ES2662582T3 - Safety device - Google Patents

Abstract

Safety device (200) for monitoring the work area of a dumping system (102), which has at least one emptying system (104) for emptying garbage containers, with at least one barrier unit (213), which It has a first end (220) and a second end (222), which is at least partially flexible and can be moved from a rest position to a safe position, at least one measuring device (208) being provided to monitor the barrier unit (213) at least partially flexible, characterized in that the measuring device (208) has a transmitter (209) and a receiver (210) and that the transmitter (209) is arranged such that a signal ( S) emitted by the emitter (209) is emitted in the direction of the second end (222) of the barrier unit (213).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Safety device

The present invention relates to a safety device for monitoring the work area of a landfill system, which has at least one emptying system for emptying garbage containers according to the preamble of claim 1.

The process of emptying garbage containers always requires the same handles and process steps. For the emptying of garbage containers to a collecting container they are approached by garbage collectors to the garbage truck and placed in the sunken emptying system. Then the emptying process is started manually or automatically with the placement of the container. The progressive automation of emptying systems therefore saves time and costs. On the other hand, safety devices are necessary to prevent outsiders from involuntarily arriving at the work area of the emptying systems and being injured by them.

Emptying systems with safety devices are known.

From DE 34 05 997 A1, for example, a device for emptying containers, in particular garbage containers, is known in a collecting container in which the working area of the lifting-dump device, or of the dump device, can be secured by means of measures of security for the protection of others. For this, barrier elements are provided on the side walls of the collecting container that can be moved to a safety position that locks the work area laterally. These barrier elements are connected to a control circuit of the lifting or tilting device so that automatic emptying of containers is only possible when the barrier elements are in the safe position. In this respect, for example, these are barriers that in the rest position are pivoted upwards and in the safety position are pivoted downwards and adopt an essentially horizontal position. In the safety position the barriers actuate a switching element that closes the control circuit for the emptying system so that the automatic emptying process can be carried out. In the idle position this switching element is released, whereby the control circuit is interrupted. The disadvantage of such switches is that they are subjected to dirt in daily operation and therefore eventually do not always work reliably.

To further secure the feeder area between the barriers during the emptying process by EP 0 699 601 B1, a device for receiving and emptying garbage containers to a collecting container with at least one emptying system and barriers arranged is known on the sides of the emptying system. At the free ends of the barriers there is at least one light barrier that protects the feeder area, the emitter being placed in one of the barriers and the receiver in the opposite barrier. The light barrier is in this case connected to a control device that is configured to activate the light barrier during a time segment of the emptying process and to prevent or interrupt the emptying process in the interruption of the light barrier. light.

From US 3,942,601 a garbage truck is also known in which, on the sides of the emptying system, barriers are provided that also have a light barrier at its free end. The light barriers are connected at the beginning of an emptying route and after the end of the tour it is disconnected again so that the work area is monitored by light barriers during the entire emptying process.

In all safety devices it is common that fundamentally rigid barrier elements are used on the side walls of the garbage truck, or laterally next to lifting devices and dumps. These rigid barrier elements are arranged so that they can be pivoted in or out in the garbage truck by means of a pivoted device, whereby the resting or safety position can be adjusted. Due to the inflexibility of the barrier elements, they can have an annoying effect, however, on the safety position, in particular on narrow streets or on busy roads. These safety devices must also always move under surveillance to or from the security position to avoid possible damage to passersby or surrounding objects, such as cars.

Document NL 2 008 408 C discloses a safety device according to the preamble of claim 1, with a barrier that can be deployed at whose front end an additional barrier that can be pivoted outwardly is arranged. A sensor is provided with which the adoption or abandonment of the working position of the barrier is detected.

Document DE 299 03 065 U1 also discloses a sensor, such as an approach sensor that is continuously attenuated with the presence of the barrier elements and when removing the barrier elements or for example of the support of the barrier elements no longer It is dimmed and emits a signal. A camera surveillance system may also be provided that is connected to an image processing system that is adjusted to the contour position of the barrier element (s).

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From EP 1 852 368 B1 a protection device is known that serves to protect a working area of a garbage container emptying system and is also provided with a barrier that can move from a basic position to a position of security. To prevent injuries from passersby this barrier is composed of a flexible material.

