Waste container with volume-calibrated waste introduction system

Abstract

Waste container comprising a casing (1) above the waste storage container (2), in which is made an opening (3) for the introduction of waste which can be closed by a hatch which can be moved by the user by means of maneuvering (10, 20) between an open position for the introduction of waste and a closed position for the emptying of waste.This container is such that the hatch is a solid wall of a single drum (4) rotatably mounted in the housing (1), said drum (4) having a window (5) which is positioned opposite the opening (3) of the housing (1) in a first positioning of the operating means (10, 20) corresponding to the open position for waste introduction, and is positioned directly above the container (2) in a second positioning of the operating means (10, 20) corresponding to the closed position for waste discharge, the opening (3) of the housing (1) being completely obstructed by the drum (4) in this second position of the drum (4), return means (40) being provided to return the drum (4) to said second position. (See Fig. 2 in the abstract.)

Description

Title of the invention: Waste container with volume-calibrated waste introduction system

[0001] The present invention is in the field of waste collection, it concerns public waste containers and more particularly relates to a system for introducing this waste - in particular in the conventional form of household waste bags - which makes it possible to calibrate the volume of waste deposited. Carrying out a calibration responds to the progressive implementation, by the various public and private operators, of the polluter-pays principle, which leads these operators to set up pricing systems based on the volume of waste deposited by a user. This involves an evaluation of the quantity of waste that will be treated, which is done at the level of the system for introducing the waste into the containers. In essence, the waste collector includes and makes available to users, through its introduction system, a volume capacity that cannot be exceeded during each manipulation of said system.

[0002] Waste volume calibration introduction systems are based on a mobile compartment above the actual storage container, which the user fills as many times as necessary to get rid of all of their waste. The more waste a user generates, the more mobile compartments they fill, and the more they pay for its subsequent treatment. The polluter-pays principle is intended, in particular, to financially encourage users to reduce their waste production. It also constitutes an indirect incentive for waste sorting and recycling. From the authorities' point of view, it allows for more efficient management of the quantity of waste to be treated, which is noted to increase significantly from year to year. It also, very simply, reflects a certain fairness, the "polluter-pays" principle in fact guaranteeing that those who generate more waste logically pay a greater share of the costs of its management.

[0003] Currently, existing waste quantity measurement systems are based on permanently concealed double drum configurations. These designs comprise two coaxial half-cylinders or drums rotating in opposite directions, so that when the opening for introducing waste is facing the user, the rest of the double drum system, on the side allowing the waste to be discharged into the container, is closed. The system is therefore designed so that when the user places their waste in the double drum, it remains there. Only when they close this double drum is an opening created above the container, and the waste can then fall into it by gravity.

[0004] The disadvantages of these structures are of several kinds. Thus, firstly, double drum systems are expensive because they consist of two drums driven by separate movements which require relatively complex mechanics. This is all the more true since when the waste introduction system is being opened or closed, it must not be possible to introduce waste before the passage to the waste container is completely closed, otherwise the calibration mentioned above cannot be carried out. If it is possible to circumvent the system by introducing waste during the opening or closing phases knowing that it falls directly towards the storage container, calibration for the purpose of invoicing no longer makes much sense.It is therefore necessary to mechanically manage the movements of the two drums to avoid direct paths during the intermediate phases of rotation, which complicates the mechanical structure.

[0005] The system must also be equipped with a handle and / or an opening pedal that can be actuated by users in order to move from a closed position of the system to an open position for introducing waste. However, in these double drum systems, the actuation angles of these members are limited by the shape of the waste introduction systems, which are dependent on the particular configuration linked to the double rotating cylinder. They are also limited by the shape of the waste containers themselves. The ergonomics and practicality of these operating members can therefore be improved.

[0006] The present invention overcomes these drawbacks by proposing a mechanically less complex structure, easy to use and reliable in calibrating the volumes of waste dumped. The simplicity of the design is in this case a guarantee of robustness. The configuration has also been designed to facilitate its handling by users.

[0007] For these purposes, the waste container of the invention, conventionally comprising a casing surmounting the waste storage container, in which is made an opening for introducing the waste which can be closed by a hatch which can be moved by the user by operating means between an open position for introducing the waste and a closed position for emptying the waste, is such that the hatch is a solid wall of a single drum rotatably mounted in the casing, said drum comprising a window positioned opposite the opening of the casing in a first position of the operating means corresponding to the open position for introducing the waste and positioned directly above the container in a second position of the operating means corresponding to the closed position for emptying the waste, the opening of the casing being completely blocked by the drum in this second position of the drum,return means being provided for returning the drum to said second position.

[0008] The configuration is in this case based on a single rotating cylinder or drum, which considerably simplifies the structure and allows the means of its actuation to be rethought.

