Opening mechanism for a waste container with electrically operable bending actuator

Abstract

The invention relates to a waste container (1) for a passenger-transport rail vehicle, comprising at least one cover flap (2) and an opening mechanism (3), by means of which the cover flap (2) can be moved from a closed state, in which it closes an opening (4) of the waste container (1), into an open state, in which it at least partially exposes the opening (4) of the waste container (1) for the insertion of waste, wherein the opening mechanism (3) comprises at least one electrically operable bending actuator (5).

Description

[0001]202303581 Foreign version Description Opening mechanism of a waste container with electrically actuated bending actuator The invention relates to a waste container for a rail vehicle for passenger transport, comprising at least one cover flap and an opening mechanism, by means of which the cover flap can be moved from a closed state, in which it closes an opening of the waste container, to an open state, in which it at least partially releases the opening of the waste container for the insertion of waste. Manually opened waste containers are well known, wherein a cover flap is opened by touch. This is considered to be disadvantageous in terms of hygiene. Waste containers with complex opening mechanisms, e.g. mechanically via a foot pedal to be operated, or electric motor with correspondingly complex mechanics and control, are also known. These opening mechanisms usually require a lot of installation space.In addition to electric motor, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic drives, so-called bending actuators are known, for example from https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=IgfXb10vfAo&t=119s (accessed at the relevant time of this document). Bimetallic switches are used as thermal switches or thermal relays. Bending actuators can also be controlled electrically. When a voltage of a predetermined magnitude is applied, an electric current flows through them, heating them, causing them to bend. If no current flows and no external heat is applied, they stretch back to their original shape when the temperature drops. 202303581 Foreign version The invention is based on the object of proposing a waste container that can be opened without contact and has a spatially small drive. This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1.Further developments and embodiments of the invention can be found in the features of the dependent patent claims. A waste container according to the invention for a rail vehicle for passenger transport comprises at least one cover flap and an opening mechanism, by means of which opening mechanism, in an operating state, the cover flap can be moved from a closed state, in which it closes an opening of the waste container, to an open state, in which it exposes the opening of the waste container, wherein the opening mechanism comprises at least one electrically actuated bending actuator. In the closed state, the opening of the waste container is in particular completely closed by the cover flap. In the open state, the cover flap is at least partially open and the opening of the waste container is thus at least partially exposed for the insertion of waste.The at least one cover flap is arranged on the waste container, for example, on a housing of the waste container, for example, mounted rotatably about an axis, and is designed such that it can be moved from the closed state to the open state by a force acting on it. The at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is particularly designed and arranged to apply the force and move the cover flap from the closed state to the open state, in particular by force actuation.202303581 Foreign version According to a development of the invention, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is suitably designed and arranged in an operating state of the opening mechanism for the cover flap in such a way that, when an electrical voltage is applied, it exerts a force on the cover flap in the closed state by bending, which force causes the flap to move from the closed to the open state and, in a state free of an electrical voltage, releases a movement of the cover flap from the open state to the closed state. The at least one electrically actuated bending actuator acts as a drive or actuator of the opening mechanism for the automated opening of the cover flap.An electrical voltage applied to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator causes the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator to bend, thereby applying a force to the cover flap that causes the cover flap to open. In the bent state of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, the cover flap is held open by the actuator. When no electrical voltage is applied, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator returns to a stretched rest state, thus causing the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator to stretch, and closing of the cover flap is at least enabled. One end of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator can be firmly connected, for example by a material fit, to a housing that is stationary relative to the cover flap.The other end can also be firmly connected to the cover flap, so that the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator also closes the cover flap by force when it is de-energized. According to a further development, the cover flap is suitably designed and arranged such that, in a state free from the application of an electrical voltage to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, it can be moved by gravity from the open state to the closed state. To open the cover flap, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator applies a force to the cover flap against the force of gravity via its bending.Additionally or alternatively, the waste container, in particular the opening mechanism of the waste container, has, in a further development, at least one spring which is pretensioned