signal to the automatic control device when the switches are switched in the intended manner at the desired time. In the event that e.g. the acknowledgment signal switch is switched on continuously, no release signal is emitted to the automatic control device.

The acknowledgment signal switch, like the flap switch, is operated by the waste container. The acknowledgment signal switch is preferably arranged on the lifting and tilting device in such a way that it is actuated from the edge of the container. The flap switch and the acknowledgment signal switch interact in such a way that in the absence of a switching signal either from the flap switch or from the acknowledgment signal switch, automatic operation is not possible. The flap switch is actuated by moving the container to the lifting frame and gives the start signal for initiating the automatic process to a control unit. The control signal is passed on via an integrated delay time stage, so that the start of the lifting movement is triggered with an initial delay. If the flap switch was put into the switch position manually, automatic operation would not be possible due to the absence of the signal from the acknowledgment signal switch. The lifting and tipping device starts, but stops when a certain reference height is reached.

In the event that the flap switch has been actuated by the wall of a large waste container, the circuit arrangement provides that the lifting and tilting device only moves up by a certain amount. If actuation of the acknowledgment signal switch then fails to occur because it is, for example, a large container, the edge of which in this position of the lifting and tilting device cannot yet switch the acknowledgment signal switch, the lifting and tilting device stops. This prevents unwanted automatic emptying of large containers.

The safety switching arrangement can be further improved by the provision of further switches which either prevent the automatic control device from being started at all or which abort the automatic emptying process if the switches have not been operated in the intended manner. Accordingly, at least one upper reference switch that can be triggered when the lifting and tipping device is started up and at least one lower reference switch that can be triggered when the lifting and tipping device is lowered is electrically connected to the current flow monitoring device. Beyond that at least one barrier switch that can be triggered when the safety barriers are lowered is electrically connected to the current flow monitoring device, which only emits an enable signal to the automatic control device when all these switches are in the desired switching state.

In addition, the current flow monitoring device can be designed to check the shift position of the gear shift of the vehicle. In this case, a release signal is only sent to the automatic control device if the reverse gear is not engaged.

In order to be able to interrupt the automatic process in dangerous situations, at least one emergency stop switch is arranged between the power supply device and the automatic control device. These emergency stop switches are connected in series with the emergency stop switches arranged on the garbage truck.

According to a further embodiment, the upper reference switch is connected to the ignition circuit of the drive motor of the refuse collection vehicle. If the ignition circuit of the garbage truck has been interrupted, the upper reference switch must be switched again. This is achieved by moving the lifting and tipping device to the upper reference point.

Another embodiment provides that an additional switching device is arranged between the upper reference switch and the current monitoring device, which goes into self-holding after the first switching of the upper reference switch. If the ignition circuit of the refuse collection vehicle is interrupted in this arrangement, this switching device is also switched off, so that the self-retention is released. After switching on the ignition, the upper reference point must also be approached so that the upper reference switch is switched and this switching device can then go into self-holding again.

The lower reference switch is preferably connected to a reversing safety device of the refuse vehicle. Such a reversing safety device essentially consists of a warning signal which indicates to the driver of the refuse collection vehicle that reversing the refuse collection vehicle represents a dangerous situation.

In the case of lifting and tipping devices which can be arranged next to one another and each of which can empty a small container and together a large container, an additional locking switch is connected to the switching device, which is actuated when the two lifting and tipping devices are connected together by mechanical or electro-hydraulic mutual locking.

All the switches mentioned preferably consist of so-called proximity switches, since these offer the advantage that they cannot be fixed manually in one position in a simple manner like mechanical switches. These proximity switches are arranged on the lifting or tilting device or the garbage truck and are activated by corresponding actuating elements, e.g. Switch plates, switched.

The upper reference switch is arranged in the upper stroke area of the lifting and tipping device on the side of the pouring opening on the bulk box, and preferably above the pivot shaft of the lifting and tipping device. The proximity switch is aligned in such a way that it is switched as soon as the upper end of the lifting / tilting frame reaches the upper reference point. If necessary, an additional plate can be provided on the lifting and tilting frame, which cooperates with the upper reference switch.