[0009] The operating means, in the structure of the invention, are designed to drive the drum through a rotation greater than 180° and less than 220°. Preferably, this is a rotation of the order of 200°, the drive of which is not carried out directly on the drum, for obvious practical reasons. This significant angular displacement is necessary due to the existence of a single drum. It also results from the configuration of the casing, and meets the need to avoid any unwanted deposit of waste between the two open and closed positions. Finally, it results from design choices, the drum window being, for example, provided to be large, both to facilitate its filling and to guarantee its emptying. Thus, for example, according to the invention, the angular sector covered by the drum window is close to the diameter of the drum.

[0010] To prevent any attempt at fraud by attempting to "mail" waste directly to the storage container during the drum movement phases, and to guarantee correct calibration, it is provided according to the invention that the respective shapes of the drum and the casing leave minimal play, on the one hand between the edges of the opening made in the casing and the drum, and on the other hand between the wall of the casing opposite the opening and the drum.

[0011] The question of the means for operating the drum has been mentioned previously, which allow it to be moved between its two positions, respectively open, with the drum window clear and facing the user, and closed, with the window overlooking the storage container in order to pour the waste contained in the drum into it. In the present invention, these two positions are angularly relatively spaced apart, of the order of 200°, which poses particular problems in terms of operation of the operating means. Thus, it is not possible to directly secure a handle to the drum, because this would amount to providing an opening in the casing over an angular sector of the same order of idea, which would make it almost impossible to provide sufficient casing to prevent users from throwing their waste directly into the storage container.

[0012] In the invention, according to a preferred configuration, the operating means may comprise a handle rotating relative to the casing according to a predetermined stroke of amplitude between 90° and 110°, connected to the axis of rotation of the drum by a mechanism multiplying the rotary stroke of the handle, achieving a multiplication by a factor between 1.9 and 2.1 of the rotary stroke of the drum. Preferably, the multiplication factor is of the order of 2.

[0013] The handle being offset from the trapdoor formed by the drum, generally arranged externally to the casing and therefore freed from the constraints specific to the movement of the drum, the maneuver is easy for users. The stops limiting the amplitude of the stroke are therefore also managed at the level of a rotating device of the handle which is separate from the drum / casing structure. This separation of functions results in an improvement of the overall robustness, each of the functions being able to be analyzed individually in order to be optimized for the proper functioning of the system.

[0014] Preferably, the multiplication mechanism comprises a drive wheel integral with the rotation axis of the handle, connected by a chain or a belt to a drive wheel integral with the rotation axis of the drum. The principle being thus established, it may be a question of toothed wheels cooperating with a chain, friction wheels cooperating with a belt, etc.

[0015] Secondarily, or even alternatively, the operating means may comprise a pivoting pedal with an angular movement of between 15° and 25°, which may be connected to the rotation axis of the drum by a mechanism multiplying the pedal stroke, thus multiplying the rotary stroke of the drum by a factor of between 8 and 13. Each action on the pedal causes the waste introduction system to open and initiates the calibration operation, which ends when the pedal is released, the drum then being in the waste emptying position. These operations are carried out under the same conditions as via the handle, actuated then released. Preferably, the amplitude of the pedal rotation is of the order of 20°, for ergonomic reasons.

[0016] Preferably, each container can be provided with two operating members operable in a combined manner, and the operating means comprise in this case a pivoting pedal with an angular movement always between 15° and 25°, connected by connecting means to the mechanism multiplying the stroke of the handle. A single multiplier mechanism is then used, which results in simplifying the system.

[0017] In the event that this multiplication mechanism is as described above - that is to say based on two wheels, a drive wheel integral with the axis of rotation of the handle connected by a belt or a chain to a drive wheel integral with the axis of rotation of the drum - the connecting means consist of a cable or a connecting rod pivotally mounted on the one hand on the pedal and on the other hand at the periphery of a rotary device of the handle, in a pivot axis capable of transforming the angular displacement of the pedal into a rotation of said rotary device of the handle covering the amplitude of the predetermined stroke of said handle.

[0018] The actions on the pedal therefore cause a complete rotation of the handle, according to the predetermined amplitude, and move the drum by one sector angular allowing it to move from the second closed position to the first open position for introducing waste.

[0019] Return means may be provided to return these operating means to the second position of the drum, which allows the waste to be emptied and corresponds to the closing of the hatch, for example comprising a traction spring interposed between the pedal and a drum support, which may also be covered by the casing.

[0020] In the invention, the stable rest position, in the absence of any action, is logically the closed position, and the return means lead there after each maneuver on the handle and / or the pedal. The calibration function, which results in a cycle of opening, introduction of waste and closing / emptying, actually imposes this “normal” state of closure without actuation. The division into two successive phases, first of opening carried out by hand or foot by the user and then of automatic reclosure, can be controlled, with a view to invoicing, by an electronic identification and authorization unit cooperating with an electromechanical device for locking / unlocking the drum.