against the cover flap in such a way that, in a state free from the application of an electrical voltage to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, it can be moved from the open state to the closed state due to spring force. The at least one electrically actuated bending actuator acts accordingly against the spring pretension to open the cover flap or, to move the cover flap from the closed to the open state, it applies a force via its bending against the spring force of the at least one pretensioned spring. In both cases, the cover flap returns from the open to the closed state due to gravity and / or spring force in the tension-free and thus stretched state of the at least one bending actuator.Accordingly, the closed state of the cover flap could also be referred to as a rest state. For example, the cover flap could be mounted so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, wherein the cover flap is oriented horizontally in the closed state and closes the opening of the waste container, which spans a horizontal plane. In the open state, the cover flap is rotated about the axis against the force of gravity by the at least one bending actuator and is thus folded upwards. 202303581 Foreign version Likewise, the cover flap could be mounted so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, wherein the cover flap is oriented vertically in the closed state and closes the opening of the waste container, which spans a vertical plane.In a hanging design with the axis in the closed state in the upper area of ​​the cover flap, the cover flap is rotated around the axis in the open state by the at least one bending actuator and thus folded upwards against the force of gravity. The return of the cover flap to the closed state in the stress-free and thus stretched state of the at least one bending actuator occurs due to gravity, but can also be assisted by spring force. In a standing design with the axis in the closed state in the lower area of ​​the cover flap, the cover flap is rotated around the axis in the open state by the at least one bending actuator and thus folded downwards. The return of the cover flap to the closed state in the stress-free and thus stretched state of the at least one bending actuator occurs due to spring force, against the force of gravity.In both embodiments, the cover flap could be folded away from the waste container - outwards - from the closed state to the open state, or the cover flap is advantageously folded towards the waste container - inwards - from the closed state to the open state. According to a further development of the invention, the opening mechanism is designed such that the at least one cover flap can be manually moved from the closed to the open state. In particular, in a state free from the application of an electrical voltage to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, the cover flap can be manually moved from the closed to the open state.202303581 Foreign version The at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is designed accordingly and, in an operating state of the opening mechanism for the cover flap, is arranged such that, in a state free from an electrical voltage, it enables movement of the cover flap from the closed state to the open state. As already explained above, the at least one cover flap is arranged such that it can be moved accordingly on the waste container, for example on a housing of the waste container, for example mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis, and is designed such that it can be moved from the closed state to the open state by a force acting on it.In addition to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, which can be suitably designed and arranged to effect the force and move the cover flap from the closed state to the open state, the opening mechanism is correspondingly designed so that the force can also be applied manually to the cover flap. The cover flap can thus be opened manually independently of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator. Advantageously, the opening mechanism is designed such that the at least one cover flap can be moved manually from the closed to the open state without being deformed, in particular bent, by the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator. In particular, the cover flap is only moved against gravity and / or spring force, which in turn returns it from the open to the closed state.The opening mechanism is designed and the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is arranged, at least in the operating state of the opening mechanism, such that the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, in a state free of electrical voltage, enables movement of the cover flap from the closed state to the open state. In one embodiment, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is free of a fixed connection to the at least one cover flap. This can include both material-fit connections and positive or non-positive connections, provided that they result in the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator being deformed, in particular bent, in a state free of electrical voltage during a manually or otherwise externally induced movement of the cover flap from the closed to the open state.This deformation, in particular bending, would therefore be caused by a force applied from the outside to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator through the fixed connection to the cover flap and through the movement of the cover flap. The force applied to the cover flap by the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator when voltage is applied is preferably transmitted by the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator contacting the cover flap. The at least one electrically actuated bending actuator contacts the at least one cover flap, at least when bent due to the application of an electrical voltage and when the cover flap is free from further external forces - apart from gravitational and / or spring forces. Depending