LIFTING AND CLEANING SYSTEM FOR A SKIP, FOR SUCCESSIVELY EMPTYING AND CLEANING A CONTAINER

Abstract

The container lifting and cleaning system equips a transport bucket (2) in order to empty and immediately clean a container (10). The system comprises a tipper (1) for lifting and tipping the container, with unloading above an upper edge (2d) of the bucket. This unloading is carried out through a discharge zone (ZD) adjacent to the upper edge (2d). A tool (7) with a cleaning head (7a) coacts with the tipper and sprays liquid inside the unloaded and still-tipped container, the tool being initially arranged distal or opposite the upper edge and supported by the top of the bucket. The tool (7) is moved with a change in the orientation of the head to extend longitudinally (X7): - in a direction compatible with insertion into the container, - in or directly above the discharge zone (ZD), during cleaning. Figure for abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: LIFTING AND CLEANING SYSTEM FOR A CONTAINER, FOR SUCCESSIVELY EMPTYING AND CLEANING A CONTAINER Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of cleaning bins or containers whose contents are to be emptied into a skip. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a lifting and cleaning system for a skip. It also relates to a method of cleaning a container on top of a skip. Prior art

[0002] There are cleaning stations or even specialized trucks to allow the cleaning of large capacity bins. Documents EP 0087490 A1, EP 0 487 826 A1, EP 0559541 and US 20080105474 A1 thus each describe a waste bin cleaning system, the cleaning part of which forms a specific station which is not intended to be co-located with the area for receiving the contents of these bins (this most often involves waste, collection products). In these cases, the truck is only used in practice to clean bins, not to collect the contents of these bins.

[0003] More broadly, there is a need to enable the collection of bin contents which can also enable cleaning, minimizing the number of people involved and without the need for two separate teams to carry out these tasks. Summary

[0004] In order to improve the situation, a container lifting and cleaning system is proposed, capable of pouring the contents of the containers into an interior volume of a transport bin and returning cleaning liquid into the bin, this system comprising: - the skip provided with a side wall delimiting the interior volume; - a tipper for lifting and tipping a container, in order to allow the contents of the container to be dumped above a first upper edge of the container delimiting access to the interior volume, a movable part of the tipper being adjacent to a zone for dumping the contents in a tilted position of this movable part; - a cleaning tool provided with a fixing support and a cleaning head, the tool being arranged at a distance from the first upper edge and connected by the support to a top of the bucket, the cleaning head being movable relative to the fixing support which extends, preferably transversely, from a second upper edge of the bucket, which is distinct from the first edge and preferably parallel to this first edge, in the direction of the first upper edge, the cleaning head being connected in a manner fluidic to a liquid reservoir and adapted to spray the liquid above the first upper edge in a direction away from the second upper edge; wherein the cleaning head is movably mounted on the support between a retracted configuration distal to the first upper edge and offset from the spill area and a cleaning configuration in which the cleaning head is located in or directly above the spill area.

[0005] Thanks to these provisions, it is no longer necessary to carry out specific cleaning of the bins / containers, which represents a tedious operation. A valuable saving of time can be obtained. Operators working on unloading such containers thus have less effort to provide and cleaning can, in addition, limit or eliminate unpleasant odors when the container is lowered by the tipper.

[0006] Due to the mobility of the cleaning head, the tool can be stored away from the dumping area, in a retracted configuration that does not interfere with the unloading of a container. Furthermore, the movement can combine the approach of the first upper edge with a change of orientation, for greater speed. Unlike the juxtaposition of two movements, one to linearly approach the tool, the other to raise the cleaning head, it is possible to provide drive means whose actuation combines these two effects. It is permissible to have one or more cleaning heads in the cleaning tool, which may be movable with rotation. More generally, all or part of the tool may be arranged to protect it from dirt, in particular by moving the cleaning head(s) back from the spill area.

[0007] According to a feature, the tipper includes a fixed part which is capable of being kept stationary relative to the bucket, with the tipper which: - includes, in the mobile part (supporting structure), means for gripping the container; and - is adapted to move the movable part from a starting position, in which the movable part is interposed between one side of the side wall of the skip and the container, to the tilted position which is a comparatively higher arrival position, in which the gripping means can for example extend under the container. Optionally, the movable part may delimit from below a transfer zone adjacent to the discharge zone. Such a transfer zone may be located between the opening / outlet of the container and the discharge zone. The movable part preferably forms a ramp arranged as a walkway between an outlet of the container and the first upper edge, for example when a recess is provided to house the rocker.

[0008] The lifting and cleaning system is compatible with a lateral integration of a dumping assembly with respect to a skip (tipping assembly) in order to unload the contents of the container by lifting and pivoting beyond a lateral upper edge of the skip, on a first side. It is also compatible with a skip not covered from above, which is generally the case for skips which can be quickly removed from the chassis of a truck.

[0009] In embodiments, at least one of the following features is used: - the cleaning head is mounted so as to be able to rotate on the fixing support, reaching, at the end of a rotational stroke, a position above the moving part, for example with a cleaning head moved beyond the first upper edge, whereby the cleaning head is able to be inserted, at least partially, inside the tilted container coupled to the moving part. - the container is held in a cantilevered position, above the first side, when cleaning is taking place. - the cleaning head is rotatable relative to the fixing support, being angularly spaced by more than 40°, preferably more than 90° between the retracted configuration and the cleaning configuration. - the cleaning head is provided with at least one rotating nozzle, preferably capable of rotating around an axis corresponding to said direction (D7) of removal. - the fixing support (for the tool) defines an axis of rotation allowing the tool to change orientation. - the axis of rotation is typically defined above the interior volume. - the axis of rotation is fixed. - the axis of rotation is movable, preferably linearly, in a region located above the interior volume. - the axis of rotation is kept horizontal, for example by extending longitudinally, parallel to the length of the bucket.

[0010] According to a particular feature, the driving means of the cleaning tool are arranged (and typically maintained, even during cleaning) above the interior volume. The tool holder may carry an actuator assembly, preferably a cylinder, located for example in a region spaced from both the first edge and the second edge (thus typically away from both side walls of the bucket), in the retracted / retracted conformation of the cleaning tool.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the following features are provided: - the cleaning head (possibly associated with a tool body aligned with the head cleaning) is carried by a structure, preferably in the form of a frame, which is connected by a first pivot connection to the tool support. - the cleaning head constitutes or is part of a spray assembly which is carried by the structure (which may include the frame), the spray assembly being movable using at least the first pivot link. - the spray assembly has two cleaning heads, for example arranged in parallel. - the spray assembly has two cleaning heads which are for example suitable for being inserted / distributed into two compartments of a bin / container or into two containers tilted next to each other by the tilter, for typically simultaneous cleaning (each of the containers being engaged by a corresponding comb or gripping member, to be typically driven by the same supporting structure). - each cleaning head of the spray assembly can be connected to a fluid connector carried by the structure and / or a single fluid connector or fitting allows the connection of the spray assembly to be made, preferably with a removable connection. - the structure carrying the spray assembly can be connected / linked, by at least one second pivot connection, to a pusher member belonging to the actuator assembly. - the actuator assembly allows the cleaning head to be moved via a displacement (including rotation) of the structure to reach the cleaning configuration. - the pusher member can be moved substantially towards the first upper edge. - the actuator assembly may be provided with two cylinders (the pusher member being a rod of the cylinder), distributed for example along two arms of a frame constituting the structure carrying the cleaning head. - the support of the cleaning tool may comprise two rigid crosspieces delimiting between them a spacing including the dumping zone, the two crosspieces being for example mounted on top of the bucket. - the two cylinders of the actuator assembly are distributed on either side of the gap, each running along a corresponding crosspiece. - each cylinder of the drive means associated with the cleaning tool can be attached / linked to such a crosspiece, allowing the pusher member or rod to come out with an upward movement.

[0012] According to a feature, the bucket is elongated in a front-to-rear direction and of the detachable type to allow its separation from a truck, the tipper including a lifting device arranged laterally relative to the bucket, at a distance from one end or rear part of the bucket, the system further comprising a control unit controlling both the tilting by the moving part, the movement of the cleaning head in the tilted state of the moving part, and a feed pump for the cleaning tool.

