Waste container

Abstract

The present invention relates, among other things, to a waste container (10) with a waste container body (11) that defines a storage space (13) for receiving waste, the waste container body (11) comprising a container bottom (11a), a side wall (11b) protruding from the container bottom (11a), an upper container edge (11c) which delimits a filling opening (12), and an engagement device (14) for a lifting device (30) which extends at least partially outside the waste container body (11), with at least one partition wall (15) arranged within the storage space (13) in the waste container (10), and a centring element (20) provided in such a way that it is capable of centring the position of the partition wall (15) in relation to the lifting device (30). In addition, the centring element (20) is arranged for providing position information data (47) concerning the position of a partition wall (15) within the storage space (13) of the waste container body (11). For that the centring element (20) comprises a generation device (27a, 28a) which is configured to generate position information data (47) and / or a storage device (28c) which is configured to store position information data (47), as well as a provision device (27b, 28b) which is designed to provide the position information data (47) for an emptying operation of the waste container (10). This means that, in particular during automated emptying of a waste container, the actual position of the partition wall is always taken into account for the emptying operation. The invention also relates to a lifting device and to a waste collection device.

Description

[0001] The present invention initially relates to a waste container according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a lifting device for a waste container, as well as a waste collection device for collecting waste from a waste container.

[0002] Waste containers per se are known in the prior art in a wide variety of ways. They usually consist of a waste container body that defines a storage space for receiving and temporarily storing the waste. The open top of the waste container body, through which the waste is filled, is closed with a lid.

[0003] For many years now, the trend has been towards storing several different types of waste in one and the same waste container at the same time. To this end, the storage space of the waste container body is divided into several separate chambers. This division is achieved, for example, by at least one partition wall arranged inside the waste container body, which divides the storage space into chambers.

[0004] Normally, the waste containers are emptied into waste collection vehicles. For this purpose, the waste collection vehicles are equipped with suitable lifting devices with which the waste containers are gripped, lifted and tipped into a collection space in the waste collection vehicle and emptied. During the emptying process, the lid of the waste container opens, and the waste stored in the waste container enters the collection space of the waste collection vehicle.

[0005] If multi-chamber waste containers are emptied into a waste collection vehicle, the different waste fractions in the individual chambers are emptied via the lifting device into separate, individual collection areas of the waste collection vehicle, each of which forms a sub-area of the entire collection space. These collection areas are usually separated from each other by a separation wall. It must therefore be ensured that the interaction between the waste collection vehicle, the lifting device and the waste container is coordinated in such a way that the individual chambers of the waste container are actually emptied into the designated collection areas of the waste collection vehicle. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the chambers of the waste collection container are aligned with the collection areas of the waste collection vehicle.

[0006] EP 2 801 541 A1 relates to a lifting device for a waste container that interacts with a waste collection vehicle. The waste container may have several chambers, which can be achieved, for example, by means of corresponding partition walls within the storage space of the waste container body. This known solution provides an alignment device that is designed to centre the waste container in the lifting device for the purpose of subsequent emptying. The lifting device has, for example, a V-shaped groove that is open at the top and interacts with an inverted V-shaped projection located on an engagement frame of the waste container and protruding downwards from it.

[0007] EP 0 464 702 B1 describes a waste container designed as a multi-chamber container. The waste container has a waste container body that defines a storage space. To create two chambers, a partition wall is provided which is arranged in the storage space and is detachably attached to the waste container body. The partition wall can be positioned at different points on the waste container body as required, so that the individual chambers can be either the same size or different sizes. The partition wall is connected to a connecting element for this purpose. The connecting element is also detachably connected to the waste container body, so that the connecting element forms the connection between the partition wall and the waste container body. The connecting element is aligned with the partition wall. In addition, the connecting element has a moulded part that is shaped like a wedge and is connected to one end of the connecting element. Since the connecting element is also connected to the partition wall at its other end, the moulded part is also aligned with the partition wall. The moulded part of the connecting element is visible from outside the waste container body and can thus indicate the position of the partition wall within the waste container body. With this known solution, the moulded part of the connecting element and the partition wall must be designed to fit together. It is also difficult to retrofit existing waste collection containers having partition walls with such a moulded part, as the partition wall and moulded part always form a single unit, even if it consists of several parts, and a moulded part cannot be used without the corresponding connecting element.

[0008] Recently, due to the requirements resulting from the circular economy, there has been an increasing trend towards a modular design for such waste containers and its components. To this end, the individual components of the waste container must be designed so that they are universally applicable, even for different types and / or sizes and / or shapes of waste collection containers and can be retrofitted but also exchanged.

[0009] Until now, it has still been common practice for waste containers to be emptied into the waste collection vehicle by an operator manually connecting them to the lifting device and aligning them with the lifting device and the collection space of the waste collection vehicle. Only then is the lifting device activated and the waste container gripped by the lifting device an gets emptied into the collection compartment of the waste collection vehicle. In this manual operation, it is the operator who must ensure that the waste containers are correctly aligned with the lifting device and the collection space of the waste collection vehicle so that even waste containers with several chambers are emptied correctly into the designated collection areas of the waste collection vehicle. Until now, this emptying has been carried out in waste collection vehicles designed as "rear loaders". At least one operator outside the waste collection vehicle is required for the emptying process.

[0010] This conventional emptying practice is now undergoing a change. On the one hand, the emptying of waste containers into the waste collection vehicle is becoming increasingly automated. On the other hand, waste collection vehicles are increasingly designed as so-called "side loaders". Such side-loading waste collection vehicles can now be operated without any additional operators outside the waste collection vehicle.

[0011] For the automated emptying of a waste container with several chambers, it is very important that the individual chambers are emptied reliably and exclusively into the designated collection areas of the waste collection vehicle. For this purpose, it is necessary for the automated emptying process to know the position of the partition wall within the container body's storage space.

[0012] EP 0 464 702 B1 can, in principle, use the moulded part to show where a partition wall is positioned within the waste container body when the waste container is closed. However, this is only intended as a signal for the user of the waste container so that they can see where the partition wall is located in the waste container even when the lid is closed. However, the moulded part does not serve to contribute to the automated emptying of the waste container into a waste collection vehicle, in particular a side loader, by means of a lifting device.

[0013] The alignment device described in EP 2 801 541 A1 interacts with the waste container and serves only to centre the waste container as such on the lifting device. The alignment device has the function of guiding the gripping elements of the lifting device to the designated engagement points on the waste container and engaging them there. The alignment device does not have the task of providing any information about the positioning of a partition wall inside the waste collection container.

[0014] DE 36 14 328 A1 describes a waste container that interacts with the tipping mechanism of a waste collection vehicle. The waste container has a partition wall that can be moved variably within the container body and provides two compartments in the container body for receiving different waste fractions. For emptying, the position of the partition wall in the container body must therefore be aligned with the position of a separation wall in the waste collection vehicle. The container edge of the waste container has two spaced-apart moulded parts for this purpose, which form a gap between them and can be moved in accordance with the position of the partition wall located in the container body. During an emptying process, the gap between the moulded parts engages with a corresponding receiving member of a frame of the tipping mechanism. A disadvantage of this known solution is that the moulded parts must first be manually aligned with the partition wall so that the partition wall is aligned with the separation wall in the tipping mechanism during the emptying process. This is prone to errors. In addition, the moulded parts are located inside a circumferential container rim and are therefore concealed by the container rim. This means that they are not visible from the outside. It is therefore not possible to see from the outside where the moulded parts and thus the partition wall are located in the container body. To ensure that the receiving member of the tipping mechanism can still engage with the gap between the moulded parts, the moulded parts are designed with slanted ends so that the receiving member can get guided between them.

[0015] EP 0 354 256 A1 discloses a waste container in conjunction with a lifting and tipping device. The waste container is designed according to the multi-chamber principle, with a partition wall inside the container body. The partition wall divides the container body into two chambers in which different waste fractions are collected. The waste container is emptied into a waste collection vehicle via a lifting and tipping device. The collection space is also divided into two compartments by a separation wall. The problem here is that the partition wall in the container body can be in different positions, but during the emptying process it must be aligned with the separation wall in the collection space of the waste collection vehicle.

[0016] To solve this problem, the container has positioning detection devices. These are attached to the container at specified positions and can be metal buttons, for example. The attachment positions, for example corresponding mouldings, correspond to the positions where the partition wall can be arranged in the container body. The partition wall is placed at the desired location in the container body, and the positioning detection device is mounted into the corresponding moulding in the container. The lifting and tilting device has a number of sensor elements that correspond to the number and location of the positioning detection devices and are arranged along a bar on the lifting and tilting device.

[0017] The sensor elements interact with the positioning detection devices. When one of the sensor elements detects a positioning detection device, this sensor element generates an electrical signal. This signal is used to move the separation wall in the collection space of the waste collection vehicle so that it is aligned with the partition wall in the waste container.