This flexible barrier can move automatically from the basic position to the safety position, since passersby and surrounding cars are not injured by the flexible material. A flexible barrier configured in this way has, however, the disadvantage that passersby can overcome the barrier very easily and without great effort and therefore can reach the working area of the lifting and tilting device. This represents a huge security issue.

Therefore, based on the document EP 1 852 368 B1, the objective of the invention is to further improve the safety of a safety device having at least partially flexible barrier units so that, in particular, foreign passers-by are not damaged by means of emptying systems .

This objective is achieved with a safety device according to claim 1.

The safety device for monitoring the work area of a landfill system, which has at least one emptying system for emptying garbage containers and at least one barrier unit having a first and second end, which is at least partially flexible and which can be moved from a rest position to a safe position, at least one measuring device being provided to monitor the at least partially flexible barrier unit is characterized in that the measuring device has a transmitter and a receiver and the The emitter is arranged in such a way that a signal emitted by the emitter is emitted in the direction of the second end of the barrier unit.

The barrier unit is preferably fixed at the first end, for example in the garbage collection container or in a landfill system, and is not fixed to the second end.

Flexibility means the reversible deformity capability or also the flexibility of the barrier unit.

The safety device offers a clearly improved safety of the working region of the emptying systems, because the measuring device monitors and detects a movement, deformation or bending by pressure of the barrier unit that is in the safety position that are caused involuntarily for example by passersby.

This measuring device is preferably coupled with a control device of the emptying system. As soon as the barrier unit is moved, for example, by a passer-by, the measuring device emits a signal to the emptying system and interrupts the emptying process. Therefore, the risk of injury to bystanders or service personnel can be significantly reduced by the mobile elements of the emptying system.

The measuring device can also be connected to an acoustic or optical alarm system that activates in the case described above and alerts the affected person.

Preferably the measuring device is at least partially disposed within the barrier unit. This has the advantage that the measuring device is protected against external influences such as dirt, dust or moisture. Therefore, the correct operation of the measuring device can also be guaranteed in the case of unfavorable environmental influences and a long service life is possible.

Preferably the measuring device is completely disposed within the barrier unit. The measuring device may be disposed in a discretionary place between the first end and the second end of the barrier unit. Particularly preferably, the measuring device is disposed at the first end of the barrier unit.

Preferably the barrier unit has a cavity that is preferably connected to the measuring device. In this cavity is the measurement path that is measured from the measuring device and is therefore monitored. The measurement accuracy and measurement sensitivity can be adjusted along the length of the cavity. The cavity preferably extends at least along a section of the barrier unit.

However, this cavity preferably extends from the first end to the second end of the barrier unit, whereby the greatest possible travel path is measured and monitored, and therefore a high sensitivity of the measuring device is achieved.

The transmitter emits a signal. This signal is then detected by the receiver, so the current status in each case of the safety device is analyzed and monitored.

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Preferably emitter and receiver are arranged at the first end of the barrier unit.

The emitter is arranged in such a way that a signal emitted by the emitter is emitted in the direction of the second end of the barrier unit. In this regard, the signal can be emitted in parallel or at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the barrier unit that is in the safety position.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the measuring device is a distance meter.

A distance meter has the advantage that it can detect quickly and without complications variations of movements or shape of the barrier unit that is in the safety position. The distance meter in this case permanently measures a path path that extends at least partially through the barrier unit, preferably in an axial direction along the entire length of the barrier unit. The internal surface of the barrier unit acts in this case as a reflector.

Each discretionary place on the inner side of the barrier unit, in particular each discretionary place on the wall that delimits the cavity can form the end point of the measurement path. The location of the measuring point and therefore the length of the measuring path can be selected by the direction of the emitted signal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the barrier unit that is in the safety position and / or by the form of The cavity. The sensitivity of the measuring device can be adjusted by selecting the location of the measuring point and / or selecting the length of the measuring path.