[0013] A control unit may have control functions distributed on a panel or in a control cabinet, which is carried by the bucket or which covers the bucket, on one side only for example. Optionally, on one side of the bucket, the control unit is arranged adjacent to the tipper with a longitudinal offset relative to the tipper.

[0014] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of cleaning a container on top of a skip, using a cleaning tool and a tipper provided for lifting and tipping the container, in order to allow the contents of the container to be poured into the skip, above a first upper edge of the skip, and then the interior of the container to be cleaned, the method comprising the steps essentially consisting of: - associating a cleaning head with drive means making it possible to drive a rotation of the cleaning head along a generally transverse trajectory relative to the bucket, the drive means being carried by a support of the cleaning tool which is connected at a top to the bucket, said support extending, preferably transversely, from a second upper edge of the bucket; - obtain, by the tipper, a tilted configuration of the container which is then supported by a movable part of the tipper which extends on the side of the first upper edge to allow dumping above this first upper edge, through a dumping zone forming access from above to the interior volume of the container; - during a phase of maintaining the container in a tilted configuration, moving the cleaning head (and typically the tool) to a cleaning configuration by actuating the rotation, this movement allowing the cleaning head, fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir, to leave a retracted position distal to the first upper edge and offset from the discharge zone; knowing that in the cleaning configuration, the cleaning head is: - deployed in or directly above the discharge zone, being oriented in a direction away from the second upper edge; - inserted, or insertable in the case of translation according to the direction, into the container whose outlet is located directly above a ramp or guide capable of returning cleaning liquid into the container.

[0015] The cleaning head may be mounted on a rod, possibly sliding relative to a hollow body of the cleaning tool. In embodiments, the cleaning head may be a first head, with other cleaning heads being carried by a moving part (frame for example) connected in an articulated manner to the fixing support. Washing heads may be removably mounted to be replaceable (or exchangeable), without modifying the rest of the movable part which alternately approaches and retreats away from the discharge area. Optionally, a common connector for different heads each having several spray nozzles, for example arranged in pairs with a center distance, which allows for example an adaptation according to a container opening size. If necessary, if the tank / container is narrower (or conversely wider) than a target container size, it is thus easy to selectively exchange the head or spray nozzle assembly by a disconnection using a quick-connect coupling or similar connector, in order to: - set a narrower wash center distance (or a wider center distance, respectively, - and / or if necessary reduce or increase the number of nozzle(s).

[0016] The use of a liquid spraying device or tool mounted on a top of the bin, at a distance from the unloading edge (in the withdrawal conformation), makes it possible to make the sequence of operations rapid, possibly by initiating a movement of the cleaning head upon detection that the container is discharging its contents and / or is in an angular position (final tilted position, typically) for unloading. The container can remain stationary, in its tilted position, until the end of the liquid spraying. Brief description of the drawings

[0017] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a tipper arrangement, here with installation in an ampirole skip; in all that follows, an ampirole skip may designate a box or a skip adapted to the system commonly called Ampliroll® (typically with a hydraulic lifting arm equipped with a hook which allows the skip to be loaded and placed). [Fig. 2] shows a perspective view, from the rear, of a tipper having a size adapted to be housed in a recess of the bucket, according to an embodiment in accordance with the invention, omitting here to illustrate the bucket, with a raised position of the supporting structure, before tipping. [Fig.3A] is a rear view of a comb-carrying portion of the supporting structure, provided with a comb or similar gripping area, as well as tabs for connection to lowering means, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the supporting structure. [Fig.3B] is a rear view of another portion, located at the rear in the recess and called the upper portion, of the supporting structure, this upper portion being capable of supporting the comb-carrying portion during tilting and provided with means to create an articulated connection with the rest of the rocker. [Fig. 3C] is a view, similar to those of Figures 3A and 3B, showing a slide assembly carrying an axis about which the supporting structure can tilt in response to the extension of one or more cylinders or actuators carried by this assembly and coupled to the upper portion of the supporting structure. [Fig.4] shows, in a side view, the recessed arrangement, at rest, of the parts of figures 3A, 3B and 3C, which are mounted on a guide part which is able to tilt slightly relative to the support for securing to the bucket. [Fig. 5] is a perspective view of a tipper arrangement, showing a mobile cleaning system according to a first embodiment, in a retracted configuration arranged from above the bucket, opposite the upper lateral edge above which the supporting structure of the tipper is tilted. [Fig. 6] is a top view of a skip having a tipper, in accordance with the invention, when the skip is mounted on a truck, without the tipper protruding beyond the size of the skip as seen from above. [Fig.7A] is a side view of a skip having a tipper, in accordance with the invention, when the skip is mounted on a truck, without the tipper protruding lower than the skip. [Fig.7B] is a side view of an "ampirole" tipper, being detached from a truck, for stand-alone operation with the tipper arrangement. [Fig.8] is a flowchart of steps that can be implemented with a rocker arrangement such as that shown in [Fig.4] or 7. [Fig.9] is a side view illustrating a movable cleaning tool in a second embodiment, adapted to be disposed opposite the container tipping area, the cleaning tool being shown in a retracted configuration not interfering with a dumping of the contents of the container. [Fig. 10] illustrates, in detail, an example of a deployed configuration of a mobile cleaning system capable of spraying liquid into a container that has just been emptied and is still in the tilted position. Description of embodiments

[0018] Several examples of non-limiting embodiments are set out below in detail. In the various figures, identical references indicate identical or similar elements. Throughout the present application, and as can be seen in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1 to 5 and 7, the direction Z designates the vertical direction of the space while the bucket 2 is elongated in a horizontal direction.

[0019] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the tipper 1 is configured to carry out the dumping of the contents of a container 10, in a state mounted on a tank part collection tank for receiving this content. With reference to [Fig.l] in particular, a skip 2 is provided to form such a collection tank part. The skip 2 has two side walls 200, 200', parallel to each other, which can delimit between them a significant interior volume V, for example exceeding one or several tens of cubic meters. The side walls 200, 200', with a front wall end 21 and a rear part 22 which can have at least one lockable door, make it possible to retain the materials, components poured into the interior volume V. The door of the rear part 22 can be articulated if necessary, for example around a horizontal axis when the door is made in a single pivoting block.When the skip 2 is capable of being separated from the truck (before or after each loading cycle, typically), for example by constituting an "ampirole" skip, the front wall end 21 may include a maneuvering socket 2b accessible from the outside. Each side wall 200, 200' extends upwards from a bottom 2a. The bucket 2 may optionally have an upper reinforcing belt. More generally, it is formed from upper edges, including an edge 2d provided on the first side wall 200 which includes an external cavity forming a recess 2c, so that the interior volume V is locally reduced on the side of the side wall 200, for example in an area distant from the rear part 22.

[0020] In [Fig.l], a tipper 1 is shown directly secured to the bucket. In variants, the tipper 1 may be, entirely or partly supported by a vehicle chassis 61, so as to be able to lift the container 10 along the first side wall 200. The supporting structure 5, formed as a movable part of the tipper 1, may rise above an upper edge (typically a lateral upper edge 2d, regardless of the presence or absence of a recess 12c) with the container 10 tipped to allow its unloading. For example, the container 10 attached by a gripping member 1e to this structure 5 can extend cantilevered (remaining offset to the outside relative to the template of the skip 2), resting on the supporting structure 5 which overlaps the upper edge 2d and / or can cooperate with a ramp 24, as described later (see for example [Fig. 10]).

[0021] Regardless of the way of integrating the tipper 1, the bucket 2 can be coupled to a cleaning tool 7, in order to obtain a container lifting and cleaning system 10, which can be controlled in a coordinated manner, for example by the same control unit 16. In [Fig. 5], such a system is thus shown which can, in the tilted state of the supporting structure 5, group together functional components on a top of a bucket 2. Typically, the supporting structure 5 and a cleaning head 7a of the tool 7 (for example coupled to a support 6, SM) can be distributed around the periphery of a dumping zone ZD. These two components can then be distributed, in the direction of the width of the bucket, on either side of such a zone ZD.