The lower reference switch is arranged in the lower lifting area of the lifting and tipping device on the lifting and tipping frame and is switched when the lifting and tipping frame approaches the lower reference point. The lower reference switch can be positioned wherever it can be switched by the lifting and tipping frame when the lower reference point is reached. Preferably, the lower reference switch is arranged to face an actuator when the lower reference point is reached by the lift and tilt frame.

The acknowledgment signal switch is arranged on the walking beam so that it can be switched when the container to be emptied is attached. The flap switch is arranged on the front of the walking beam and is already switched when the wall of the container to be emptied is put on.

The barrier switches are arranged on the bed housing in the upper swivel area near the axis of rotation of the barrier and are switched by this as soon as the barrier is pivoted down from its rest position.

It is particularly advantageous for the use of the arrangement to implement the current flow monitoring device and the automatic control device in a single electronic component. This also increases the security that long cables do not have to be laid between these devices, which can repeatedly cause malfunctions in the harsh everyday use of the lifting and tipping devices.

The mode of operation of the safety switching arrangement is described in more detail below. Switching on the ignition is a prerequisite for the operation of the safety switching arrangement. Before the first emptying process, the barriers that laterally delimit the swivel range of the lifting and tipping device must be swung down and brought into their end position. In this case, the two barrier switches are actuated, which send corresponding signals to the automatic control device or current flow monitoring device. When using proximity switches, preferably when swiveling down the Barriers damped a switch and a switch undamped, so that manipulation of these two switches is not possible.

Then the garbage worker must raise the lifting and tipping device to an upper reference point using a hand switch. There the upper reference switch is actuated, whereby the current monitoring device is activated, which then continuously checks whether the lower reference switch, the acknowledgment signal switch, the flap switch and the barrier switch or switches are in their desired switching state. If the current flow monitoring device determines the target switching state of all of these switches, a corresponding release signal is sent to the automatic control device. The upper reference point must always be approached when the garbage truck engine is re-ignited. Otherwise, the current monitoring device is not activated and the corresponding enable signal is not present at the automatic control device, so that it cannot be operated.

The end of this current flow check can be indicated acoustically or optically to the refuse worker, who then lowers the lifting and tipping device to a lower reference point by actuating a corresponding manual switch. In the lower reference point, the lower reference switch is arranged, which is connected to a reversing safety device of the refuse collection vehicle. If the driver engages reverse gear, the reversing safety device indicates to the driver acoustically or optically that from this point on he must not reset the garbage truck because the automatic device is now ready for use or the lifting frame is in the lowest position. If for some reason the lower reference point has not been reached, the automatic cannot be triggered.

After these preparations, the automatic device can be switched on at the push of a button and the first container can be brought to the lifting and tipping frame or driven. The container wall presses against the flap switch and the container edge presses the acknowledgment signal switch after a short stroke. If the acknowledgment signal switch is operated in front of the flap switch, the automatic device cannot be started. If only the flap switch in the area of the receptacle height of small containers is actuated, but not the acknowledgment signal switch, then the lifting and tilting device only moves up a certain amount, where it then stops. In this case, the lifting and tipping device only reaches a height which is below the receiving height of a large container. This ensures that large containers cannot be emptied automatically. The same effect results if the folding switch is triggered unintentionally by an operator. Due to the short stroke, there is no danger to the operator.

After emptying the container, it is automatically placed on the ground again. If the garbage collector removes the container from the lifting and tipping device prematurely, the acknowledgment signal switch and the flap switch are switched, as a result of which the release signal is taken from the automatic control device, which immediately interrupts the automatic process and stops. In this case, the entire lifting and tipping device must be manually lowered again to the lower reference point before the next emptying process, so that the lower reference switch located there is operated again. This then again sends a corresponding signal to the automatic device so that it is released for further operation. Then the automatic device must be switched on by pressing a button.

