RECEIVING STATION FOR RECEIVING AND STORING WASTE

Abstract

 The present invention particularly relates to a receiving station (20) for receiving and storing waste, said receiving station (20) comprising, a receiving container (22) with one or more compartments (27), each compartment (27) being adapted for receiving and storing waste, preferably a waste fraction, said receiving container (22) comprising a receiving opening (24), an adjustable cover device (40, 50), said cover device (40, 50) being allocated to said receiving opening (24) and being configured to be operated between a first operational mode, in which the receiving opening (24) is closed by the cover device (40, 50), and a second operational mode, in which the receiving opening (24) is at least partially released by said cover device (40, 50), In order to operate this receiving station (20) autonomously, the receiving station (20) comprises a control device (60), The control device (60) comprises a signal receiving unit (61), a signal processing unit (62) and a signal transmission unit (63). The signal receiving unit (61) is adapted for receiving input signals from an external entity (30) carrying waste, said external entity (30) particularly being a carrier vehicle. The signal processing unit (62) is adapted, based on the input signals, for automatically generating adjustment commands for the cover device (40, 50). The signal transmission unit (63) is connected to the cover device (40, 50). And the signal transmission unit (63) is adapted for transmitting the adjustment commands to the cover device (40, 50).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiving station for receiving and storing waste according to the preamble of independent claim 1. Furthermore, according to the preamble of independent claim 13, the invention is directed to a waste management system including such a waste receiving station. Finally, the present invention is also directed to a method of operating a waste receiving station.

[0002] Currently, the progressive digitalization influences almost every technical field and also our daily lives. According to one specific example, this applies for the management of waste. Intelligent waste collection systems which include receiving, storing and removing waste, for example waste collected from private households and/or from industrial sites, have gained increased importance in recent years.

[0003] An example for such an intelligent waste collection system, which allows an autonomous mobility of waste containers, is disclosed in EP 3 476 770 A1. The waste containers get transported by means of a fleet of autonomously moving carrier vehicles, said carrier vehicles travelling along a plurality of paths and communicating with an operations centre via direct telecommunication connections. The carrier vehicles move to predetermined delivery sites, where they get discharged.

[0004] In order to temporarily store bigger amounts of waste, underground waste collection systems have become very common. Underground waste collection systems per se are well known in the prior art. They usually comprise a receiving pit, which serves as an external housing and which is placed into the ground. In its mounted state, the receiving pit is located at least partially under the ground level. The receiving pit serves on the one hand to keep ground water out. On the other hand, it also serves as a protection to keep soil out and to maintain the contour of the system as a whole. A waste receiving container is provided inside the receiving pit. In order to enable the receiving container to get emptied out, a removing device is provided by means of which the receiving container can be removed out of the receiving pit. While the receiving container is located outside the receiving pit, a safety system is activated, which may comprise a safety platform, by means of which the pit opening and therefore the empty receiving pit can get closed in order to prevent any accidents such as people falling into the empty receiving pit.

[0005] EP 2 939 955 A1, from which the present invention departs, discloses such an underground waste collection system. According to this known solution, the system as a whole comprises a movable waste deposit device, which comprises a waste container for temporarily storing waste. The waste deposit device is provided to move between different locations. The waste deposit device, being filled with waste, moves to a receiving station of the underground waste collection system. This receiving station comprises a receiving container. Once the waste deposit device has reached the receiving container, it gets discharged into the receiving container. However, the receiving station according to this known solution is not provided for acting autonomously.

[0006] Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a receiving station for receiving and storing waste, which is configured to operate autonomously.

[0007] In accordance with the present invention, this object is solved, according to a first aspect of the invention, by the receiving station with the features according to independent claim 1, according to a second aspect of the present invention, by the waste management system with the features according to independent claim 13, and, according to a third aspect of the present invention, by the method of operating a waste receiving station with the features according to independent claim 15.

[0008] Additional features and details of the present invention become apparent from the dependent claims, from the description and from the drawings.

[0009] Therein, features and details which are described in connection with one of the aspects according to the invention apply with respect to their disclosure in their entirety also to the other aspects according to the invention, so that statements made with respect to the first aspect of the invention also apply to their full extent to the second aspect and to the third aspect of the invention respectively, and vice versa.

[0010] All different aspects of the present invention underlie the same common basic idea, which comprises a waste receiving station which is configured to be operated autonomously.

[0011] According to the present invention, the term "autonomously" preferably means, that a device, in particular the waste receiving station, is able to operate without being controlled directly by an external entity and that the device, in particular the waste receiving station, operates independently, which means that the device, in particular the waste receiving station, is able to make its own decisions.

[0012] This goal is achieved by using a specific control device, said control device being part of the waste receiving station. It is the general function of the control device to manage, command, direct and/or regulate the behaviour of the waste receiving station as a whole or of different components of the waste receiving station. Preferably the control device is provided as an intelligent control device. An intelligent control device uses techniques which are derived from artificial intelligence, whereby such artificial intelligence is central to the operation of a device, to the operation of the waste receiving station as a whole or to the operation of different components thereof for example. The control device according to the present invention is described in more detail with regard to the different aspects of the present invention further below.

[0013] According to the present invention, the receiving station is provided for receiving and for storing, in particular for temporarily storing, waste. Throughout the description of the present invention, the term "waste" is used as a generic term. It includes, besides various types of garbage, any valuable substances as well.

[0014] Preferably, the waste receiving station is part of a, preferably intelligent, waste management system. Such a system is used for collecting and handling waste. This system, which will be described in more detail with regard to the second aspect of the invention further below, generally comprises at least one waste receiving station according to the first aspect of the present invention and at least one external entity, a carrier vehicle for example, which is capable of transporting waste from a waste charging location to the waste receiving station, where it gets discharged. Optionally, such a waste management system comprises at least one discharge unit. Such a discharge unit might be a refuse truck, preferably an autonomous refuse truck and/or an operations centre, which manages the at least one refuse truck, in particular a fleet of such refuse trucks. Preferably the waste management system is operated autonomously.

[0015] According to the first aspect, the present invention is directed to the receiving station for receiving and storing waste comprising the features of independent claim 1. Throughout the description of the present invention, this receiving station is referred to as the waste receiving station as well.

[0016] The present invention is not delimited to specific configurations of such a waste receiving stations. Preferably, the waste receiving station is a stationary receiving station. This means that the receiving station is placed at one specific location and that the receiving station is not moving. Alternatively, or as a preferred embodiment, the waste receiving station is an underground receiving station. By use of such an underground waste receiving station, the waste is stored underground. Only a minimum surface area is required above ground. According to a different preferred embodiment, the waste receiving station, which preferably is a stationary station, is a semi-underground receiving station. That means, that only a portion of the station is visible. Preferably, the waste receiving station, independently from any specific configuration, is adapted for receiving and storing large volumes of waste, up to 5m³ for example.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the waste receiving station is configured as an underground receiving station. In particular, such an underground waste receiving station comprises a receiving pit, which serves as an exterior housing and which is placed inside the ground, such that the receiving pit is almost located below the ground level. Preferably, the receiving pit is square or rectangular in shape, which means that it has a square or rectangular cross-section. The receiving pit, which may be made of concrete, metal, steel for example, a plastic material, or the like, preferably comprises a pit side wall, optionally a pit ground or pit bottom at the lower end of the pit side wall and a pit opening at the upper end of the pit side wall. The aforementioned components preferably delimit a receiving space, said receiving space being adapted for receiving a receiving container, said receiving container serving as a waste collecting container. The volume of the receiving container can range from 1m³ to 5m³. However, the present invention is not limited to specific load capacities for the receiving container. Preferably, the receiving container is adapted for temporarily storing waste, valuable substances or the like. On the one hand the receiving pit serves to keep ground water out of the underground waste receiving station. On the other hand, it also serves as a protection to keep soil out and maintain the contour of the underground waste receiving station as a whole.

[0018] The receiving container is movably located inside the receiving pit. That means that the receiving container can get removed, via said pit opening, out of the receiving pit. In the same way, the receiving container can get inserted, once it has been emptied, maintained or the like, via said pit opening into the receiving pit.

[0019] Preferably, the receiving container comprises a compactor device, said compactor device being configured to compact the waste being stored inside the receiving container. In particular, the compactor device has the function to press the waste inside the receiving container into a smaller and denser form. The present invention is not delimited to specific embodiments of such compactor devices. Preferably, the compactor device is configured as, or it comprises a press device. As a different option, the compacting procedure inside the receiving container can be done by compactor device having a screw device, or the like.

[0020] Preferably, the receiving container comprises a ceiling element that covers the receiving container at the top, the ceiling element having a receiving opening for waste. The receiving container, which is located inside the receiving pit and hence almost below ground level, when the underground waste receiving station is in use in the intended manner, serves to actually receive the waste.

[0021] To enable a receiving container of this kind to be removed from the receiving pit, in particular to get emptied, a removing device, in particular a handling device, is preferably provided, by means of which the receiving container can get handled and can get removed from the receiving pit. In addition, the removing device is also used for inserting and lowering the receiving container into the receiving pit.

[0022] In the operational state of the underground waste receiving station, waste is preferably charged into the receiving container via a chute device, which may comprise a disposal housing for waste, and which is provided or arranged above the receiving opening of the ceiling element of the receiving container. The chute device is connected to the receiving container, in particular to the ceiling element thereof.

[0023] While the receiving container is located outside the receiving pit, a safety system is activated, said safety system comprising a safety platform, by means of which the empty receiving pit, in particular the open pit opening, is or remains closed, in order to prevent accidents, in particular to prevent people from falling into the receiving pit.

