Locking device for securing the door of a waste container

Abstract

Locking device for locking a door (2,1), in particular a door (2.1) of a waste container (1), with a locking element (6) which is movable back and forth between a locking position and an unlocking position and an actuating element (7) coupled to the locking element (6), characterized in that the actuating element (7) is oval in shape.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device for locking a door, in particular a door of a waste container, comprising a locking element that can be moved back and forth between a locking position and an unlocking position, and an actuating element coupled to the locking element. The invention further relates to a tool for actuating an actuating element of a locking device, as well as to a waste container for waste disposal, comprising a container housing for receiving waste, which can be emptied via a door that can be moved into an open and a closed position.

[0002] Waste bins in a wide variety of shapes are well-known and are often installed in public spaces, such as parks and public facilities such as government offices and shopping centers. These allow for easy disposal of waste by passersby.

[0003] Known waste containers have a container housing in which the waste can be collected. The waste can be collected directly in the container housing or in a bucket or garbage bag located in the container housing. To empty the waste container, known waste containers have a door that can be moved into an open and a closed position and can be protected against accidental opening by a locking device.

[0004] For this purpose, the locking device typically has at least one locking element that can be moved back and forth between a locking position and an unlocking position, thus either locking or unlocking the door. An actuating element is provided to activate the locking element, which can be actuated, for example, by a person emptying the waste container. These known actuating elements have a square shape, for example, in the form of a triangle.

[0005] While such locking devices for locking doors have proven effective in the past, it has been shown that, particularly due to the angular design of the actuating element, they are often subject to vandalism. These actuating elements can be operated not only with a dedicated tool, which is now also readily available, but also with pliers, screwdrivers, or the like. Thus, it frequently happens that unauthorized persons, such as bottle collectors or the like, open the waste bins to access the deposit bottles contained within. However, this often involves simply dumping the waste on the ground, which leads to unwanted contamination of public spaces.

[0006] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide a locking device which enables better protection against unintentional opening.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned object, it is proposed in a closure device of the type mentioned at the outset that the actuating element is oval in shape.

[0008] An oval design of the actuating element ensures that the actuating element can be opened with a tool not intended for this purpose, such as a screwdriver, pliers, or the like. Rather, it is necessary to use a suitable tool adapted for this purpose to open the locking device. This ensures that the locking device, and in particular the waste containers, cannot be opened by unauthorized persons, thus preventing damage caused by vandalism in public spaces. It is particularly preferred if the cross-section of the actuating element has an oval shape.

[0009] Oval, within the meaning of the invention, refers in particular to configurations that have a substantially flat, rounded, convex shape. Alternatively, non-circular configurations are also conceivable. In particular, it is not necessary to provide axes of symmetry. Preferably, the actuating element, and in particular the cross-section of the actuating element, can have a symmetrical geometry. Nevertheless, asymmetrical geometries are also conceivable.

[0010] An advantageous embodiment in this context provides that the actuating element is elliptical and / or has an elliptical course. An elliptical course can be understood in such a way that it can correspond to or be similar to part of an elliptical path. In particular, a shape which has a main axis is considered to be elliptical. The main axis can correspond to a straight line which runs through the center of the ellipse and connects the main vertices or main vertices of the elliptical contour or elliptical path, i.e. correspond to the points on the elliptical contour or elliptical path that are the greatest distance apart from one another on the elliptical contour or elliptical path. The main axis can also be divided by the center point into two major semi-axes. The minor axis, which can run through the center of the ellipse, can also be perpendicular to the main axis.The minor axis can be divided into two minor semi-axes by the center. Accordingly, the minor axis has its minor vertices or vertices at the point where the minor axis meets the ellipse contour or ellipse path.

[0011] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the diameter of the actuating element is larger along a major axis than along a minor axis. This ensures that an engaging element engaging the actuating element does not slip off, thus enabling reliable and simple actuation of the actuating element. Furthermore, these properties simplify the manufacturing process. The oval or elliptical design of the actuating element thus makes it easy to prevent unintentional actuation.

[0012] It is particularly preferred if the diameter along the major axis is at least 1.2 times the diameter along the minor axis, preferably between 1.2 and 1.5 times. This further simplifies handling of the actuating element. A ratio of 11 mm along the major axis to 9 mm along the minor axis has proven particularly advantageous.

