ES1269245U - ELECTRIC ROAD CLEANING TROLLEY (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular electric cleaning trolley comprising: - a frame (1), - at least two rear wheels (3,4) and one front wheel (5) attached to the frame (1), - a support tray (2) attached to the frame (1). - a support (9) for garbage cans on the support tray (2), characterized in that it additionally comprises an electronics unit, which in turn comprises: - a central controller (22), - a power supply module (33), associated with the central controller (22) and comprising one or more batteries (20), - a propulsion module (28) associated with the central controller (22), comprising electric motors (21) linked to the rear wheels (3, 4) and a movement control panel (27) of the electric motors (21), - a signaling module (29) associated with the central controller (22), - a data acquisition module (35) associated with the central controller (22), comprising load cells (19), intended to be linked to the garbage cans transported on the support (9), and a location unit (24), - an information transfer module (30) associated with the central controller and intended to be connected to an external device, and - a user interface module (34) associated with the central controller (22). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

ELECTRIC ROAD CLEANING TROLLEY

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention refers to a modular, self-propelled street cleaning trolley, which is equipped with an electronic unit that facilitates the work of the operator, communication between the different cleaning services and improves the performance of the activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the main benefits for the correct execution of urban cleaning service is manual sweeping. This action is carried out by a cleaning service operator, whose work tools are the cleaning trolley and the utensils that it carries in order to perform the job correctly.

The cleaning trolleys are of different sizes and functionalities depending on the activity for which it is intended. Generally, this type of trolley is designed with a frame as the main structure, with wheels to move it. In this frame the waste collection bags are placed, as well as a platform to place the cleaning buckets.

Finally, they usually carry various methods of fixing cleaning tools such as hooks, brackets, hooks ...

The maintenance of a cleaning trolley must be periodic, removing embedded dirt and dust, as well as disinfecting the structure that makes it up.

There are several types of cleaning carts depending on the activity to be developed, as specific types the following can be mentioned:

- Sweeper cart: It includes one or two buckets in which the waste collected during work is deposited. It has hooks for the brooms and support brackets for the carrycot and dustpan.

- Gardener's cart: It consists of a support with wheels on which a large sack or bag is placed in which the leaves, branches and other garden debris are introduced.

- Scrubber trolley: It has water buckets with a drainer where clean water with disinfectant is transported and dirty water is drained.

Among the different activities that comprise the street cleaning service is the cleaning of sidewalks and streams, collection of small waste, emptying of bins, removal of stickers and papers from urban furniture, replacement of bags of dog excrement, as well as all the rest of the actions necessary to leave the environment in a perfect state of cleanliness.

These commercially available manual sweeping carts are not completely satisfactory.

From the point of view of ergonomics, street cleaning trolleys intended for manual sweeping do not have auxiliary means to overcome obstacles, as well as aspects that affect the mobility of public roads such as slopes, which may lead to overexertion on the part of the operator decreasing the performance of the activity and damaging physical health causing injuries inherent to overexertion.

From the point of view of functionality, the street cleaning carts do not have systems that allow communication between cleaning services or with a central system. They also do not have monitoring to be able to check their location and the correct development of the activity.

Therefore, it will be necessary to find a solution to the problem found, which allows overcoming obstacles on the public highway and acts as a support to facilitate the work of the operator, increasing the performance of the activity; and that allows coordination between the different cleaning services.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The electric street cleaning trolley, object of the invention, allows an operator to carry out the activity without exerting inherent over-efforts of the activity thanks to an electric propulsion module and a data acquisition module, which allows monitoring the progress of the work offering intercommunication with external devices.

The trolley has a modular configuration in terms of chassis, wheels, hubs, electronics and compartments, allowing individual replacement and repair of each element of the cleaning trolley.

The trolley is constructed of a heavy-duty, lightweight and long-lasting frame, preferably mounted on two rear driving wheels and one front free wheel.

The trolley has a cabinet with differentiated compartments for different utilities, all of them with the possibility of using a lock that allows:

- Store the personal belongings of the operator.

- Save the basic cleaning elements.

- Housing the batteries and electronic modules necessary for operation, the size of which will depend on the operating needs of the devices.

On the outside of the cabinet with compartments, you can find means of fixing elements used in cleaning tasks, such as brooms, dustpans, etc.