[0022] In the non-limiting case of [Fig.l], this zone ZD is adjacent to a portion of the wall 200 which delimits an external cavity / recess 2c for housing all or part of the tipper 1. The dumping zone ZD has a length which is limited to be identical or correspond substantially to the longitudinal extension (along the length of the bucket 2) of the supporting structure 5 of the tipper 1. The length of such a zone ZD can thus be less than or equal to 1.5 m.

[0023] The use of a ramp 24 and / or a supporting structure 5 which extends sufficiently beyond the gripping member 1 (higher in the starting position and before tilting), makes it possible to guide the discharged material towards the interior volume V, on the one hand, and to return to the bucket 2 the cleaning liquid, having served to clean the internal wall of the container 10, on the other hand.

[0024] The container lifting and cleaning system can be fitted to a wide variety of transport skips 2, in order to be able to empty and immediately clean a container 10. This system comprises the cleaning tool 7 and the tipper 1 for unloading above an upper edge 2d of the skip (the contents falling into the interior volume V through the dumping zone ZD). In operation, the tool 7 with the cleaning head 7a coacts with the tipper 1 and sprays liquid inside the unloaded and still tilted container 10. Knowing that the tool 7 can be initially arranged distal or opposite the upper edge 2d, being supported by the top of the bucket 2, the system has drive means (with at least cylinder VN for example) making it possible to move the tool 7, typically with a change of orientation of the cleaning head 7a to extend longitudinally (see direction of elongation X7): - in a direction compatible with insertion into the tilted container 10, - in or directly above the ZD dumping zone, during cleaning.

[0025] By choosing an "ampirole" skip, it is possible to easily tilt the skip 2 by raising the front wall end 21 where the operating socket 2b is located. This allows, if necessary, to move a collected part from the front to the rear in the interior volume. Alternatively or in addition, a movable floor and / or transfer means on board at a base 2a of the skip 2 can also participate in evacuating a collected part towards the rear, by making more available the space (of the volume V) located at the front and at the level of which a container 10 maneuvered using the tipper 1 is unloaded. The bottom or base 2a can constitute or include a load-bearing floor. The skip 2, when it is of the "ampirole" type, can include one or more rollers r2 arranged on a rear side, two lower reinforcement and guide slides Gl, G2.

[0026] The tilter 1 is provided with a member or part for gripping the container 10 making it possible to block the container 10, for example by clamping or pinching against a comb 14 capable of coming from below a rim or lip 9 provided on the container 10. Such a rim / lip 9 is generally provided on the periphery of the upper end E10 of a container 10, where the opening O is located for filling and pouring (into the bin). The comb 14 or similar relief assembly can be moved, for example lowered then slid to rise relative to the counter-comb 14', so as to hold and lift a container 10 by means of its rim 9.

[0027] The gripping member 1c is part of a supporting structure 5 for lifting and tilting the container 10. This structure 5 is mounted movably on a guide 4 which can prevent a rotational movement of the container 10. Thus, for a container 10 of standard size having a wide opening O, the guide part 4 contributes to linearly guiding a lifting of the structure 5 on which the container 10 remains attached. For example, the guide part 4 includes two parallel rails 4a, 4b which each extend between a lower end located in the lower zone of the recess 2c and an upper end located in an upper outlet zone of the recess or close to a top of the recess. An intermediate part of the tilter 1, for example only movable by sliding relative to the guide part 4, is guided in these rails 4a, 4b.As detailed below, the supporting structure 5 can be coupled in rotation to such an intermediate part which is designed for example as a slider 15 or sliding frame forming a movable shaft. Such a shaft 15a, visible in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3C, is then movable in sliding while allowing the pivoting of the supporting structure 5. The pivoting mounting of the structure 5 can be achieved by supporting the structure 5: . - on the one hand, by actuators, for example tilting cylinders VB which can tilt from first hinge fixing regions 15f provided on a crosspiece T15 or similar lower part of the slide 15, - and on the other hand, by the shaft 15a which is installed in receivers or bearings C12 formed on the structure 5, knowing that in a retracted position of the supporting structure, the pivot axis A of the structure 5 is offset towards the bottom, that is to say is located closer to a bottom face of the recess 2c, relative to the connection of the supporting structure 5 with the end or cylinder head of the tilting cylinders VB.

[0028] More broadly, it is understood that the supporting structure 5 is movable around a pivot axis A which is movable in height, along the guide part 4. The tilting arrangement 100 may have actuators or means for dismounting and lowering operating independently of the actuators or lifting means ML. Thus, in the recess 2c, lowering means MA are provided for lowering the gripping member 1e, from a first position corresponding to the height level occupied in the retracted position of the structure carrier 5, in order to reach a lowered position in a first operating mode of the tipper 1 compatible with a configuration of the bucket 2 mounted on a chassis of a truck 60 or collection vehicle. In such a case, the carrier structure 5 in the retracted position (in this first position) may typically be located higher than this lowered position. The member 1c and, more generally, the main part of the carrier structure 5, extend above a base 2a of the bucket 2 to allow the arrangement 100 to be compact. Example(s) of rocker integration

[0029] With reference to figures 1, 2 and 4-5, the tipper 1 can be carried by the bucket 2 by being fixed in the recess 2c, so as to occupy a substantially parallelepipedal volume, for example with a height H1 of the tipper 1 which can be substantially equal to the height h2 of the receiving / reservoir part of the bucket 2. More broadly, the tipper 1 can be designed and dimensioned to be higher than it is wide, and with a depth limited to less than 55 cm, for example of the order of 40 cm, in a retracted state as seen in particular in [Fig.4]. The height H1 may slightly exceed the height h2, for example at the upper end E4 of the guide part 4. Optionally, the guide part 4 has tenons, similar axis elements or bearings 8 which make it possible to make this guide part 4 articulated around an axis XI by being connected to the support 3.

[0030] A tilting actuation of this guide part 4 can be carried out in an area adjacent to or located at the bottom of the recess 2c, by using cylinders VI or similar actuators capable of pushing outwards the lower end E4' of the guide part 4. In this option, the fixing support 3 can be designed to support the guide part 4 of the rocker 1 both by an upper end, which can carry parts of axes 4r or similar parts of a hinge or articulation (forming the axis XI), and by a lower end with the actuator(s) / cylinder(s) VL

[0031] The guide part 4 can thus have a generally inclined orientation corresponding for example to the direction D' in the case of [Fig. 4]. This change of orientation also affects the entire supporting structure 5, insofar as the latter can be mounted movably on the guide part 4 by means of a frame or slide 15 which remains parallel to the guide part 4, for example by being interposed and guided between the two rails 4a, 4b. In this integration example, switch 1 combines: - mobility of the guide part 4 (typically for the start of dismounting of the supporting structure 5); and - mobility of the supporting structure 5 which is driven by actuators (which do not cause any movement of the guide part 4) to lift the container 10 and to tip it until its contents are poured into the interior volume V of the bin 2.

[0032] The actuators, in particular the VL cylinders of the tipper 1 capable of driving the lifting of the supporting structure 5 can be entirely held in the recess 2c, for example by each having a fixing connection 4c provided on a fixing support 3 allowing the guide part 4 to be secured to the bucket 2. This fixing connection 4c is compatible with rotation about an axis (which can be a horizontal axis) of each VL cylinder. A crossed arrangement of two VL cylinders can optionally be provided, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, in order to compactly house these actuators for lifting the supporting structure 5. The cylinder heads ev of these VL cylinders, attached to the slide 15 via connections 15c which can be opposite each other, are kept aligned along a horizontal axis.

[0033] Whatever the design specifically provided for the mobile part of the tipper 1, it can be bordered / arranged between two parallel sides of a similarly rigid, fixing frame or support 3, which remains fixed relative to the bucket 2. At least two crosspieces T3, one lower and the other upper, can connect these sides. In the non-limiting case of [Fig. 2], a fixing support 3 designed independently and fixedly mounted on the bucket 2 is shown, in order to support a guide part 4 which is typically distributed on two sides by forming rails 4a, 4b for the sliding of the movable part of the tipper 1. In alternative embodiments, the support may be an integral part of a wall 200 (first side wall) of the bucket 2, this support 3 being present / provided in the design of the bucket 2 in the latter case.