[0013] It is further advantageous if the actuating element is designed without edges. For the purposes of the invention, edges can be understood as the outer boundary of a surface and / or a line created by the meeting of two planes or surfaces. An edge-free design can be achieved in particular by rounding off, soft transitions or special material processing in order to ensure a smooth and seamless surface. This can ensure that easy gripping of the actuating element is not possible. In particular, it can be provided that there is no straight line in the region of the outer border of the cross-sectional surface and / or no straight line and / or step along the length of the actuating element.Due to such a design, it can be ensured that a tool which is not intended for this purpose and is therefore not adapted to this purpose slips off the actuating element, thus making it difficult or even impossible for unauthorized persons to open it.

[0014] In this context, it is preferred if the actuating element has no straight edges in at least one direction, particularly in two directions. A completely rounded shape can be provided in this respect. In particular, the actuating element can be designed such that no straight edges are provided in a flat surface of the actuating element, particularly in the cross-section and / or in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the actuating element, thereby ensuring that this actuating element cannot be attacked in an undesired manner.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is rod-shaped or peg-shaped. In particular, the actuating element can be designed as an oval rod. The actuating element can in particular have an elongated shape, wherein a first end can preferably protrude outside the closure device, in particular outside the waste container, in order to form an engagement point for a corresponding tool. A second end of the actuating element can also be guided inside the closure device, in particular inside the waste container, and engage with the locking element. A rod-shaped or peg-shaped design provides an actuating element in a simple manner that fulfills the requirements of the invention.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the actuating element can be moved back and forth, in particular rotated back and forth, between a locking position and an unlocking position. It is also advantageous if the locking element can be moved back and forth, in particular pivoted back and forth, between a locking position and an unlocking position. By rotating the actuating element and / or the locking element, an intuitive unlocking or locking of the closure device can be achieved. In order to move the actuating element accordingly, it can be moved by hand, in particular rotated back and forth by hand, using an actuating handle, in particular a corresponding tool. In this way, the door of the waste container can be opened and closed via the actuating element. In particular, a door for emptying the container housing can be opened and / or closed in this way.

[0017] It is also advantageous if the locking element and the actuating element are motion-coupled. Due to the coupling between the actuating element and the locking element, a movement of the actuating element leads directly to a corresponding movement of the locking element, and a movement of the locking element leads to a corresponding movement of the actuating element. In this way, actuation of the actuating element automatically leads to a movement of the locking element and thus to a release and / or locking of the door. Preferably, the actuating element can be motion-coupled to the locking element both in the direction of the locking position and in the direction of the unlocking position. The actuating element and the locking element can therefore be positively coupled to one another. Minor relative movements, e.g. due to tolerances or a certain amount of play between the components, are of course possible.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the actuating element be operable using a correspondingly designed tool. This provides the user with a tool with which the actuating element can be operated without great effort. Ease of use can thus be significantly increased. At the same time, it can be ensured that only persons with the appropriate tool can open and close the locking device, and thus the door of a waste container.

[0019] To achieve the above-mentioned object, a tool for actuating an actuating element of a closure device is further proposed, wherein the tool has at least one oval engagement element.

[0020] The configurations and features described in connection with the closure device according to the invention can also be used individually or in combination in a tool according to the invention. The same advantages as those already described result.

[0021] A preferred embodiment provides for the tool to be designed as a key element. Such a key element can be made available to the user, resulting in user-friendly operation of the locking device. Such a key element allows the actuating element to be moved easily, in particular back and forth between an open and a closed position. The tool, and in particular the key element, can preferably be designed as a single piece. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the tool is designed as multiple pieces, for example in the form of a first element and an adapter.

[0022] It is also advantageous if at least a portion of the tool, in particular the engagement element, is designed as a hollow rod with a cross-section corresponding to the actuating element. In this respect, the tool can accommodate at least a portion of the actuating element within its interior and thus engage with the actuating element. Designing it as a hollow rod results in a comparatively large contact surface, thus ensuring reliable actuation. A correspondingly shaped cross-section also prevents the tool from slipping during actuation.

[0023] Finally, in a waste container for waste disposal of the type mentioned above, it is proposed to achieve the above-mentioned object by providing a closure device according to one of the previously described embodiments. This also results in the same advantages as those already described in connection with the closure device and / or the tool. All embodiments and features can be used individually or in combination.

[0024] A preferred embodiment in this context provides for the locking device to be arranged on the container housing, particularly in the area of ​​the swing-out part of the door. This allows for easier access to the locking device, as it is located within the user's working area. Alternatively, embodiments in which the locking device is arranged on the door are also conceivable. Furthermore, multiple locking devices can be provided to ensure reliable locking of the door.