[0018] The disadvantage of this solution is that it is complex in design. It is also prone to errors, as the positioning detection devices must first be placed manually in the correct position. Finally, such a waste container does not meet the requirements of modularity. It is also not possible to retrofit existing waste containers.

[0019] Based on the aforementioned state of the art, the invention is based on the object of discharging a multi-chamber waste container with a partition wall inside, in particular automatically, into a waste collection device, for example a waste collection vehicle, in particular a side loader, whereby the individual chambers of the waste container are emptied reliably and, in particular, exclusively into the respective collection areas of the waste collection device provided for this purpose, avoiding possible handling tolerances. In particular, a cost-effective solution is to be provided which also meets the requirements for modularity and at the same time excludes the occurrence of errors due to incorrect information regarding the position of the partition wall within the container body.

[0020] According to the invention this object is solved by the waste container with the features of independent patent claim 1, which represents the first aspect of the invention, the lifting device for lifting a waste container with the features of independent patent claim 13, which represents the second aspect of the invention, and the waste collection device for collecting waste from a waste container with the features of independent patent claim 15, which represents the third aspect of the invention.

[0021] Further features and details of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with one of the aspects of the invention also apply in full to the other aspects of the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of one aspect of the invention also applies in full to the other aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

[0022] A basic idea of the present invention is that, in particular during emptying of a waste container designed as a multi-chamber waste container, in which at least one partition wall is placed in the storage space defined by the body of the waste container, the actual position of the partition wall is always considered for the emptying process. This means that the partition wall can in principle be placed at any point in the waste container's storage space, but that it is nevertheless ensured that a waste fraction located in one chamber of the waste container is actually and exclusively discharged into the collection area of a waste collection device intended for this waste fraction.

[0023] In particular the waste container according to the invention can get automatically discharged in a waste collection device during an automated emptying process.

[0024] This is achieved by means of a specially designed device that is provide with the waste container. This device is a centring element. The primary function of this centring element is to centre the waste container, in particular the partition wall within the container body in preparation for an upcoming emptying process. This means that waste container, in particular the partition wall must be aligned in a specific manner and / or position for the emptying process. According to the invention, the centring element also has another function. It transmits data relating to the position of the partition wall within the container body from the waste container to the outside. The centring element takes the actual position of the partition wall within the container body into account when emptying the waste container. In particular, the use of the centring element, which is described in greater detail below, eliminates any handling tolerances, ensuring that a waste fraction located in a chamber of the waste container is actually and exclusively emptied into the designated collection area of a waste collection device.

[0025] In the solutions known from the prior art, a respective device has either one function or the other. With the present invention, the two functions have been combined in a single device, namely the centring element. In particular, the centring element is detachably attached to the waste container and can also be easily retrofitted to existing waste containers if necessary.

[0026] With the centring element it is possible to pre-position a lifting device with regard to the waste container to get gripped, before the centring element gets mechanically touched by the lifting device. The centring device provides information that can, in particular actively, bring the waste container, in particular the partition wall inside the waste container body, in the right position with regard to the lifting device and / or a waste collection device.

[0027] All aspects of the present invention relate to the field of waste containers. According to one embodiment, the waste container can have a capacity of up to 700 litres, for example a capacity of 120 litres, 240 litres, 370 litres or similar. According to another embodiment, the waste container can also be designed as a large waste container and have a capacity of between 700 litres and 1700 litres, for example 1100 litres. The invention is not limited to specific container sizes.

[0028] The waste container comprises a waste container body, which in turn comprises a side wall, a container bottom and a filling opening. These components delimit the storage space of the waste container in which the waste is collected and stored, at least temporarily. In the case of a rectangular waste container, the side wall consists of four side wall segments, a rear wall, a front wall and two side segments connecting the two sides.

[0029] The term "waste" basically covers all types of rubbish, but also recyclable materials that can be collected in such a waste container.

[0030] The waste container is designed as a so-called multi-chamber waste container. This means that several chambers are formed in the storage space of the waste container, which are separated from each other. According to one embodiment, this is achieved by using at least one partition wall, which is placed in the storage space in a manner known per se, preferably in a removable manner. According to one embodiment, the waste container comprises a single partition wall that divides the storage space into two chambers. If the partition wall is detachably arranged on / in the waste container, it can be placed at different locations within the storage space according to one embodiment, so that chambers of different sizes can be created. If the partition wall is placed in the centre of the storage space, two chambers of equal size are created, which are in a 50:50 ratio. However, chambers of different sizes can also be created by repositioning the partition wall accordingly, for example in a 60:40 or 40:60 ratio. The present invention is not limited to a specific number of partition walls. Similarly, the invention is not limited to specific placement locations for the partition wall within the storage space and, consequently, to specific ratios of chamber sizes. The partition wall can be arranged in the storage space or on the container body in such a way that the size of the chambers can be adjusted in steps or continuously.

[0031] If the waste container is designed as a multi-chamber waste container, an individual waste fraction that differs from waste fractions in other chambers can be stored in each of the chambers for the purpose of waste separation. A "waste fraction" within the meaning of this description and the present invention is, in particular, a specific type of waste / recyclable material and, in particular, the smallest separable unit of a type of waste / recyclable material.

[0032] For this reason, it is particularly important that each chamber, and thus each waste fraction, is emptied into the designated collection area of the waste collection device so that a waste fraction cannot mistakenly end up in a collection area not intended for that waste fraction. This will be illustrated by way of an example. If the waste container comprises two chambers created by a partition wall placed in the storage space, the waste collection device also has a collection space with two collection areas, each of which is separated from the other, for example by a separation device, such as a separation wall. For emptying, it is important that the position of the partition wall of the waste container is always aligned with the position of the separation device of the waste collection device between the collection areas. This is particularly important if the partition wall can get or is placed at different points in the storage space to create chambers of different sizes. The lifting device and / or the waste collection device must therefore ensure that the waste container is aligned and oriented relative to the waste collection device in such a way that the partition wall is always aligned, in particular flush, with the separation device between the two collection areas of the waste collection device.

[0033] For this reason, knowledge of the position of the partition wall within the waste container's storage space is of immense importance for the operation of the lifting device and / or the operation of the waste collection device, especially if the emptying of the waste container is automated. The present invention now provides a remedy for this.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the waste container comprises a lid for closing the waste container body, wherein the lid is hinged to the waste container body. For example, the lid may be a swing lid, which is usually hinged to the side of the waste container body. In another embodiment, the lid may be a hinged lid, such as a flat lid, which is hinged in particular via hinges to one of the upper edges of the waste container body, in particular to the upper rear edge. The lid may also be a round lid, a sliding lid or the like.

[0035] The lid may be designed as a single lid element or as a divided split lid with two or more lid elements. A split lid is particularly advantageous if the waste container is designed as a multi-chamber waste container and the storage space of the waste container is divided into several chambers using at least one partition wall. In such a case, according to one embodiment, each chamber is assigned to a lid element of the split lid.

[0036] In the area where the lid is attached to the body of the waste container, for example to a rear wall of the body of the waste container if this is polygonal, for example rectangular, there may be one or more handle elements by means of which the waste container can be moved and steered.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the waste container comprises a drive gear with, for example, two, three or four wheels. The number of wheels depends in particular on the capacity of the waste container.

[0038] Such waste containers are usually made of robust materials, such as metal or hard plastics.

[0039] According to the first aspect of the invention, a waste container is provided which comprises the features of independent claim 1. In particular, the waste container is designed in the manner described above.

[0040] The waste container comprises a waste container body that defines a storage space for receiving waste. The waste container body comprises a container bottom, a side wall projecting from the container bottom, an upper container edge delimiting a filling opening, and an engagement device for a lifting device which extends, optionally at the upper container edge, at least partially outside the waste container body. Furthermore, the waste container comprises at least one partition wall which is arranged within the storage space in the waste container, in particular in a removable manner. The storage space of the waste container is divided into a number of individual chambers separated from one another by the at least one partition wall. According to one embodiment, the waste container has a single partition wall. When using a single partition wall, for example, the storage space is divided into two compartments. The individual compartments can be provided for storing different types of waste. The invention is not limited to a specific number of partition walls. According to one embodiment, the waste container comprises a lid, in particular a split lid, for closing the container body.

[0041] In addition, the waste container comprises a centring element which is provided in such a way that it is capable to centre the position of the partition wall in relation to the lifting device. The centring element is an essential component of the waste container, especially when the waste container is subject to an automated emptying process. The centring element has the function of centring the waste container in relation to the lifting device and in or on the lifting device during the lifting and emptying process. In particular, the centring element has the function of ensuring that the individual waste fractions within the waste container, which are stored in the chambers separated from each other by the partition wall, are completely and reliably transferred to the respective collection area within the waste collection device, for example a waste collection vehicle. By using the centring element according to the invention, this can be done automatically, so that manual assistance is no longer necessary. As explained below in connection with the lifting device according to the invention, the centring element interacts with a corresponding centring device provided in the lifting device.