If a person presses the barrier unit in the safety position, then the measured travel path varies due to the flexibility and deformation of the barrier unit related thereto. This variation is detected by the distance meter so that a signal is emitted to for example the control device of the emptying system and the emptying process is interrupted

An additional advantage of the distance meter is that it can measure the planned path permanently and also provides incremental values. Since the deformation or bending of the barrier unit is almost directly proportional to the variation of the measured travel path, a threshold value can be adjusted with respect to the intensity of the deformation or bending, from which a signal is activated. This enables a variable adjustability of the sensitivity of the barrier unit and therefore of the activation point for the interruption of the emptying process.

Advantageously the measuring device is an optical distance meter.

In the case of an optical distance meter by means of an optical emitter, a signal is emitted in the form of a light beam or light pulse along the path to be measured. Preferably a laser beam or laser pulse is used as a signal. This signal is reflected at the measurement point, in this case on the inner side of the barrier unit, and is then detected by an optical receiver. Through the phase relationships between the emitted and detected light signal, through the measurement time or also through a variation of the reflection angle, the path path variation can be ascertained.

Optical distance meters offer the advantage of high sensitivity with respect to the measured travel paths. This enables, for example, a precise adjustability of a threshold value. In addition, optical distance meters can be arranged in very compact construction modes, so they can be arranged saving space inside the barrier unit.

Three different commercial procedures can be used as optical distance measurements: the propagation time measurement, the measurement of the laser pulse phase length or the triangulation.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the measuring device is an ultrasonic distance meter.

To generate ultrasound as ultrasonic emitters, dynamic and electrostatic speakers and in particular piezoelectric speakers are suitable. In the case of an ultrasonic distance meter using the ultrasonic emitter, a signal is sent in the form of an ultrasound along the path to be measured. This signal is also reflected at the measurement point, in this case on the internal side of the barrier unit, and is then detected by an ultrasonic receiver. For the reception of ultrasonic waves, dynamic and electrostatic receivers are also suitable in principle, and in particular piezoelectric receivers. The electrical signals obtained can then be subjected to a phase evaluation, whereby the variation of the measurement path and therefore the deformation of the barrier unit can be detected.

Ultrasonic distance meters offer the advantage that they can also be obtained in a very compact construction and therefore can be arranged without complications and saving space within the barrier unit. Furthermore, in the event of an eventual defect of the at least partially flexible barrier unit, only ultrasonic waves from it are completely harmless to the environment.

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In a further advantageous embodiment the measuring device is a light barrier.

In the case of the light barrier within the barrier unit between the first and the second end a reflector is arranged. Preferably the reflector is disposed at the end of the cavity between the first and the second end of the barrier unit.

The emitter of the optical system emits a signal, preferably a laser beam or laser pulse, to the barrier unit and onto the reflector. If the safety device is in the safe position, then the emitted laser beam or pulse is reflected by the reflector so that it is detected by the receiver.

By moving the safety device from the safety position to the rest position or by a possible movement or deformation of the barrier unit by a person, while the safety device is in the safety position the position of the reflector varies in such a way that the signal is no longer reflected in the direction of the receiver. Therefore the light barrier is interrupted. Therefore, a signal can be sent, for example, to the control unit of the emptying system and interrupt the emptying process and / or an optical or acoustic signal is activated.

The advantage of such a light barrier is the high sensitivity, so that minimal deformation or bending in the barrier unit can already be detected.

In an advantageous embodiment, the barrier unit has an at least partially flexible barrier element.

This barrier element serves as a barrier to prevent passersby from reaching the working area of the emptying system. In addition, the flexibility of the barrier element prevents damage or injury to objects or people in the vicinity by contact with the barrier element.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the barrier unit has a connection element.

With this connection element the barrier unit is arranged in the garbage truck and preferably on the side walls of the landfill system. This offers the advantage that the safety device according to the invention can be retrofitted into existing emptying systems. Therefore the safety device can be used in a variable way.

Advantageously, the barrier element is arranged in the connection element. In particular, the barrier element is detachably fixed in the connection element.

This makes it possible for the flexible barrier element to be disposed through the connection element equally directly in the garbage truck. In addition the barrier in case of a possible defect can be changed quickly and economically through the detachable connection point.

Advantageously the barrier element is composed of a flexible plastic or fabric.

Plastics have the advantage that they can be produced quickly and affordably. They are also resistant to weather influences and have a long service life. Flexible plastics can be manufactured in discretionary dimensions, so that the barrier elements can also be produced in the most diverse dimensions quickly and economically. Additionally, plastics offer the possibility of manufacturing the barrier elements in the most diverse forms. Also today, fabrics for the most diverse intended uses can be manufactured and therefore have high stability and durability.