[0034] To allow mobility of the supporting structure 5 relative to the fixing support 3, a certain number of cylinder(s) or similar actuators may be provided. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the actuators may be hidden (not visible in side view of the bucket) when the tipper 1 is in its rest configuration. A control unit or panel 16 may also be secured to the bucket 2, for example on a front side of the recess 2c, near the end of the front wall 21 of the bucket. A control interface, in connection with a cylinder control module, may be provided to be mobile within this control unit, for example to allow an operator to move away from the container 10 to be unloaded while still having remote control functions.

[0035] A sliding intermediate part or slide 15 and a tilting portion 12 can be coupled to each other, being able to adopt a parallel starting conformation (with overlap) in which the slide 15 is covered, in the recess 2, by a plate constituting the tilting portion 12. In the illustrated case, the tilting portion is an upper portion 12 which has connections with a lower portion 11 which partially covers it from the outside in order to make available a comb 14 facilitating the taking of a container 10. In order to limit the size of the tilter 1 relative to the template of the bucket 2, for the retracted position of the supporting structure 5, it is understood that at least the slide 15 can extend into the recess 2c while being covered by the part or parts, preferably flat (arranged vertically), forming the tilting part of the supporting structure 5.

[0036] The assembly of the tipper 1 may be carried out in another way in embodiments using a bucket without a recess specifically sized for embedding or having a parallelepiped format different from that illustrated. For example, the tipper 1 may be arranged in a corner region of the bucket 2 or completely at the front end of this bucket 2, while being configured to present the container 10 open and tilted, for example at less than 160° of rotation for the opening O relative to the direction Z, opposite a cleaning device 7 mounted directly or indirectly on the bucket by surmounting an upper edge 2g and / or configured to rise higher than the top of the bucket 2, in an operational configuration.

[0037] Whatever the integration chosen for the tilter 1, it may be provided to align or match the direction D of the tilted container 10 and the general orientation D7 of extension of the cleaning device 7, which may coincide with an axis X7 (visible in [Fig.5]) of a body of the device 7 which forms or carries at least one spray nozzle or any similar end component of a cleaning head 7a. This makes it possible to avoid wasting the liquid, by having one or more spray jets which are centered relative to the opening O of the container 10 in the tilted state. Example(s) of kinematics of the supporting structure

[0038] The supporting structure 5, which may be substantially flat, extends for example along a substantially vertical plane in the retracted position which is a starting position. The gripping member 1e provided in the supporting structure 5 can operate without losing the flat conformation of the supporting structure. In advantageous options, the gripping member 1e consists of reliefs formed on an outer face of a lower portion 11 of the structure 5. This is for example a comb 14 forming a lower part of a jaw of the rocker 1. The lower portion 11 may then be a part slidably mounted along an outer face of another portion 12 of the structure 5 which is capable of rocking for a raised level of the supporting structure 5. In the retracted position, the portion 12 serves as a guide for the portion 11 and extends higher, including a counter-comb 14' or relief adapted to form a stop of the container 10 when the comb 14 is raised (due to an integral movement of the lower portion 11) as close as possible to the counter-comb 14'. The raising of the comb 14 is schematically reflected by the arrow Tl in [Fig.8] and may, if the container 10 is gripped, be immediately followed by a complementary rise corresponding to the lifting of the container 10 and the raising of the axis A (rise reflected by the arrow TL).

[0039] The jaw function of the supporting structure 5, which may be optional, makes it possible to easily block the container 10, by taking advantage of a selective mobility of the lower portion 11, permitted for example by cylinders or similar actuators forming lowering means MA. A lowering of the gripping member 1e may be provided, if necessary after an offset or disengagement of the latter to allow easier engagement of the container 10, in particular if the bucket 2 is raised, for example by being mounted on a truck chassis 61 (see FIGS. 6 and 7A for example).

[0040] Once the container 10 has been gripped, it is understood that the portions 11 and 12, which are part of the supporting structure 5, remain fixed relative to each other, so that the container 10 remains firmly gripped both during a lifting phase (step 53 in [Fig. 8]) and during a tilting phase (step 54 in [Fig. 8]). Locking of the grip of the container 10 can advantageously be obtained while the container

[0041] In a first embodiment, the rocker 1 is capable of having three distinct trajectories of movement relative to the fixing support 3 which remains fixed, namely: i) before taking a container 10, a trajectory allowing the guide part 4 to be moved relative to the fixing support 3 (which corresponds to a first movement trajectory, which may consist of a rotation); this allows for clearance in the event of lowering of all or part of the supporting structure and / or for at least partially disengaging the tipper 1 to facilitate the positioning of the container 10 (for example for non-carried / directly on the ground operation of the skip, without interference with a vehicle chassis); ii) after having secured the container 10 with a lock (by pinching or other holding mechanism), a lifting along a trajectory TL which may be substantially linear, for example following the direction D' of extension of the guide part 4, knowing that the stroke of this trajectory TL may correspond to the displacement required to raise and place the pivot axis A in a position at least as high as the upper lateral edge 2d above which the container 10 is discharged; iii) when the pivot axis A has been sufficiently lifted, a tilting following a rotation, corresponding to a selective displacement of the supporting structure 5 around of the pivot axis A, which is for example formed in or carried by the slide 15, the rotation angle typically exceeding 100 or 120°, possibly without reaching or exceeding 160 or 170°.

[0042] The lifting applies to an assembly comprising a slider 15 and the supporting structure 5. The slider 15 includes connectors 15c to follow the extension of the VL cylinders or similar active actuators to obtain the movement of this assembly along the trajectory TL.

[0043] It is understood that trajectories ii) and iii) can be chained sequentially, with the tilting following the lifting. In [Fig.l], direction D illustrates a non-limiting example of final inclination that can be obtained for the container 10 and the supporting structure (here substantially flat) with which it is engaged. The opening O of the container 10 is thus oriented downwards at the end of the tilting, towards the interior volume V. With possibly the use of a ramp 24 covering the recess 2c from above, as visible in the example of [Fig. 10], the contents can be poured into the bucket 2. The ramp 24 can constitute a fluid-tight wall element, allowing liquid exiting through the opening O to flow into the interior volume V. The ramp 24 is optionally wider than the free end 5a of the upper portion 12.

[0044] In the tilted position, the portions 11 and 12 of the supporting structure 5 remain parallel to each other. The upper portion 12 then extends lower than the lower portion 11 due to the tilting (the pinching of the container rim 9 and the overlap between portions 11, 12 being preserved). The upper portion 12 may have an extension 12c, located beyond a zone of attachment to a shaft or axis element(s) making it possible to define the pivot axis A, so that this extension 12c is located higher and in line with the recess in the tilted position of the supporting structure 5, as visible in particular in [Fig. 10]. The extension 12c may be located above (entirely above) the gripping member 1e in the retracted position. In the tilted position, an overlap can be created between a plate forming this extension 12c (and thus forming the free end 5a of the supporting structure 5), on the one hand, and the ramp 24 on the other hand..

[0045] This ramp 24 can be either stationary and inclined (downwards), up to a dumping edge 24b, with an angle of inclination A5 similar to that of the structure 5 in the tilted state, or mobile to reach this inclined position in response to an actuation of a drive member, for example by carrying out a downward thrust on a part of the ramp 24. The angle of inclination A5, substantially identical to that of the supporting structure 5 with respect to the horizontal, can be greater than 20°, for example between 30° and 75°.

[0046] This type of movement of the supporting structure 5 can be implemented both in the case of [Fig.7A], with the skip on the chassis 61 of a truck 60, than in the case of [Fig.7B] when the skip 2 has been placed on a collection site allowing the truck 60 to carry out other transport operations. When the bucket 2 rests on a chassis 61, not only is the supporting structure 5 movable by lifting and tilting relative to the support 3, but in addition the guide part 4 can also pivot, for example by being pivoted slightly in the recess 2c to bring out, out of the recess 2c, the lower end E4' of the guide part 4, for example as explained above using jacks V1 which, in an undeployed state, can have a length typically less than or equal to the depth of the recess 2c. The support 3 can be dimensioned with a depth L1 equal to or slightly less than the depth of the recess 2c.