[0021] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during the following description, which presents a preferred embodiment of the invention. This is, however, given only as an indicative and non-limiting example.

[0022] Understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig.l] represents a central sectional view of a container according to the invention, with the drum in the open position for introducing waste;

[0024] [Fig.2] shows the sectional view of [Fig.l], with the drum in the closed waste emptying position;

[0025] [Fig. 3] shows the same sectional view as the two previous ones, the drum being in an intermediate position between opening and closing;

[0026] [Fig.4] represents a sectional view at a side end of the container of the invention, without the casing;

[0027] [Fig.5] illustrates an enlarged detail of the handle rotary device; and

[0028] [Fig.6] shows a sectional view showing the mechanism for multiplying the rotary stroke of the handle.

[0029] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the container comprises a casing 1 surmounting the container 2 (or bin) for storing waste, which can be buried underground. This casing 1 comprises an opening 3 in front of which a rotating drum 4 rotates along a horizontal axis. The drum is rotatably mounted on a support structure, for example of the gantry type, which is covered by the casing 1. The drum 4 rotates in the casing 1 in such a way that if a solid wall of said drum 4 is placed in front opening 3, it is not possible to introduce waste. Drum 4 acts like a pivoting hatch. It has a window 5 (shown in crossed hatched lines) which moves according to the rotation of drum 4.

[0030] In Figures 1 to 3, this window 5 is successively located opposite and opposite the opening 3, overlooking the storage container 2, and finally in an intermediate position between the latter. The opening 3 is delimited, on its upper and lower sides, by sides 6, 7 of the casing, and it is generally rectangular. The casing also delimits it on its lateral sides. The window 5 of the drum 4 is also rectangular in shape, covering an angular sector greater than that of the opening 3, which has been specified to be preferably close to the diameter of the drum 4 in order to facilitate the introduction of the waste and especially its emptying, in the position of [Fig.2]. The casing 1 and the drum 4 are designed so that the casing makes it possible to conceal any possibility of waste passing between the drum 4 and the casing 1, whatever their relative position.The clearance remaining between them, very small, for example less than 5 mm, leaves no sufficient space for waste to fall between the casing 1 and the drum 4. The clockwise rotation of the drum 4, driven by the operating means manipulated by the user (see below) has the particular consequence that even in the intermediate position, as shown in [Fig. 3], if the user introduces waste into the drum 4, which is still possible because he still has access to a portion of the window 5 in the vicinity of the panel 6, this waste will fall into the drum 4 and will be part of the quantity of waste which is calibrated by the drum 4. It cannot fall directly into the storage container 2.

[0031] In the position of the drum 4 illustrated in [Fig. 2], which corresponds to the emptying position, the solid wall of the drum 4 is facing the user, between the sides 6 and 7, and no introduction of waste is possible. On the other hand, in this so-called emptying position, the large width of the window 5 allows the drum to be emptied properly, the waste falling via this large opening by gravity into the container 2 located below. This is the position which corresponds to the rest state of the system, which can be considered as the initial stage of an operation of calibrating a volume of waste. It corresponds to the stable state to which the operating means have been recalled by the system's return means, as will be explained in more detail below. An action on these operating means allows the drum 4 to be opened by rotation towards its position appearing in [Fig.l] with a view to filling, which the user has an interest in doing as completely as possible, the compartment delimited by the drum 4, the internal volume of which essentially defines a calibration volume, a possible basis for subsequent invoicing.

[0032] The means for maneuvering the movement of the drum 4 available to the user are shown in Figures 4 to 6 and allow him, by acting on these means, to move from a stable closed rest position to an open waste introduction position, before automatic return - due to the return means - to the closed emptying position.

[0033] The handle or lever 10 is in the high position at rest, and can be lowered to move the drum 4 from its position in [Fig.2] to that in [Fig.l], in the open position for introducing waste. An action on the pedal 20 has the same effect. These two members 10, 20 have a rotary stroke amplitude - around rotation axes 11, 21 - limited by stops of the system. A mechanism for multiplying the stroke of the handle 10 is shown in [Fig.6]: a toothed wheel 12 secured to the rotation axis 11 is connected via a chain 13 to a second toothed wheel 14, of smaller diameter, secured to the rotation axis of the drum 4. The respective diameters of the wheels 12, 14, and consequently the number of teeth of each of these wheels 12, 14, are chosen to amplify the angular stroke of the wheel 12, in this case by a factor of order 2.More precisely, the angular travel of the handle 10 is planned to be of the order of 100°, and that of the drum 4 driven by the wheel 14 is of the order of 200°. This latter value corresponds to the amplitude of the rotation that one wishes to give to the drum 4 so that it can fulfill its introduction / emptying function in connection with the configuration given to the calibration system of the invention.