As a minimum, the cart will have capacity for two buckets of 70 liters each. Fully loaded it will be able to bridge a minimum distance of 15 cm from the curb. The trolley has been designed so that the load distribution is adequate so as not to require effort on the part of the operator for its ordinary operation.

The front part of the trolley frame has been designed so that a support can be incorporated where a salt shaker or disinfection equipment is placed depending on the service provided, in case of having to provide sidewalk salting service in the event of weather conditions snow or disinfection service

The trolley comprises an electronics unit, with a central controller to which a series of modules are connected. First, a power module, comprising one or more storage batteries, which can be recharged externally. The batteries will preferably be LiFePOA lithium ferric polymer technology.

The power supply module can also comprise a photovoltaic cell, which is linked to the central control unit, to manage the received solar energy and divert it to the different modules of the electronics unit or to recharge the batteries. Therefore, Batteries can be recharged externally, and they also have the possibility of recharging through the photovoltaic cell.

On the other hand, the electronics unit comprises a signaling module connected to the central controller, to facilitate the display of the car on public roads.

For this, the display module can comprise position lights, preferably of the LED type. The position lights will preferably be four, so that they guarantee the correct visualization of the car, two located in the front part and two located in the rear part. The lights at the front will be white and those at the rear will be red, similar to an everyday vehicle.

Furthermore, the signaling module can comprise a rotating type light, preferably LED, thus enhancing the signaling and visibility of the cleaning trolley.

On the other hand, the electronics unit comprises a propulsion module, also connected to the central controller, which allows the user to operate the trolley in a simple and intuitive way.

The propulsion module first comprises electric motors, two preferably associated with the rear wheels and powered by the batteries of the power module.

In order to control the movement and speed of the engines, the propulsion module comprises a movement control panel, which in turn preferably comprises a joystick-type control lever , which facilitates the control of the engines, achieving advancement. , backing up or turning the car. Furthermore, the movement control panel comprises speed control buttons, which allow the user, for example, to accelerate the car when going up a hill.

For movements of long distances or movements in a straight line, the propulsion module can comprise a movement button, positioned in a grip area of the user. Thanks to the displacement button, it is achieved that the user does not have to operate the control lever constantly in the direction of travel and establish a movement speed adapted to the operator's walking speed, solving the possible problems that may derive from overexertion, such as injuries inherent to the activity.

To achieve greater user safety, if the control lever or the travel button are not pressed, the motors will not be activated. In addition, the propulsion module can comprise an emergency stop button, placed on the side of the drawer cabinet so that it is easily accessible in an emergency, causing the disconnection of the general electrical supply, so that the motors are completely stopped. . The emergency stop button also allows suspending the electronics unit, allowing the trolley to operate in completely manual mode.

The electronics unit also includes a data acquisition module connected to the central controller, which comprises load cells, positioned under the bins, and which allow the weight of the garbage collected throughout a day to be determined.

In addition, the data acquisition module comprises: a location unit, preferably of the GPS type, which allows to know at all times the position of the cart, its path, as well as the points where the greatest amount of waste has been collected; optionally a battery monitoring unit, which allows determining the charge level of the power module batteries; and optionally an engine monitoring unit, to determine both the forward speed of the carriage and the distance traveled.

To be able to transmit the information collected in the data acquisition module, connected to the central controller, the electronics unit comprises an information transfer module, preferably with a transmitter, intended to be connected to an external device for sending data, and a receiver, which allows receiving information that may be useful to the user.

Finally, the electronics unit comprises a user interface module associated with the central controller, which may comprise a screen, and which allows the user to configure and control the different modules, as well as to display information in a simple way.

Thus, through the user interface module, the central controller allows:

- turn off and on the lights of the signaling module manually or set the automatic mode, being able to set the signaling method with continuous light or by flashing,

- monitor the status of the batteries, both for the discharge-by-use process and the charging process, and

- display information in real time to quantify the amount of garbage collected along the route obtained by the load cells, geolocating through the location unit the route made to determine areas where more waste is generated and to increase the performance of activity.

The control unit uses WPAN ( Personal Area Network) communications to communicate with the user interface module or communications via Bluetooth to derive the information to the user interface module, in order to perform this action with low power consumption.