[0047] With reference to [Fig. 2], the direction D' reflects for example an inclination of the guide part 4 which supports the supporting structure 5, by rotation around an angle which is possibly less than or equal to 15 or 20°. More generally, the arrangement 100 may have means for (partially) disengaging and / or moving the supporting structure 5, in order to make the gripping member 1e accessible, outside the recess 2c and for example allowing a lowering of this gripping member if necessary, taking into account the possible offset (in height) of the recess 2c relative to the ground. This can be achieved with a linear lowering trajectory (following the direction D', for example) passing close to the chassis but without interfering with the latter. The offset of the guide portion 4 may be limited and the rocker 1 may be devoid of articulated arm(s) which may generate awkward bulk and / or control difficulties. As measured in a radial direction (perpendicular to the lateral face FL of the first wall 200), the lower end E4' of the guide portion 4 may be offset by less than 40 cm, for example less than 30 cm. By designing the supporting structure 5 flat, this amounts to limiting the offset of the gripping member 1e (which does not deviate too far from the recess 2c).

[0048] Such a movement of the guide part 4 around the axis XI amounts to prepositioning the supporting structure 5 in the direction D' ([Fig.2]) which is the guide direction (cf. inclination of the guide part 4, which may be generally less deep than the recess 2c in the initial / non-deployed configuration of the rocker 1) both during lowering and during lifting.This type of pre-positioning may correspond to an operating mode reflecting the case of [Fig.7A] or similar.

[0049] The inclination of the guide part 4, which supports the supporting structure 5, is obtained by rotation around the axis XI with an angle which is possibly less than or equal to 15 or 20°, compatible with the reduced depth dimensions of the guide part 4. The VL lifting cylinders or actuators can also be located set back (further towards the bottom) from the guide part 4, optionally by being supported by a lower portion of the guide part 4 which projects towards the bottom from rails 4a, 4b or similar guide uprights. The movement of the guide part 4 can be actuated opposite the end E4 where the axis XI is located, as visible in particular in [Fig. 4], and can make it possible to limit the offset or disengagement to a lower part of the supporting structure 5 and / or to then avoid resorting to a rotation to lift the container 10 along the side wall 200. In other words, the supporting structure 5 can be lifted by a simple linear movement, at least initially to move the opening O of the container 10 substantially to the same level as the upper edge 2d. Non-limiting example of assembly and design of the supporting structure

[0050] With reference to [Fig.2], the fixing support 3 can make it possible to form one or more bearings 8 participating in supporting a frame or assembly with two rails 4a, 4b forming the guide part 4 of the rocker 1. The guide part 4 constitutes a mounting part for carrying / supporting: - the lifting means, here in the form of jacks or VL lifting actuators; and - a sliding assembly including the slider 15 (possibly made from a single rigid block, as visible in [Fig.3C]) and the tilting device which constitutes the supporting structure 5 and allows the container 10 to be gripped. In the illustrated cases, the supporting structure 5 consists mainly of two plates or portions 11, 12 with the lower portion 11 assembled as a partial covering plate of the upper portion 12, by covering a lower region of the upper portion 12. The slider 15 may be provided with two lateral flanges arranged internally, along the rails 4a, 4b of the guide part 4. A cylindrical section, forming the pivot for rotation of axis A, is provided in the slider 15 extending from one to the other of the two flanges, for example by being joined to respective upper ends of these flanges. The cylindrical section or shaft 15a participates in maintaining an arrangement of the supporting structure 5 which is, in the retracted configuration, parallel to the rails 4a, 4b.

[0051] The lower portion 11 may be mounted to slide relative to the upper portion 12 of the structure 5, with, where appropriate, guidance of the lower portion 11 between two wings 18 with return or lateral guides provided on the upper portion 12. A plate design may be adopted at least for one of the two portions 11, 12, so as to limit the depth (in the recess) of the supporting structure 5. The lower portion 11 may overlap the upper portion 12, parallel to it, from the outside when the lateral guides / wings 18 are formed projecting outwards relative to the rest of the plate constituting the upper portion 12. The lowering of a comb 14 or similar gripping area of ​​the structure 5 may, in preferred options, be activated once the inclination of the guide part 4 has been obtained, which makes it possible, if necessary, to bypass embedding barriers 62, visible in [Fig.7A], and / or another part of the chassis 61.

[0052] As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 7A-7B, the upper portion 12 includes a discharge sub-part formed by the extension 12c which extends above the counter-comb 14' in the retracted position of the supporting structure 5. During tilting, the contents of the container 10 can slide over the extension 12c forming this discharge sub-part. The lower portion 11, arranged as a comb holder, may include an insertion end Eli (formed higher than the comb 14) capable of being inserted under the extension 12c, knowing that the upper portion 12 may delimit, typically under the extension 12c, a sliding passage for the lower portion, this passage being able to be delimited between the two guide wings 18 distributed on two sides of the upper portion 12. Such a passage, of width Lb, may be substantially as wide as the width Le of the lower portion 11 as measured at the insertion end Eli.In options, the format or perimeter of the lower portion 11 may be generally rectangular. The lower portion 11 and the upper portion 12 may form a tiltable device whose maximum width is - preferably - less than the spacing between the rails 4a, 4b of the guide part to allow total or partial embedding of the supporting structure 5.

[0053] In one embodiment option, the extension 12c may delimit a hollow and / or be offset outwards relative to the rest of the upper portion 12, so as to be able to cover the insertion end El 1 provided in the lower portion 11. It is understood that the extension 12c may be designed to extend, at least in part, higher than the tilting axis A of the supporting structure 5, when the lifting cylinders VL or similar means are extended to raise the structure 5 (typically by raising the slide 15) and before the actuation of tilting cylinders VB, as in the case illustrated in [Fig. 2]. More generally, the lifting force FL may result from the actuation of any pushing / lifting member which is installed in the recess 2c: - between the face F2 (visible face in particular in [Fig.5]) delimiting this recess 2c, - and the supporting structure 5 (with such organs located at the rear thereof as clearly visible in [Fig.7A]).

[0054] In options, there is freedom of rotation for the guide part 4, so that the mounting of the rocker 1 offers the possibility of dismounting just a part of the supporting structure 5, typically allowing lowering of all or part of the supporting structure 5 without extracting the lifting means from the recess 2c.

[0055] With reference to [Fig. 3A], 3B, 4 and 7A, the supporting structure 5 may be coupled to a slider 15 whose coupling to the guide portion 4 prevents it from rotating around the axis A which may be formed by the shaft 15a of this slider 15. Compared to the structure 5, the slider 15 is arranged further inside / at the bottom of the recess 2c. The supporting structure 5 is dimensioned so as not to protrude outwards or to protrude less than 10 cm outwards, relative to an external face of the guide portion 4. This structure 5 may have a small depth / thickness, for example to represent an excess thickness e (without taking into account the comb 14 and the counter-comb 14') of less than 10 or 15 cm relative to the slider 15, in the retracted position.

[0056] The supporting structure 5 may consist of only two parts, with only the upper portion 12 connected to the tilting actuators or cylinders VB, for example by fixing each head of the cylinder VB to a connecting element 12b formed rigidly on a rear face of the upper portion 12. Such a connecting element 12b may be offset lower than the pivot axis A and the position of the receivers or bearings 12 for the articulated coupling of the supporting structure 5. It is understood that the cylinder(s) VB form actuator members for pivoting the supporting structure 5 beyond said lateral upper edge 2d, being activated only for a raised position as shown in [Fig.2]. The cylinder(s) VB are here supported by the slider 15, via the first hinge fixing regions 15f, following the upward trajectory TL before deploying by pushing the supporting structure from the recess 2c, typically without the slider 15 leaving the recess 2c.

[0057] Referring now to [Fig.l] or 5, it can be seen that the recess 2c only moderately reduces the width of the bucket 2, for example without the depth L1 or that of the recess 2c exceeding 25 or 30% of the nominal width of the interior volume V. The recess 2 has for example a depth limited to less than 50 or 55 cm, having a bottom face F2 which can be substantially vertical and / or parallel to the rest of the internal face of the first wall 200 (following the direction Z in the case of the figures). Depending on the length direction of the bucket 2, the extension of the recess 2c may be limited to less than 2 meters, possibly less than 1.6 meters. In [Fig.7B], for example, it can be seen that the recess 2c may, along the wall 200, be delimited between two edges with a spacing dl which represents less than 30% or 35% of the total length of the bucket 2, without overlapping / without interfering with the rear half Va of the interior volume V. Coaction of a tipper and a cleaning tool carried by the bucket

[0058] The tipper 1 may be associated with a cleaning device or tool 7 which is mounted on the bucket 2, so as to be able to direct one or more liquid spray jets inside the container 10 via the opening O when the latter is in the tilted position, above the upper side edge 2d. Optionally, side walls 200, 200' and possibly the front wall end 12 may have spray ramps 17 or similar liquid spraying members for cleaning and / or rinsing the bucket from the internal side. The cleaning tool 7 can be integrated on a front side of the bucket, for example without extending to the side of the rear half Va of the interior volume V.