Every manual intervention in the automatic emptying process interrupts the emptying process and requires the lower reference point to be approached again and the lower reference switch to be switched.

In refuse collection vehicles that have a double bed, a separate safety switching arrangement is provided for each lifting and tipping device.

In refuse collection vehicles that have a twin bed with folding arms for holding large refuse containers, the safety switching arrangement is also provided in two ways. In addition, a locking device is provided on the two lifting and tilting frames, with which the two lifting and tilting frames can be mechanically connected to one another. This locking device is coupled to a locking switch, which is also electrically connected to the switching device. The automatic control devices are deactivated when the two lifting and tipping devices for emptying large containers are connected to one another. Since the automatic devices are not used in this case, the two barriers for emptying large containers can also be swiveled up to the starting position.

• Figur 1 ein Blockschaltbild der Sicherheitsschaltanordnung für eine Einzelschüttung;
• Figur 2 die Rückansicht eines Müllfahrzeuges mit einer Einzelschüttung;
• Figur 3 das Blockschaltbild der Sicherheitsschaltanordnung für eine Doppelschüttung;
• Figur 4 die rückwärtige Ansicht eines Müllfahrzeuges mit einer Doppelschüttung;
• Figur 5 das Blockschaltbild der Sicherheitsschaltanordnung für eine geteilte Kammschüttung;
• Figur 6 die rückwärtige Ansicht eines Müllfahrzeuges mit einer geteilten Kammschüttung.
• Figur 7 ein Blockschaltbild der Sicherheitsschaltanordnung für eine Einzelschüttung gemäß einer Weiterbildung der Anordnung gemäß Figur 1.
• Figur 1 zeigt die erfindungsgemäße Sicherheitsschaltanordnung für eine Einzelschüttung. Das Müllfahrzeug 22 weist eine Stromversorgung 23, einen Zündschaltkreis 26 für den Motor des Müllfahrzeuges und eine Rückfahrsicherungseinrichtung 27 in Gestalt eines im Führerhaus aufleuchtenden Warnsignals auf. Von der Stromversorgungseinrichtung 23 des Fahrzeugs 22 führt eine über den Zündschaltkreis 26 geschaltete Leitung direkt zur Schalteinrichtung 210 der Hubkippvorrichtung. Eine zweite elektrische Leitung führt von der Stromversorgungseinrichtung 23 über zwei am Fahrzeug 22 angebrachte Notschalter 1 und 2 und zwei weitere vorrichtungsseitig angeordnete Notschalter 1a, 2a zur Schalteinrichtung 210 der Hubkippvorrichtung und von dort zum Fahrzeug 22 zurück. Von dieser Schalteinrichtung 210 führt eine Leitung zum Schalter 7, mit dem von Hand die Automatiksteuereinrichtung 30 eingeschaltet werden kann. Die Betätigung des Schalters 7 wird jedoch erst dann wirksam, wenn ein oberer Referenzpunkt mittels eines Handschalters 3, der auf das Magnetventil 29 einwirkt, das für das Heben der Hubkippvorrichtung verantwortlich ist, angefahren wird. Wenn der obere Referenzpunkt erreicht ist, wird der obere Referenzschalter 32 geschaltet. Dadurch geht ein Schaltgerät 200 in Selbsthaltung und gibt den Strompfad zur Stromlaufüberwachungseinrichtung 25 frei, die überprüft, ob der untere Referenzschalter 9, der Quittungssignalschalter 11, der Klappenschalter 16, der obere Referenzschalter 32 und einer der Schrankenschalter 13 im Sollschaltzustand sind. Hierzu gehört auch, daß die Stromlaufüberwachungseinrichtung überprüft und feststellt, daß der Rückwärtsgang des Müllfahrzeuges nicht eingelegt ist. Dies ist in Figur 1 durch R gekennzeichnet.