[0024] According to the present invention, the receiving station comprises a receiving container with one or more compartments, each compartment being adapted for receiving and storing waste, preferably a waste fraction. In particular, a fraction of waste refers to the grouping of waste according to its properties. Each waste group is called a waste fraction. The fractions or types of waste are subject to separate classifications. According to one preferred embodiment, the receiving container comprises only one single compartment for receiving only one waste fraction or for randomly receiving waste without any sorting. According to a different preferred embodiment, the receiving container comprises two or more compartments, each compartment being used for receiving a different waste fraction. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving container may comprise four such compartments. Preferably the different compartments are separated from each other by making use of one or more partition walls, each partition wall being arranged and extending inside the receiving container. If the receiving container is square or rectangular in shape, the partition wall(s) may extend orthogonally in relation to the side walls of the receiving container. According to a different preferred embodiment, the partition wall(s) extend diagonally.

[0025] According to the present invention, the receiving container further comprises a receiving opening, said receiving opening being provided in such a way, that waste can be or is filled into the receiving container via said receiving opening, If the receiving container is configured as explained further above, the receiving opening is preferably provided at the upper edge of the receiving container. Or the receiving container is closed by a ceiling element. In the latter case the receiving opening is preferably provided and arranged in the ceiling element.

[0026] In addition, the waste receiving station according to the present invention comprises an adjustable cover device, said cover device being allocated to said receiving opening. It is the general function of the cover device, which will be described in more detail further below, to either cover the receiving opening of the receiving container or to at least partially release the receiving opening. Preferably the adjustable cover device is capable of being operated between a first operational mode, in which the receiving opening is closed by the cover device, and a second operational mode, in which the receiving opening is at least partially released by said cover device. In the first operational mode, the cover device prevents, that waste is or can be introduced into the waste receiving container. In the second operational mode, the cover device allows that waste is or can be introduced into the waste receiving container. Preferably the adjustable cover device is operated by making use of a control device.

[0027] According to the present invention, the control device, which is defined in general terms further above, is configured in a special way. This will now be explained in more detail.

[0028] As described further above, the waste receiving station according to the first aspect of the invention is operated autonomously. Therefore, the waste receiving station is an autonomous waste receiving station. For that reason, the control device, which preferably is an intelligent control device, plays a central role with regard to the operation of the waste receiving station.

[0029] According to the present invention, the control device comprises a number of components. These components are a signal receiving unit, a signal processing unit and a signal transmission unit. According to a preferred embodiment, all of these components are incorporated in and provided as one single device. According to a different embodiment, the different components are realized as individual devices. In any case, the different components must be connected to each other in some way, such that a transfer and an exchange of signals, data or the like between the different components is possible. In the latter case, the different units are connected via suitable signal exchange connections.

[0030] A first component of the control device is a signal receiving unit. The present invention is not delimited to specific configurations of the signal receiving unit. It is the general function of the signal receiving unit, that any signals which origin from outside the waste receiving station, in particular from an external entity, may enter the waste receiving station, such that they can get further processed by the waste receiving station, inside the control device in particular. The signal receiving unit preferably comprises one or more of the following components, such as a logic or an electric circuit comprising electronic components. The signal receiving unit preferably comprises an interface being adapted for receiving signals from outside, for example from an external entity carrying waste, from a waste management system, in particular from an operations centre thereof, from the adjustable cover device, or the like. The signal receiving unit preferably further comprises an interface to the signal processing unit. Preferably, the signal receiving unit comprises a sensor device for detecting and/or receiving signals with regard to an external entity, or it comprises an interface to such a sensor device. Moreover, the signal receiving unit preferably comprises means for establishing a signal exchange connection to an external device and/or to the signal processing unit, a communication module for example, or the signal receiving unit preferably comprises such a connection. Preferably, the connection is a wireless connection. Nevertheless, the connection can also be a wire-based connection.

[0031] According to a first preferred embodiment, the signal receiving unit is adapted for receiving input signals from an external entity, which is at least temporarily connected to the signal receiving unit via a first signal receiving connection. In this case the signal receiving unit preferably acts passively and waits for signals, which are transmitted from an external entity. Preferably, the first signal receiving connection, by means of which the external entity is connected to the signal receiving unit, is a data exchange connection or a communication connection, in particular for mobile radio or wireless data exchange or communication. In its operational mode, which is preferably a step of the method of operating the waste receiving station according to the third aspect of the invention, the external entity, the carrier vehicle for example, transmits signals from a signal exchange module via said first signal receiving connection to the waste receiving station, in particular to the signal receiving unit of the control device. Inside the waste receiving station, preferably inside the control device, the received signals, which represent input signals, get further processed as explained further below.

[0032] According to a second preferred embodiment, the signal receiving unit preferably has an active function. In this case, the signal receiving unit is adapted for gathering input signals from an external entity. Preferably, the signal receiving unit may comprise an optical sensor device, preferably a camera. According to a different embodiment, or in addition to the aforementioned embodiment, the signal receiving unit may comprise an electro-mechanical sensor device. In its operational mode, which is preferably a step of the method of operating the waste receiving station according to the third aspect of the invention, the external entity, the carrier vehicle for example, approaches the waste receiving station. The waste receiving station, by means of the signal receiving unit gathers signals relating to the approach of the external entity. Such gathered signals, which represent input signals, get further processed as explained further below.

[0033] The present invention is not delimited to any specific types of external entities. According to a preferred embodiment, it is the general function of such an external entity that it is capable of transporting waste from a location remote from the waste receiving station to the waste receiving station, in particular for carrying at least one waste fraction. According to a preferred embodiment, the external entity is a carrier vehicle carrying at least one waste fraction. In particular a vehicle is a machine or apparatus that is configured for transporting cargo, waste for example. According to the invention the vehicles can be provide as land-vehicles, air-vehicles or water-vehicles. Such carrier vehicles per se are already known in the prior art. They are adapted for carrying at least one waste fraction or a waste container containing at least one waste fraction. The present invention is not limited to specific types of carrier vehicles. Some preferred embodiments of such carrier vehicles are disclosed in EP 3 476 770 A1, in DE 20 2016 003 751 U1 or in US 2005/0281653 A1, the contents of which being incorporated into the disclosure of the present invention by reference. According to a different embodiment, the external entity can be configured as a drone or a manned vehicle, an electric vehicle for example. Other examples of preferred embodiments of carrier vehicles are depicted in the drawings and specified in the description of these drawings further below.

[0034] Advantageously, such external entities, carrier vehicles for example, are autonomous entities. They therefore preferably comprise a signal exchange module, a communication module for example, said module being adapted for establishing a signal exchange connection to the waste receiving station.

[0035] The present invention is not limited to specific types of signals. Preferably, the signals are data and/or image signals and/or values. The signals transmitted from the external entity and received by the signal receiving unit, or the signals gathered by the signal receiving unit preferably are signals for adjusting the cover device and/or signals concerning the type and/or the amount of waste contained in or carried by said external entity. Or, the signals may comprise values for adjusting the cover device and/or signals concerning the type and/or the amount of waste contained in or carried by said external entity.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the input signals, which are received by the signal receiving unit from the external device, or which are gathered by the signal receiving unit, are or comprise distance values. Upon receipt of such distance signals or distance values, the control device of the waste receiving station may determine the current distance between the external entity and the waste receiving station. If the distance has reached a specific value, the cover device of the waste receiving station may get adjusted accordingly. Alternatively, or in combination, the input signals are or comprise time values. In this case, the control device of the waste receiving station may determine that the external device approaches at a specific point of time such that the cover device gets adjusted at said specific point of time.

[0037] Alternatively, or in combination, the input values are or comprise characteristic waste values. In this case, the control device receives signals with regard to the characteristics of the waste, with regard to the quality and/or quantity of the waste for example, such that the cover device can get adjusted accordingly.

[0038] A second component of the control device is the signal processing unit. The present invention is not limited to specific configurations of the signal processing unit. It is the general function of the signal processing unit, that the input signals get further processed in the signal processing unit. For example, the input signals are transmitted from the signal receiving unit via a signal exchange connection to the signal processing unit. Therefore, the signal processing unit preferably comprises a suitable interface. Preferably the signal processing unit is or comprises at least one processor, or a microcontroller or a computing device. According to the present invention, the signal processing unit is adapted, based on the input signals, for automatically generating adjustment commands for the cover device. In particular, a command is a directive for the cover device to perform a specific task. According to a preferred embodiment, the input data, which were received or gathered by the signal receiving unit, are transmitted to the signal processing unit, where they get further processed.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the control device comprises a data base or has access to a database, said data base comprising reference values and/or threshold values with regard to said signals being processed in the signal processing unit. The input signals which were received or gathered via said signal receiving unit, preferably are or comprise specific values. By means of the signal processing unit, the input signals, which were transmitted from the signal receiving unit to the signal processing unit, are compared to those values stored in the data base. For example, if an input value exceeds or falls below a respective threshold value stored in the database, the signal processing unit generates a command, by means of which the cover device gets adjusted. Otherwise, if the input signals are or comprise a characteristic waste value, the database may comprise reference values, said reference values being linked to specific commands for the cover device. If during a comparison step, one value contained in the input signals matches a reference value stored in said database, the signal processing unit derives the command linked to the reference value, by means of which the cover device gets adjusted. If such a database comes to use in a waste receiving station, the signal processing unit is at least temporarily linked to said database via a suitable signal exchange connection, a data exchange connection for example.