Advantageously, the connecting element is made of metal, a metal alloy or a firm plastic.

This has the advantage that on the one hand the interior of the connection element is protected against external influences and on the other hand the complete connection element is configured durable and robust.

In a further advantageous embodiment the barrier element is configured inflatable.

An inflatable barrier element offers the advantage that the safety position of the barrier unit can be adopted simply and quickly by introducing air into the barrier element. The resting position can therefore be set again by the air outlet of the barrier element. The combination of a flexible and inflatable barrier element additionally offers the advantage that the safety position of the barrier unit can be performed automatically and without surveillance by the garbage collectors, whereby the emptying process is accelerated.

In the case of a contact between the barrier element and a person or an object during inflation the barrier element would yield flexibly so that the risk of injury or damage is minimized by contact with the

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barrier element.

Preferably, compressed air is used in inflation of the barrier.

For this, the barrier unit, for example, joins directly with the compressed air system of the garbage truck.

In addition, the flexible barrier element is advantageously configured as an inflatable hollow body.

As a hollow body, the barrier element has a cavity inside. This cavity preferably extends in the axial direction completely through the barrier element. However, only a partial section of the barrier element with a cavity can also be configured, while the other section is composed of, for example, solid material.

By means of such a form, the barrier element configures a closed chamber so that, after inflating with air, the barrier element and thereby the barrier unit reach a stable state and effectively prevent movement of passers-by. the work area of the emptying system. By means of an inflatable hollow body the barrier element can be stored saving a lot of space in the resting position.

In addition, the measuring device in this cavity can measure the movements of the barrier element and therefore monitor them. Therefore, the surveillance of the at least partially flexible barrier unit is performed in an encapsulated manner and cannot be seen or manipulated by, for example, a Garbage collector and a passerby.

A further embodiment includes that both the flexible barrier element and the connection element in each case have at least one opening, the opening of the flexible barrier element and the opening of the connection element being at least partially congruent.

These at least partially congruent openings offer the advantage that the barrier element can be supplied with compressed air directly through the connection element. Furthermore, the measuring device that is installed inside the barrier unit can cooperate through the openings with the connection element and / or the barrier element and be disposed in a discretionary manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, the measuring device is disposed within the connection element of the barrier unit.

This offers the advantage that the measuring device is disposed protected against external weather influences. This increases the service life and enables a faultless mode of operation of the measuring device.

In an equally advantageous embodiment of the safety device according to the invention, the at least partially flexible barrier unit has at least one articulation element.

This articulation element offers the advantage that the barrier unit can move through the articulation element from a rest position to a safety position and vice versa. Therefore, the flexible barrier element does not have to be filled and emptied permanently with compressed air, when for example garbage containers are taken to the drainage system. Therefore, garbage collectors can move the barrier element easily and quickly.

Preferably the articulation element is installed between the connection element and the barrier element.

Therefore the connection element can be advantageously installed directly in the garbage truck. The barrier element can be pivoted in case of demand around the articulation element or around the connection element.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention provides for a maximum internal pressure of the at least partially flexible barrier unit of 6 bar.

As already described in the garbage truck there is permanent compressed air. Most systems operate in this regard with a pressure of 6 bar. Therefore the safety device can be connected without complications and economically to the existing compressed air system of the garbage truck and does not require any system of a second expensive compressed air system.

Preferably the barrier unit has a maximum internal pressure of 1.5 bar.

The advantage offered by the filling of the barrier unit with 1.5 bar lies in the high safety near people located nearby in the event of eventual damage to the barrier unit, when it must be emptied suddenly. In addition, 1.5 bar is perfectly sufficient for a stable configuration of the

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Inflatable barrier element in its safety position for protection of the working region of the emptying system. This saves energy and costs equally.