Exemplary embodiments of the innovation are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show it:

• Figure 1 is a block diagram of the safety switching arrangement for a single bed;
• FIG. 2 shows the rear view of a refuse collection vehicle with a single fill;
• FIG. 3 shows the block diagram of the safety switching arrangement for a double bed;
• FIG. 4 shows the rear view of a refuse collection vehicle with a double bed;
• FIG. 5 shows the block diagram of the safety switching arrangement for a divided comb bed;
• Figure 6 shows the rear view of a garbage truck with a divided comb bed.
• FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the safety switching arrangement for a single bed according to a development of the arrangement according to FIG. 1.
• Figure 1 shows the safety switching arrangement according to the invention for a single bed. The garbage truck 22 has a power supply 23, an ignition circuit 26 for the engine of the garbage truck and a reversing safety device 27 in the form of a warning signal which lights up in the driver's cab. From the power supply device 23 of the vehicle 22, a line connected via the ignition circuit 26 leads directly to the switching device 210 of the lifting and tilting device. A second electrical line leads from the power supply device 23 via two emergency switches 1 and 2 attached to the vehicle 22 and two further emergency switches 1a, 2a arranged on the device side to the switching device 210 of the lifting and tilting device and from there back to the vehicle 22. A line leads from this switching device 210 to the switch 7, with which the automatic control device 30 can be switched on manually. The actuation of the switch 7, however, only becomes effective when an upper reference point is approached by means of a manual switch 3, which acts on the solenoid valve 29, which is responsible for the lifting and tilting device. When the upper reference point is reached, the upper reference switch 32 is switched. As a result, a switching device 200 goes into self-holding and releases the current path to the current monitoring device 25, which checks whether the lower reference switch 9, the acknowledgment signal switch 11, the flap switch 16, the upper reference switch 32 and one of the barrier switches 13 are in the desired switching state. This also includes that the current monitoring device checks and determines that the reverse gear of the garbage truck is not engaged. This is identified by R in FIG. 1.

If it is determined that all the switches are in the desired switching state and no further manual actuation has been carried out, a corresponding release signal is sent to the automatic control device 30.

The lower reference switch 9 is connected via a further line to the reversing safety device 27, which indicates to the driver in accordance with the switch position of the switch 9 whether or not he can reset with the vehicle.

With each interruption of the ignition circuit 26, the self-holding of the switching device 200 is interrupted and must be switched again by moving to the upper reference point.

The current monitoring device 25 removes the release signal from the automatic control device even if a signal from the switches 3, 4, 9, 11, 16 and 32 is either continuous, i.e. at times when it should not be present, is pending or is not arriving at the target time. In this case, the emptying process that has started is ended, but preferably this emptying process is interrupted immediately.

In spite of the fact that the release signal from the switch 32 or the current flow monitoring device 25 is present, the automatic control device 30 is not ready for use. The automatic control device 30 is namely still connected to the barrier switch 20, which is connected between the switching device 210 and the automatic control device 30.

Only when the barrier switch 20 has been actuated by swiveling down the barriers is there a corresponding release signal at this point. Simultaneously with the release of the automatic control device 30, a signal is also sent to the solenoid valve 28. This signal is present as long as the automatic control device is enabled.

When the flap switch 16 is actuated, a signal is given to the solenoid valve 29 via the switching device 210 and the automatic control device 30. This valve is responsible for lifting the lifting and tipping device and also gives the command to the automatic control device 30 via the time stage trigger 19 to control the timing of the emptying process.

When the emptying process has ended, the signal from the automatic control device is taken from the solenoid valve 29 and the lowering of the lifting and tipping device is initiated.

• Schalter 16 betätigen.
• Schalter 11 betätigen.
• Schalter 9 lösen.
• Schalter 32 betätigen.
• Schalter 32 lösen.
• Schalter 9 betätigen.
• Schalter 11 lösen.
• Schalter 16 lösen.

In summary, the following switching sequence is required for an automatic drain cycle.

• Operate switch 16.
• Operate switch 11.
• Release switch 9.
• Operate switch 32.
• Release switch 32.
• Press switch 9.
• Release switch 11.
• Release switch 16.

A deviation from this order is recognized by the current flow monitoring device 25 as an error and leads to the release signal being switched off.