on the design, this can also be implemented as a force-fit or form-fit connection, but this is only effective on one side.Only when the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is bent, in particular due to an applied voltage, is a force transmitted between the electrically actuated bending actuator and the cover flap, resulting in a movement of the cover flap from the closed to the open state. In the opposite case, i.e., a manually actuated movement of the cover flap from the closed to the open state, no force is transmitted between the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator and the at least one cover flap; the cover flap is lifted off the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator.This is achieved, for example, in the case of a cover flap that is aligned horizontally in the closed state, in that the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is aligned parallel to the cover flap in the de-energized state and thus also horizontally, and is arranged in the region of the axis about which the cover flap is rotatably mounted on the housing. When voltage is applied, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator bends towards the cover flap so that it rests against it and, upon further bending, directly transfers a force to open the cover flap. If the flap is to be opened inwards, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is arranged above the cover flap and such that it bends downwards, towards the flap, when voltage is applied.This is then subjected to pressure in the direction of the waste container, in particular counter to a spring force acting on the cover flap, which moves the cover flap from the open state, when the bending actuator is de-energized, back into the closed state, thereby opening it. Likewise, the cover flap can also be opened by manual pressure, when the bending actuator is de-energized, which then no longer rests against the cover flap and therefore releases it. Analogously, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator can also be arranged in the region of the axis below the cover flap, which opens outwards. It bends upwards accordingly. The cover flap returns from the open to the closed state due to gravity as soon as the bending actuator is free of electrical voltage.Even in the foreign version of this variant (202303581), the cover flap could be opened manually when the bending actuator is de-energized, without exerting a force on the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator. According to a further embodiment, the cover flap is mounted so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, wherein the cover flap is vertically aligned in the closed state and closes the opening of the waste container, which opening spans a vertical plane, wherein the cover flap has at least one tab for the attachment of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, which tab has an angle to the cover flap that is at least as large as a predetermined opening angle of the cover flap. The tab can be formed from the cover flap, for example the cover flap is designed as a metallic bent part or made of a plastic, for example as a cast part, or the tab is firmly connected to the cover flap.The at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is aligned with the tab such that when an electrical voltage is applied and the bending is caused thereby, it rests against the tab in order to apply a force to the tab of the cover flap, which moves the cover flap from the closed state to the open state. In a hanging design with the axis in the closed state in the upper region of the cover flap, the cover flap is rotated about the axis in the open state against the force of gravity by the at least one bending actuator and is thus folded upwards. The return of the cover flap to the closed state in the stress-free and thus stretched state of the at least one bending actuator occurs due to gravity, but can also be assisted by spring force. The at least one tab is at an angle to the plane of the cover flap in the closed state and can protrude inwards into the waste container.202303581 Foreign version The at least one electrically actuable bending actuator is aligned with the at least one tab such that when an electrical voltage is applied it bends towards the tab and engages the tab in order to apply a force to the tab of the cover flap, which moves the cover flap from the closed to the open state. If the bending angle between the cover flap and the tab is between zero and 90° and the flap opens inwards, the bending actuator bends with an upward direction and is arranged behind the tab as seen from the cover flap. If, on the other hand, the flap opens outwards with a bending angle between the cover flap and the tab between zero and 90°, the bending actuator bends with a downward direction and is arranged in front of the tab as seen from the cover flap. For bending angles greater than 90°, the orientation and bending direction are reversed.To clarify the alignment of the tab to the cover flap, the term bending angle is used here, although the cover flap does not necessarily have to be designed as a bent part. A fold on the edge of a sheet with a bending angle of 90° is referred to as a standing seam. A bend on the edge of a sheet with a bending angle of 180° is referred to as a fold. In a standing version with the axis in the closed state in the lower area of ​​the cover flap, the cover flap is rotated around the axis in the open state by the at least one bending actuator against a spring force and thus folded upwards. The return of the cover flap to the closed state in the stress-free and thus stretched state of the at least one bending actuator is due to spring force. The at least one tab is at an angle to the plane of the cover flap in the closed state and can protrude inwards into the waste container.The at least one electrically actuatable bending actuator is aligned with the at least one tab such that when an electrical voltage is applied it bends towards the tab and engages the tab to apply a