[0042] According to the present invention, the centring element also has an additional function. In addition, the centring element is designed to provide positional information data concerning the position of a partition wall within the storage space of a waste container body from the waste container. This means that the centring element is a device that is associated with the waste container, in particular a component of the waste container. Nevertheless, the centring element is an independent component with which the waste container can be easily retrofitted, and which can also be easily replaced if necessary. This is particularly advantageous for the modular design with regard to the circular economy.

[0043] The centring element is configured to provide positional information data concerning the position of a partition wall within the storage space of a waste container body. Such data are any pieces of information, that give information about the position of a partition wall inside the storage space of the waste container body. These data are made available to an external component, which may be part of an external control device, a lifting device or a waste collection device. Such date can get either transmitted from the centring device or they can get retrieved from the centring device. "Data transmission" means in particular, that the data get sent from a source, here the centring element, to an external receiving device. This can be called an active data transmission. "Retrieving data" means in particular, that the data are requested by the receiving device and that the transmission gets triggered by the receiving device. This can be called a passive data transmission. In this way, it is possible to pre-position the lifting device and / or the waste collection device before it physically comes into contact with the centring element.

[0044] The centring element considers the position of a partition wall. The partition wall is located within the storage space of the waste container, which is bounded by the waste container body. The position of the partition wall is taken into account by means of position information data provided by the centring element, in particular for the operation of a lifting device and / or waste collection device. The position information data is purpose-oriented in relation to the partition wall. In particular, it provides information about the position of the partition wall within the storage space. The position information data is designed in such a way that it can be transmitted. In the present case, the position information data is used in particular to control a lifting device and / or a waste collection device.

[0045] The centring element comprises a generation device that is configured to generate position information data. In this embodiment, the position information data is generated by the generation device. This means that data is generated in or by the generation device that provides information about the position of the partition wall within the waste container's storage space.

[0046] Alternatively, or additionally, the centring element comprises a storage device that is configured to store position information data. In this case, the position information data does not have to be generated by the generation device. Rather, this data is already available and is stored in the storage device for further use. According to one embodiment, the storage device is addressable from the outside so that the stored position information data can be changed, if necessary, for example if the position of the partition wall within the storage space is changed.

[0047] In addition, the centring element also comprises a provision device which is configured to provide the position information data to another component, for example a lifting device for the waste container and / or a waste collection device.

[0048] The position information data is generally provided by the provision device for emptying the waste container. The position information data is provided to another component by means of the provision device. For example, as explained in more detail later in the description, the provided position information data can be used to control a lifting device for the waste container and / or a waste collection device. The position information data can be provided in different ways depending on the design of the centring element. Examples of this are explained in more detail later in the description.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the aforementioned components can be provided as individual components. According to a different embodiment, the aforementioned components can get combined as one single component.

[0050] The basic functionality of the centring element in its function as a provisioning device is now explained using an example. It must be ensured that, for proper emptying of the waste container, especially if this is automated, into a waste collection device, for example a waste collection vehicle, such as a side-loading waste collection vehicle, the alignment described above between the partition wall and a separation device between collection areas of the waste collection device is always maintained. When a waste collection vehicle approaches the waste container for the purpose of emptying it, it is not immediately apparent where the partition wall is located within the waste container's storage space, as the lid is still closed. In addition, waste containers that are emptied along a street, for example, often have chambers of different sizes for different waste fractions, so that the partition walls can be placed at different positions in the collection space for different waste containers.

[0051] In order to nevertheless enable automated emptying without additional operating personnel outside the waste collection vehicle, the waste container comprises the centring element according to the invention. This means that the centring element is assigned to the waste container. Its generation device generates position information data that provides information about where the partition wall is located within the storage space. Alternatively, or additionally, the position information data may already be stored in a storage device of the centring element. The position information data is provided by the centring element to a further external component. This component, which is, for example, a control device, serves, for example, to control the lifting device and / or the waste collection device in such a way that the waste container gripped by the lifting device and lifted to the waste collection vehicle is aligned and oriented in relation to the collection areas of the waste collection device in such a way that the partition wall located in the waste container is aligned without tolerances to a separating device between the collection areas. In this way, the different waste fractions located in the chambers always end up in the collection area intended for them.

[0052] In addition to its centring function, the centring element now also provides information for operating the lifting device and / or the waste collection device, for example. The centring element provides information where the partition wall is located within the storage space. The centring element thus enables interaction between the waste container and the lifting device and / or the waste collection device in order to achieve alignment. In particular, it enables a preferably automatic exchange of communication between the waste container and the lifting device and / or the waste collection device regarding the position of the partition wall within the waste container. In particular, the centring element provides information that positions the lifting device in relation to the waste container in the correct position for the emptying process, or that positions the waste container on the lifting device in relation to the correct position for the emptying process, or which controls the waste collection device accordingly so that the waste container is positioned in the correct position for the emptying process.

[0053] The centring element provides information data that indicates the position of the partition wall within the waste container's storage space. This information data is provided to an external component of the waste container. The external component may be, for example, a waste collection device and / or a lifting device for the waste container, or a component external to the lifting device and / or waste collection device, for example a control device that interacts with the lifting device and / or the waste collection device in such a way that, based on data received from the centring element, it controls the lifting device and / or the waste collection device in such a way that, depending on the position of the partition wall in the waste container, the waste container is always optimally aligned and positioned relative to the waste collection device during a lifting and emptying process.

[0054] In the simplest case, the partition wall is provided at a single specific, unchangeable position within the storage space. In this case, two chambers of unchangeable size are provided in the storage space for receiving waste fractions. According to another embodiment, the partition wall can be provided in a variable position in the storage space. This means that the partition wall can be placed at different locations within the storage space, so that chambers of variable size can be created in the storage space. In the latter case, according to one embodiment, the waste container body comprises two or more positioning devices for positioning the partition wall at different locations within the storage space. According to one embodiment, the waste container comprises three such positioning devices, so that chambers with different size ratios can be created, for example 40:60, 50:50, 60:40. The positioning devices can be designed in different ways. According to one embodiment, these are positioning openings formed in the upper edge of the waste container. Corresponding connecting elements of the partition wall can then be inserted into the positioning openings. According to another embodiment, the positioning devices are positioning grooves, positioning rails or the like which extend inside the waste container on its side wall between the container base and the upper edge of the waste container body.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the provision device is designed as a transmission device which is set up to transmit the position information data for control purposes, in particular to the lifting device and / or the waste collection device. For example, the position information data is transmitted to a component, for example a control device, which is configured to control the lifting device. In this case, the control device does not necessarily have to be a component of the lifting device. The control device only has to interact with the lifting device, for example via a suitable interface. According to another embodiment, the position information data is transmitted directly to the lifting device. Here too, the transmission can again be to a control device, but this time it is a component of the lifting device. According to the second case, the position information data is transmitted to a component, for example a control device, which is set up to control the waste collection device. In this case, the control device is preferably a component of the waste collection device.

[0056] Depending on the design of the centring element, the transmission can take place in different ways. The only important thing is that the provision device is designed in such a way that the position information data can be transmitted from the provision device to the lifting device and / or the waste collection device. Several examples of implementation are described below.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the generation device is designed to generate position information data in the form of optical data. Alternatively, or additionally, the provision device is also designed to provide position information data in the form of optical data. Optical data is, in particular, data that allows the position information data to be recognised visually based on the design of the centring element. According to one embodiment, the optical data is colour data. A specific colour scheme can be used, for example, to recognise where the partition wall is located within the storage space. A specific colour of the centring element can then mean, for example, that the partition wall is located at a specific position within the storage space. A different position of the partition wall can then be signalled by a centring element in a different colour. In such a case, the centring element is preferably arranged detachably on the waste container. In such a case, according to one embodiment, the waste container can be equipped with a number of centring elements with different colours. Depending on the position of the partition wall within the storage space, a centring element with the appropriate colour is then used. According to another embodiment, the optical data is shape data. In a similar manner, the different shapes of the centring element can be used to detect where the partition wall is located within the storage space.

[0058] If the position information data is available in the form of optical data, it is, for example, a base body of the centring element as described later that represents the generation device for the optical data and the provision device for the position information data. The centring element is designed in particular to interact with a lifting device for the waste container and / or a waste collection device.