FIG. 2 shows the rear view of a refuse collection vehicle with a single bed. The garbage truck 22, like the lifting and tipping device 101 attached to it and the arrangement of the switches, is only shown schematically. The lifting and tipping device 101 has a pouring housing 100 with a pouring opening 104. At the bottom right next to the pouring opening 104 there is a push-button block with the pushbuttons 7, 3 and 4. The button 7 is used to switch on the automatic control device 30. The switches 3 and 4 are used for manual lifting and lowering of the lifting and tilting device 101, which is arranged below the pouring opening 104. This lifting and tipping device 101 has a lifting frame 107 which has a lifting beam 109 and an abutment plate 111 for receiving a refuse container (not shown). The entire lifting frame 107 is fastened to a swivel arm 105. Safety barriers 113, 114 are arranged on both sides next to the lifting frame 107. These safety barriers 113, 114 each carry an emergency switch 1a and 2a.

The upper reference switch 32 is arranged on the bulk case below the pour opening 104. Below this is the barrier switch 13, which is actuated when the barrier 113 is pivoted down. On the right side, a barrier switch 20 is provided at the corresponding point, which is operated by the barrier 114. Furthermore, the lower reference switch 9 is arranged on the walking beam 109 and is switched when the lower reference point is reached. The flap switch 16 and the acknowledgment signal switch 11 are arranged on the walking beam 109.

FIG. 3 shows the safety switching arrangement for a double bed. According to FIG. 1, the garbage truck 22 also has a power supply 23, an ignition circuit 26 and a reversing safety device 27. From the power supply device 23 of the vehicle, a line connected via the ignition circuit 26 leads directly to the switching device 210 of the two lifting and tilting devices.

A second electrical line also leads from the power supply device 23 via two emergency switches 1 and 2 to the switching device 210 of the two lifting and tilting devices and from there back to the vehicle 22. A line leads from this common switching device 210 to the switch 7 or 8, with which the automatic control device 30a or 30b can be switched on manually. 30a denotes the automatic control device for the left lifting and tipping device and 30b the automatic control device for the right lifting and tipping device. Accordingly, the switch 7 is provided for switching on the left lifting and tipping device and the switch 8 for switching on the right lifting and tipping device. The actuation of the switches 7 and 8 only becomes effective when the upper reference point has been approached by means of the manual switch 3 for the left lifting and tipping device or 5 for the right lifting and tipping device. Each lifting and tipping device of the double bed is operated and controlled independently of one another.

When the upper reference point is reached, the upper reference switches 32, 33 are switched. This causes a switching device 200 to hold and releases the current path to the current monitoring device 25, which checks whether the lower reference switch 9 or 10, the acknowledgment signal switch 11 or 12, the flap switch 16 or 17, the upper reference switch 32 or 33 and the barrier switch 13 are in the desired switching state. It is also checked and ascertained that the reverse gear of the refuse vehicle is not engaged, which is represented by R.

If it is determined that all the switches of both lifting and tipping devices are in the desired switching state and no manual operation has been carried out on this lifting and tipping device, a corresponding release signal is given to the corresponding automatic control device 30a (left automatic control device) or 30b (right automatic control device).

The lower reference switch or 10 is connected via a further line to the reversing safety device 27, which indicates to the driver in accordance with the switch position of the switch 9 or 10 whether he may reset with the vehicle or not.

With each interruption of the ignition circuit 26, the self-holding of the switching device 200 is interrupted and must be switched again by moving to the upper reference point.

The current monitoring device 25 also removes the release signal from the automatic control devices 30a, 30b when a signal from the switches 3, 4 or 5, 6, 9 or 10, 11 or 12, 16 or 17 and 32 or 33 either permanent, ie at times when it should not be present, is pending or is not arriving at the target time. In this case, the emptying process of the respective lifting and tipping device is ended, but preferably the emptying process of the two lifting and tipping devices is interrupted immediately.