[0040] A third component of the control device is the signal transmission unit. The present invention is not delimited to specific configurations of the signal transmission unit. It is one general function of the signal transmission unit, that the commands that have been generated in the signal processing unit, are transmitted to the adjustable cover device or to a different external device, such as an external entity carrying a waste fraction to the waste receiving system, or to an operations centre of a waste management system. For that purpose, the signal transmission unit is connected to the adjustable cover device via a first signal transmission connection. The signal transmission unit is adapted for transmitting the adjustment commands to the cover device via said first signal transmission connection. The signal transmission unit preferably comprises one or more of the following components, such as a logic or an electric circuit comprising electronic components. The signal transmission unit preferably comprises an interface to the signal processing unit. In the same way, the signal processing unit preferably comprises an interface to the signal transmission unit, such that a signal exchange connection can get established between both units. Preferably, the signal transmission unit comprises an interface to the outside, to the adjustable cover device and, for example, to different external devices such as an external entity carrying waste, to a waste management system, in particular to an operations centre thereof, or the like. Moreover, the signal transmission unit preferably comprises means for establishing a signal exchange connection to an external device and/or to the signal processing unit, a communication module for example, or the signal receiving unit preferably comprises such a connection. Preferably, the connection is a wireless connection. Nevertheless, the connection can also be a wire-based connection.

[0041] Once the cover device has received the commands, it gets adjusted accordingly.

[0042] The control device, in particular the different components of the control device, preferably act(s) automatically.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving station comprises at least one sensor device for determining the filling level of waste being stored in the receiving container. By means of such a sensor device, the filling level of the receiving container can get determined, preferably permanently. According to one preferred embodiment, the sensor device is configured for determining the filling height of waste being stored in the receiving container. Such a sensor device can be provided as an optical sensor device for example. Alternatively, or in addition, the receiving station may comprise a sensor device for determining the filling weight of waste being stored in the receiving container. Such a sensor device can be provided as a weighing sensor, a weighing cell, for example. By use of such sensor devices it is possible to determine, preferably automatically, when the receiving container is ready for getting discharged.

[0044] Preferably, the receiving station comprises at least one sensor device which is configured for recognising the waste, in particular the waste fraction being carried by the external entity, and/or the external entity carrying the waste and/or a waste container or waste sack including the waste, said waste container or waste sack being carried by the external entity. This sensor device recognizes the waste, by means of an RFID code, a camera and a recognition software recognizing the waste composition or labels, and the like such that the waste can get discharged correctly into the receiving container, for example into the correct waste fraction volume. For example, a code can additionally be used to charge a payment to the user, or to evaluate the waste separation quality of the user.

[0045] Preferably, the control device of the waste receiving station, in particular the signal receiving unit or the signal processing unit thereof, is adapted for receiving input signals from said sensor device(s), which is/are at least temporarily connected to the control device, in particular to the signal receiving unit, via a second signal receiving connection. For that reason, the control device, in particular the signal receiving unit, preferably comprises a suitable interface.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the control device, in particular the signal transmission unit thereof, comprises an interface to an external discharge entity, said discharge entity being adapted for handling a discharge operation of the receiving container. Via said interface, a signal exchange connection, a communication connection, a data exchange connection or the like is established between the waste receiving station, in particular the control device thereof, and the remote discharge entity. Preferably the established connection is a wireless connection. Once the discharge entity has received respective signals from the waste receiving station, suitable handling steps can get initiated and/or performed.

[0047] For example, the discharge entity can be configured as or being part of an operations centre of a waste management system. For example, the discharge entity can be or can comprise a server being associated to the waste management system. If the operations centre receives respective signals from the waste receiving station, for example signals with regard to the filling level of the receiving container, the operations centre can guide a refuse truck to the waste receiving station, such that the receiving container can get discharged, According to a different preferred embodiment, the discharge entity is configured as a refuse truck. Preferably, the refuse truck is an autonomous refuse truck. If the refuse truck receives respective signals from the waste receiving station, in particular from the control device thereof, the refuse truck drives to the waste receiving station and discharges the receiving container of the waste receiving station.

[0048] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the control device, preferably the signal transmission unit thereof, comprises an additional interface to a waste management system, preferably to an operations centre thereof. Via said interface, a signal exchange connection, a communication connection, a data exchange connection or the like is established between the waste receiving station, in particular the control device thereof, and the waste management system. As described further above, it is preferably provided that a signal exchange takes place between the control device and the adjustable cover device. The connection, over which the signal exchange is performed, may be a bidirectional connection. In one direction, the commands being generated in the signal processing unit get transmitted from the signal transmission unit of the control device to the adjustable cover device. If, for example an error or problem occurs in the cover device, information related thereto can get transmitted via said bidirectional connection from the cover device to the control device and from there to the waste management system. The waste management system receives the information with regard to the error or problem, where suitable actions can be set in motion, by means of the operations centre for example.

[0049] In the following, different preferred embodiments are described with regard to the configuration of the adjustable cover device.

[0050] According to a first preferred embodiment, the cover device comprises a lid device. This lid device is pivotally arranged on the receiving container, by means of at least one hinge device for example. For example, the lid device can be mounted to the ceiling element of the receiving container of the waste receiving station. The lid device is adapted for covering the receiving opening of the receiving container. In the first operational mode of the cover device, which in general terms is described in more detail further above, the lid device covers, and therefore locks the receiving opening. In its second operational mode, the lid device at least partially releases the receiving opening, such that waste can get charged through said receiving opening into the receiving container.

[0051] According to one preferred alternative, the lid device is provided as one single lid element. Therefore, the lid element covers the entire receiving opening, when it is in a closed position. Otherwise, if the lid element is in an open position, it releases the entire receiving opening. Such a single lid element is preferably used, if the receiving container comprises only one compartment for receiving and storing waste. Nevertheless, a single lid element can be used as well, if the receiving container comprises more than one compartment. Preferably, the lid element is pivotally arranged on the receiving container, by means of suitable hinge devices for example. According to a different embodiment, the lid element can be configured for performing a sliding movement. Preferably the lid element is mounted to the ceiling element of the receiving container of the waste receiving station.

[0052] According to a different preferred alternative, the lid device comprises two or more individual lid segments. Each lid segment covers only a portion of the receiving opening. If the receiving container comprises two or more compartments, one individual lid segment is associated to one compartment respectively. If a lid segment gets opened, the respective compartment being associated thereto is released. Each lid segment is pivotally arranged on the receiving container individually and independently from the other lid segment(s), by means of suitable hinge devices for example. According to a different embodiment, the lid segment(s) can be configured for performing a sliding movement. Preferably the lid segments are mounted to the ceiling element of the receiving container of the waste receiving station.

[0053] For operating the single lid element or the different lid segments, the lid element or each lid segment comprises at least one drive for generating the pivot motion thereof. Preferably, this drive is an electric drive. However, the present invention is not limited to this specific type of drive. The drive or each drive is connected to the signal transmission unit via said first signal transmission connection. The command or commands that has/have been generated in the signal processing unit, therefore serve to activate the drive or drives such that the lid element or one or more of the lid segments can get brought into a pivot motion such that they open or close the receiving opening.

[0054] The function of such an adjustable cover device will now be explained by way of an example, in which the lid device comprises a number of lid segments, each lid segment being associated to a compartment of the receiving container, and each compartment being provided for receiving and storing waste, preferably a specific waste fraction. The procedure described with regard to this example forms part of the method according to the third aspect of the present invention as well.

[0055] The signal receiving unit of the control device of the waste receiving station receives and/or gathers input signals from an external entity, in particular from a, preferably autonomous, external entity, a carrier vehicle for example, carrying waste, preferably at least one fraction of waste, via a first signal receiving connection, if the external entity approaches the waste receiving station. These input signals comprise or are values and/or data relating to the distance from the external device to the waste receiving station, as well as values and/or data relating to the characteristic of the waste carried by the external entity.

[0056] The input signals are transmitted from the signal receiving unit to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit, based on the input signals, automatically generates adjustment commands for the cover device. These commands comprise a first order, that the cover device in form of the lid device has to get opened, such that the external entity is capable to discharge its waste through the receiving opening into the receiving container. Furthermore, since the control device has information with regard to the characteristics of the waste carried by said external entity, the signal processing unit generates a second command comprising an order, which one of the lid segments of the lid device has to get opened, such that the waste of the external entity can get charged into the correct compartment of the receiving container.

[0057] Subsequently, the generated adjustment commands are transmitted from the signal processing unit to the signal transmission unit. Via a first signal transmission connection between the signal transmission unit and the cover device, the commands are then transmitted from the signal transmission unit to the cover device, to at least one drive of at least one lid segment for example.

[0058] Once the adjustment commands have been received by the cover device, the cover device gets adjusted according to the adjustment commands, which means that the correct lid segment gets opened, for example by activating the drive being associated thereto. Next, the external entity charges the waste carried by said external entity into the compartment, the lid segment of which being open.

[0059] After the external entity has discharged its waste into the receiving container, once again, the signal receiving unit generates or gathers an input signal relating to the departure of the external entity. The signal processing unit generates a command that the open lid segment has to get closed again. This command is transmitted from the signal processing unit via said signal transmission unit to the adjustable cover device, in particular to a drive associated to said lid segment. Once the lid segment, respectively the drive has received the command, the lid segment gets closed again.

[0060] In the following, a second preferred embodiment is described in detail. This embodiment is either an alternative to the aforementioned first embodiment. Or it is provided as a supplement to the first embodiment.

[0061] According to this second embodiment, the adjustable cover device comprises a waste deposit housing, said waste deposit housing being mounted to the receiving container above the receiving opening and surrounding same. Preferably the waste deposit housing is some kind of a chute that was described further above.

[0062] If the receiving container of the waste receiving station comprises a ceiling element and the receiving opening is provided in the ceiling element, the waste deposit housing is mounted to the ceiling element from outside and above the receiving opening, such that the receiving opening is located inside the waste deposit housing and is totally hidden behind the walls of the waste deposit housing.