[0059] In the case of optical data as position information data, a passive data transmission takes place for example. This means that the optical data get retrieved from an external optical data receiving device. The optical detection device, for example a camera, is then provided which interacts with the lifting device and / or the waste collection device and which receives the position information data. The optical detection device can either be part of the lifting device or part of the waste collection device.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the centring element is designed in particular to transmit digital, electrical, magnetic or similar data.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the generation device and / or the provision device of the centring element is designed as a transmitter or transponder. Alternatively, the generation device and / or the provision device comprises at least one transmitter or transponder. A transmitter records the position information data and transmits it, in particular wirelessly. A transponder can receive signals and respond to or forward them. For example, a signal can be sent to the centring element from the waste collection device, for example the waste collection vehicle, and / or from the lifting device, which triggers the transmitter or transponder. This then transmits the location information data to the designated component on the lifting device and / or waste collection device, such as the waste collection vehicle. The transponder can be designed as an active or passive transponder. Active transponders supply themselves with energy. This means that greater communication ranges can be achieved, and the transponder has a larger data memory in which, for example, position information data is stored. If a signal is transmitted in the vicinity of the transponder at a specified frequency, the transponder receives it. The transponder responds with another signal, which is possible thanks to its own power supply, and which contains the position information data. Unlike active transponders, passive transponders do not have their own power source. This means that energy for communication is obtained from the electromagnetic field of the transmitting / receiving unit provided on the side of the waste collection device and / or the lifting device. As a result, passive transponders can only receive and transmit signals over shorter distances. Such a data transmission can be provided as an active data transmission for example. This means that the data are actively transmitted from the centring element to an external data receiving device. According to one embodiment, the provision device is an RFID device, or the provision device comprises such an RFID (radio frequency identification) device. This involves contactless data exchange between an RFID transponder of the centring element and an RFID read / write device on the side of the waste collection device and / or the lifting device. For data transmission, the RFID read / write device establishes a magnetic or electromagnetic field, which supplies the passive RFID transponder with energy. According to a further embodiment, the centring element comprises a magnetic device.

[0062] In the aforementioned embodiment, the generation device and / or the provision device are formed by the transponder or the transmitter. If the centring element comprises a storage device as described above, in which the position information data is stored, the storage device is also part of the transmitter / transponder according to one embodiment. In order to establish a reference to the position of the partition wall within the waste container, the generation device can, for example, receive position data from the partition wall. Alternatively, the position data can be stored in the storage device. If the position of the partition wall is changed, this can be detected in the first case by correspondingly different position data received by the receiving device. In the case of a storage device, corresponding reprogramming can be carried out, for example. However, it is also conceivable that the transmitters / transponders are only provided for a specific position of the partition wall within the receiving space. If the position of the partition wall within the receiving space is changed, the transmitter / transponder located in the centring element is then replaced by a correspondingly different transmitter / transponder.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the centring element comprises a base body, in particular a polygonal base body, which comprises at least one fastening device for fastening the centring element to the waste container, in particular in a detachable manner. According to one embodiment, the base body comprises a first fastening device which is designed to fasten the base body to the upper edge of the waste container body, for example in a corresponding engagement device, such as an engagement frame. According to one embodiment, the base body also comprises a second fastening device by means of which the base body is fastened or can be fastened to the waste container body, for example a side wall.

[0064] According to one embodiment, at least one fastening device is designed to create a connection selected from the group consisting of: a plug connection, a clamp connection, a snap connection, a screw connection. Several types of connection are also conceivable simultaneously and in any combination. For example, a first fastening device as described above may be designed to create a plug connection, a clamp connection or a snap connection, while a second fastening device is designed to create a screw connection.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the centring element comprises a base body which initially comprises a fastening area comprising the fastening device. According to one embodiment, this fastening area is designed to connect the centring element to the upper edge of the waste container, for example to the engagement area for the lifting device. This fastening device is, for example, a first fastening device as described above. Furthermore, the base body comprises a centring area adjacent to the fastening area. This centring area then serves to actually centre the waste container on / in the lifting device. The centring area may, for example, have the shape of a triangle whose apex is directed away from the fastening area. If the position information data is optical data, according to one embodiment, the centring area of the base body represents the generation device and the provision device for the position information data. If the generation device and the provision device are designed as a transmitter / transponder, according to one embodiment, this is arranged in the fastening area or in the centring area of the base body.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the centring element comprises a base body. The base body is first attached to the waste container body with a fastening area, for example to its upper edge. For example, the fastening area is attached to or in the engagement device of the waste container, via which the waste container is gripped and lifted by the lifting device. This fastening area of the base body can be fastened, for example, by means of a plug connection, a clamp connection or a snap connection. This allows quick release and thus quick relocation or replacement if necessary. With an optional second fastening device, which is designed, for example, as a screw connection, the centring element can also be fixed to the waste container, for example to the side wall.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the base body additionally comprises a centring area that adjoins the fastening area. The centring area can, for example, have a triangular shape. The centring area interacts with the lifting device, as explained in more detail below in connection with the lifting device according to the invention.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the partition wall comprises a data transmitter, a transponder or a transmitter for example, that communicates with the centring element. For example, information can be generated or stored in the partition wall that indicates the position of the partition wall in the receiving space. This information is then transmitted from the data transmitter to the centring element. For example, the information is then transmitted from the centring element to the waste collection device, for example a waste collection vehicle, and / or to a lifting device. There, control signals for the lifting device and / or the waste collection device are generated from the received information, as will be explained in more detail below in connection with the lifting device and the waste collection device according to the invention. The lifting device can then grip the waste container in such a way and align and orient it against the waste collection device, or the waste collection device is controlled in such a way that the partition wall is brought into alignment with a separation device between the collection areas of the waste collection device. In this way, it becomes possible to pre-position the lifting device and / or the waste collection device before it physically comes into contact with the centring element.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the centring element is arranged, in particular detachably, on the waste container body. This means that the centring element is attached to the waste container. The information data can then be provided in various ways by means of the centring element.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the centring element is attached to the waste container where the partition wall is located within the storage space. This means that the location of the partition wall within the storage space can be inferred from the location of the centring element. The information data can then be extracted from the position of the centring element on the waste container. If the partition wall inside the waste container body is moved to a different position, the centring element is detached from the waste container and reattached to the waste container at a different location corresponding to the new position of the partition wall. The advantage in any case is that the centring element is physically independent of the partition wall and its attachment to / in the waste container. The centring element can then be easily retrofitted to existing waste containers with partition walls.

[0071] According to another embodiment, the centring element is arranged on the waste container body at a defined, fixed location, in the area of the centre axis of the waste container body for example. In this case, the position of the centring element on the waste container is preferably not changed. Nevertheless, the centring element also provides information data that gives information about the actual position of the partition wall within the storage space of the waste container body of the waste container. The generation device of the centring element generates, for example, position information data that reflects the exact position of the partition wall in the receiving space. Alternatively, corresponding information data is already stored in a storage device of the centring element. The information data is then provided by the provision device, for example transmitted. Even if the centring element is located centrally and immovably on the waste container, information data reflecting the actual position of the partition wall within the receiving space can be transmitted in this way, even if the partition wall is located outside the centre of the container. This can be done, for example, by generating optical data in the form of colour data or shape data. If a colour or shape represents a specific position of the partition wall in the receiving space, the corresponding centring element with the corresponding colour or shape can be arranged on the waste container when the partition wall is positioned accordingly. According to another embodiment, the information data can also be provided by means of a transmitter or transponder in the centring element and optionally from a data transmitter in the partition wall. In any case, the centring element always provides information data that gives information about the exact position of the partition wall within the receiving space of the waste container body. This will be explained by way of an example. In this example, the centring element is provided in the middle of the container body, but the partition wall is located outside this middle 50 / 50 position, in the 40 / 60 position for example. The centring element then provides the information to the lifting device to move a separation device, a separation plate or divider for example, towards the 40 / 60 position.

[0072] According to the second aspect of the invention, a lifting device is provided which comprises the features of independent patent claim 13. The lifting device is used to grip and lift a waste container to a collection space of a waste collection device, for example a waste collection vehicle in the form of a side loader. The lifting device is used to grip and lift a waste container in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made here in full to the explanations relating to the first aspect of the invention, but also to the general description of the invention and, moreover, to the following aspects of the invention.

[0073] The lifting device comprises a gripper arm, in particular an automated one, at the end of which a gripping device is provided that is configured to grip the engagement device of the waste container. The waste container is gripped by the gripping device. The gripping device is located at one end of the gripper arm. The other end of the gripper arm is attached to the waste collection device, for example the waste collection vehicle, for example in the form of a side loader. The gripping device may comprise, in a manner known per se, a receiving device with one or more receiving teeth which engage the engagement area of the waste container from below. For fixing purposes, a clamping device is additionally provided which presses against the engagement area from above so that the engagement area is clamped between the receiving device and the clamping device.

