Sensor technology for waste disposal in the smart city

Details: Released: 15.10.2018; Last updated: 06.01.2024; Hits: 4849

Smart City is the future of our cities, a trend in mobile automation that is also the topic waste disposal not left untouched. Vehicles that automatically pick up, empty and put down waste containers are already part of the street scene in many communities. Villiger AG in Oberrüti, Switzerland, is considered a specialist for such modern waste disposal systems. Numerous sensors from Baumer ensure reliable operation.

Contents

Speed Lifter disposal system
Communication via CANopen

Speed Lifter disposal system

The product range of Oberruti ranges from above and below floor containers to lift and crane systems to mobile cleaning systems for waste collection containers. With over 150.000 disposal systems installed in Switzerland and Europe, the company is one of the industry leaders and continues to set standards with innovative disposal solutions.

An example of this is the disposal system Speed lifters (picture above). Equipped with a special gripping and holding mechanism, the so-called gripper, it enables the waste containers to be handled automatically and gently.

Special gripping and holding mechanism

A whole range of different sensors contribute to this gripper the containers move quickly and safely. Cable odometer For example, monitor the length and angle of the boom, absolute encoders monitor its rotation, inductive sensors monitor the position of the support feet and Inclinometers serve for stability control.

These measurements can be used to determine the maximum Workspace furnish. Finally, the disposal vehicle must not tip over even under unfavorable conditions, for example when it is working on sloping roads or uneven ground.

When looking for suitable sensors, the Swiss disposal specialists quickly found what they were looking for in Baumer's product portfolio, as the sensor technology expert offers a wide range of robust sensor solutions: from tilt and angle measurement for the rotating structures from presence control and position measurements for moving parts to load, hydraulic pressure and level measurement.

Numerous variants are specially designed for this mobile automation and also available in a redundant version. Optimized with regard to higher shock and vibration loads as well as contamination and temperature fluctuations, they meet the E1 requirements, offer corrosion protection according to C5-M and protection classes up to IP69K. Many sensors with ISO 13849-compliant firmware have been developed for use in functionally safe systems.

Robust sensors on the boom

The compact Cable displacement sensor “GCA5”, which reliably captures the gripper’s boom extension, is very robust and specially designed for the requirements of mobile outdoor use. It is also available in a redundant version. Thanks to the low installation depth of 65 mm, the cable pull encoder could be mounted on the crane boom of the Speed Lifter to save space.

With his Housing made of impact-resistant Plastic, the corrosion-resistant stainless steel cable With its abrasion-resistant nylon jacket and non-contact, wear-free, magnetic scanning, the GCA5 is ideal for reliable, low-maintenance use in waste disposal.

Electronics and stainless steel spring are close to the Rope drum capsuled. A flexible, integrated dirt deflector at the rope entry additionally protects all components from moisture and other harmful environmental influences. The maximum measuring range is 4,7 m, with a resolution of 0,3 mm and a linearity of ±0,5% of the measuring range.

The rotation precisely under control

The other sensors used on the Speed Lifter are also robust and precise. The Rotation of the boom arm For example, with the redundant and magnetic absoluteEncoder “EAM580R” recorded. With its high absolute angular accuracy of up to 0,15 degrees, it positions precisely. Thanks to its E1-compliant design for high electromagnetic compatibility, protection class IP67 and corrosion resistance C5-M, this sensor is also designed for demanding outdoor applications.

Industrial Ethernet encoders and other Industry 4.0 rotary encoders

For maximum reliability, the firmware is designed according to the requirements of the ISO 13849. been developed. This means that the encoders can be used as standard components in functionally safe systems up to PLd. The connectivity is standard in the automotive sector Connectors (German, AMP) simplified. Thanks to its equally compact dimensions, the encoder Mount in the boom of the speed lifter to save space.

Communication via CANopen

The sensors used in the Speed Lifter transmit their measurement signal via a CANopen-Interface to the control of the disposal vehicle. Absolute rotary encoders from the “BMMH58” series, for example, monitor the angle of the boom arm. Inductive switches from the IR18 series are used to position the support feet.

A tilt sensor GNAMG series serves to control the stability of the vehicle. The control uses all of this diagnostic data to determine the maximum working range. The processed data is visualized in a chart diagram so that the driver can see the maximum working area at all times and can position his vehicle safely and efficiently.

The robust sensors have proven themselves when used in modern disposal vehicles. Villiger AG is also happy to work with the sensor specialist on other projects. For example, Baumer sensors are also used in mobile Cleaning system “CD 300” is used, which enables systematic and cost-optimized care to maintain the value of the waste collection containers.