[0063] The walls of the waste deposit housing border an inner space of the waste deposit housing. Preferably the inner space of the waste deposit housing is completely enclosed by the walls of the waste deposit housing, for example by the sidewall, by a top ceiling element of the waste deposit housing and by the ceiling element of the receiving container, to which the waste deposit housing is mounted.

[0064] Furthermore, the waste deposit housing comprises a waste deposit opening, which is preferably arranged in the side wall of the waste deposit housing,

[0065] The waste deposit housing further comprises a door or flap, which is movably mounted to the waste deposit housing to selectively open and close the waste deposit opening. Preferably, the door or flap is pivotally mounted to the waste deposit housing, via at least one suitable hinge device for example, such that the door or flap can either get tipped up or can pivot sideways. In a preferred embodiment the door is configured as a rolling gate.

[0066] For operating the door or flap of the waste deposit housing, the flap or door preferably comprises at least one drive for generating the motion thereof, in particular an electric drive, However, the present invention is not limited to this specific type of drive. The drive or each drive is connected to the signal transmission unit via said first signal transmission connection. The command or commands, that has/have been generated in the signal processing unit, therefore serve(s) to activate the drive or drives, such that the door or flap can get brought into a pivot motion in order to open or close the waste deposit opening in the waste deposit housing.

[0067] The function of such an adjustable cover device will now be explained by way of an example, in which the waste deposit housing covers the receiving opening of the receiving container of the waste receiving station and therefore also the at least one compartment of the receiving container. The procedure described with regard to this example forms part of the method according to the third aspect of the present invention as well.

[0068] The signal receiving unit of the control device of the waste receiving station receives or gathers input signals from a, preferably autonomous, external entity, for example a carrier vehicle, carrying waste, preferably at least one fraction of waste, via a first signal receiving connection, if the external entity approaches the waste receiving station. These input signals comprise values relating to the distance from the external entity to the waste receiving station, and optionally values relating to the characteristic of the waste carried by the external entity.

[0069] The input signals are transmitted from the signal receiving unit to the signal processing unit. The signal processing unit, based on the input signals, automatically generates adjustment commands for the cover device. These commands comprise a first order, that the cover device in form of the waste deposit housing, in particular the door or flap covering the waste deposit opening in the waste deposit housing, has to get opened, such that the external entity is capable to discharge its waste through the opened waste deposit housing and the receiving opening into the receiving container, or that it is capable to deliver the waste into the waste deposit housing. Furthermore, if the control device has information with regard to the characteristics of the waste carried by said external entity, the signal processing unit may generate a second command comprising an order, into which compartment of the receiving container the waste carried by the external entity has to get charged.

[0070] Subsequently, the generated adjustment commands are transmitted from the signal processing unit to the signal transmission unit. Via a first signal transmission connection between the signal transmission unit and the cover device, the commands are then transmitted from the signal transmission unit to the cover device, in particular to the door or flap of the waste deposit housing, preferably to a drive associated thereto.

[0071] Once the adjustment commands have been received by the cover device, the cover device gets adjusted according to the adjustment commands, which means that the door or flap of the waste deposit housing gets opened, by means of activating the drive for example. Next, the external entity charges the waste carried by said external entity through the receiving opening into the receiving container. Or, the external entity hands over the waste to the waste deposit housing, and the waste deposit housing charges the waste into the receiving container.

[0072] After the external entity has discharged its waste into the receiving container, or the external entity has handed over the waste to the waste disposal housing, the external entity leaves the waste receiving station again. According to a different preferred embodiment, the external entity brings the waste, a waste container or a waste sack for example, inside the open waste deposit housing, places the waste inside the waste deposit housing, a handling device for example which is described further below, and leaves receiving container, The door or flap closes behind the external entity and then the waste is discharged into the receiving container. Potentially, if waste containers are used, the temporary waste storage containers are 'stacked and stored' inside the receiving station, inside the waste deposit housing or inside the receiving container for example, for later reuse or central collection, or are again collected for reuse in the external entity for distribution, optionally even cleaned/washed inside the receiving container. According to yet another preferred embodiment, if the waste deposit housing is used as a garage for the external entity, once the external entity has entered the inside of the waste deposit housing for discharging or handing over the waste carried, the external entity remains inside the waste deposit housing.

[0073] Once again, the signal receiving unit generates a respective input signal. The signal processing unit generates a command that the open door or flap of the waste disposal housing has to get closed again. This command is transmitted from the signal processing unit via said signal transmission unit to the adjustable cover device, in particular to a drive associated to said door or flap. Once the door or flap, respectively the drive, has received the command, the door or flap gets closed again.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the waste deposit housing comprises a handling device for handling waste being introduced into the waste deposit housing via said waste deposit opening, in particular for handling a waste container comprising such waste or a waste fraction. According to a different embodiment, such a handling device is allocated to the waste deposit housing. In this case, the handling device might be positioned outside the waste deposit housing. A handling device is used, if the external entity carrying waste to the waste receiving station does not directly charge the waste into the waste receiving container, but hands the waste over to the waste deposit housing. Preferably, the handling device is provided inside the waste deposit housing.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to specific configurations of such handling devices. A suitable configuration mainly depends on the circumstances, under which the external entity carrying waste to the waste receiving station, a carrier vehicle for example, delivers the waste to the waste receiving station. For example, the external entity might deliver a waste container containing waste, or it might deliver a waste sack with such waste. According to a different scenario, the external entity is configured as a movable waste container and the waste is contained inside the external entity.

[0076] A number of preferred embodiments of handling devices, which can be realized either alone or in any combination, are now described in more detail.

[0077] According to one preferred embodiment, the handling device comprises a device for taking over a waste container or waste, preferably a waste fraction from an external entity carrying a waste fraction, from a carrier vehicle for example. Such a handling device can be configured as a crane device, as a gripping device, a gripping arm for example, a bracket and/or support, on which the external entity places the waste, or the like. According to another preferred embodiment, the handling device comprises a device for tilting a waste container inside the waste deposit housing, Such a tilting device has the function, that a waste container that has been delivered by the external entity, the carrier vehicle for example, once it has entered the waste deposit housing, gets tilted in such a way, that a discharge opening of the waste container comes into alignment with the receiving opening of the receiving container of the waste receiving station, such that the waste may leave the waste container and enter the receiving container. Preferably, the handling device, in particular the tilting device is configured in a way, that release waste that is stuck inside the waste container can get loosened. This goal can be achieved by means of a shaking device or a "hard-stop"-device for example. According to a preferred configuration the handling device comprises both of the aforementioned embodiments. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the handling device comprises a device for positioning and/or aligning a waste container or waste, preferably a waste fraction above the receiving opening of the receiving container. According to another preferred embodiment, the handling device comprises a device for horizontally and/or vertically moving a waste container or waste, preferably a waste fraction, inside the waste deposit housing.

[0078] The operation of the handling device is preferably controlled by the control device of the waste receiving station. For this purpose, the waste deposit housing preferably comprises suitable sensor devices, such as optical devices, which determine the position and the kind of waste entering the waste deposit housing, as well as the position of the handling device and/or sensor devices which provide parameters of the handling device when in use.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the waste deposit housing is provided as a garage for the external entity, in particular for the carrier vehicle-. If the external entity is not in use, it can get parked inside the waste deposit housing, such that it is protected against external influences, against bad weather conditions, against damages, or the like. If the waste receiving station gets operated, the external entity leaves the waste deposit housing, moves to the desired location, where it takes up waste, and returns to the waste receiving station for charging the waste into the waste receiving container of the waste receiving station.

[0080] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the receiving station comprises a guiding device for guiding and/or aligning the external entity, in particular the carrier vehicle, in relation to the cover device. This guiding device is preferably provided in such a way that it allows the external entity to merge the inside of the waste deposit housing through the open waste deposit opening. Such a guiding device can be configured as a ramp for example, or as an internal guiding geometry to align the external entity with the handling device inside the housing. This guiding device and/or the handling device can be or comprise a structure that is able to adapt its position to compensate to the not fully straight aligning of the external entity while ensuring a good alignment with the receiving container, such as spring-load bracket, hinging bracket, automatic adapting bracket or alternatively a fixed structure with a good guiding in the sidewalls to position the external entity straight.

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment, the receiving station comprises a device for generating power, in particular for generating electric power. Said device for generating power is adapted for providing energy to the different components of the waste receiving station, in particular to the adjustable cover device and to the control device. Alternatively, or in combination, the device for providing energy is adapted for providing energy for charging the external entity, in particular the carrier vehicle, carrying at least one waste fraction. The present invention is not limited to specific types of such devices for generating power. According to a preferred embodiment, the device is configured as a photovoltaic system, which is capable of generating electric power by using solar power. Nevertheless, other regenerative power sources can be used as well. Or the waste receiving station is connected to a power grid. Preferably the power generating device is provided as a device for, preferably inductive or contact, charging. Preferably the waste receiving station comprises an inductive loading dock to charge the external entity.

[0082] As already described further above, it is preferred that the waste receiving station according to the first aspect of the present invention is part of a waste management system for handling waste in an environment, an urban environment for example.
Therefore, according to the second aspect of the invention, the present invention is also directed to such a waste management system, which comprises the features of independent claim 13.