[0074] The lifting device comprises a control device or an interface to a control device. In the first case, the control device is part of the lifting device. In the second case, the control device is a component external to the lifting device, for example a control device of the waste collection device, which communicates with the lifting device for the purpose of handling it, for example wirelessly or wired via a suitable communication connection. The control device is designed to control the emptying process of a waste container in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0075] The control device comprises a number of components, which are described below.

[0076] First, the control device comprises a receiving device that is configured to receive position information data concerning the position of a partition wall within the receiving space of a waste container body of the waste container. The position information data of the partition wall is transmitted from the centring element on the waste container to the receiving device and received therein.

[0077] If the position information data is in the form of optical data, the receiving device is or comprises a detection device for detecting optical data according to one embodiment. This may be a camera, for example. If the position information data is provided from a transmitter or transponder, the receiving device is or comprises a detection device for detecting data sent from the transmitter or transponder. This may be a special reader device. The receiving device may be part of the lifting device or part of the waste collection device, which may also be used for other purposes.

[0078] Furthermore, the control device comprises a processor device that is configured to generate position data for the gripper arm or gripping device on the basis of the received position information data. This means that the processor device generates position data from the received position information data, which is then used, for example in the form of control signals, to control the gripper arm or gripping device in such a way that the waste container is either gripped or brought into a required alignment and orientation with respect to the collection space of the waste collection device, taking into account the actual position of the partition wall within the receiving space of the waste container. According to one embodiment, the direction of movement of the gripper arm is fixed. In this case, the gripping device is moved according to the position data, for example in a horizontal direction. Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the gripper arm is movable in several directions. Then, the gripping arm can be moved in a corresponding manner by means of the position data. In both cases, the gripper arm or gripping device is moved in such a way that the partition wall inside the waste container is brought into a suitable alignment and orientation with respect to the collection space of the waste collection device, for example, into an alignment flush with a wall separating two collection areas of the collection space from each other.

[0079] Furthermore, the control device comprises an output device for outputting control signals generated on the basis of the position data to a component of the lifting device or a waste collection device for the emptying process of the waste container.

[0080] For this purpose, the lifting device comprises an actuator device which is designed to move the gripper arm or gripping device into a gripping position corresponding to the position data and thus into a lifting position.

[0081] The centring element on the waste container thus provides information that actively positions the gripper arm or gripping device on the waste container and moves it into the correct position with respect to the waste collection device, in particular before the lifting device physically comes into contact with the centring element, so that the waste container can be emptied properly, regardless of where the partition wall is actually located in the waste container's collection space.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the gripping device comprises a centring device, in particular a centring groove. In this way, in addition to positioning the waste container, it can also be centred on the gripping device of the lifting device. The centring groove can, for example, be designed in the form of a V-shaped centring groove. The centring device serves to bring the components of the gripping device's receiving device into the correct position for the gripping and lifting process in relation to the waste container's engagement device, in particular to the centring element of the waste container.

[0083] The centring device of the gripping device interacts with the centring element on the waste container. According to one embodiment, the centring element has a base body which also has a centring area. The centring area of the base body has a design that corresponds to the design of the centring device of the gripping device, so that the centring area of the centring element engages with the centring device of the gripping device for the purpose of centring. For example, the centring area of the base body may have a triangular shape for this purpose.

[0084] In this way, centring is possible with the centring element and the lifting device, as is already known in the prior art. Furthermore, the centring element assists in the positioning of the gripper arm or the gripping device, in particular for automated positioning.

[0085] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for lifting a waste container is provided.

[0086] The method is used to lift a waste container according to the first aspect of the invention. The waste container is lifted by means of a lifting device which has a gripper arm, in particular an automated gripper arm, at the end of which a gripping device is provided. The lifting device is in particular a lifting device according to the second aspect of the invention. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made here in full to the explanations of the first and second aspects of the invention and to the general description of the invention, particularly with regard to the functioning of the method.

[0087] The waste container is lifted with the lifting device. "Lifting" in particular means that the waste container is gripped and lifted and moved to a collection space of a waste collection device, for example a waste collection vehicle in the form of a side loader, i.e. to an emptying position.

[0088] The method is characterised by the following steps: a) In a receiving device of a control device, which is part of the lifting device or is connected to the lifting device via an interface, position information data concerning the position of a partition wall within the receiving space of the waste container body is received from the waste container. The position information data is provided by the centring element on the waste container and, in particular, transmitted. b) Position data for the gripper arm or for the gripping device is generated in a processor device of the control device on the basis of the received position information data. c) The position data is then transmitted, in particular in the form of control signals, to an actuator device of the lifting device, which interacts with the gripper arm or the gripping device. d) The gripper arm or gripping device is moved into a gripping position corresponding to the position data by means of the actuator device, and e) an engagement device of the waste container is gripped by the gripping device in the gripping position. Subsequently, f) the waste container is lifted and brought into an emptying position relative to the collection space of the waste collection device. These three steps can be performed in any order.

[0089] According to another embodiment, steps d) to f) are performed in a slightly different manner. Here, these steps are performed as follows: an engagement device of the waste container is gripped by the gripping device. The waste container is then lifted. The actuator device moves the gripper arm or gripping device to a position corresponding to the position data, which is an emptying position in relation to the collection space of the waste collection device.

[0090] In both cases, the waste container is either gripped and / or brought into the required alignment and orientation in relation to the collection space of the waste collection device, taking into account the actual position of the partition wall within the storage space of the waste container. In this regard, particular reference is made to the above descriptions of the lifting device.

[0091] According to the third aspect of the invention, a waste collection device is provided which comprises the features of independent patent claim 15. The waste collection device is used to collect waste from a waste container according to the first aspect of the invention. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made in full to the explanations of the first aspect of the invention and to the general description of the invention. The waste collection device may comprise a lifting device, which in particular is a lifting device according to the second aspect of the invention. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore also made in full to the explanations of the second aspect of the invention.

[0092] The waste collection device may be stationary or mobile. A mobile waste collection device is, for example, a waste collection vehicle. According to one embodiment, the waste collection vehicle is a so-called "side loader". A side loader within the meaning of this patent application is a waste collection vehicle that has, in particular, a lifting device with a gripper arm that is provided and operates on the side of the waste collection vehicle. The gripper arm lifts the waste container from its location and then empties it from the side into the waste collection vehicle. The waste is compressed by a press on / in the waste collection vehicle, for example, before it enters the designated collection chamber. This allows the collection chamber to hold as much waste as possible. Such side-loader waste collection vehicles can now be operated without any additional operators outside the waste collection vehicle.

[0093] The waste collection device comprises a collection compartment which houses a waste collection space. When emptying a waste container with several chambers, the collection space is preferably divided into two or more collection areas. The invention is not limited to a specific number of collection areas. However, it is practical to provide as many collection areas as there are chambers in the waste containers to be emptied.

[0094] The individual collection areas are separated from each other by a separation device. The separation device may be, for example, a wall, a partition plate or the like. According to one embodiment, the separation device is a separation wall between the collection areas. According to a different embodiment, the separation device may also be designed in the form of a separation plate. Such separation devices are also referred to as "dividers".

[0095] According to one embodiment, the separation device is designed as a movable separation device. According to one embodiment, the separation device is arranged so that it can be moved within the collection space. This allows the location of the separation device within the collection space to be changed, which in particular makes it possible to adjust the position of the separation device to the position of the partition wall within the waste container. According to another embodiment, the separation device is designed as a separation plate. The separation plate can, for example, be arranged on an otherwise rigid wall within the collection space, preferably in a pivotable manner. This allows the orientation of the separation plate to be changed by a pivoting movement, which in particular makes it possible to adjust the position of the free end of the separation device to the position of the partition wall within the waste container. According to one embodiment, such a movable separation plate can be provided in the entry portion of the collection space, some kind of a hopper for example. When the waste container is lifted, during an automated discharge procedure for example, it gets lifted and inverted over the waste collection device's hopper, and the separation device, which functions as a gate-like or movable separator mechanism within the hopper, directs the contents of the waste container into the correct, corresponding collection area in the collection space.

[0096] For this purpose, the waste collection device comprises a control device. The control device is used to control the waste collection device.

[0097] First, the control device comprises a receiving device that is configured to receive position information data concerning the position of a partition wall within the receiving space of a waste container body of the waste container. The position information data of the partition wall is transmitted from the centring element on the waste container to the receiving device and received therein.

[0098] If the position information data is in the form of optical data, the receiving device is or comprises a detection device for detecting optical data according to one embodiment. This may be a camera, for example. If the position information data is provided from a transmitter or transponder, the receiving device is or comprises a detection device for detecting data sent from the transmitter or transponder. This may be a special reader device. The receiving device may be part of the lifting device or part of the waste collection device, which may also be used for other purposes.