The two automatic control devices 30a, 30b are additionally connected to the barrier switch 20, which is connected between the switching device 210 and the automatic control device 30b. If the barrier switch 20 has been actuated by swiveling the barriers down, a corresponding release signal is also present at this point. If the barrier switch 20 has not been operated, neither the automatic device 30a nor the automatic device 30b is ready for use.

Simultaneously with the release of the automatic control devices 30a or 30b, a signal for given solenoid valve 28. This signal is present as long as the corresponding automatic control device 30a and 30b is released.

When the flap switch 16 or 17 is actuated, a corresponding signal is sent to the respective solenoid valve 29 via the respective automatic control device 30a, 30b. These valves are responsible for lifting the lifting and tipping devices and, in addition, give the automatic control devices 30a, 30b, via the respective time stage 19 or 18, the command to control the chronological sequence of the emptying process.

When the emptying process has ended, the signal is taken from the respective automatic control device to the solenoid valve 29 and the lowering of the lifting and tipping devices is initiated.

The switching sequence given for FIG. 1 also applies in this embodiment to each individual lift and tilt device.

FIG. 4 shows the rear view of the refuse collection vehicle 22 with such a double bed. This figure also shows only schematically the lift and tilt devices 101, 102 and the arrangement of the switches.

The lifting and tipping device has a pouring housing 100 with the two pouring openings 104a and 104b. A button block with the push buttons 7, 3, 4 and 8, 5, 6 is arranged on the left and bottom right next to these pouring openings 104a, 104b. The buttons 7 and 8 are used to switch on the automatic control devices 30a and 30b. The switches 3 and 4 or 5 and 6 serve for manual lifting and lowering of the lifting and tilting device 101 and 102, which are shown below the pouring openings 104a, 104b. Each lifting and tipping device 101 or 102 has a lifting frame 107 or 108 which has a lifting beam 109 or 110 and an abutment plate 111 or 112 for receiving a refuse container (not shown). Each lifting frame 107 or 108 is attached to a swivel arm 105 or 106. Safety barriers 113, 114 are arranged on both sides next to the two lifting frames 107, 108, each of which carries an emergency switch 1a and 2a.

The upper reference switch 32 for the left lifting and tilting device and the upper reference switch 33 for the right lifting and tilting device are arranged on the bulk case 100 below the pouring openings 104a, 104b. The barrier switches 13 and 20, which are actuated when the barriers 113, 114 are pivoted down, are located on the outside of the bulk housing 100.

The lower reference switches 9 and 10 are arranged in the lower region of the lifting and tilting device and are switched by the lifting bars 109 and 110 when the lower reference points are reached.

A flap switch 16 or 17 is arranged on the front of the lifting beams 109, 110. On the sides of the two walking beams 109, 110 there is in each case an acknowledgment signal switch 11 and 12, respectively, which are switched from the container edge of the respective refuse container after being hooked into the walking beam.

FIG. 5 shows the block diagram for a split comb bed (twin bed). This block diagram corresponds to the block diagram of FIG. 3 with the difference that an additional locking switch 14 is provided. This locking switch 14 is connected upstream of the automatic ON switches 7 and 8. If the lock switch 14 is not actuated, the automatic devices 30a, 30b can be actuated, provided that the other functions are fulfilled. If the locking switch 14, which is actuated when mechanically connecting the two lifting and tipping devices, is switched, the two automatic devices cannot be used, since in this case a large waste container is to be emptied. In this way it is prevented that large garbage containers are also emptied automatically. Large containers can only be emptied by manual operation.

FIG. 6 shows the rear view of such a split bed of combs.

In contrast to the previous embodiments, each lifting and tipping device 107, 108 has two gripping arms 115 and 116 for holding large waste containers. Both lift and tilt devices 107, 108 are locked mechanically or electrically, the switch 14 being actuated.

Each individual lift and tilt device 107, 108 has a comb 119, 120, on which flap switches 16 and 17 and acknowledgment signal switches 11 and 12 are arranged. The arrangement and mode of operation of these and the other switches corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG.