[0083] The waste management system according to the second aspect of the invention comprises a number of different components. A first component is a waste receiving station according the first aspect of the invention. The waste management system comprises one or more of such waste receiving stations. Therefore, at this point, full reference is made to the entire disclosure of the waste receiving station according to the invention too. Furthermore, the waste management system comprises at least one external entity carrying waste, in particular at least one waste fraction, that is to be delivered to the waste receiving station, in particular an autonomous external entity. Preferably, the external entity is configured as a carrier vehicle, in particular as an autonomous carrier vehicle. With respect to the configuration of this external entity, at this point, full reference is made to the respective disclosures thereof further above and further below in connection with the drawings and the description thereof.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, the waste management system further comprises at least one discharge entity, said discharge entity being adapted for handling the discharge procedure of the receiving container of the receiving station. Preferably, the discharge entity is at least temporarily connected to the waste receiving station via a signal exchange connection. The present invention is not limited to specific types of discharge entities. According to one preferred embodiment, the discharge entity is configured as a refuse truck, preferably an autonomous refuse truck. In addition, or alternatively, the discharge entity is part of an operations centre of the waste management system, which operates at least one refuse truck, preferably a fleet of such refuse trucks. Therefore, it is preferably provided that the waste management system further comprises an operations centre as well. With regard to the aforementioned preferred configurations of the waste management system, at this point, full reference is made to the respective disclosures thereof further above and further below in connection with the drawings and the description thereof.

[0085] According to a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of operating a waste receiving station, said method comprising the features of independent claim 15.

[0086] According to the third aspect of the invention, a method of operating at least one waste receiving station for receiving and storing waste is provided, said receiving station preferably being selected from the group consisting of a stationary receiving station, an underground receiving station or a semi-underground receiving station, said receiving station comprising a receiving container with one or more compartments, each compartment being adapted for receiving and storing waste, in particular a waste fraction, said receiving container comprising a receiving opening, whereby waste gets filled into the receiving container via said receiving opening, an adjustable cover device, said cover device being allocated to said receiving opening and being configured to be operated, by use of a control device of said receiving station, between a first operational mode, in which the receiving opening is closed by the cover device, and a second operational mode, in which the receiving opening is at least partially released by said cover device, wherein the control device is preferably provided as an intelligent control device, wherein the control device comprises a signal receiving unit, a signal processing unit and a signal transmission unit. In particular, the method is provided for operating a waste receiving station according to the first aspect of the present invention. Preferably, the method is operated in a waste management system according to the second aspect of the present invention. According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps:

• the signal receiving unit of the intelligent control device receives input signals from a, preferably autonomous, external entity, in particular from a carrier vehicle, carrying waste, via a first signal receiving connection, and/or the signal receiving unit gathers input signals from the external entity;
• the input signals are transmitted from the signal receiving unit to the signal processing unit;
• based on the input signals, the signal processing unit automatically generates adjustment commands for the cover device;
• the generated adjustment commands are transmitted from the signal processing unit to the signal transmission unit;
• via a first signal transmission connection between the signal transmission unit and the cover device, the adjustment commands are transmitted from the signal transmission unit to the cover device;
• after the adjustment commands have been received by the cover device, the cover device gets adjusted according to the adjustment commands.

[0087] At least some of the method steps mentioned above are described in detail with regard to the first and second aspects of the present invention, as well as in connection with the drawings and the description of the drawings further below. At this point, with regard to the method according to the invention and with regard to the different method steps thereof, full reference is also made to these respective disclosure passages. These passages of the specification are also to be considered as preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention. In order to avoid any unnecessary repetitions, these passages of the specification are not explicitly repeated at this point.

[0088] After the external entity has discharged its waste fraction(s) into the receiving container, the external entity leaves the waste receiving station again. Or the external entity hands the waste over to the receiving station, by means of the handling device for example. Or the external entity is parked inside the waste receiving station.

[0089] Once again, the signal receiving unit generates an input signal relating to one of the afore mentioned scenarios.. The signal processing unit generates a command that the cover device has to get adjusted again. The techniques underlying to this generation step are similar or identical to those generation steps described further above, when the cover device has to get adjusted in the first part of the method. This command is transmitted from the signal processing unit via said signal transmission unit to the adjustable cover device.

[0090] A preferred embodiment of such a method according to the third aspect of the invention will now be given in more detail:
A person, using the waste management system, fills a waste container with waste. The waste container automatically monitors the filling level. If the waste container is full and ready to get emptied, it sends a signal to an autonomous external entity. According to a different approach, a waste container is filled by the user, then the user is using an App to request emptying. For this the waste container is preferably commissioned to be linked to the specific user and the container/cartridge will get a waste fraction assigned. For example, today the waste container collects glass, tomorrow the same container can be linked to another user, collecting plastics or paper or a mixture of waste fractions. For this the waste container can be equipped with a visual code, chip, RFID, NFC or active signal to enable linking a specific container to the said user. The container is then left at a predetermined location dedicated for the collection of containers, or a random location that the user uses to request the pickup by the external entity.
A, preferably autonomous, external entity carrying waste, in particular at least one fraction of waste, in particular a carrier vehicle, whereby the waste is contained inside the external entity, or in a waste container or waste sack being carried by the external entity, approaches the waste receiving station.
The waste receiving station is in a first operational mode, where the receiving opening of the receiving container of the waste receiving station is closed by the adjustable cover device. Via a signal exchange connection, the external entity exchanges signals with the waste receiving station, in particular with a control device of the waste receiving station, preferably with the signal receiving unit of the control device, or the waste receiving station, in particular the control device, gathers signals from the external entity.
Based on those signals, which are input signals, the adjustable cover device gets automatically activated. For this purpose, the cover device gets activated in such a way that it at least partially releases the receiving opening of the receiving container of the waste receiving station. Now, the cover device is in its second operational mode.
Next, the external entity hands over the waste carried by the external entity to the waste receiving station, in particular either by handing over the waste to the adjustable cover device or by directly charging the waste into the receiving opening of the receiving container of the waste receiving station.
Finally, the external entity leaves the waste receiving station again and the cover device gets adjusted in such a way that it returns into its first operational mode, or the external entity is parked inside the adjustable cover device. In any case, the receiving opening of the waste receiving container of the waste receiving station gets closed again.

[0091] For a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of an example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1

depicts a general overview of the waste management system according to the present invention;

Figure 2

depicts a schematic representation of the waste receiving station according to the present invention giving a general overview of the functionality of the waste receiving station;

Figure 3

depicts a schematic representation of the control device, which is incorporated in the waste receiving station, giving a general overview of the functionality of the control device;

Figure 4

depicts a first embodiment of the adjustable cover device being assigned to the receiving container of the waste receiving station;

Figures 5 to 7

depict different embodiments of an external entity carrying at least one waste fraction to the receiving container of the waste receiving station;

Figure 8

depicts a second embodiment of an adjustable cover device being assigned to the receiving container of the waste receiving station;

Figure 9

depicts the adjustable cover device according to the second embodiment in more detail; and

Figures 10 to 13

depict different operating conditions of the adjustable cover device according to the second embodiment.

[0092] According to Figure 1, a waste management system 10 according to the present invention, which is established in an urban environment 100, comprises a number of different components and players. Preferably, the waste management system 10 is an intelligent waste management system, which is operated autonomously.

[0093] A person, using the waste management system 10, fills a waste container 13 with waste. This situation is designated with reference numeral 16. The waste container 13 automatically monitors the filling level. If the waste container 13 is full and ready to get emptied, it sends a signal to an autonomous external entity 30, a robot carrier vehicle for example. It could alternatively be that a container volume is filled by the user, then the user is using an App to request emptying. For this the waste container 13 is commissioned to be linked to the specific user and the container 13 will get a waste fraction assigned. For example today the waste container 13 collects glass, tomorrow the same container can be linked to another user, collecting plastics of paper or a mixture of waste fractions. For this the waste container 13 can be equipped with a visual code, chip, RFID, NFC or active signal to enable linking a specific container to the said user. The container 13 is then left at a predetermined location dedicated for the collection of containers, or a random location that the user uses to request the pickup by the external entity 30. The external entity 30 arrives to the waste container 13 and picks up the waste stored in the waste container 13, or the waste container 13 itself. This pickup procedure is designated with reference numeral 17. Next, the external entity 30 moves to a waste receiving station 20, preferably by determining its own routing in the urban environment 100, based on received signals for example. In a next step, the external entity 30 reaches the waste receiving station 20 and discharges the collected waste into the waste receiving station 20. This step is performed autonomously. The waste receiving station 20 automatically determines its filling level. If the waste receiving station 20 is full and ready to get discharged, it sends a signal to an external discharge entity 12, a refuse truck for example. The refuse truck, which preferably is an autonomous refuse truck, drives to the waste receiving station 20 and discharges same.

[0094] One central component of the waste management system 10 is the waste receiving station 20, the configuration and general function of which will now be explained in connection with Figures 2 and 3:
The waste receiving station 20, the general configuration of which is explained in connection with Figure 8 further below, preferably is a stationary station, in particular an underground station. The waste receiving station comprises a waste receiving container 22. The receiving container 22 is equipped with a ceiling element 23. The ceiling element 23 comprises a receiving opening 24, through which waste can get charged into the receiving container 22. The receiving opening 24 can get closed and at least partially released by means of an adjustable cover device 40, 50. Preferred embodiments of the adjustable cover device 40, 50 are described in more detail further below.

[0095] One central component of the waste receiving station is a control device 60, preferably an intelligent control device, which is connected to further components. Over a signal exchange connection 71, the control device 60 is connected, at least temporarily, to the external device 30. Over a different signal exchange connection 75, the control device 60 is connected to the adjustable cover device 40, 50. Through other signal exchange connections 80, 83, the control device is linked to different external devices, such as to an operations centre 11 of the waste management system or to an external discharge entity 12, a refuse truck for example or a part of the operations centre, said part handling and operation a fleet of refuse trucks. For determining the filling level of the receiving container, at least one sensor device 29 is provided inside the receiving container 22, said sensor device 29 being connected to the control device 60 via a signal exchange connection 81.

[0096] Next, in connection with Figure 3, the control device 60 is described in detail.