[0099] Furthermore, the control device comprises a processor device that is configured to generate position data for the separating device on the basis of the received position information data. This means that position data is generated in the processor device from the received position information data, which is then used, for example in the form of control signals, to move the separation device in such a way, for example to move it within the collection space or to pivot it in its alignment, that the waste container, taking into account the actual position of the partition wall within the storage space of the waste container, is brought into a required alignment and orientation with respect to the collection space of the waste collection device. The separation device is moved, for example, moved or pivoted, so that the partition wall within the waste container is brought into a suitable alignment and orientation with respect to the separation device of the waste collection device, for example, into an alignment aligned with the separation device or, if the separation device is a flap, aligned with the free end of the flap.

[0100] For this purpose, the waste collection device comprises an actuator device which is designed to move or pivot the separation device into an emptying position corresponding to the position data.

[0101] The centring element on the waste container thus provides information that actively positions the separation device of the waste collection device and brings it into the correct position so that the waste container can be emptied properly, regardless of where the partition wall is actually located in the waste container's storage space.

[0102] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for lifting a waste container is provided. The method is used to lift a waste container according to the first aspect of the invention. The waste container is lifted by means of a lifting device which has a gripper arm, in particular an automated gripper arm, at the end of which a gripping device is provided. The lifting device is, for example, a lifting device according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0103] The waste container is lifted into an emptying position. "Lifting" in particular means that the waste container is gripped and lifted and moved to a collection space of a waste collection device, for example a waste collection vehicle in the form of a side loader, i.e. to an emptying position.

[0104] The waste container is therefore gripped by the lifting device and lifted to a collection space of a waste collection device, wherein the collection space has two or more collection areas which are separated from each other by a movable, for example, slidable or pivotable separation device. The waste collection device is, in particular, a waste collection device according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0105] To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made here in full to the explanations of the first, second and third aspects of the invention, but also to the general description of the invention, particularly with regard to the functioning of the method.

[0106] The method is characterised by the following steps: a) In a receiving device of a control device, which is part of the waste collection device, position information data concerning the position of a partition wall within the storage space of the waste container body is received from the waste container. The position information data is provided by the centring element on the waste container and, in particular, transmitted. b) Position data for the separation device is generated in a processor device of the control device on the basis of the received position information data. c) The position data is then transmitted, in particular in the form of control signals, to an actuator device of the waste collection device, which interacts with the separation device. d) By means of the actuator device, the separation device is moved, for example, traversed or pivoted, into an emptying position corresponding to the position data. e) An engagement device of the waste container is gripped by the lifting device, for example by the gripping device of the lifting device. f) The waste container is lifted into the emptying position, for example by means of the gripper arm of the lifting device.

[0107] The waste container is thus gripped, taking into account the actual position of the partition wall within the waste container's storage space, and brought into the required alignment and orientation in relation to the collection space of the waste collection device, in particular to the separation device thereof. In the emptying process, the separation device of the waste collection device is moved in the collection space, for example, by being moved or pivoted, in such a way that it is brought into a required alignment, for example, in line with the alignment of the partition wall in the waste container.

[0108] The invention will now be explained with reference to embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings Figures 1 to 3show different views of a first embodiment of a centring element according to the invention; Figures 4 to 7show different views of a second embodiment of a centring element according to the invention; Figures 8 to 10show various views of an embodiment of a waste container according to the invention with a centring element according to the invention; Figures 11 to 14show various arrangement variants of a centring element according to the invention on a waste container; Figure 15shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention; Figure 16shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of a lifting device according to the invention; and Figure 17shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a waste collection device according to the invention.

[0109] Figures 1 to 3 show different views of a first embodiment of a centring element 20. In addition to its centring function, the centring element 20 is also designed to provide positional information data concerning the position of a partition wall within the storage space of a waste container body from the waste container.

[0110] The centring element 20 comprises a base body 21, which is in particular polygonal. The base body 21 has three different areas. A first area is a fastening area 22, with which the base body 21 can be fastened to an engagement area of a waste container, as shown in Figures 8 to 10. The fastening area 22 is followed by a transition area 24, which then merges into a centring area 23. The transition area 24 has a curved profile so that the centring area 23 still protrudes forward in relation to the fastening area 22. In this way, when the centring element 20 is attached, the centring area 23 protrudes beyond the engagement device of the waste container, which has a positive effect on its perception. However, such a transition area 24 is not absolutely necessary. The attachment area 22 has a rectangular contour, while the centring area 23 has a triangular shape. At the upper end 22c of the base body 22, the fastening area 22 comprises a first fastening device 25. The centring element 20 can be fastened to the engagement area of the waste container via the first fastening device 25, for example by means of a plug connection, snap connection or clamp connection. For this purpose, the first fastening device 25 comprises a bar 25a projecting upwards from the upper end 22c of the base body 22, which is closed off by a cover area 25d. In addition, a groove 25b is formed in the area of the cover area 25d.

[0111] Since the base body 21 also comprises a centring area 23 adjacent to the fastening area 22, the centring element 20 as a whole becomes a centring component that interacts with the lifting device.

[0112] A second fastening device 26 is provided in the centring area 23 to create a screw connection. The centring element 20 can be screwed to a side wall of the waste container via the second fastening device 26. The centring area 23 has a honeycomb structure 23a for reinforcement.

[0113] The centring element 20 is designed in the form of a hollow profile element and is only open on the side facing the waste container. A receiving space 22a formed in the fastening area 22 has no special function in this embodiment.

[0114] The centring element 20 has the task of centring the waste container in relation to the lifting device and in or on the lifting device during the lifting and emptying process.

[0115] The centring element 20 takes into account the position of a partition wall. The partition wall is located within the storage space of the waste container, which is bounded by the waste container body. This is shown in Figures 8 to 10. This is done by means of position information data provided by the centring element 20, in particular for the actuation of a lifting device and / or a waste collection device. The position information data is purpose-oriented in relation to the partition wall. In particular, it provides information about the position of the partition wall within the storage space. The position information data is provided in such a way that it can be transmitted. In the present case, the position information data is used in particular to control a lifting device and / or a waste collection device.

[0116] The centring element 20 comprises a generation device 27a which is set up to generate position information data. In addition, the centring element 20 also comprises a provision device 27b which is designed to provide the position information data to another component, for example a control device, a lifting device for the waste container and / or a waste collection device. This means that the position information data is provided to another component by means of the provision device 27b.

[0117] Depending on the design of the centring element 20, the position information data can be provided in different ways.

[0118] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the generation device 27a is designed to generate position information data in the form of optical data. This data is colour data. Similarly, the provision device 27b is also designed to provide position information data in the form of optical data, which is also colour data. A specific colour scheme, at least for the centring area 23, can be used, for example, to identify where the partition wall is located within the receiving space. In this embodiment, the generation device 27a and the provision device 27b are formed by the base body 21, in this case the centring area 23. A specific colour of the centring element 20 can then indicate, for example, that the partition wall is located at a specific position within the storage space of the waste container. A different position of the partition wall can then be signalled by a centring element 20 in a different colour.

[0119] Figures 4 to 7 show different views of a second embodiment of a centring element 20.

[0120] This centring element 20 also comprises a base body 21, in particular a polygonal base body. The base body 21 again has three different areas. A first area is a fastening area 22, with which the base body 21 can be fastened to an engagement area of a waste container, as shown in Figures 8 to 10. The fastening area 22 is followed by a transition area 24, which then merges into a centring area 23. The transition area 24 has a curved profile, so that the centring area 23 still protrudes forward in relation to the fastening area 22. In this way, when the centring element 20 is attached, the centring area 23 protrudes beyond the engagement device of the waste container, which has a positive effect on its perception. However, such a transition area 24 is not absolutely necessary. The attachment area 22 has a rectangular contour, while the centring area 23 has a triangular shape. At the upper end 22c of the base body 22, the fastening area 22 comprises a first fastening device 25. The centring element 20 can be fastened to the engagement area of the waste container via the first fastening device 25, for example by means of a plug connection, snap connection or clamp connection. For this purpose, the first fastening device 25 has a bar 25a projecting upwards from the upper end 22c of the base body 22, which is closed off by a cover area 25d. In addition, two grooves 25c are formed in the area of the bar 25a.

[0121] In the area of the centring area 23, a second fastening device 26 is also provided in this embodiment to create a screw connection. The centring element 20 can be screwed to a side wall of the waste container via the second fastening device 26. The centring area 23 has a honeycomb structure 23a for stiffening.

[0122] The centring element 20 is designed in the form of a hollow profile element and is only open on the side facing the waste container. A receiving space 22a formed in the fastening area 22 has a fixing area 22b which is provided for receiving a generation device 28a for generating position information data and a provision device 28b for providing position information data. Alternatively, or in addition to the generation device 28a, a storage device 28c may also be provided in which position information data is stored.

[0123] In this second embodiment, the centring element 20 also has the task of centring the waste container in relation to the lifting device and in or on the lifting device during the lifting and emptying process.