force to the tab of the cover flap, moving the cover flap from the closed to the open state. If the bending angle between the cover flap and the tab is between zero and 90° and the flap opens inwards, the bending actuator bends with a downward direction and is arranged behind the tab, as viewed from the cover flap. If, on the other hand, the flap opens outwards with a bending angle between the cover flap and the tab between zero and 90°, the bending actuator bends with an upward direction and is arranged in front of the tab, as viewed from the cover flap. For bending angles greater than 90°, the orientation and bending direction are reversed.Here, too, the term "bending angle" was used only to clarify the alignment of the tab to the cover flap, without the cover flap necessarily having to be designed as a bent part. The last embodiments described here enable the manual opening of the cover flap without bending the one electrically actuated bending actuator. In a further development, the waste container comprises a control device for controlling the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator. The control device is designed to apply a voltage to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator that is sufficient to cause the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator to bend in order to move the cover flap from the closed state to the open state.The control device can comprise an electrical energy source, a voltage and / or current source, or it is designed to control the voltage applied to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator from an external electrical energy source, which is connected to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, e.g., via an electrical conductor. The control unit is designed to control the electrically actuated bending actuator. It includes appropriate logic, generally for opening, holding, and closing the cover flap. In doing so, any danger caused by incorrect operation, e.g., by pinching fingers, should be minimized. This control must correspond to the specific electrical specifications of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator. The control unit is designed to be appropriately matched to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator.This requires a regulated energy output. This control must therefore be able to control the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator in a time- and power-limiting manner. Here, energy = power x time. Excessively high and continuous energy output can lead to overheating and destruction of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator. To ensure energetically secure control of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, the defined charge quantity of a capacitor can be used instead of an electronic control. This capacitor provides the amount of energy required to safely open the cover flap and, thanks to its finite capacitance (As / V), also has a protective function for the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator. The capacitor is protected from overload by the constantly decreasing charge quantity of the capacitor.An energy transfer takes place from the capacitor to the electrically actuated bending actuator, whereby the energy is converted into heat in the electrically actuated bending actuator. Since the energy flow decreases over time, if the capacitor is correctly designed, the electrically actuated bending actuator will not overheat, as this temperature steadily decreases. When designing the capacitor, only the amount of energy and the discharge time must be determined to ensure appropriate opening at the desired time. Thus, instead of a complex electronic control system, a simple relay circuit is required. This can be a changeover contact.Misuse of the flap function, for example through repeated activation of the automatic opening function by a user, can also be prevented by limiting the recharging current of the capacitor to such an extent that only a limited number of opening requests are available. The at least one electrically actuated bending actuator further comprises a bimetal or a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy is electrically activated by applying an electrical voltage. The bimetal reacts to heat generated by its own or external electrical resistance. As a result, the bimetal is also electrically activated by applying the electrical voltage. An external resistor is, for example, an electrical resistor arranged on and connected to the bimetal, which acts as a resistance heater for the bimetal.The opening mechanism with at least one electrically operated bending actuator offers various advantages. For example, it takes up a comparatively small installation space. The simple design requires less installation space and saves weight. Nevertheless, the waste bin can be opened without contact, thus preventing the transmission of viruses or bacteria by passengers. Furthermore, a simple design with few moving parts is possible. This is accompanied by less wear and tear and less maintenance effort. The electrical control of the at least one electrically operated bending actuator can be minimized with appropriate design. The overall energy consumption of the automatic cover flap is reduced compared to conventional solutions. The design still allows for manual operation, which is required, for example, in the event of an emergency.According to a further development, the opening mechanism comprises at least one thermally actuated bending actuator, wherein the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator is designed to switch the opening mechanism from the operating state to an emergency state. In the emergency state of the opening mechanism, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is arranged relative to the cover flap such that the cover flap is free from a force applied by the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator upon application of an electrical voltage due to the bending caused thereby. The at least one thermally actuated bending