[0097] A first component of the control device 60 is a signal receiving unit 61. It is the general function of the signal receiving unit 61, that any signals which origin from outside the waste receiving station 20, in particular from an external entity 30, may enter the waste receiving station 20, such that they can get further processed.

[0098] The signal receiving unit 61 comprises an interface 66 being adapted for receiving signals from the external entity 30. The signal exchange is performed via a first signal exchange connection 71. For this purpose, the external entity 30 comprises a signal exchange module 31. According to a first preferred embodiment, the signal receiving unit 61 is adapted for receiving input signals from the external entity 30, which is at least temporarily connected to the signal receiving unit 61 via the first signal receiving connection 71. In this case the signal receiving unit 61 preferably acts passively and waits for signals, which are transmitted from an external entity 30. The external entity 30 transmits signals from a signal exchange module 31 via said first signal receiving connection 71 to the signal receiving unit 61. According to a second preferred embodiment, the signal processing unit 61 preferably has an active function. In this case, the signal receiving unit 61 is adapted for gathering input signals from the external entity 30. Preferably, the signal receiving unit 61 comprises a sensor device 70 for gathering such signals, an optical sensor device, preferably a camera, for example. In its operational mode, the external entity 30, the carrier vehicle for example, approaches the waste receiving station 20. The waste receiving station 20, by means of the signal receiving unit 61, receives and/or gathers signals relating to the approach of the external entity 30. Such received and/or gathered signals, which represent input signals, get further processed.

[0099] The signal receiving unit 61 further comprises an interface 69 to a signal processing unit 61, as well as an interface 67 to an operations centre of the waste management system and an interface 68 to the adjustable cover device 40, 40 of the waste receiving station 20.

[0100] The signals received by the signal receiving unit 61, which are denoted as input signals, are transmitted to a data processing unit 62 via a signal exchange connection 64. For that reason, the signal processing unit 62 comprises a corresponding interface 72 to the signal receiving unit 61.

[0101] A second component of the control device 60 is the signal processing unit 62. It is the general function of the signal processing unit 62, that the input signals get further processed. The signal processing unit 62 is adapted, based on the input signals, for automatically generating adjustment commands for the cover device 40, 50.

[0102] The control device 60 comprises a data base 73 or has access to a database 73, said data base 73 comprising reference values and/or threshold values with regard to said signals being processed in the signal processing unit 62. The database 73 is connected to the signal processing unit 62 via a signal exchange connection 74. By means of the signal processing unit 62, the input signals, which were transmitted from the signal receiving unit 61 to the signal processing unit 62, are compared to those values stored in the data base 73. By aid of this database 73, the signal processing unit 62 generates the commands for adjusting the cover device 40, 50.

[0103] A third component of the control device 60 is the signal transmission unit 63. It is one general function of the signal transmission unit 63, that the commands that have been generated in the signal processing unit 62, are transmitted to further components. For that reason, the signal processing unit 62 comprises an interface 77 to the signal transmission unit 63, which in turn comprises a corresponding interface 76 to the signal processing unit 62 as well. A signal exchange is performed via signal exchange connection 65. The signal transmission unit 63 comprises an interface 78 to the adjustable cover device 40, 50. Via a first signal transmission connection 75, the commands generated by said signal processing unit 62 get transferred from the signal transmission unit 63 to the adjustable cover device 40, 50. Furthermore, the signal transmission unit 63 comprises an interface 79 to an external device, an operations centre 11 of the waste management system and/or to the external entity 30 carrying at least one waste fraction for example. The signal exchange is performed via signal exchange connection 80. Moreover, the signal transmission unit 63 comprises an interface 82 to an external discharge entity 12, a refuse truck for example. The signal exchange is performed via signal exchange connection 83.

[0104] The general function of the waste receiving station of Figure 2 by using the control device 60 of Figure 3 will now be explained: The, preferably autonomous, external entity 30 carrying at least one fraction of waste, in particular a carrier vehicle, whereby the waste fraction is contained inside the external entity 30, or in a waste container or waste sack being carried by the external entity 30, approaches the waste receiving station 20. The waste receiving station 20 is in a first operational mode, where the receiving opening 24 of the receiving container 22 of the waste receiving station 20 is closed by the adjustable cover device 40, 50. Via the first signal exchange connection 71, the external entity 30 exchanges signals with the waste receiving station 20, in particular with a control device 60 of the waste receiving station 20, preferably with the signal receiving unit 61 of the control device 60, or such signals get gathered from the external entity 30. Based on those signals, which are input signals, the adjustable cover device 40, 50 gets automatically activated in such a way that it at least partially releases the receiving opening of the receiving container of the waste receiving station. In order to operate the cover device 40, 40, the signal processing unit 62 generates suitable adjustment commands, which are transmitted to the cover device 40, 50 via the signal transmission unit 63. Now, the cover device 40, 50 is in its second operational mode. The external entity 30 hands over the waste carried by the external entity 30 to the waste receiving station 20, in particular either by handing over the waste to the adjustable cover device 40, 50 or by directly charging the waste into the receiving opening 24 of the receiving container 22 of the waste receiving station 20. Finally, the external entity 30 leaves the waste receiving station 20 again and the cover device 40, 50 gets adjusted in such a way that it returns into its first operational mode, or the external entity 30 is parked inside the adjustable cover device 40, 50. In any case, the receiving opening 24 of the waste receiving container 22 of the waste receiving station 20 gets closed again.

[0105] Figure 4 depicts a first embodiment of the waste receiving station 20 comprising a first embodiment of the adjustable cover device 40. The general configuration of the waste receiving station 20 is similar to that shown in Figure 8. Therefore, with regard to the general configuration, full reference is made to the description of Figure 8 at this point as well. The waste receiving container 22 of the waste receiving station 20, which is represented in Figur4 with the sidewalls being removed, comprises a number of different compartments 27, each compartment 27 being separated from the other compartments 27 by a partition wall 28. The partition walls 28 are diagonally, radial, or rectangularly arranged inside the waste receiving container 22. At its upper end, the receiving container 22 is closed by the ceiling element 23, said ceiling element 23 incorporating the receiving opening 24.

[0106] Furthermore, a device 15 for generating power, by making use of solar power for example, is provided, at the ceiling element 23 in the present embodiment.

[0107] The adjustable cover device 40 comprises a lid device 41, the lid device 41 in turn comprising a number of lid segments 42, each lid segment 42 being associated to a compartment 27 of the receiving container 22, and each compartment 27 being provided for receiving and storing a specific waste fraction.

[0108] The signal receiving unit 61 of the control device 60 of the waste receiving station 20 (see also Figure 3) receives input signals from the external entity 30, in particular from a, preferably autonomous, carrier vehicle carrying at least one fraction of waste via a first signal receiving connection 71, if the external entity 30 approaches the waste receiving station 20. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the external entity 30 comprises a holding and gripping arm 32, that holds a waste sack 14. According to different scenarios, which are described further below, loading a container onto the external entity by lifting it using a compartment in the external entity for temporary storage/ or placing a bag or container by hand in or on the external entity driving over a container to pick it up/ using an arm to pick it up for placement in or onto the external entity, is performed.

[0109] These input signals comprise values relating to the distance from the external entity 30 to the waste receiving station 20, as well as values relating to the characteristic of the waste fraction carried by the external entity 30. The input signals are transmitted from the signal receiving unit 61 to the signal processing unit 62. The signal processing unit 62, based on the input signals, automatically generates adjustment commands for the cover device 40. These commands comprise a first order, that the cover device 40 in form of the lid device 41 has to get opened, such that the external entity 30 is capable to discharge its waste fraction, here the waste sack 14, through the receiving opening 24 into the receiving container 22. Furthermore, since the control device 60 has information with regard to the characteristics of the waste fraction carried by said external entity 30, the signal processing unit 62 generates a second command comprising an order, which of the lid segments 42 of the lid device 41 is to get opened, such that the waste sack 14 of the external entity 30 can get charged into the correct compartment 27 of the receiving container 22.

[0110] Subsequently, the generated adjustment commands are transmitted from the signal processing unit 62 to the signal transmission unit 63. Via a first signal transmission connection 75 between the signal transmission unit 63 and the cover device 40, the commands are then transmitted from the signal transmission unit 63 to the cover device 40.

[0111] Once the adjustment commands have been received by the cover device 40, the cover device 40 gets adjusted according to the adjustment commands, which means that the correct lid segment 42 gets opened. Next, the external entity 30 charges the waste sack 14 carried by said external entity 30 into the compartment 27, the lid segment 42 of which being open.

[0112] After the external entity 30 has discharged its waste sack 14 into the receiving container 22, the external entity 30 leaves the waste receiving station 20 again.

[0113] Once again, the signal receiving unit 61 generates an input signal relating to the departure of the external entity 30. The signal processing unit 62 generates a command that the open lid segment 42 has to get closed again. This command is transmitted from the signal processing unit 62 via said signal transmission unit 63 to the adjustable cover device 40, in particular to a drive (not shown) associated to said lid segment 42. Once the lid segment 42, respectively the drive has received the command, the lid segment 42 gets closed again.

[0114] The present invention is not limited to specific configurations for the external device 30, a carrier vehicle for example. Some preferred embodiments are shown in Figures 5 to 7.

[0115] Figure 5 shows an external entity 30, that comprises a gripping and holding arm 32. This arm 23 is configured to grip and hold a waste container 13. According to this embodiment, the waste container 13 is configured to receive two different waste fractions. Each waste fraction can get charged in a corresponding compartment of the waste receiving container 22 of waste receiving station 20. According to Figure 6, the external entity 30 itself is configured to store at least one waste fraction, two waste fractions shown in Figure 6. A different embodiment of an external entity 30, in which at least one waste fraction is stored, is shown in Figure 7. According to this embodiment, the external entity 30 is configured as a movable waste container 13.