[0124] The centring element 20 takes into account the position of a partition wall. The partition wall is located within the receiving space of the waste container, which is bounded by the waste container body. This is shown in Figures 8 to 10. This is done by means of position information data provided by the centring element 20, in particular for the actuation of a lifting device and / or a waste collection device. The position information data is purpose-oriented in relation to the partition wall. In particular, it represents information that provides details of the position of the partition wall within the receiving space. The position information data is designed in such a way that it can be transmitted. In the present case, the position information data is used in particular to control a lifting device and / or a waste collection device.

[0125] The centring element 20 comprises a generation device 28a which is set up to generate position information data. Alternatively, or additionally, the centring element 20 comprises a storage device 28c in which position information data is stored. In addition, the centring element 20 also comprises a provision device 28b which is set up to provide the position information data to a further component, for example a lifting device for the waste container. This means that the position information data is provided to a further component by means of the centring element 20.

[0126] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the generation device 28a, the provision device 28b and the storage device 28c are designed as a transmitter or transponder.

[0127] Figures 8 to 10 show a waste container 10 that comprises a centring element 20.

[0128] The waste container 10 comprises a waste container body 11 which defines a storage space 13 for receiving waste. The waste container body 11 comprises a container bottom 11a, a side wall 11b projecting from the container bottom 11a, an upper container edge 11c which delimits a filling opening 12, and an engagement device 14 for a lifting device which is provided, optionally at the upper container edge11c, at least partially outside the waste container body 11. The engagement device 14 can, for example, be designed in the form of an engagement frame.

[0129] The centring element 20 is arranged in the area of the engagement device 14 on the waste container body 11. As can be seen in particular from Figures 9 and 10, the engagement device 14 comprises a first surface 14a which extends horizontally outwards beyond the container edge 11c. At the free end of the first surface 14, a second surface 14b of the engagement device 14 projects downwards. This creates a receiving space in which the centring element 20 is inserted with its fastening area 22 and fastened by means of the first fastening device 25 (see Figures 1 to 7). The triangular centring area 23 of the centring element 20 protrudes downwards and is located outwards from the receiving space.

[0130] Furthermore, the waste container 10 comprises a partition wall 15 which is detachably arranged within the storage space 13 in the waste container 10 by means of connecting elements 16. The partition wall 15 divides the storage space 13 of the waste container 10 into two individual chambers 13a, 13b separated from each other. The waste container body 11 has a central axis 18. The partition wall 15 can be provided in a variable position in the storage space 13. This means that the partition wall 15 can be placed at different points within the storage space 13, so that chambers 13a, 13b of variable size can be created in the storage space 13. For this purpose, the waste container body 11 comprises three positioning devices 17 in the form of positioning openings, so that chambers with different size ratios can be created as desired, for example 40:60, 50:50, 60:40. The connecting elements 16 of the partition wall 15 can then be inserted into the positioning openings 17.

[0131] The centring element 20 provides information data that indicates the position of the partition wall 15 within the receiving space 13 of the waste container 10. This information data is provided to a lifting device 30 for the waste container 10, two examples of which are shown in Figures 15 and 16. Alternatively, the information data is provided to a waste collection device 50, an embodiment of which is shown in Figure 17.

[0132] The centring element 20 is detachably arranged on the waste container body 11. The information data can then be provided by means of the centring element 20 in various ways. Some examples of this are shown in Figures 11 to 14.

[0133] In the examples shown in Figures 11 to 13, the centring element 20 is attached to the waste container 10 where the partition wall 15 is located within the storage space 13. This means that the location of the partition wall 15 within the storage space 13 can be inferred from the location of the centring element 20. The information data can then be extracted from the position of the centring element 20 on the waste container 10. Figure 11 shows a case in which the partition wall 15 is located centrally in the area of the central axis 18 in the receiving space 13, which is indicated accordingly by the centring element 20. The storage space 13 has two chambers 13a, 13b of equal size in a ratio of 50:50. If the partition wall 15 is moved to a different position within the storage space 13 of the waste container body 11, the centring element 20 is detached from the waste container 10 and reattached to the waste container 10 at a different position, corresponding to the new position of the partition wall 15. Figure 12 shows a variant with two resulting chambers 13a, 13b of different sizes in a ratio of 40:60, and Figure 13 shows a variant with two chambers 13a, 13b of different sizes in a ratio of 60:40. The advantage in each case is that the centring element 20 is physically independent of the partition wall 15 and its attachment to / in the waste container 10. The centring element 20 can then be easily retrofitted to existing waste containers 10 with partition wall 15.

[0134] In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the centring element 20 is arranged on the waste container body 11 in the area of the centre axis 18 of the waste container body 11. In this case, the position of the centring element 20 on the waste container 10 is not changed. Nevertheless, the centring element 20 also provides information data that gives information about the actual position of the partition wall 15 within the storage space 13 of the waste container body 11 of the waste container 10. This is described in more detail above in the general description using a few examples.

[0135] Figures 15 and 16 show two examples of lifting devices 30 that are used to grip a waste container and lift it into an emptying position. Both lifting devices have the same basic structure.

[0136] The lifting devices 30 comprise a gripper arm 31, in particular an automated gripper arm, at the end of which a gripping device 32 is provided, which is designed to grip the engagement device 14 of the waste container 10 (see Figures 8 to 10). The waste container 10 is gripped by means of the gripping device 32. The gripping device 32 is located at one end of the gripper arm 31. The other end of the gripper arm 31 is attached to the waste collection device (not shown), for example the waste collection vehicle, for example in the form of a side loader. The gripping device 32 comprises a receiving device 33 with one or more receiving teeth 33a, which engage with the engagement device 14 of the waste container 10 from below. For fixing, a clamping device 34 is additionally provided, which presses against the engagement device 14 from above so that the engagement device is clamped between the gripping device 33 and the clamping device 34.

[0137] The gripping device 32 also comprises a centring device 35. In this way, in addition to positioning the waste container 10, it can also be centred on the gripping device 32 of the lifting device 30. The centring device 35 can be designed in the form of a V-shaped centring groove. The centring device 35 serves to bring the components of the receiving device 33 of the gripping device 32 into the correct position for the gripping and lifting process in relation to the engagement device 14 of the waste container 10. For this purpose, the centring element 20 comprises a base body 21 with a triangular centring area 23 corresponding to the centring device 35 (see Figures 1 to 7).

[0138] The lifting devices 30 of both embodiments comprise a control device 40 or an interface to a control device 40. The control device 40 has a number of components. First, the control device 40 comprises a receiving device 41 that is configured to receive position information data 47 concerning the position of a partition wall 15 within the storage space 13 of a waste container body 11 from the waste container 10 (see Figures 8 to 10). The position information data 47 of the partition wall 15 is transmitted from the centring element 20 to the receiving device 41 and received therein.

[0139] In the embodiment shown in Figure 15, the position information data 47 is transmitted by a provision device 28b of the centring element 20, which is designed in the form of a transmitter or transponder, for example from a centring element 20 according to Figures 4 to 7. The transmission takes place via a communication connection 45.

[0140] In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the position information data 47 is transmitted by a provision device 27b in the form of optical data, for example colour data or shape data, for example from a centring element 20 according to Figures 1 to 3. The position information data 47 in the form of optical data is captured by an optical device 43, for example a camera, and transmitted via a communication connection 45 to the receiving device 41.

[0141] Furthermore, the control device 40 comprises a processor device 42 which is configured to generate position data 44 for the gripper arm 31 or the gripping device 32 on the basis of the received position information data 47. This means that position data 44 is generated in the processor device 42 from the received position information data 47. Control signals 44a are generated from the position data 44, which are then forwarded via an output device 48 and used to control the gripper arm 31 or the gripping device 32 in such a way that the waste container 10 is gripped, taking into account the actual position of the partition wall 15 within the storage space 13 of the waste container 10 (see Figures 8 to 10), and brought into a required alignment and orientation with respect to the collection space of the waste collection device. The gripper arm 31 or the gripping device 32 is moved in such a way that the partition wall 15 inside the waste container 10 is brought into a suitable alignment and orientation with respect to the collection space of the waste collection device, for example into an alignment flush with a separation device which separates two collection areas of the collection space from each other.

[0142] For this purpose, the lifting device 30 comprises an actuator device 36 which is designed to move the gripper arm 31 or the gripping device 32 into a gripping position corresponding to the position data and thus into a lifting position. The position data 44 generates control signals 44a for the actuator device 36, which are transmitted via a communication connection 46 from the output device 48 of the control device 40 to the actuator device 36.

[0143] The centring element 20 on the waste container 10 thus provides information that actively positions the gripper arm 31 or the gripping device 32 on the waste collection device and moves it into the correct position so that the waste container 10 can be emptied properly, regardless of where the partition wall 15 is actually located in the storage space 13 of the waste container 10.