actuator is designed to deform under external thermal influences, in particular to bend at higher temperatures and to stretch at lower temperatures. It could also be referred to as thermally or heat-actuated.Furthermore, it is designed and arranged in the opening mechanism, for example for the cover flap, to apply a force to the opening mechanism, for example directly to the cover flap, by means of a bending caused by external heat in order to move the opening mechanism from the operating state into the emergency state. In the emergency state of the opening mechanism, even a bending of the electrically actuated bending actuator caused by applying an electrical voltage to the electrically actuated bending actuator does not apply a force to the cover flap that causes the cover flap to move from the closed to the open state. The thermally actuated bending actuator actuated under the influence of external heat thus causes an interruption in the opening of the cover flap by means of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator.Advantageously, manual opening of the cover flap is not blocked even in an emergency state, but the opening mechanism is designed in such a way that the cover flap is free from a force applied by the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator when an electrical voltage is applied due to the bending caused thereby - in the closed as well as in the open state. In the event of an accident (e.g. a fire in the container), the cover flap is held closed, for example by a torsion spring. In contrast to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, which is connected to an electrical energy source (voltage and / or current source), e.g. via an electrical conductor, the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator is free from a connection to an electrical energy source and free from a direct connection to a technical heat generator, i.e. to a thermal energy source provided for this purpose.A technical heat generator is understood here to mean a technical system that is designed to supply heat energy to the thermally actuated bending actuator, in particular in a targeted manner. Furthermore, the waste container can be free of a technical heat generator, such as a heating device, a heater or any other technical thermal energy source. A heater for heating the interior of a rail vehicle in which the waste container can be located, for example in a sanitary cell of the rail vehicle, should not, however, fall under this, since during normal operation it does not provide sufficient heat to actuate the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator. 202303581 Foreign version The at least one thermally actuated bending actuator is rather provided for in the event of a fire.Should a fire break out in the interior of the rail vehicle, for example the sanitary cell in which the waste container is located, the closed cover flap prevents or at least delays the fire from spreading to the contents of the waste container. Conversely, in the event of a fire in the contents of the waste container, the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator is actuated by the heat of the fire, whereby the cover flap is closed, even if the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is actuated, for example by a faulty control, in particular triggered by the fire, or by a short circuit, in particular triggered by the fire, whereby the flames are prevented or at least delayed from spreading to the interior of the rail vehicle, for example the sanitary cell in which the waste container is located.According to a further development, the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator is designed and arranged relative to the cover flap in such a way that, under the influence of external heat and due to the resulting bending, it applies a force to the cover flap in the operating state of the opening mechanism, which force causes the cover flap to move from an operating position into an emergency position. In this case, the opening mechanism is in the operating state when the cover flap is in the operating position, and the opening mechanism is in the emergency state when the cover flap is in the emergency position. In the operating position of the cover flap, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator can, when an electrical voltage is applied, apply a force to the cover flap in the closed state due to the resulting bending, which force causes the cover flap to move from the closed to the open state.Both in the operating position and in the emergency position of the cover flap 202303581 foreign version, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, in a state free of an electrical voltage, enables movement of the cover flap from the open state to the closed state. In the emergency position of the cover flap, as already explained above, the cover flap can return independently, in particular due to gravity and / or spring force, even when an electrical voltage is applied and the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is thereby caused to bend from the open state to the closed state, since the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator does not exert any force on the cover flap in the bent state and the movement of the cover flap in the emergency position from the open state to the closed state is therefore enabled.In an operating mode of the waste container, the opening mechanism is in the operating state, and the cover flap according to the above embodiment is in the operating position, which includes both the open state and the closed state of the cover flap. In an emergency mode of the waste container, the opening mechanism is in the emergency state, and the cover flap according to the above embodiment is in the emergency position, which can also include both the open state - but then only manually effected - and the closed state of the cover flap, which is effected for technical reasons. In this respect, the cover flap is in a so-called rest state in the closed state, both in the