[0116] A different embodiment of a waste receiving station 20 comprising a second preferred embodiment of an adjustable cover device 50 will now be explained in connection with Figures 8 to 13.

[0117] First, as shown in Figure 8, the general construction principles of a waste receiving station being an underground waste receiving station are explained in more detail. The underground waste receiving station 20 comprises a receiving pit 21, which serves as an exterior housing and which is placed inside the ground, such that the receiving pit 21 is almost located below the ground level 101. Preferably, the receiving pit is square or rectangular in shape, which means that it has a square or rectangular cross-section. The receiving pit 21, which may be made of concrete, metal, steel for example, a plastic material, or the like, preferably comprises a pit side wall, optionally a pit ground or pit bottom at the lower end of the pit side wall and a pit opening at the upper end of the pit side wall. The aforementioned components preferably delimit a receiving space, said receiving space being adapted for receiving a receiving container 22, said receiving container 22 serving as a waste collecting container. The volume of the receiving container 22 can range from 1m³ to 5m³. However, the present invention is not limited to specific load capacities for the receiving container. The receiving container 22 is adapted for temporarily storing waste, valuable substances or the like.

[0118] The receiving container 22 is movably located inside the receiving pit 21. That means that the receiving container 22 can get removed, via a pit opening, out of the receiving pit 21. In the same way, the receiving container 22 can get inserted, once it has been emptied, maintained or the like, via said pit opening into the receiving pit 21.

[0119] Preferably, the receiving container 22 comprises a ceiling element 23 that covers the receiving container 22 at the top, the ceiling element 23 having a receiving opening 24 for waste. The receiving container 22, which is located inside the receiving pit 21 and hence almost below ground level 101, when the underground waste receiving station 20 is in use in the intended manner, serves to actually receive the waste.

[0120] In the operational state of the underground waste receiving station 20, waste is charged into the receiving container 22 via chute device 25, which is or comprises an adjustable cover device 50, which comprises a waste deposit housing 51, and which is provided or arranged above the receiving opening 24 of the ceiling element 23 of the receiving container 22.

[0121] While the receiving container 22 is located outside the receiving pit 21, a safety system 26 is activated, said safety system 26 comprising a safety platform, by means of which the empty receiving pit 21, in particular the open pit opening, is or remains closed, in order to prevent accidents, in particular to prevent people from falling into the receiving pit 21.

[0122] The adjustable cover device 50 according to Figure 8 will now be explained in detail in connection with Figures 9 to 13. According to this embodiment, the adjustable cover device 50 comprises a waste deposit housing 51, said waste deposit housing 51 being mounted to the receiving container 22 above the receiving opening 24 and surrounding same. Preferably the waste deposit housing 50 is some kind of a chute that was described further above. If the receiving container 22 of the waste receiving station 20 comprises a ceiling element 23, and the receiving opening 24 is provided in the ceiling element 23, the waste deposit housing 51 is mounted to the ceiling element 23 from outside and above the receiving opening 24, such that the receiving opening 24 is located inside the waste deposit housing 51 and is totally hidden behind the sidewalls 53 of the waste deposit housing 51. The sidewalls 53 of the waste deposit housing 51 border an inner space 52 of the waste deposit housing 51. Preferably the inner space 52 of the waste deposit housing 51 is completely enclosed by the walls of the waste deposit housing 51, for example by the sidewall 53, by a top ceiling element 54 of the waste deposit housing 51 and by the ceiling element 23 of the receiving container 22, to which the waste deposit housing 51 is mounted.

[0123] Furthermore, the waste deposit housing 51 comprises a waste deposit opening 55, which is preferably arranged in the side wall 53 of the waste deposit housing 51, The waste deposit housing 51 further comprises a door 56, which is movably mounted to the waste deposit housing 51 to selectively open and close the waste deposit opening 55. Preferably, the door 56 is pivotally mounted to the waste deposit housing 51, via at least one suitable hinge device for example, such that the door 56 can either get tipped up or can pivot sideways. In a preferred embodiment the door 56 is configured as a rolling gate.

[0124] The function of the adjustable cover 50 comprising such a waste deposit housing 51 will now be explained in detail.

[0125] The signal receiving unit 61 of the control device 60 (see also Figure 3) of the waste receiving station 20 receives or gathers input signals from the external entity 30, for example a carrier vehicle, carrying at least one fraction of waste, via a first signal receiving connection 71, if the external entity 30 approaches the waste receiving station 20. These input signals comprise values relating to the distance from the external entity 30 to the waste receiving station 20, and optionally values relating to the characteristic of the waste fraction carried by the external entity 30.

[0126] The input signals are transmitted from the signal receiving unit 61 to the signal processing unit 62. The signal processing unit 62, based on the input signals, automatically generates adjustment commands for the cover device 50. These commands comprise a first order, that the cover device 50 in form of the waste deposit housing 51, in particular the door 56 covering the waste deposit opening 55 in the waste deposit housing 51, has to get opened, such that the external entity 30 is capable to discharge its waste fraction through the opened waste deposit housing 51 and the receiving opening 24 into the receiving container 22. Furthermore, if the control device 60 has information with regard to the characteristics of the waste fraction carried by said external entity 30, the signal processing unit 61 may generate a second command comprising an order, into which compartment 27 of the receiving container 22 the waste fraction carried by the external entity 30 has to get charged.

[0127] Subsequently, the generated adjustment commands are transmitted from the signal processing unit 62 to the signal transmission unit 63. Via a first signal transmission connection 75 between the signal transmission unit 63 and the cover device 50, the commands are then transmitted from the signal transmission unit 63 to the cover device 50, in particular to the door 56 of the waste deposit housing 51, preferably to a drive (not shown) associated thereto.

[0128] Once the adjustment commands have been received by the cover device 50, the cover device 50 gets adjusted according to the adjustment commands, which means that the door 56 of the waste deposit housing 51 gets opened, by means of activating the drive for example. Next, the external entity 30 charges the waste fraction carried by said external entity 30 through the receiving opening 24 into the receiving container 22. Or, the external entity 30 hands over the waste fraction to the waste deposit housing 51, and the waste deposit housing 51 charges the waste fraction into the receiving container 22.

[0129] After the external entity has discharged its waste fraction into the receiving container 22, or the external entity has handed over the waste fraction to the waste disposal housing 51, the external entity 30 leaves the waste receiving station 20 again.

[0130] Once again, the signal receiving unit 61 generates an input signal relating to the departure of the external entity 30. The signal processing unit 61 generates a command that the open door 56 of the waste disposal housing 51 has to get closed again. This command is transmitted from the signal processing unit 62 via said signal transmission unit 63 to the adjustable cover device 50, in particular to a drive associated to said door 56. Once the door 56, respectively the drive, has received the command, the door 56 gets closed again.

[0131] The waste deposit housing 51 comprises a handling device 57 for handling waste being introduced into the waste deposit housing 51 via said waste deposit opening, in particular for handling a waste container 13 comprising such waste or a waste fraction. A handling device 57 is used, if the external entity 30 carrying a waste fraction to the waste receiving station 20 does not directly charge the waste into the waste receiving container 22, but hands the waste over to the waste deposit housing 51. Preferably, the handling device 57 is provided inside the waste deposit housing 51. Such a handling device is shown in Figures 10 to 13.

[0132] According to Figures 12 and 13, the handling device 57 is provided as or comprises a tilting device 58. The external entity 30 carrying a waste container 13 with waste delivers the waste container 13 into the opened waste deposit housing 51, where it gets handed over to the handling device 57. This is shown in Figure 12. Such a tilting device 58 has the function, that a waste container 13 that has been delivered by the external entity 30, the carrier vehicle for example, once it has entered the waste deposit housing 51, gets tilted in such a way, that a discharge opening of the waste container 13 comes into alignment with the receiving opening 24 of the receiving container 22 of the waste receiving station, such that the waste may leave the waste container 13 and enter the receiving container 22, with potential shaking or a hard-stop to release waste that is stuck in the waste container 13.. This is shown in Figure 13.

[0133] According to a preferred embodiment, the waste deposit housing 51 is provided as a garage for the external entity 30, in particular for the carrier vehicle, carrying at least one waste fraction. This is shown in Figures 10 and 11. If the external entity 30 is not in use, it can get parked inside the waste deposit housing 51, such that it is protected against external influences, against bad weather conditions, against damages, or the like, or for, preferably inductive or contact, charging. Potentially the waste receiving station 20 can comprise an inductive loading dock to charge the external entity 30. If the waste receiving station 20 gets operated, the external entity 30 leaves the waste deposit housing 51, moves to the desired location, where it takes up waste, and returns to the waste receiving station 20 for charging the waste into the waste receiving container 22 of the waste receiving station 20.

[0134] The waste receiving station 20 optionally comprises a guiding device for guiding and/or aligning the external entity 30, in particular the carrier vehicle, carrying at least one waste fraction, in relation to the cover device 50. This guiding device is preferably provided in such a way that it allows the external entity 30 to merge the inside of the waste deposit housing 51 through the open waste deposit opening.

[0135] As shown in Figure 11, according to a different embodiment, the handling device 57 comprises or is provided as a device 59 for positioning and/or aligning the waste container 13 above the receiving opening 24 of the receiving container 22. By means of a tilting device as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the waste container 13 can be brought into the correct position.

[0136] The operation of the handling device 57 is preferably controlled by the control device 60 of the waste receiving station 20. For this purpose, the waste deposit housing 51 preferably comprises suitable sensor devices (not shown), such as optical devices, which determine the position and the kind of waste entering the waste deposit housing 51, as well as the position of the handling device 57.