[0025] The waste container can preferably have a bucket and / or a holder for a garbage bag for holding the waste. A garbage bag that can be attached to the holder can be removed from the waste container for further disposal, including the collected waste. The bucket for holding the waste can be removably arranged inside the container housing and can be removed from the container housing for emptying. The bucket can hold a garbage bag.

[0026] The container housing can preferably be emptied via a door that can be moved into an open and a closed position. When the door is in the closed position, the container housing can be closed so that waste can be received in the container housing. This reception of the waste can take place either directly in the container housing or in a bucket or in a garbage bag, wherein the garbage bag can in particular be arranged on a holding device of the container housing or in the bucket. In the open position, the container housing can be opened so that the waste received in the container housing can be removed. Buckets arranged on the container housing and / or a garbage bag can be removed from the container housing together with the collected waste when the door is in the open position.

[0027] Further details and advantages of a waste container according to the invention and a closure device according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a waste container according to the invention; Fig. 2 perspective view of a locking device and a corresponding tool; Fig. 3 a further perspective view of a closure device according to the invention and a corresponding tool.

[0028] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a waste container 1, such as those installed in many public areas and parks under municipal supervision for waste disposal. The waste container 1 has a container housing 2 into which the waste can be collected. For this purpose, a removable bucket (not shown here) or a removable garbage bag can be provided in the container housing 2.

[0029] The container housing 2 can be emptied via a door 2.1. For this purpose, the Fig. 1, the door 2.1 shown in its closed position can be moved into an open position so that the waste can be removed from the container housing 2 and thus emptied, for example by removing the bucket or the waste bag.

[0030] In order to protect the interior of the container housing 2, for example, against precipitation and thus prevent the waste from getting wet, a container lid 3 is arranged on the top of the container housing 2, by means of which the container housing 2 can be closed. To enable passersby to still throw their waste from the outside of the waste container into the container housing 2, the container housing 2 has at least one insertion opening 4. Two insertion openings 4 are particularly advantageous, in particular two on the opposite sides, wherein one insertion opening 4 can be arranged on the container door 2.1. Fig. 1, however, only one insertion opening 4 is visible. Through this insertion opening 4, the waste can be thrown into the waste container 1 from the outside, so that it then falls downwards into the container housing 2.

[0031] To prevent garbage fires or the like, an ashtray 10 is also provided on the waste container 1, and in particular on the container lid 3, so that no burning or smoldering ash or cigarette butts are thrown into the waste contained in the container housing 2. In this way, the ash and cigarette butts can first be collected by the ashtray 10 and cool down before they enter the container housing 2.

[0032] To protect the interior of the waste container 1 and the container housing 2 from unauthorized access, the container door 2.1 can be locked by means of a locking device 5. For this purpose, a locking device 5 is provided, which has a locking element 6 and an actuating element 7 coupled to the locking element 6, which in the present embodiment is arranged on the container housing 2 of the waste container 1. However, embodiments are also conceivable in which the locking device 5 is arranged on the container door 2.1. To simplify operation, the locking device 5 is arranged in the upper region and in particular in the region where the container lid 3 rests.

[0033] By arranging the locking device 5 in the area of ​​the swing-out part of the container door 2.1, the door 2.1 can be locked and unlocked as needed. In particular, by actuating the locking device 5, the container door 2.1 can be opened as needed, for example, to remove waste from the container housing 2.

[0034] To remove the waste from the container housing, the locking device 5 can be opened, allowing a bucket or garbage bag located inside to be removed. After emptying, the door 2.1 can then be closed again using the locking device 5, preventing unauthorized persons from accessing the interior of the waste container 1.

[0035] How this Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show in more detail, the locking device 5 essentially has two elements, namely, on the one hand, the locking element 6, which can be moved back and forth between a locking position and an unlocking position in order to release the door 2.1, and, on the other hand, an actuating element 7. In the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the locking element 6 is in the unlocked position. To close the door 2.1, the locking element 6 can be rotated about a rotation axis R.

[0036] In order to enable actuation of the locking element 6, an actuating element 7 is further provided, which can be moved back and forth between a locking position and an unlocking position, in particular can be rotated back and forth about an axis R. The locking element 6 and the actuating element 7 are motion-coupled, which means that actuation of the actuating element 7 causes a direct movement of the locking element 6 and in particular a rotation about the axis R.