emergency position and in the operating position. According to a further development, the cover flap is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis and is designed to be axially displaceable along the axis between the operating position and the emergency position.The at least one thermally actuated bending actuator is designed according to this development and arranged in relation to the cover flap in such a way that, as a result of a bending effect caused by external heat, it applies a force 202303581 foreign version to the cover flap, which force causes the cover flap to be moved parallel to the axis from the operating position into the emergency position and, in a state free from external heat effects and thus free from bending, enables a movement of the cover flap from the emergency position into the operating position.In particular, the cover flap is rotatably mounted about an axis and has at least one tab for engaging the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator in the operating position of the cover flap. This tab can furthermore in particular have an angle to the cover flap that is at least equal to a predetermined opening angle of the cover flap about the axis between the closed and the open state of the cover flap. In the operating position of the cover flap, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is aligned with the tab such that, when an electrical voltage is applied and bending is caused thereby, it rests against the tab in order to apply a force to the tab of the cover flap, which moves the cover flap from the closed state to the open state.In the emergency position of the cover flap, however, the at least one tab of the cover flap is aligned offset from the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator and is thus arranged such that when electrical voltage is applied and bending is caused thereby, the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator is free from contact with the at least one tab. In the emergency position of the cover flap, no force can be transmitted from the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator to the at least one tab. According to one embodiment, the waste container, in particular the opening mechanism of the waste container, has at least one spring which is pretensioned against the cover flap in such a way that, in a state 202303581 foreign version free from thermally induced bending of the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator, it can be moved by spring force from the emergency position into the operating position.The at least one thermally actuated bending actuator acts accordingly against the spring preload to move the cover flap from the operating position to the emergency position, or it applies a force via its bending counter to the spring force of the at least one preloaded spring to move the cover flap from the operating position to the emergency position. In a further development, the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator comprises a bimetal or a shape memory alloy. The at least one thermally actuated bending actuator bends at higher temperatures and stretches at lower temperatures. The bimetal or the shape memory alloy is accordingly activated by heat, in particular upon exposure to external heat. One advantage of the opening mechanism designed in this way is the cover flap that closes automatically for fire protection reasons.A rail vehicle for passenger transport comprises at least one waste container according to the invention. This can be arranged, for example, in a sanitary compartment of the rail vehicle. For example, it is integrated into a washstand or a washbasin base cabinet. In a further development, the rail vehicle comprises a control device for controlling the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator. The control device is designed to apply a voltage to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator that is sufficient to cause the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator to bend in order to move the cover flap from the closed state to the open state.The control device is then not necessarily part of the waste container, but is located in the rail vehicle, in particular concealed by a cover behind it in the rail vehicle, for example in the sanitary compartment of the rail vehicle. Furthermore, a button or a contactless sensor can be provided to trigger the bending of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator, which is coupled to the control device. The button or contactless sensor can advantageously be located near, in particular in the immediate vicinity of, the waste container. The button or contactless sensor can also be integrated into the washbasin or the vanity unit below the washbasin. So-called proximity sensors, which conventionally operate using radar, infrared, microwaves, or ultrasound, have become known as contactless sensors. Pyroelectric sensors can also be used accordingly.Furthermore, gesture recognition modules or gesture controls for receiving and evaluating gestures or speech recognition modules or speech controls for receiving and evaluating spoken commands are also to be considered as contactless sensors. The button can be designed as a simple electrical switch. The invention allows numerous embodiments. It is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, each of which shows an exemplary embodiment. Identical elements in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a waste container according to the invention with a closed cover flap. 202303581 Foreign version Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of the waste container from Fig. 1 with an open cover flap. Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the waste container from Fig. 1 with a closed cover flap in the event of a fire. In Fig.Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a waste container 1 according to the invention for a rail vehicle for passenger transport, shown from the inside in a three-dimensional view. The waste container 1 comprises a cover flap 2, which here closes an opening 4 for inserting waste into the waste container 1. In Figure 2, the cover flap 2 is shown open. To open the cover flap 2, an opening mechanism 3 is provided, by means of which the cover flap 2 can be automatically moved from a closed state according to Figure 1, in which it closes the opening 4 of the waste container 1, into an open state according to Figure 2, in which it at least partially exposes the opening 4 of the waste container 1 for inserting waste. In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the opening mechanism comprises an axis 7, about which the cover flap 1 can be pivoted and thus opened inwards, into the waste container 1.The cover flap 2 can also be opened manually by applying pressure from the outside. The opening mechanism 3 is illustrated in an operating state in Figs. 1 and 2. Only in the operating state can the cover flap 2 be opened automatically by means of the opening mechanism 3, for which purpose the opening mechanism 3 comprises electrically actuated bending actuators 5. These can be controlled via a control device and, in particular, triggered contactlessly, or, for example, via a foot switch connected to the control device (not shown).The electrically actuated bending actuators 5 are designed and arranged in the operating state of the opening mechanism 3 for the cover flap 2 in such a way that, when an electrical voltage is applied to the electrically actuated bending actuators 5, the resulting bending exerts a force on the cover flap 2 in the closed state, causing the cover flap 2 to move from the closed to the open state, and, in a state free of an electrical voltage, enables the cover flap 2 to move from the open to the closed state. Here, the axis 7 runs horizontally, and the cover flap 2 is suspended and rotatably mounted about the axis 7. From the open state, the cover flap 2 thus returns to the closed state due to gravity, without the application of external force. The cover flap 2 is provided in its upper region with tabs 8 or stud bolts, which are firmly connected to the axis (not shown).The tabs 8 are positioned on the cover flap 2 in the region of the axis 7 at an angle to the plane of the cover flap 2 that is at least equal to a predetermined opening angle of the cover flap 2 around the axis 7 between the closed and open states of the cover flap 2. The tabs 8 serve to attach the electrically actuated bending actuators 5. In the operating state and free from the application of an electrical voltage, i.e. in the stretched state, the bending actuators 5 are aligned vertically, wherein they are firmly connected to the housing of the waste container 1 at fixed ends above the cover flap 2.Their free ends are arranged in the area of ​​the tabs 8 in the operating state, 202303581 foreign version so that when electrical voltage is applied and bending is caused thereby, they rest on the tabs 8 in order to exert a force on the tabs 8 of the cover flap 2, which moves the cover flap 2 from the closed state to the open state about the axis 7. A horizontal or similar arrangement of the actuators, with appropriate alignment of the tabs / studs on the axis is also possible. A thermally actuated bending actuator 6 is also firmly connected to the housing of the waste container 1 at a fixed end. It is also arranged in a suspended manner, similar to the electrically actuated bending actuators 5, so that in the extended state it is aligned vertically and can engage with its free end on another tab 10 on the cover flap 2.However, it is rotated by 90° to the electrically actuated bending actuators 5, so that when exposed to external heat it bends with a direction component parallel to axis 7. The cover flap 2 can not only rotate about axis 7, but can also be moved along axis 7. However, it is preloaded by a spring 9 so that it is free from further external forces in the illustrated operating state. It is, so to speak, preloaded against the operating state. When bent, the thermal bending actuator 6 exerts a force on the tab 10 counter to the preload of the spring 9 and thus moves the opening mechanism 3 from the operating state into an emergency state. In the emergency state, the cover flap 2 is displaced axially to axis 7 counter to the preload of the spring 9, so that the electrically actuated bending actuators 5 can no longer come into contact with the tabs 8. 202303581 Foreign version Fig.Figure 3 outlines the waste container 1 from the previous figures in an emergency state. In the emergency state, opening of the cover flap 2 is not fundamentally blocked; it can still be opened manually. However, in the emergency state of the opening mechanism 3, the electrically actuated bending actuators 5 are arranged relative to the cover flap in such a way that when an electrical voltage is applied and the resulting bending occurs, they no longer exert any force on the cover flap 2 in the closed state. In the emergency state, the cover flap 2 is free from force transmission by bending of the electrically actuated bending actuators 5 to the cover flap 2. If the thermally actuated bending actuator 6 straightens again, the cover flap 2 returns from the emergency state to the operating state due to the pretension of the spring 9.The inventive solution combines increased hygiene requirements in rail vehicles by allowing the waste container to be opened without contact, and fire protection requirements with a cover flap 2 that closes automatically. Furthermore, the drive of the cover flap 2 comprises relatively few components and is subject to little wear, which contributes to easy maintenance. The simple design requires less space and saves weight. The electrical control of the electrically operated bending actuators can be minimized with appropriate design. The overall energy consumption of the automatic cover flap 2 is reduced compared to conventional solutions. The design nevertheless allows for manual operation, which is required, for example, in the event of an emergency. A further advantage is a significantly reduced noise level.