[0034] The choice of offsetting the operating handle 10 to the side makes it possible to implement such a rotary amplitude for the drum 4, whereas conventional systems with a handle placed directly on the drum 4 would not have allowed it for this type of amplitude. Between an open position allowing the depositing of waste and a closed position preventing the depositing of waste but allowing it to fall towards the storage container 2, a rotation greater than 180° is necessary in the configuration of the invention whereas the stroke carried out by the user to control the operating member is more limited, essentially for reasons of ergonomics.

[0035] The user is also offered a second possibility for actuating the system: the pedal 20 results in the same rotation effect for the drum 4, also controlled between its closed rest position of [Fig. 2] and the open position of [Fig. 1]. In this case, however, the multiplication problem is a little different, knowing that the rotational amplitude of a normally ergonomic pedal is of the order of 20°. A single mechanism is used, and the pedal 20 is for this purpose connected to a rotary device 15 of the handle 10 by a connecting rod 30 articulated on the one hand on the pedal 20 at an axis 31, and on the other hand on said rotary device 15 of the handle 10, at an axis of rotation 32. The articulation 31 in the vicinity of the location of action of the foot on the pedal 20 guarantees that the amplitude of the displacement is close to that which exists at the level of the pedal 20. The articulation 32 is located on the periphery of the rotary device 15 of the handle 10, device 15 which takes for example the form of a plate to which said handle 10 is secured and which manages the rotation relative to the casing 1 and the rotary connection 32 with the connecting rod 30. The location of this articulation 32, in the immediate vicinity of the base of the handle 10, makes it possible to give its rotary device 15 substantially the same angular travel as when it is actuated by a user directly via the handle 10. The rotary travel of the drum 4, when it is driven by the pedal 30, is therefore the same as when it is controlled by the handle 10.

[0036] Return means, in the form of a traction spring 40, are interposed between the pedal 20 and the structure of the container of the invention, at the level of a fin 51 protruding from one of the uprights 50 of a gantry supporting the rotation of the drum 4.

[0037] The design methods illustrated by the figures are of course not exhaustive of the invention, which on the contrary includes variants of form for its different components.

Claims

Claims

1. Waste container comprising a casing (1) surmounting the waste storage container (2), in which is made an opening (3) for introducing waste which can be closed by a hatch which can be moved by the user by operating means (10, 20) between an open position for introducing waste and a closed position for emptying the waste, characterized in that the hatch is a solid wall of a single drum (4) rotatably mounted in the casing (1), said drum (4) comprising a window (5) positioned opposite the opening (3) of the casing (1) in a first position of the operating means (10, 20) corresponding to the open position for introducing waste and positioned directly above the container (2) in a second position of the operating means (10, 20) corresponding to the closed position for emptying the waste,the opening (3) of the casing (1) being completely obstructed by the drum (4) in this second position of the drum (4), return means (40) being provided to return the drum (4) to said second position.,

2. Waste container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the operating means (10, 20) drive the drum (4) in a rotation greater than 180° and less than 220°.

3. Waste container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angular sector covered by the window (5) of the drum (4) is close to the diameter of said drum (4).

4. Waste container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the respective shapes of the drum (4) and the casing (1) leave minimal play, on the one hand between the edges of the opening (3) made in the casing (1) and the drum (4) and on the other hand between the wall of the casing (1) opposite the opening (3) and the drum (4).

5. Waste container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating means comprise a handle (10) rotatable relative to the casing (1) according to a predetermined stroke of amplitude between 90° and 110°, connected to the axis of rotation of the drum (4) by a mechanism multiplying the rotary stroke of the handle (10) achieving a multiplication by a factor between 1.9 and 2.1 of the rotary stroke of the drum (4).

6. Waste container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the multiplication mechanism comprises a wheel (12) drive integral with the rotation axis (11) of the handle (10), connected by a belt or a chain (13) to a drive wheel (14) integral with the rotation axis of the drum (4).

7. Waste container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating means comprise a pedal (20) pivoting with an angular movement of between 15° and 25°, connected to the axis of rotation of the drum by a mechanism multiplying the travel of the pedal (20) achieving a multiplication by a factor of between 8 and 13 of the rotary travel of the drum (4).

8. Waste container according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the operating means comprise a pedal (20) pivoting with an angular movement of between 15° and 25°, connected by connecting means to the mechanism multiplying the stroke of the handle (10).

9. Waste container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connecting means consist of a cable or a connecting rod (30) pivotally mounted on the one hand on the pedal (20) and on the other hand at the periphery of a rotary device (15) of the handle (10), in a pivot axis (32) capable of transforming the angular displacement of the pedal (20) into a rotation of said rotary device (15) of the handle (10) covering the amplitude of the predetermined stroke of said handle (10).

10. Waste container according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the return means comprise a traction spring (40) interposed between the pedal (10) and a support (50) of the drum (4).

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