[0059] The bucket 2 may carry a liquid tank T in connection with the cleaning tool 7 and, if applicable, with the spraying ramps 17. The tank T may be located in the interior volume V, offset forwards relative to the dumping region / zone ZD. While the tank T extends essentially or entirely under the upper edge of the bucket 2, the cleaning tool 7 may be carried by the bucket 2 and installed movably so as to be able to move on top of the bucket 2, typically above the interior volume V so as not to interfere with the unloading permitted by the tipper 1.

[0060] In the non-limiting case of these figures 1 and 5, a chassis having two sides C1, C2 is arranged on the bucket 2 transversely, being fixed both on the top of the first wall 200 and on the top of the second wall 200'. The fixing on the first wall 200 can be carried out on either side of the upper end of the guide part 4. The spacing between the two sides C1, C2 can correspond to a wide zone including the zone ZD for unloading the contents of the container 10. In variants, a frame of the cleaning tool 7 may be arranged only on one side relative to the discharge region / zone ZD of the contents of the container 10 and / or only opposite the recess 2c, without connection to the first wall 200.

[0061] The frame C1, C2 or similar fixing support may extend cantilevered above the bucket 2, in particular from an upper edge 2g of the bucket which is opposite the edge delimited above the recess 2c, so that the cleaning tool 7 occupies by default a retracted position, being arranged at a distance from the upper edge 2d. This tool 7 may have one or more movable cleaning head(s) 7a. In practice, the movable head 7a is movable relative to the support or fixing frame, being able to be brought closer / moved towards the upper edge 2d of the first wall 200.

[0062] The cleaning head 7a is fluidically connected, for example via a suitable pipe or hose, to a liquid reservoir and adapted to spray the liquid above the upper edge 2 in a direction D7 away from the edge. upper 2g (second edge) provided on the wall 200'. A liquid pressurization pump may be provided in the circuit supplying the liquid to the cleaning head 7a. In the retracted position, the tool 7 may be oriented differently, possibly having the head 7 closer to the second edge 2g than to the first upper edge 2d where the dumping takes place. The retracted configuration is thus distal from the first upper edge 2d, with, for example, a spacing of the tool 7 of at least half a bucket width from the pivot axis A.

[0063] An activation, via the control unit 16, can coordinate the movement of a cylinder VN or cylinder assembly to obtain an inclined position of the cleaning head 7a, which can extend to the extension position (maximum or with still a possibility of extension via the movement F7 if the cleaning head 7a has a telescopic design). As soon as the cylinder of the cylinder VN is extended to the maximum position, a controller of the unit 16 can adjust / activate the pump to start the spraying operation.

[0064] The cleaning configuration can be obtained by controlling a suitable actuator, for example at least one cylinder VN (visible in particular in [Fig.5]), which is for example started when the tilter 1 is in a tilted configuration which makes it possible to orient the opening O of the container 10 (grasped and lifted by the tilter) both in the direction of the interior volume V and opposite the second edge 2g. In the cleaning configuration, the tool 7 can have an elongation axis D7 which coincides with or is substantially parallel: - in the direction of a central axis the containers 10 passing through the opening O; - and / or to the direction of inclination of the supporting structure 5 in the tilted state.

[0065] Typically in the cleaning configuration, due to the deployment of the tool 7, the cleaning head 7a may be closer to the edge 2d than to the opposite edge 2g, being placed in the discharge region / zone ZD or higher and in line with this discharge region. [Fig. 10] shows an example of positioning of the cleaning tool 7 enabled by a rotational movement which tends to lift the cleaning head 7a. This lifting may involve a rotation with straightening of the tool 7 then possibly a lowering of the latter until the axis X7 of elongation of the tool 7 is oriented towards an interior of the container 10 held in cantilever by the rocker 1). In [Fig.l] or 5, it can be seen that the supporting frame 6 or equivalent mobile support, on which the cleaning head 7a is fixed, is mounted articulated on the fixed chassis C1, C2.This arrangement can allow the cleaning tool 7 to be stored flat, with the chassis C1, C2 substantially horizontal, with a simple single rotation kinematics which can limit the rotation angle (to less than . 180°, for example less than 150°) of the supporting frame 6 to allow the cleaning configuration to be reached. The movement of the supporting frame 6, from above, is compatible with a skip 2 whose loading height is significant, for example significantly exceeding the mid-height of the skip.

[0066] Alternatively, as seen in [Fig. 9], a sliding movement can be actuated, along a substantially horizontal guide, here a rail element R for example, which is mounted on top of the bucket 2, by using a mounting support SM (carrying the tool 7) capable of sliding in a transverse direction perpendicular to the length extension of the bucket 2. The mounting support SM is configured to slide and, simultaneously, straighten into a more raised position, to extend in an inclined orientation of a direction similar to that (direction D7) shown in [Fig. 10]. A sliding connection 7c of the support SM, possibly using a roller, a rack or the like, can be combined with pivot connection parts 70, 72, attached to the support SM on which the tool 7 is mounted.In response to the extension of one or more VN cylinders towards the edge 2d, here to pivot upwards the link arm(s) 72 which is / are linked in an articulated manner to the guide without the possibility of sliding, the entire support SM is pulled towards the edge 2d while further tilting the tool 7 due to the rotation of the support SM around a movable axis A7 (movable along the rail element R in the case of [Fig.9]) coinciding with the roller or similar sliding member.

[0067] Whatever the design option precisely chosen, the cleaning tool 7 can be approached from the edge 2d by a support or supporting frame 6 or SM, where appropriate with the possibility of actuating a telescopic movement (see arrow F7 in [Fig.l]) of the cleaning head 7a when the latter is already in its operational orientation for spraying liquid. This arrangement with a telescopic mounting of the cleaning head, movable relative to a body which can be tubular, makes it possible to achieve an end of movement of the cleaning head 7a to approach it (or accentuate the approach of the latter) to a bottom zone of the container 10 whose contents have just been poured.More generally, the cleaning tool may have a selectively movable design of the cleaning head, preferably so as to allow it to extend above / in line with the recess or similar integration area of ​​the tipper (or even beyond such an area), typically to fit inside a container 10 which is being tipped.

[0068] In the illustrated options, the cleaning head 7a is pivotable, for example by being made rotatable relative to its fixing support SM, 6, so that it can be angularly moved away from the operational direction for spraying liquid. Being able to move the cleaning tool 7 away / move more than 90° between the retract configuration and the cleaning configuration can facilitate tool assembly. A gap also minimizes the risk of soiling the tool 7. A connector may be provided in this tool for the removable connection of at least one cleaning head 7a. In options, each cleaning head 7a has a rotating axis, parallel to or aligned along the direction D7, and around which a set of several spray nozzles spaced apart with a certain center distance can rotate. The connector allows a cleaning head 7a to be exchanged, if necessary, to change the center distance and adapt to a particular size of container to be cleaned. Example of moving a container

[0069] A case is first described with the bucket 2 raised relative to the ground, typically supported by a vehicle chassis 61. In this context, the tilting arrangement 100 can allow a lowering of the supporting structure 5 to leave the retracted position, preferably without deploying the gripping member 1 too far from the plane P of the wall 200 where the tilting member 1 is located. The container 10 is previously opened, by moving the cover into a folded position against a side of the container 10 which is typically the one opposite the side engaged by the gripping member 1.