Figure 7 shows a further circuit arrangement according to the invention, which is a development of the arrangement according to Figure 1. In contrast to that, the current flow monitoring devices 25 and the automatic control 30 are combined in a single electronic component 35 with an I / O board (not shown).

In addition, a timer 36 and 37 is connected between the flap switch 16 and the acknowledgment switch 11 and the flap switch 16 and the lower reference switch 9. With the timers 36 and 37 it can be specified that a certain actuation sequence of the switches 9, 11, 16 must be present in a time interval that can be predetermined, otherwise the automatic system would be switched off. A t is preferably in the range of 300 ms. When the switch 36 has been operated, the timers ensure that the switch 11 is switched within AT and switch 9 has to be switched over so that the automatic control is maintained lasts. Two timers are provided since the sequence of movements is exactly the opposite when the tilting device is swiveled up and back.

Furthermore, a further timer 38 is connected between the flap switch 16 and the automatic control device 30. As a result, after the switch 16 has been actuated, the automatic control 30 is only released after a period of time which can be set, for example 200 ms, as a result of which the individual movement sequences can be specifically specified.

Claims (13)

1. Safety circuit arrangement for a lifting/tilting device (101, 102) for emptying containers of different sizes in particular for lifting/tilting devices of garbage trucks (22), said device having a control unit (30) for the automatic emptying of the containers into collection bins and said safety circuit arrangement having at least two system contacts or system switches (11,12,16,13) in particular flap and acknowledgement signal switches, which are connected electrically, directly or indirectly, to the automatic control unit (30) and are actuatable by the containers, characterized in that said system contacts or system switches (11, 12, 16, 17) are connected to an electrical current flow monitor (25), which is electrically connected to said automatic control unit (30), which permanently controls the intended status of the switches (11, 12, 16, 17) and which transmits an operation-rendering signal to said automatic control unit (30) only if the switches (11, 12, 16, 17) are disposed in a pre-determined manner at the correct time.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one upper reference switch (33), actuatable by the initial upward motion of the lifting/tilting device (101, 102), and at least one lower reference switch (9, 10), actuatable by the respective lowering of the lifting/tilting device (101, 102) are connected electrically to the current flow monitor (25).

3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one barrier switch (13, 20), actuatable by the lowering of the safety barriers (113, 114) mounted laterally of the lifting/tilting device (101, 102) is electrically connected to the current flow monitor (25).

4. Arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one barrier switch (13, 20) is electrically connected to the automatic control unit (30).

5. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 through 4, characterized in that the current flow monitor (25) is developed for monitoring the condition of the gearshift of the vehicle.

6. Arrangement according to one of the claims 2 through 5, characterized in that the upper reference switch (32, 33) is electrically connected to the ignition circuit (26) of the garbage truck (22).

7. Arrangement according to one of the claims 2 through 6, characterized in that there is disposed between the upper reference switch (32, 33) and the current flow monitor (25), a switch device (200) which latches in after the initial actuation of the upper reference switch (32, 33).

8. Arrangement according to one of the claims 2 through 7, characterized in that the lower reference switch (9, 10) is connected to a reverse travel safety device (27) of the garbage truck (22).

9. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 - 8, and further including an additional lifting/tilting device, said devices constituting twin dumps, characterized in that there is additionally provided a manually actuatable locking switch (14) inserted between the switch device (210) and the automtic switches (7, 8).

10. Arrangement according to one of the claims 1 - 9, characterized in that at least one emergency stop switch (1a, 2a) is mounted on each of the barriers (113, 114) and that the emergeny stop switch (1a, 2a) is disposed between the power supply (23) and the switch device (210).

11. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the emergency stop switches (1a, 2a) are connected in series with emergency stop switches (1, 2) disposed at least on one side of the garbage truck (22).

12. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 through 11, characterized in that the switches (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20, 32 and 33) are proximity switches.

13. Arrangement according to one of claims 1 through 12, characterized in that the current flow monitor (25) and the automatic control unit (30) are constituted as a single electronic component (35).

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