Claims

202303581 Foreign version Patent claims 1. Waste container (1) for a rail vehicle for passenger transport, comprising at least one cover flap (2) and an opening mechanism (3), by means of which the cover flap (2) can be moved from a closed state, in which it closes an opening (4) of the waste container (1), to an open state, in which it at least partially releases the opening (4) of the waste container (1) for the insertion of waste, characterized in that the opening mechanism (3) comprises at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (5). 2.Waste container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (5) is designed and arranged in an operating state of the opening mechanism (3) for the cover flap (2) such that, upon application of an electrical voltage, it exerts a force on the cover flap (2) in the closed state through a bending effected thereby, which force causes the cover flap (2) to move from the closed to the open state and, in a state free of an electrical voltage, enables the cover flap (2) to move from the open to the closed state.

3. Waste container (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a control device for controlling the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (5). 4.Waste container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cover flap (2) is designed and arranged such that it is in a state free from the attachment of a. 202303581 Foreign version electrical voltage is applied to at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (5) and is movable from the open state to the closed state by gravity.

5. Waste container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one spring which is pretensioned against the cover flap (2) in such a way that, in a state free from the application of an electrical voltage to the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (5), it is movable from the open state to the closed state by spring force. 6.Waste container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (5) is designed and arranged in an operating state of the opening mechanism (3) relative to the cover flap (2) such that, in a state free of an electrical voltage, it enables movement of the cover flap (2) from the closed state to the open state.

7. Waste container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cover flap (2) is rotatably mounted about an axis (7) and has at least one tab (8) for the contact of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (5), which tab (8) has an angle to the cover flap (2) that is at least equal to a predetermined opening angle of the cover flap (2) about the axis (7) between the closed and the open state of the cover flap (2).

8. Waste container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that.202303581 Foreign version of the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (5) comprises a bimetal or a shape memory alloy.

9. Waste container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the opening mechanism (3) comprises at least one thermally actuated bending actuator (6), wherein the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator (6) is designed to switch the opening mechanism (3) from the operating state to an emergency state, wherein the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (6) is arranged in the emergency state of the opening mechanism (3) relative to the cover flap (2) such that the cover flap (2) is free from a force applied by the at least one electrically actuated bending actuator (5) upon application of an electrical voltage due to a bending effect caused thereby.Waste container (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the cover flap (2) is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis (7) and displaceable parallel to the axis (7), wherein the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator (6) is designed and arranged relative to the cover flap (2) such that, through a bending effect caused by external heat, it applies a force to the cover flap (2) which causes the cover flap (2) to be displaced parallel to the axis (7) from the operating state into the emergency state.

11. Waste container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one thermally actuated bending actuator (6) comprises a bimetal or a shape memory alloy. 202303581 Foreign version 12.Rail vehicle for passenger transport comprising at least one waste container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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