[0070] As shown in Figures 6 and 7A, before engaging an open container 10 on the tipper arrangement 100, the supporting structure 5 can be previously moved, from the embedded position, without extracting any tipping axis A of the structure 5 from the template of the skip 2, such an axis A then being able to be kept in the recess 2c. It is in response to the actuation of lowering means MA that the lower portion 11 of the supporting structure 5 can be lowered to allow the engagement of a comb 14 or similar gripping zone on a container 10, on one side of the bucket 2, for example without lateral spacing d (see [Fig.6]) greater than 40 or 50 mm between the container 10 and the plane P of the corresponding lateral face FL of the bucket 2, when the lower portion 11 is lowered, which corresponds to a step 52 in [Fig.8].

[0071] When the lower portion 11 is above (again above in the event of prior lowering) the base or bottom portion 2a of the bucket, it is understood that the container 10 lifted by the structure 5 remains held close to the face FL. The mounting of the structure 5 can be adapted so that the container 10 gradually approaches the face FL at the start of lifting, optionally without the container 10 entering the recess 2c (which is already occupied by the actuators V2, VL, VB).

[0072] The lowering step 52 may be conditioned on the performance of a prior step 51 of changing the orientation of the guide part 4. The means lowering devices MA may include actuators specifically carried by the supporting structure 5, in an upper portion 12 thereof, in order to be able to selectively lower the lower portion 11, without displacement of another component of the rocker 1. The lower portion 11 may include, near its lower edge and in an area which is not overlapped with the portion 12, fixing lugs 1 Ip for the respective connection at one end, for example a cylinder head, of the actuators / cylinders V2. As shown in [Fig. 2], such lugs 1 Ip may be projecting inwards / rearwards to allow a connection from the rear of the portion 11 to cylinders V2 which remain hidden in the recess behind the structure 5, despite an overlapping arrangement from the front / outside of the lower portion on the upper portion 12.The jacks V2, which are carried by the upper portion 12 via fixing connections 12f, can extend essentially to the rear of the upper portion 12, protruding from below for attachment to the portion 11 with a downward extension option to obtain the selective lowering of the lower portion IL

[0073] Prior to the descent of the lower portion 11 or comb-carrying portion. similar, as illustrated in [Fig.4] or 8, the guide portion 4 may be slightly inclined relative to the vertical in the initial step 51 of orientation change, then remaining fixed in such an inclined position without the ability to rotate. Alternatively, as in the case illustrated in [Fig.4], the guide portion 4 may rotate slightly from an initial vertical position in order to combine optimal embedding in the recess 2c (in vertical conformation) and an ability to lower the lower portion 11 without resorting to rotation, bypassing the truck chassis 61 (the recess 2c being located directly above a part of the chassis 61, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7A).

[0074] A phase of raising the lower portion 11 may then be required to wedge and block the container 10. As can be seen in particular in [Fig.8], the lifting means V2, VL (here with hydraulic cylinders or similar actuators) may allow a lifting step 53, which may be broken down into: - a first trajectory movement T1, during which the jacks V2 rise with the lower portion 11 to return the comb 14 or similar gripping reliefs closer to the counter-comb 14' or similar stop part provided on the upper portion 12 (which makes it possible to block / lock the container in the gripping position); then - a second movement of trajectory TL, possibly without deviation of the overall ascent trajectory knowing that the guidance part 4 can remain fixed at this stage.

[0075] In Figures 2 and 4, a sliding assembly of the supporting structure 5 is shown by using rails 4a, 4b belonging to a guide part 4 which extends over the bulk or the entire height of the recess 2c, possibly even extending above by an additional height hl to allow articulated mounting of the guide part, by means of the bearings 8 or similar mounting parts which are provided on either side of an upper outlet of the recess 2c, along the face FL. Thanks to this arrangement, the container 10 can remain particularly stable, without the slightest pivoting, during a lifting phase which corresponds to the accumulation of the trajectory Tl and the trajectory TL, during the lifting step 53.

[0076] The supporting structure 5 can thus be lifted without rotation relative to the guide part, if necessary after having pushed back the bottom of the guide part 4 via the actuators VI (see also arrow F1 in [Fig. 4]), to slightly tilt the part 4 by a rotational movement around the axis XI defined by the pivot connection in the bearings 8. Such actuators VI can be fixed directly to a lower portion of the side wall 20 or to the support 3, in a fixing region RF which is located for example under the guide part 4 and is distributed on two sides. The fixing region RF is for example distributed on either side of the rails 4a, 4b or according to an equivalent assembly which (just like the arrangement of the rails 4a, 7b) does not interfere with either the lowering or the lifting of the supporting structure 5.

[0077] With reference to Figures 1, 5 and 7B, the movement of the container 10 can be carried out in a similar manner for a skip 2 whose bottom 2a delimiting the interior volume V is very close to the ground, for example only separated from the ground by slides G1, G2 or without resting on a separate chassis 61. In this case which corresponds to a second mode of operation, at least one of the steps 51 and 52 can be omitted: for example the container 10 can be attached to the lower portion 11 without step 52 of lowering the latter. For this, it is sufficient to choose a resting height of the comb 14 which is not very high (for example of the order of 1 meter or less) compatible for gripping from below the lip 9 of a container whose height is generally standard and between 1100 and approximately 1300 mm, typically. In variants, the arrangement 100 may be configured to operate only in an operating mode without lowering the gripping member below the base level of the bucket 2. This may simplify the tipper 1 while benefiting from optimized space requirements when transporting the bucket 2.

[0078] As can be seen in [Fig. 5] in particular, the tilter 1 operates without any actuator used in the lifting and tilting of the container 10 extending from above or on the sides of the container 10, which makes this operation safe for the operator. If necessary, support or a command optimizing the safety of the latter may be required to force the operator to move away from the container, for example by typically placing himself facing the control unit 16, therefore without being located in the movement zone of the structure 5 and the container 10 in progress. unloading.

[0079] The tipper arrangement 100 can be obtained with a modular design, for example with components designed separately from the bucket 2, the only particularity of which may be to have a recess 2c of width and depth corresponding to the size of the tipper 1. If necessary, a tilting floor mechanism and / or a scraping device, for example for moving contents of the bucket 2 towards the rear, can be provided. Furthermore, the 2nd bucket can be made more or less short, with the possibility of adding an extension to the bucket, for example on the rear side, if you want to increase the storage capacity.

[0080] The tipper arrangement 100 provides a retracted position of the supporting structure 5, with a height level (at rest) of the gripping member 1e which can be compatible with the placement of the bucket 2 on the ground, therefore without a part projecting downwards relative to the underside of the bucket. With the supporting structure 5 which is thus located higher or above a base 2a of the bucket 2, the presence of lowering means MA allows this arrangement 100 to be compatible with the first mode of operation of the tipper 1 compatible with the bucket 2 mounted on a chassis of the truck 60, while also being able to operate according to the second mode of operation, without lowering.

[0081] The control of the actuators VI, V2, VL, VB and of the cleaning system (via at least one actuator or cylinder VN and a device for delivering the liquid for spraying) can be done via a control unit 16 which is automatic, typically compatible with an emergency stop control. Such a control unit 16 can make it possible to automatically carry out a relative movement of the washing / cleaning head 7a according to at least one washing cycle comprising a programmed succession of movement steps. More broadly, for cleaning efficiency, the control unit 16 may have an automatic detection system associated with a VN cylinder or other member representing the effective movement of the head 7a and / or the tilted positioning of the container 10. This detection system is thus capable of automatically detecting that the head 7a (for example tilted into the dumping zone ZD) and the container 10 (tilted) or the supporting structure 5 which supports it are in the desired positions.

[0082] A time delay before activation of the cleaning may be provided, in order to ensure that the contents of the container 10 have been able to be dumped.Optionally, the movement of the frame or mobile support 6, SM can be integrated into such a time delay in order to allow a rapid sequence between the tilting phase, the unloading time, and the start of cleaning by spraying, thanks to the cleaning head(s) 7a held cantilevered above the interior volume V. .

[0083] The cleaning head(s) 7a make it possible to clean the inner wall of the container 10 which may be a trash can, a bin for products to be recovered or the like. Once the cleaning is finished, in accordance with the program of the controller / control unit 16, a closing of the water / liquid pump can be commanded. An adjustment of the possible telescopic cylinder is carried out to retract each cleaning head 7a, then the tilting cylinder of the jack VN is retracted. The cleaning operation is finished, then the container 10 returns to its starting position close to the bottom of the recess 2c. The jaw can be loosened to allow the container to be disengaged from the similar gripping member, by raising it relative to the comb 14 for example.