Other details and features of the safety device according to the invention for emptying systems are further explained by the drawings. They show:

a side view of the back of a garbage truck with a safety device in a safe position,

the plan view of the arrangement shown in figure 1a,

a side view of the rear of a garbage truck with a barrier unit in two positions,

a side view of the rear of a garbage truck with a barrier unit in rest position (resting state I),

a side view of the rear of a garbage truck with a barrier unit in rest position (resting state II),

a side view of the rear of a garbage truck with a barrier unit with articulation,

a schematic representation of the safety device with measuring device,

a schematic representation of the safety device with measuring device according to

an additional embodiment,

a perspective representation of the barrier unit,

a perspective representation of the barrier unit according to a further embodiment,

a perspective representation of the barrier unit with measuring device,

a perspective representation of the barrier unit with measuring device,

a perspective representation of the connection element with measuring device, a perspective representation of the barrier unit with attached barrier element,

a perspective representation of the barrier unit with attached barrier element.

a pouring system 102 being disposed on the rear side of the collecting container 101. The pouring system 102 has on each side that runs vertically a side wall 103 as well as one or two emptying systems 104 arranged side by side between these side walls 103. In the representation shown in this case (Figure 1a), however, only the bottom of a lift car of a drainage system 104 can be distinguished with the stirrup plate 105.

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On the outer side of the side wall 103, the safety device 200 is located in the safety position. The safety device 200 is arranged in each of the side walls 103, although due to the representation in Figure 1a only one side can be seen.

The security device 200 has an at least partially flexible barrier unit 213, which is composed of a flexible barrier element 201 as well as a connection element 202, and a measuring device 208 that is located in the barrier unit 213 and therefore it cannot be distinguished. A detailed explanation of the measuring device 208 is made in relation to the descriptions of Figures 3, 6 and 7.

The barrier element 201 of the barrier unit 213 is connected through a connection piece 207 with the connection element 202. The barrier element 201, the connection element 202 as well as the connection piece 207 together form the unit of barrier 213 already mentioned. However, the barrier unit 213 can also be configured without the connection piece 207. The connection element 202 is arranged on the side wall 103 of the garbage collection truck 100. Alternatively, the connection element 202 can also be installed directly in the collection container 101.

Through pressure lines 106 the safety device 200, and in particular the connection element 202, is connected to the compressed air system 107 of the garbage collection truck 100, whereby the flexible barrier element 201 can be filled without complications and quickly with compressed air from the compressed air system 107.

Additionally, the safety device 200 is connected to the electrical circuit 108 of the garbage truck 100, whereby the measuring device 208 is supplied with current. The control of the measuring device 208 and the communication between the safety device 200 and the dumping system 102 of the garbage truck 100 is carried out through a control device 109, the control device 109 being coupled with the emptying system 104 Therefore, it is guaranteed that the emptying system 104 can only operate with the activated safety device 200 in which the barrier unit 213 is in the safety position. In addition, the control device 109 enables automated operation of the safety device 200. Therefore, for example, it is possible in the operation of the emptying system 104 to move the safety device 200 automatically to the safety position, before the operation is carried out. emptying process itself. He

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Barrier element 201 in this case has a length L that is selected in such a way that in the safety position the entire work area 111 is protected (shown in Figure 1b).

In addition to the control device 109, the safety device 200 can be operated through a manual operating element 110, which is also preferably arranged on the external side of a side wall 103. However, the operating element 110 may be arranged also near security device 200.

Apart from the compressed air lines 106, in addition, all other lines, for example, the electrical circuit 108 or the control device 109 lead to the connection element 202 of the safety device 200.

A top plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 1a is shown in Figure 1b. The barrier units 213 are fixed in each case with the first end 220 to the side wall 103. The second end 222 is configured as a free end. From both figures 1a and 1b it becomes visible that the safety device 200 and in particular both barrier units 213 with the barrier elements 201 extend horizontally from the garbage truck 100 backwards so that the work area 111 of the drainage systems 104 it is completely protected at the sides. The working area 111 is in this case at least the area that is needed at most by the emptying systems 104 with garbage containers disposed thereon during the emptying process.

Figure 1c corresponds to the representations in Figures 1a and 1b. However, in figure 1c the connecting element 202 is arranged not directly, but through a joint 203 in the side wall 103. This joint 203 is preferably a hinge or swivel joint 203, so that the barrier unit 213 It is rotatably housed around an A axis (not shown). This axis A preferably runs perpendicularly through the side wall 103 and the connecting element 202 and is described in more detail in relation to Figure 5.