The screen of the user interface module is preferably a 7 '' capacitive touch screen, with adequate brightness and contrast to be able to work outdoors, being able to interact with the interface in moderate rain or viewing content in hours of radiation. intense solar.

The user interface module is attached to the cleaning trolley so that it can be easily attached or detached, and provides the following benefits:

- provide the user with ease to locate and discover their routes, especially when faced with situations with special conditions (corners, bifurcations, modifications with respect to the original map),

- Provide ease for the user to search for areas notified by an external central management system provided, for example, by the corresponding municipal body, through photographs that may sometimes be hidden and it is inconvenient to have to move the car from complete cleaning, and

- allows the user interface to be repaired more easily, whether due to vandalism, deterioration or work accident.

The user will be able to manage the following type of information about the cleaning service performed by using the user interface module:

- receive real-time information from the cleaning trolley regarding the status of the electronics unit,

- configure the central controller to modify the speed applied when pressing the movement button on the handlebar of the trolley, and

- communication by 2G / 3G / 4G / 5G, WiFi, Bluetooth or Lora networks with the corresponding central management system to carry out the user identification process at the beginning and end of the day, receipt of itineraries or changes in the route of work, receiving alerts on special cases and sending information regarding the positioning of the cleaning trolley, as well as its intrinsic information (batteries, charging the buckets, etc.).

The software then shows the user on the screen of the user interface module a view of the route he must take on a 2Do 3D map, his current position and the percentage of the route taken.

The screen will have other options such as the display of information related to the cleaning trolley, the battery status, the estimated hours of remaining autonomy and information on the weight of the buckets. It also allows you to manage the LED lights that the cleaning trolley is equipped with.

It also allows you to adjust the speed and driving mode of the car (with joystick or button).

The user interface module can receive notifications from the central management system, be it an image to facilitate the location of a geographical area that requires special attention from the operator or communicated by cleaning services.

The integration will consider the following aspects related to the operation of the cleaning service information coordination system:

- communication of the position of the trolley, route taken, service data with a specified periodicity,

- receipt of job planning information from the central management system, and

- Two-way communication system based on messages.

Therefore, the electric street cleaning cart, object of the present invention, solves the problems raised, in addition to offering a coordination and information system in real time for future structural and computer improvements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of a practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a general view of the rear part of the cleaning trolley.

Figure 2.- Shows a detailed view of the user interface elements.

Figure 3.- Shows a general view of the front part of the cleaning trolley.

Figure 4.- Shows a top view of the electric cleaning trolley.

Figure 5.- Shows a block diagram of the electronics unit.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A modular electric street cleaning trolley, object of the present invention, is described below, with the aid of Figures 1 to 5. The trolley, shown in figure 1, comprises a frame (1) as the main structure, where a support tray (2) is mounted and where at least three wheels (3,4,5) are joined with The ones that have the car: left rear wheel (3), right rear wheel (4), both driving wheels, and front wheel (5) and a cabinet (6) with compartments is attached to the support tray (2).

As can be seen in figure 2, the closet (6) is divided into several compartments, intended to house personal and work items.

The frame (1) is provided with a handlebar (7) where some handles (8) are attached that allow greater grip and protect that area of the frame.

In the support tray (2) there is located at least one support (9) for garbage cans with the appropriate geometry to adapt and join the cans to the cleaning trolley.

In the front area of the frame (1) there is an additional support (9) where additional elements (18) can be placed depending on the needs of the cleaning service.

The trolley object of the present invention also comprises an electronics unit, which is shown in detail in Figure 5, which comprises a central controller (22), to which a series of modules are associated.

First, a power module (33), which comprises batteries (20), which can be charged externally, and a photovoltaic load cell (16) shown in figure 2, and which allows energy input additional to the batteries (20), as well as to the rest of the electronics unit modules. The batteries (20) have sufficient capacity to face a working day of the car, considering a maximum travel of 50km at a maximum speed of 8km / h with the cart empty.

The photovoltaic cell (16), which is located on the compartment cabinet (6), is a 20W cell and allows the batteries (20) to be recharged during the normal operation of the cart. Furthermore, the power supply module (33) may comprise USB recharging points, associated with the photovoltaic cell (16), for recharging the user's personal electronic devices.

As can be seen in figure 5, the electronics unit also comprises a propulsion module (28), which comprises electric motors (21) linked to the rear wheels (3, 4), allowing their propulsion, without the need for additional force. by the user. The motors have a power of 180W, being therefore 360W the total propulsion.