[0144] Figure 17 shows an example of a waste collection device 50 in which the present invention is implemented. The waste collection device 50 is a waste collection vehicle 50a in the form of a side loader. The emptying of the waste containers 10 is automated and can be monitored by the operator in the driver's cab 56.

[0145] The waste collection vehicle 50a comprises a collection space 51 for waste. Waste containers 10 with several chambers are emptied, in which the storage space 13 is divided into two chambers 13a, 13b by a partition wall 15. The waste container 10 is, in particular, a waste container as shown in Figures 8 to 10. As can be seen in Figure 17, the partition wall 15 is not placed in the centre of the storage space 13, so that the waste container 10 has two chambers 13a, 13b of different sizes.

[0146] To empty the waste container 10, it is gripped by a lifting device 30 and moved into the emptying position. For this purpose, the lifting device 30 has a gripper arm 31 and a gripping device 32 located at the free end of the gripper arm 31. The gripping device 32 interacts with an engagement area of the waste container 10.

[0147] In order to collect the different waste fractions in the individual chambers 13a, 13b of the waste container 10 separately in the waste collection vehicle 50a, the latter comprises a collection space 51 which is divided into two collection areas 51a, 51b. The individual collection areas 51a, 51b are separated from each other by a separation device 52 in the form of a partition plate and / or wall. The waste from the waste container 10 enters the individual collection areas 51a, 51b of the collection space 51 via a receiving opening 57.

[0148] In order to take into account the actual position of the partition wall 15 within the storage space 13 of the waste container 10 during emptying, the waste container 10 comprises a centring element 20, as shown and described, for example, in Figures 1 to 7, and which interacts with the waste container 10, as shown and described, for example, in Figures 8 to 14. The position information data 47 provided by the centring element 20 is transmitted via a communication link 45 to a control device 40 of the waste collection vehicle 50a.

[0149] A receiving device 41 of the control device 40 receives the position information data 47 concerning the position of the partition wall 15 within the storage space 13 of the waste container 10. The position information data 47 is provided by the centring element 20. In a processor device 42 of the control device 40, position data 44 for the separation device 52 in the collection space 51 is generated on the basis of the received position information data 47. For this purpose, the separation device 52 is movable, i.e. it is arranged so that it can be displaced within the collection space 51. In another embodiment, the separation device 52 may be provided for a pivoting movement. Displacement or pivoting is effected by means of an actuator device 55, which is connected to the separation device 52 via a suitable actuator connection 55a.

[0150] The position data 44 is then transmitted in the form of control signals 44a from an output device 48 of the control device 40 via a communication connection 46 to the actuator device 55, which interacts with the separation device 52.

[0151] By means of the actuator device 55, the separation device 52 is moved, for example displaced or pivoted, from an original first emptying position 53 into a second emptying position 54 corresponding to the position data 44. The lifting device 30 grips an engagement area of the waste container 10, for example by means of the gripping device 32 of the lifting device 30. The waste container 10 is lifted into the emptying position 54, for example by means of the gripper arm 31 of the lifting device 30.

[0152] The displacement or pivoting of the separation device 52 within the collection space 51, which is carried out on the basis of the position information data 47, means that the waste container 10 is gripped, taking into account the actual position of the partition wall 15 within the storage space 13 of the waste container 10, and brought into the required alignment 58 and orientation in relation to the collection space 51 of the waste collection vehicle 50a. In doing so, the separation device 52 is moved in the collection space 51, for example by being moved or pivoted, in such a way that it is brought into a required alignment 58, for example in line with the alignment of the partition wall 15 in the waste container 10.List of reference numerals

[0153] 10Waste container 11Waste container body 11aContainer bottom 11bSide wall 11cUpper container edge 12Filling opening 13Storage space 13aChamber 13bChamber 14Engagement device (engagement frame) 14aFirst surface of the engagement device 14bSecond surface of the engagement device 15Partition wall 16Connecting element 17Positioning device 18Centre axis 20Centring element 21Base body 22Fastening area 22aReceiving space 22bFixing area 22cUpper end of the centring element 23Centring area 23aHoneycomb structure 24Transition area 25First fastening device 25aBar 25bGroove 25cGroove 25dCover area 26Second fastening device (screw connection) 27aGeneration device for generating position information data 27bProvision device for providing position information data 28aGeneration device for generating position information data 28bProvision device for providing position information data 28cStorage device for storing position information data 30Lifting device 31Gripper arm 32Gripping device 33Receiving device 33aReceiving tooth 34Clamping device 35Centring device 36Actuator device 40Control device 41Receiving device 42Processor device 43Optical detection device (camera) 44Position data 44aControl signal 45Communication connection 46Communication connection 47Position information data 48Output device 50Waste collection device 50aWaste collection vehicle (side loader) 51Collection space 51aCollection area 51bCollection area 52Separation device 53First emptying position 54Second emptying position 55Actuator device 55aActuator connection 56Driver's cab 57Receiving opening 58Alignment

Claims

1. Waste container (10) with a waste container body (11) that defines a storage space (13) for receiving waste, the waste container body (11) comprising a container bottom (11a), a side wall (11b) protruding from the container bottom (11a), an upper container edge (11c) which delimits a filling opening (12), and an engagement device (14) for a lifting device (30) which extends at least partially outside the waste container body (11), with at least one partition wall (15) arranged within the storage space (13) in the waste container (10), and a centring element (20) provided in such a way that it is capable of centring the waste container (10), in particular the position of the partition wall (15) in relation to the lifting device (30), characterised in that that the centring element (20) is provided to provide position information data (47) concerning the position of a partition wall (15) within the storage space (13) of the waste container body (11), the centring element (20) comprising a generation device (27a, 28a) which is configured to generate position information data (47) and / or a storage device (28c) which is configured to store position information data (47), and further comprising a provision device (27b, 28b) that is configured to provide the location information data (47) for an emptying operation of the waste container (10).

2. Waste container according to claim 1, characterised in that the provision device (28b) is configured as a transmission device which is set up to transmit the position information data (47) to the lifting device (30) for the waste container (10).

3. Waste container according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the generation device (27a) is configured to generate position information data (47) in the form of optical data, in particular colour data or shape data, and / or that the provision device (27b) is configured to provide position information data (47) in the form of optical data, in particular colour data or shape data.

4. Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the generation device (28a) and / or the provision device (28b) is configured as a transmitter or transponder.

5. Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the centring element (20) comprises a base body (21), in particular a polygonal base body, which comprises at least one fastening device (25, 26) for fastening the centring element (20) to a waste container (10), in particular in a detachable manner.

6. Waste container according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one fastening device (25, 26) is configured to create a connection selected from the group consisting of a plug connection, a clamp connection, a snap connection, or a screw connection.

7. Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the centring element (20) comprises a base body (21) which comprises a fastening area (22) with at least one fastening device (25) and an adjoining centring area (23).

8. Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the waste container body (11) comprises two or more positioning devices (17) for positioning the partition wall (15) at different locations within the storage space (13).

9. Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the centring element (20) is part of the partition wall (15).

10. Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the centring element (20) is arranged, in particular detachably, on the waste container body (11).

11. Waste container according to claim 10, characterised in that the centring element (20) is arranged on the waste container body (11) in the area of the central axis (18) of the waste container body (11).

12. Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the waste container (10) comprises a lid, in particular a split lid, for closing the waste container body (11).

13. Lifting device (30) for lifting a waste container (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 12, said lifting device (30) comprising a gripper arm (31), at the end of which a gripping device (32) is provided which is configured to grip the engagement device (14) of the waste container (10), a control device (40) or an interface to a control device (40), said control device (40) comprising a receiving device (41) configured to receive position information data (47) concerning the position of a partition wall (15) within the storage space (13) of the waste container body (11), a processor device (42) configured to generate position data (44) for the gripper arm (31) or the gripping device (32) on the basis of the received position information data (47), and an actuator device (36) for moving the gripper arm (31) or the gripper device (32) into a gripping position corresponding to the position data (44).

14. Lifting device according to claim 13, characterised in that the gripping device (32) comprises a centring device (35), in particular a centring groove.

15. Waste collection device (50) for collecting waste from a waste container (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 12, said waste collection device (50) comprising a collection chamber (51) that is divided into two or more collection areas (51a, 51b), wherein the collection areas (51a, 51b) being separated from one another by a movable separation device (52), and comprising a control device (40) or an interface to a control device (40), the control device (40) comprising a receiving device (41) configured to receive position information data (47) concerning the position of a partition wall (15) within the storage space (13) of the waste container body (11), a processor device (42) configured to generate position data (44) for the separation device (52) based on the received position information data (47), and an actuator device (53) for moving the separation device (53) into an emptying position corresponding to the position data (44).

Images