The barrier unit 213 can be pivoted by the service personnel 112 perpendicularly upward towards the rest position (drawn with broken line). The barrier unit 213 can be stopped both in the safe position and in the rest position. In the safety position the barrier unit 213 extends horizontally, while in the rest position the barrier unit 213 runs vertically with respect to the ground, resulting in a preferred 90 ° pivot radius.

In figure 1c the safety position is represented by a closed contour line of the barrier element 201 and the rest position by a dashed contour line.

In figure 2a the safety device 200 is also shown in the first rest position. In this first rest position the flexibility of the barrier element 201 that is flexed upward in a vertical position is used. The barrier element 201 preferably bends around a flexure zone 204. This flexure zone 204 may be formed from a different material and / or different wall thickness of the remaining barrier element 201, however preferably it is made of same material with the same wall thickness.

The connecting element 202 is installed directly on the side wall 103. For the retention of the barrier element 201 in this position also a fixing system 113 is arranged on the side wall 103 of the garbage truck 100. This fixing system 113 it is configured, for example, as a clamp or also as an elastic band and allows a stationary retention of the barrier element 201 and therefore of the barrier unit 213 in the rest position. Preferably, the fixing system 113 is arranged in such a way that it retains the barrier element 201 in its upper third.

In figure 2b the safety device 200 is shown in a second rest position. This differs from that of Figure 2a only in that the barrier element 201 is flexed in the rest position towards a vertical position, oriented downwardly around the flexure zone 204. The length L of the barrier element 201 is selected in this case in such a way that it does not touch the ground in the rest position, however in the safety position it guarantees the protection of the working region 111 of the emptying system 104, as already mentioned in relation to with figures 1a and 1b.

In figure 2c the safety device 200 is also shown in the first rest position, as in figure 2a. However, an additional joint 205 is arranged in the flex zone 204. This joint 205 is in this case between the flexible barrier element 201 and the connection element 202 and allows a largely wear-free rotation of the barrier element 201 from the rest position to the safety position and vice versa. The articulation 205 is configured for example as bellows.

A schematic drawing of the security device 200 with additional systems is shown in Figure 3a. The barrier element 201 is also connected in this case through a connection piece 207 detachably with the connection element 202, whereby the barrier element 213 is also formed from

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barrier element 201, connection piece 207 and connection element 202. In principle, however, barrier element 213 can also be configured without connection piece 207. In the connection area between barrier element 201, connection piece 207 and connection element 202 in the connection element 202 is arranged an opening 206. This opening 206 allows, among others, a pressure compensation between connection element 202 and the flexible barrier element 201. The barrier element 201 is preferably configured as a hollow body cylindrical and has a cavity 214 inside.

The measuring device 208 is arranged in the connecting element 202. It has a transmitter 209 and a receiver 210. The measuring device 208 preferably operates according to the principle of a distance meter. The emitter 209 emits a signal S to the cavity 214 of the barrier element 201 that extends in Figure 3a through the entire barrier element 201. As soon as this signal S reaches an internal side of the barrier element 201 this it is reflected, returned to receiver 210 and is detected by it. In figure 3a the safety device 200 is shown in the safety position, so that the signal S within the barrier element 201 travels the longest possible path.

If the measuring device 208 is formed by an optical distance meter then transmitter 209 and receiver 210 are optical systems. Therefore the emitter 209 is preferably a light or laser source, the receiver 210 an optical detector and the signal S a light or laser beam or light or laser pulse.

On the other hand, if the measuring device 208 is formed by an ultrasonic distance meter then transmitter 209 and receiver 210 are ultrasound based systems. Therefore the transmitter 209 is preferably an ultrasonic transmitter, the receiver 210 an ultrasonic receiver and the ultrasound signal S. Also the ultrasound signal can be emitted with impulses or continuously by the ultrasonic emitter.

Through the connection element 202 the safety device 200 is coupled with the control device 109 of the emptying system 104. This coupling enables a function of the emptying system 104 only with the safety device 200 activated (safety device 200 is is in the safe position), so that a corresponding signal is detected by the receiver 210.