[0084] With reference to [Fig. 6], 7A and 7B, a collection vehicle 60, such as a truck, may incorporate the tipper arrangement 100 and the cleaning system, possibly without any direct modification to the truck portion. It is understood that, when the skip 2 carries the components of the tipper 1 and the control unit 16 (if applicable with the associated electrical power source(s)), neither the chassis 61 of the truck nor other vehicle parts are required to control the tipper 1. The tipper 1 and the cleaning system may be controlled by a control unit 16 which, for example, activates the lifting to first raise the slider 15 or similar non-tilting portion of the tipper 1, before actuating a relative pivoting of the supporting structure 5 relative to the slider 15. Such a collection vehicle 60 may for example be a heavy goods vehicle used for collecting waste, intended to transport the skip 2 for receiving waste or materials to be recovered which are stored in containers 10.

[0085] The succession of movements can be programmed according to a sequence which avoids pivoting the supporting structure 5 prematurely, in particular when the pivot axis A has not been sufficiently moved to reach or exceed the upper lateral edge 2d of the bucket 2 at the level of which and / or above which the dumping zone ZD extends. An associated control interface and in connection with the control unit 16, for example an interface of the HMI type (human-machine interface), makes it possible to control the tipper 1 and to operate the cleaning tool 7 in an intermediate phase between a lifting step with tilting (of the supporting structure 5) and a step of returning the container to the ground involving a rotation and a descent of the supporting structure 5.

[0086] The advantages described above concerning the arrangement 100 with tipper 1 also apply to a collection vehicle 60, for example a truck, equipped with such an arrangement 100. Concerning the integration of the cleaning system, it is understood that all or part of the components of this system can be linked to a truck or vehicle chassis, for example in options allowing the tank T to be located outside the interior volume V of the container 2. Where appropriate, the cleaning system is modular, with some of the components being removably attached to the bucket 2 so that they can, where appropriate, operate with the tipper in a bucket configuration that operates independently. For example, it is permissible to install the cleaning tool 7 and / or the associated tank T removably on the bucket 2, possibly with only the tank T arranged in the interior volume V.

[0087] It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, even if the case of a "ampirole" type skip 2 has been illustrated, being loaded onto a truck 60 having a specific lifting tool to enable the skip to be moved by engagement on the operating grip 2b, other types of mechanism may be used for moving the skip 2 and / or the vehicle may consist of another transport vehicle, for example a boat (barge, cargo ship or similar) or a suitable rolling machine.

Claims

Claims

1. Container lifting and cleaning system, capable of pouring the contents of the containers (10) into an interior volume (V) of a transport bin (2) and returning cleaning liquid into the bin, said system comprising: - the bucket (2) provided with a side wall delimiting the interior volume (V); - a tipper (1) for lifting and tipping a container, in order to allow the contents of the container (10) to be dumped above a first upper edge (2d) of the bucket delimiting access to the interior volume (V), a movable part (5) of the tipper (1) being adjacent to a dumping zone (ZD) of the contents in a tilted position of this movable part (5); - a cleaning tool (7) provided with a fixing support (Cl, C2; R) and a cleaning head (7a), the tool (7) being arranged at a distance from the first upper edge (2d) and connected by the support to a top of the bucket, said cleaning head (7a) being movable relative to the fixing support (Cl, C2; R) which extends, preferably transversely, from a second upper edge (2g) of the bucket, which is distinct from the first edge and preferably parallel to this first edge, in the direction of the first upper edge, the cleaning head (7a) being fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir (T) and adapted to spray the liquid above the first upper edge (2d) in a direction (D7) away from the second upper edge (2g); wherein the cleaning head (7a) is movably mounted on said support (Cl, C2; R) between a configuration of retraction distal to the first upper edge (2d) and offset from the discharge zone (ZD) and a cleaning configuration in which the cleaning head (7a) is located in or directly above the discharge zone (ZD).

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the tipper (1) includes a fixed part (3) which is adapted to be held stationary relative to the bucket (2), with the tipper (1) which: - includes, in the mobile part (5), means for gripping (the) the container; and - is adapted to move the movable part (5) from a starting position, in which the movable part (5) is interposed between a side of the side wall of the bucket (2) and the container, in the tilted position which is a comparatively higher arrival position, in which the gripping means (le) extend under the container (10) and in which the movable part (5) delimits from below a transfer zone adjacent to the dumping zone, located between the opening (0) of the container (10) and the dumping zone (ZD), the movable part (5) preferably forming a ramp arranged as a walkway between an outlet of the container and the first upper edge (2d).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, in which the cleaning head (7a) is mounted rotatably on the fixing support (Cl, C2, R) reaching, at the end of the rotation stroke, a position above the movable part (5), beyond the first upper edge (2d), whereby the cleaning head is able to insert itself, at least partially, inside the tilted container (10) coupled to the movable part (5).

4. System according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the cleaning head (7a) is: - rotatable relative to the fixing support (C1, C2, R), being angularly spaced by more than 40°, preferably more than 90° between the retracted configuration and the cleaning configuration; - and / or provided with at least one rotating nozzle, preferably capable of rotating around an axis corresponding to said direction (D7) of separation.

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing support (Cl, C2, R) defines an axis of rotation (X3) allowing the tool (7) to change orientation, and in which the axis of rotation (X3) is: - defined above the interior volume (V); and - preferably horizontal, extending longitudinally, parallel to the length of the bucket (2).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the support (Cl, C2, R) carries an actuator assembly (VN), preferably a cylinder, and in which the cleaning head (7a) constitutes or forms part of a spray assembly which is carried by a structure, preferably in the form of a frame (6), which is connected: - by a first pivot connection, to the support (Cl, C2; R); and - by at least a second pivot connection, to a pusher member belonging to the actuator assembly (VN), so that the assembly ac- donor (VN) allows the cleaning head (7a) to be moved through the structure to reach the cleaning configuration.

7. A system according to claim 6, wherein the pusher member is moved substantially towards the first upper edge (2d).

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the bucket (2) is elongated in a front-to-rear direction and of the detachable type to allow its separation from a truck (60), the tipper (1) including a lifting device arranged laterally with respect to the bucket (2), at a distance from an end or rear part (22) of the bucket, the system further comprising a control unit (16) controlling both the tipping by the movable part (5), the movement of the cleaning head (7a) in the tilted state of the movable part (5), and a feed pump for the cleaning tool (7).

9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein, on one side of the bucket (2), the control unit (16) is arranged adjacent to the tipper (1) with a longitudinal offset relative to the tipper (1).

10. A method of cleaning a container (10) on top of a skip (2), using a cleaning tool (7) and a tipper (1) provided for lifting and tipping the container, in order to allow the contents of the container (10) to be poured into the skip (2), above a first upper edge (2d) of the skip, and then the interior of the container to be cleaned, the method comprising the steps essentially consisting of: - associating a cleaning head (7a) with drive means (VN) making it possible to drive a rotation of the cleaning head (7a) along a generally transverse trajectory relative to the skip (2), the drive means being carried by a support (Cl, C2; R) of the cleaning tool which is connected to a top of the skip, said support (Cl, C2; R) extending, preferably transversely, from a second upper edge (2g) of the skip (2);- obtaining, by the tipper (1), a tilted configuration of the container (10) which is then supported by a movable part (5) of the tipper which extends on the side of the first upper edge (2d) to allow dumping above this first upper edge (2d), through a dumping zone (ZD) forming access from above to the interior volume (V) of the bucket (2); - during a phase of maintaining the container (10) in configuration; tilted, moving the cleaning head (7a) to a cleaning configuration by actuating said rotation, this movement allowing the cleaning head (7a), fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir (T), to leave a retracted position distal to the first upper edge (2d) and offset from the discharge zone (ZD); knowing that in the cleaning configuration, the cleaning head (7a) is: - deployed in or directly above the discharge zone (ZD) while being oriented in a direction (D7) away from the second upper edge (2g); - inserted, or insertable in the case of translation in the direction (D7), into the container (10) whose outlet is located directly above a ramp (24) or guide capable of returning cleaning liquid into the container (2).

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