List of reference numerals

[0137] 

10

Waste management system

11

Operations centre of the waste management system

12

External discharge entity

13

Waste container

14

Waste sack

15

Device for generating power

16

Person who fills a waste container with waste

17

Pickup Procedure

20

Waste receiving station

21

Receiving pit

22

Receiving container

23

Ceiling element

24

Receiving opening

25

Chute device

26

Safety system

27

Compartment of the receiving container

28

Partition wall

29

Sensor device for determining the filling level inside the receiving container

30

External entity (carrier vehicle)

31

Signal exchange module

32

Gripping and holding arm

40

Adjustable cover device

41

Lid device

42

Lid segment

50

Adjustable cover device

51

Waste deposit housing

52

Inner space of waste deposit housing

53

Sidewall of waste deposit housing

54

Top ceiling element of waste deposit housing

55

Waste deposit opening

56

Door (rolling gate)

57

Handling device

58

Tilting device

59

Device for positioning and/or aligning a waste container

60

Control device

61

Signal receiving unit

62

Signal processing unit

63

Signal transmission unit

64

Signal exchange connection

65

Signal exchange connection

66

Interface to external entity

67

Interface to operations centre

68

Interface to adjustable cover device

69

Interface to signal processing unit

70

Sensor device for gathering signals with regard to the external entity

71

First signal receiving connection

72

Interface to signal receiving unit

73

Database comprising reference values and/or threshold values

74

Signal exchange connection

75

First signal processing unit

76

Interface to signal processing unit

77

Interface to signal transmission unit

78

Interface to adjustable cover device

79

Interface to external device

80

Signal exchange connection

81

Second signal receiving connection

82

Interface to external discharge entity

83

Signal exchange connection

100

Urban environment

101

Ground level

Claims

1. A receiving station (20) for receiving and storing waste, said receiving station (20) preferably being selected from the group consisting of a stationary receiving station, an underground receiving station or a semi-underground receiving station, said receiving station (20) comprising,
a receiving container (22) with one or more compartments (27), each compartment (27) being adapted for receiving and storing waste, preferably a waste fraction,
said receiving container (22) comprising a receiving opening (24), said receiving opening (24) being provided in such a way, that waste can be filled into the receiving container (22) via said receiving opening (24),
an adjustable cover device (40, 50), said cover device (40, 50) being allocated to said receiving opening (24) and being configured to be operated between a first operational mode, in which the receiving opening (24) is closed by the cover device (40, 50), and a second operational mode, in which the receiving opening (24) is at least partially released by said cover device (40, 50),
characterized in
that the receiving station (20) comprises a control device (60),
that the control device (60) comprises a signal receiving unit (61), a signal processing unit (62) and a signal transmission unit (63),
that the signal receiving unit (61) is adapted for receiving input signals from an external entity (30) carrying waste, which is at least temporarily connected to the signal receiving unit (61) via a first signal receiving connection (71), and/or that the signal receiving unit (61) is adapted for gathering input signals from an external entity (30) carrying waste, said external entity (30) particularly being a carrier vehicle,
that the signal processing unit (62) is adapted, based on the input signals, for automatically generating adjustment commands for the cover device (40, 50),
that the signal transmission unit (63) is connected to the cover device (40, 50) via a first signal transmission connection (75) and that the signal transmission unit (63) is adapted for transmitting the adjustment commands to the cover device (40, 50) via said first signal transmission connection (75).

2. The receiving station according to claim 1, characterized in that the first signal receiving connection (71), by means of which the external entity (30) is connected to the signal receiving unit (61), is a data exchange connection or a communication connection, in particular for mobile radio or wireless data exchange or communication, and/or that the signal receiving unit (61), for gathering input signals from the external entity (30), comprises an optical sensor device, preferably a camera, or an electro-mechanical sensor device.

3. The receiving station according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the input signals, which are received by the signal receiving unit (61) from the external entity (30), are signals selected from the group consisting of distance values and/or time values and/or characteristic waste values.

4. The receiving station according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the receiving station (20) comprises at least one sensor device (29) for determining the filling level of waste being stored in the receiving container (22) and/or at least one sensor device for recognising the waste being carried by the external entity (30), and that the signal receiving unit (61) is adapted for receiving input signals from said sensor device (29), which is at least temporarily connected to the signal receiving unit (61) via a second signal receiving connection (81).

5. The receiving station according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control device (60) comprises an interface (82) to an external discharge entity (12), said discharge entity (12) being adapted for handling the discharge operation of the receiving container (22).

6. The receiving station according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cover device (40) comprises a lid device (41), said lid device (41) being pivotally arranged on the receiving container (22) and being adapted for covering the receiving opening (24), that the lid device (41) comprises one single lid element or two or more separate lid segments (42), each lid segment (42) being pivotally arranged on the receiving container (22) individually and independently from the other lid segment(s) (42), that the lid element or each lid segment (42) comprises a drive for generating the pivot motion, in particular an electric drive, and that the drive or each drive is connected to the signal transmission unit (63) via said first signal transmission connection (75).

7. The receiving station according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cover device (50) comprises a waste deposit housing (51), said waste deposit housing (51) being mounted to the receiving container (22) above the receiving opening (24) and surrounding same, that the waste deposit housing (51) comprises a waste deposit opening (55), preferably arranged in a sidewall (53) of the waste deposit housing (51), that the waste deposit housing (51) further comprises a door (56) or flap, which is movably mounted to the waste deposit housing (51) to selectively open and close the waste deposit opening (55), that the flap or door (56) comprises a drive for generating the motion thereof, in particular an electric drive, and that the drive is connected to the signal transmission unit (63) via said first signal transmission connection (75).

8. The receiving station according to claim 7, characterized in that the waste deposit housing (51) comprises a handling device (57) for handling waste being introduced into the waste deposit housing (51) via said waste deposit opening (55), in particular for handling a waste container (13) comprising such waste, said handling device (57) preferably being provided inside the waste deposit housing (51).

9. The receiving station according to claim 8, characterized in that the handling device (57) comprises a device for taking over a waste container or waste from the external entity (30), in particular from a carrier vehicle, and/or a device (58) for tilting a waste container (13) inside the waste deposit housing (51), and/or a device (59) for positioning and/or aligning a waste container (13) or waste above the receiving opening (24) of the receiving container (22), and/or a device for horizontally and/or vertically moving a waste container (13) or waste inside the waste deposit housing (52).

10. The receiving station according to anyone of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the waste deposit housing (51) is provided as a garage for the external entity (30), in particular for the carrier vehicle, carrying waste.

11. The receiving station according to anyone of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the receiving station (20) comprises a guiding device (15) for guiding and/or aligning the external entity (30), in particular the carrier vehicle, carrying waste, in relation to the cover device (40, 50).

12. The receiving station according to anyone of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the receiving station (20) comprises a device (16) for generating power, in particular for generating electric power, said device (16) for generating power being adapted for providing energy to different components of the receiving station (20), in particular to the adjustable cover device (40, 50) and to the control device (60) and/or for providing energy for charging the external entity (30), in particular the carrier vehicle, carrying waste.

13. A waste management system (10) for handling waste in an environment (100), said waste management system (10) comprising at least one receiving station (20) for receiving and storing waste according to anyone of claims 1 to 12, said waste management system (10) further comprising at least one external entity (30) carrying waste, in particular a carrier vehicle, said external entity (30) particularly being configured as an autonomous external entity (30).

14. The waste management system according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises at least one discharge entity (12), said discharge entity (12) being adapted for handling the discharge procedure of the receiving container (22) of the receiving station (20), said discharge entity (12) particularly being a waste truck, preferably an autonomous waste truck, said discharge entity (12) at least temporarily being connected to the receiving station (22) via a signal exchange (83) connection.

15. A method of operating a waste receiving station (20) for receiving and storing waste, said receiving station (20) preferably being selected from the group consisting of a stationary receiving station, an underground receiving station or a semi-underground receiving station, said receiving station (20) comprising a receiving container (22) with one or more compartments (27), each compartment (27) being adapted for receiving and storing waste, in particular a waste fraction, said receiving container (22) comprising a receiving opening (24), whereby waste gets filled into the receiving container (22) via said receiving opening (24), an adjustable cover device (40, 50), said cover device (40, 50) being allocated to said receiving opening (24) and being configured to be operated, by use of a control device (60) of said receiving station (20), between a first operational mode, in which the receiving opening (24) is closed by the cover device (40, 50), and a second operational mode, in which the receiving opening (24) is at least partially released by said cover device (40, 50), wherein the control device (60) comprises a signal receiving unit (61), a signal processing unit (62) and a signal transmission (63) unit, in particular a method of operating a waste receiving station (20) according to anyone of claims 1 to 12, said method preferably being operated in a waste management system (10) according to claim 13 or 14, said method comprising the following steps:

the signal receiving unit (61) of the control device (60) receives input signals from an, preferably autonomous, external entity (30) carrying waste, in particular from a carrier vehicle, via a first signal receiving connection (71), and/or the signal receiving unit (61) gathers input signals from the external entity (30);

the input signals are transmitted from the signal receiving unit (61) to the signal processing unit (62);

based on the input signals, the signal processing unit (62) automatically generates adjustment commands for the cover device (40, 50);

the generated adjustment commands are transmitted from the signal processing unit (62) to the signal transmission unit (63);

via a first signal transmission connection (75) between the signal transmission unit (63) and the cover device (40, 50), the adjustment commands are transmitted from the signal transmission unit (63) to the cover device (40, 50);

after the adjustment commands have been received by the cover device (40, 50), the cover device (40, 50) gets adjusted according to the adjustment commands.

Drawing