To generate the desired pressure within the barrier unit 213 and preferably within the barrier element 201 the safety device 200, as already explained in relation to Figure 1a is connected through the connecting element 202 and lines of compressed air 106 with the compressed air system 107 of the garbage truck 100. In addition to the compressed air system 107 the safety device 200, and in particular the measuring device 208, is connected to the electric circuit 108 of the truck of the 100 garbage.

However, in addition to the measuring device 208, additional sensors, such as pressure sensors, or also control elements such as an optical or acoustic shutter, may also be arranged in the connection element 202. Apart from additional sensors also Other signal emitters may be provided for acoustic or optical signals when the safety device 200 is activated.

In Figure 3b, which essentially corresponds to Figure 3a, the measuring device 208 is configured as an optical light barrier. This light barrier also emits by means of the emitter 209 an optical signal S to the barrier element 201. This signal S, however, is not reflected in the internal wall ++ of the barrier element 201, but in a reflector 215 and is then detected by the optical receiver 210. This reflector 215 may be formed by a mirror or also a polished metal plate and is disposed within the barrier element 201. The location of this reflector 215 within the barrier element 201 can be selected in this case so discretionary The shorter the distance between emitter 209 and reflector 215 is selected, the less sensitive the measuring device 208 is in the case of a deformation or bending of the barrier element 201.

As soon as the security device 200 is in the security position, the reflector 215 with respect to the optical emitter 209 and the optical receiver 210 has a corresponding position so that the optical signal S is reflected in such a way that the receiver 210 can detect this. As soon as the position of the reflector 215 is varied by movements of the barrier element 201 it no longer reflects the optical signal S in the direction of the receiver 210, so that the light barrier is interrupted and the safety device 200 sends a signal to the garbage truck 100.

In figure 4 the safety device 200 is shown in perspective. The flexible barrier element 201 is connected through a connection piece 207 with the connection element 202. Preferably the connection element 202 has a cover 211 through which the interior of the connection element 202 can be easily accessed. Barrier element 201 is configured in Figure 4 as a cylindrical hollow body, however it can also take other different shapes. The first end 220 of the barrier unit 213 is formed in this case by the connecting element 202 and the second end 222 by the front side of the barrier element 201.

Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 4, although joint 203 is additionally represented in connection element 202. This joint 203, for example in the form of a rotating joint, is arranged on the wall

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side 103 of the landfill system 102 or directly in the collection container 101 of a garbage truck 100 and therefore links the barrier unit 213 with the garbage truck. The barrier unit 213 is connected in such a way with the joint 203 that it can be pivoted about the axis A.

In figure 6a the safety device 200 is shown with an open cover 211 of the connection element 202. In the connection element 202, the measuring device 208 can be seen which is installed through fastening means 212, such as screws, on the inner wall of the connecting element 202 located in front of the cover. Additionally, in the central axis of the barrier element 201, the path of the signal S that travels in the safety position is represented. The signal S runs in this case from the connection element 202 through the complete barrier element 201 towards the second end 222.

In figure 6b the safety device 200, as in figure 6a, is also shown in the safety position. Although in this case the signal S does not run through the complete barrier element 201, but rather before reaching the second end 222 it reaches the inner wall of the barrier element 201. If the measuring device 208 is formed for example a This distance meter then detects only variations in the path of travel in the case of movements of the barrier element 201. As a reference measurement path, each discretionary path within the barrier element 201 and therefore each point of movement can be used in this case. discretionary measurement, regardless of the shape of the barrier element 201.

In Figures 7a and 7b an enlarged representation of the connection element 202 with connected barrier element 201 is illustrated in each case. In Fig. 7b, the opening 206 can clearly be seen in the connection element 202. To ensure friction-free operation of the measuring device 208, the openings 206 of the connection element 202 are arranged at least partially and preferably completely congruently. with the opening 216 of the barrier element 201.

In Fig. 8a the safety device 200 is shown in the safety state in which the measuring device 208 is configured as a distance meter, and the barrier element 201 is flexed such that a signal is sent to the emptying system 104 of the garbage truck 100 and the emptying process is interrupted

The measuring device 208 permanently measures the path along the S signal between sender 209 and receiver 210 with a signal S. The inner wall of the barrier element 201 serves in this case as a reflector. In the safety position the signal S travels the entire path L of the cavity 214 located in the barrier element 201. However, as soon as the barrier element 201 is flexed by a passerby, a garbage collector or other object the path of travel, that the signal S must travel is reduced. A threshold value can therefore be set through the control device 109, therefore a minimum path that the signal S must travel, so that when this minimum path is not reached, the emptying system 104 automatically stops or does not even start.