[0037] As can also be seen, the actuating element 7, and in particular its cross-section, is oval. An actuating element 7 designed in this way ensures that it can only be actuated with a tool 8 intended for this purpose. Due to the geometric shape, it is difficult to engage it with other tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers, etc., since these would slip off the rounded shape of the actuating element 7.

[0038] In the present exemplary embodiment, the actuating element 7, and in particular the cross-section of the actuating element 7, is elliptical, wherein the diameter of the actuating element 7 is larger along a main axis H than along a secondary axis N. Here, it has proven advantageous if the diameter along the main axis H is at least 1.2 times the diameter along the secondary axis N, preferably between 1.2 and 1.5 times. With regard to the dimensions, embodiments having a value of 11 mm along the main axis and a value of 9 mm along the secondary axis have proven particularly advantageous. Nevertheless, further embodiments with different dimensions are conceivable.

[0039] In order to ensure that unauthorized tools cannot attack the actuating element 7, it is also provided that the actuating element 7 is designed without edges. This means, in particular, that the actuating element 7 has no edges in at least one direction, in particular in two directions. Fig. 2 exemplifies that, due to the oval or, in particular, elliptical shape, there are no straight edges or straight sides in the top view. The same applies to the edges of the actuating element 7 in the longitudinal direction of the actuating element 7.

[0040] As can be further seen, the actuating element 7 is rod-shaped. However, configurations are conceivable in which the actuating element 7 is, for example, pin-shaped or similar. With such a configuration, the locking element 6 can easily engage with the actuating element 7, thus establishing a movement coupling.

[0041] To enable the door 2.1 of the waste container 1 to be opened or closed, a tool 8 is also provided, which in the present embodiment is designed as a key element. Such a tool 8 can be carried by a person responsible for emptying the waste container 1, allowing the waste container 1 to be opened and closed as needed to remove the waste from the container housing 2.

[0042] It can be seen that the tool 8 has a shape corresponding to the actuating element 7 and, in particular, an oval engagement element 9. The engagement element 9 is designed such that it corresponds to the shape of the actuating element 7 and can thus easily engage it. The oval shape also ensures that the key element can only engage in one position, thus preventing incorrect actuation. At least the lower portion of the tool 8 is designed as a hollow rod with a cross-section corresponding to the actuating element 7.

[0043] With the aid of the above-described closure device 5 of the waste container 1 and a corresponding tool 8, a waste container 1 can be reliably protected from damage, in particular from vandalism. Reference symbol: 1 waste bin 2 container housings 2.1 Container door 3 container lids 4 Insertion opening 5 Locking device 6 locking element 7 Actuating element 8 Tools 9 engagement element 10 ashtrays R rotation axis H main axis N minor axis

Claims

[1] Locking device for locking a door (2,1), in particular a door (2.1) of a waste container (1), with a locking element (6) which can be moved back and forth between a locking position and an unlocking position and an actuating element (7) coupled to the locking element (6), characterized by that the actuating element (7) is oval. [2] Closure device according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating element (7) is elliptical. [3] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the diameter of the actuating element (7) is larger along a main axis (H) than along a secondary axis (N). [4] Closure device according to claim 3, characterized by that the diameter along the major axis (H) is at least 1.2 times the diameter along the minor axis (N), preferably between 1.2 and 1.5 times. [5] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (7) is designed without edges. [6] Closure device according to claim 5, characterized by that the actuating element (7) has no straight edges in at least one spatial direction, in particular in two spatial directions. [7] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (7) is rod-shaped or pin-shaped. [8] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (7) can be moved back and forth, in particular rotated back and forth, between a locking position and an unlocking position. [9] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the locking element (6) and the actuating element (7) are movement-coupled. [10] Closure device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuating element (7) can be actuated by means of a correspondingly designed tool (8). [11] Tool for actuating an actuating element (7) of a closure device (5) according to one of the preceding claims with an oval engagement element (9). [12] Tool according to claim 11, characterized by that the tool (8) is designed as a key element. [13] Tool according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized by that at least one partial area, in particular the engagement element (9), is designed as a hollow rod with a cross-section corresponding to the actuating element (7). [14] Waste container for the disposal of waste with a container housing (2) for receiving waste, which can be emptied via a door (2.1) movable into an open and a closed position, characterized bya closure device (5) according to one of claims 1 to 11. [15] Waste container according to claim 14, characterized by that the closure device (5) is arranged on the container housing (2), in particular in the region of the swinging part of the door (2.1).

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