In order to control the movement and speed of the electric motors (21), the propulsion module (28) comprises a movement control panel (27), shown in detail in Figure 3, and which comprises a control lever (11 ) of the joystick type, to control the forward, backward and turning of the wheels (3, 4), and some speed control buttons (10) of the motors (21).

In the event that the user wants to advance with the trolley for a long time, the propulsion module (28) comprises a movement button (17) that keeps the electric motors (21) activated without the need to manipulate the control lever. knob (11). The electric motors (21) do not start if the control lever is not manipulated (11) or the movement button (17), but to achieve greater safety, the propulsion module (28) comprises an emergency stop button (23) that completely stops the movement of the electric motors (21).

On the other hand, the electronics unit comprises a signaling module (29), connected to the central controller (22) and comprising position lights (13, 14) of the LED type, shown in figure 2, as well as a light rotary type (15), which achieve total visibility of the carriage.

As shown in figure 5, the electronics unit also comprises a data acquisition module (35) comprising: load cells (19) destined to be positioned under the bins, and adapted to determine the amount of garbage collected in each of the cubes; a GPS type location unit (24), which allows knowing the position of the cart at all times, as well as determining the points where garbage collection has been greatest; a battery monitoring unit (25), which makes it possible to know the charge status of the batteries (20), and a motor monitoring unit (26) to obtain their speed and the distance traveled.

Specifically, under each cube four load cells (19) are positioned, on which a mobile circular base is arranged, which will serve as support for the cubes. The load cells (19) make it possible to obtain the weight of each cube and thus determine the areas where more work is required and better plan the available resources.

In order to transmit the data collected in the data acquisition module, the electronics unit comprises an information transfer module (30), connected to the central controller (22), with a transmitter (32) for sending the collected data , designed to connect to an external device, and a receiver (31) configured to receive information that may be useful to the user.

Finally, the electronics unit comprises a user interface module (34) that has a screen (12), shown in figure 2, and that through the central controller (22) allows the user to manipulate and configure the different modules of the electronics unit, as well as viewing the information collected or received.

Claims (13)

1. - Modular electric street cleaning trolley comprising: - a frame (1), - at least two rear wheels (3,4) and a front wheel (5) attached to the frame (1), - a support tray (2) attached to the frame (1). - a support (9) for garbage cans on the support tray (2), characterized in that it additionally comprises an electronics unit, which in turn comprises: - a central controller (22), - a power supply module (33), associated with the central controller (22) and comprising one or more batteries (20), - a propulsion module (28) associated with the central controller (22), comprising electric motors (21) linked to the rear wheels (3, 4) and a movement control panel (27) of the electric motors (21 ), - a signaling module (29) associated with the central controller (22), - a data acquisition module (35) associated with the central controller (22), comprising load cells (19), intended to be linked to the garbage cans transported on the support (9), and a locating unit ( 24), - an information transfer module (30) associated with the central controller and intended to be connected to an external device, and - a user interface module (34) associated with the central controller (22). 2. - The cart of claim 1 further comprising a cabinet (6) with compartments intended to house part of the elements of the electronic unit. 3. - The trolley of claim 1 further comprising in the frame (1) a handlebar (7) with two handles (8). 4. - The cart of claim 1 further comprising a support (9) on the frame (1) holding an additional element (18) depending on the activity performed. 5. - The device of claim 4 wherein the additional element (18) is a salt shaker. 6. - The carriage of claim 1, wherein the movement control panel (27) of the propulsion module (28) additionally comprises a control lever (11) and speed control buttons (10). 7. - The device of claim 1, wherein the propulsion module (28) additionally comprises a movement button (17). 8. - The device of claim 1, wherein the propulsion module (28) additionally comprises an emergency stop button (23). 9. - The device of claim 1, wherein the signaling module (29) additionally comprises position lights (13, 14). 10. - The device of claim 1, wherein the signaling module (29) additionally comprises a rotating light (15). 11. - The device of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition module (35) additionally comprises a battery monitoring unit (25). 12. - The device of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition module (35) additionally comprises a motor monitoring unit (26). 13. - The device of claim 1, wherein the user interface module (34) additionally comprises a display screen (12).