In FIG. 8b, the safety device 200 is also shown in the safety state, in which the measuring device 208 is configured as an optical barrier and the barrier element 201 is flexed so that a signal is sent to the control system. emptying 104 of the garbage truck 100 and the emptying process is interrupted equally or does not even begin.

Unlike Figure 8a, the measuring device 208 in Figure 8b is formed by a light barrier with integrated reflector 215. This reflector 215 is disposed within the barrier element 201 and reflects in this safety position without interference the signal S that comes from the emitter 209 to the receiver 210. As soon as the barrier element 201 also in this case is flexed by a transient, a garbage collector or other object, the position of the reflector 215 is varied. By means of this position variation, the signal S that comes from the transmitter 209 is no longer reflected to the receiver 210, but to the inner wall of the barrier element 201. Therefore, the receiver 210 does not detect any optical signal S, whereby the device Security 200 sends a signal to the control device 109 and it automatically stops the emptying system 104 and therefore interrupts the emptying process or does not even start it.

However, the measuring device 208 should not be limited to a distance meter or the light barrier. Rather, all measuring devices that can detect movement variations are suitable for surveillance of the at least partially flexible barrier unit.

List of reference numbers

100 garbage truck

101 collecting container

102 discharge system

103 side wall

104 emptying system

105 stirrup plate

106

107

108

109

110

111

112

113

200

201

202

203

204

205

206

207

208

209

210

211

212

213

214

215

216

220

222

L

S

TO

pressure line

compressed air system

electrical circuit

control device

operating element

drainage system work area

service staff

fixation System

safety device

barrier element

connection element

joint

flex zone

joint

opening

connecting piece

measuring device

transmitter

receiver

top

fixing means barrier unit reflector cavity opening first end second end

length

signal

axis

Claims (19)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. Safety device (200) for monitoring the work area of a landfill system (102), which has at least one emptying system (104) for emptying garbage containers, with at least one barrier unit (213) , which has a first end (220) and a second end (222), which is at least partially flexible and can be moved from a rest position to a safe position, at least one measuring device (208) being provided for monitor the barrier unit (213) at least partially flexible, characterized in that the measuring device (208) has a transmitter (209) and a receiver (210) and that the transmitter (209) is arranged in such a way that a Signal (S) emitted by the emitter (209) is emitted in the direction of the second end (222) of the barrier unit (213). 2. Safety device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring device (208) is at least partially disposed within the barrier unit (213). 3. Safety device (200) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the barrier unit has a cavity (214). 4. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transmitter (209) and receiver (210) are arranged at the first end (220) of the barrier unit (213). 5. Safety device (200) according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the measuring device (208) is a distance meter. 6. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measuring device (208) is an optical distance meter. 7. Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measuring device (208) is an ultrasonic distance meter. 8. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measuring device (208) is a light barrier. 9. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the barrier unit (213) has an at least partially flexible barrier element (201). 10. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the barrier unit (213) has at least one connection element (202), on which the barrier element ( 201). 11. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the barrier element (201) is composed of a flexible plastic or fabric. 12. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the barrier element (201) can be inflated. 13. Safety device (200) according to claim 12, characterized in that the barrier element (201) is an inflatable hollow body. 14. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the barrier unit (213) has an internal pressure of a maximum of 6 bars. 15. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the barrier unit (213) has an internal pressure of at most 1.5 bar. 16. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 10 to 15 characterized in that the barrier element (201) and the connecting element (202) have in each case at least one opening (206, 216) and the opening (216) of the flexible barrier element (201) and the opening (206) of the connecting element (202) are at least partially congruent. 17. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that the measuring device (208) is disposed within the connection element (202) of the barrier unit (213). 18. Safety device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the barrier unit (213) has an articulation (205). 19. Safety device (200) according to claim 18, characterized in that the joint (205) is disposed between the barrier element (201) and the connection element (202).