Waste collection container

Abstract

The invention relates to a waste collection container (100) comprising a main body (110) forming a volume and at least one waste introduction opening (112). The container (100) comprises a filling limit detection device comprising: - at least one filling level detector (120) for measuring a filling level (h) of the container, - at least one filling level indicator (140) visible from outside the container, for displaying information about reaching the filling limit of the container when the filling level (h) is greater than or equal to a predefined filling level (hp), - at least one control module for receiving container filling level information from the filling level detector (120) and for modifying a display state of the filling level indicator (140) depending on the filling level information. Figure for abstract: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Waste collection container Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of waste collection containers, in particular containers for the voluntary contribution of waste accessible to a group of users, for example in a public place. State of the art

[0002] The art of waste collection containers, particularly those used in public places, is already known in the state. Waste collection containers are devices widely used for the management of urban waste. Traditionally, these containers are characterized by a standard design, often consisting of a cylindrical, rectangular or other shaped body, with one or more openings for depositing waste, as well as means for emptying it. Conventionally, these containers are as defined in standard EN 13071: 2019 or in standard NF_EN 840: 2020.

[0003] In conventional containers, users are often faced with uncertainty as to the remaining capacity of the container. However, when a user arrives at a full container, it is rare for this user to leave with his waste in the direction of another container. This situation frequently leads to excessive waste deposits inside the container, or even to the container overflowing, or to an accumulation of waste next to the container, causing problems of hygiene, aesthetics and waste management more generally. In addition, an excessive accumulation of waste in a container can lead to hindering its proper functioning, for example by blocking a system for opening an emptying hatch present inside the container or by preventing the closing of a waste introduction hatch intended to prevent the emanation of odors or the entry of insects.This results in inefficient use of waste collection infrastructure and additional costs associated with inadequate management. Statement of the invention

[0004] In order to overcome this drawback and improve overall waste management, the present invention aims to provide a waste collection container allowing a user to adapt his use of the waste collection containers to the storage availability of these containers.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a waste collection container comprising a main body forming a waste collection volume and at least one opening for introducing waste into the main body. In addition, the container comprises a filling limit detection device. The filling limit detection device comprises at least one filling level detector configured to measure a container filling level placed inside the main body, and at least one filling level indicator visible from outside the container. The filling level indicator is configured to display information about reaching the filling limit of the container when the filling level is greater than or equal to a predefined filling level.

[0006] The container also comprises at least one control module configured to receive container filling level information from the filling level detector and to modify a display state of the filling level indicator depending on the filling level information.

[0007] Thus, the invention will allow users to easily know the filling status, full or not full, of the container, in particular remotely, thus encouraging them to adopt more responsible behavior by avoiding depositing waste when the container has reached a filling capacity determined as being the maximum filling capacity of the container. In addition, the invention encourages users to move towards a non-full container, thus promoting more efficient use of collection infrastructure.

[0008] According to preferred embodiments, the container according to the invention may further comprise the following characteristics, implemented separately or in each of their technically operative combinations.

[0009] Preferably, the waste collection container comprises a brightness sensor placed outside the main body, configured to measure ambient brightness. The control module is in this case configured to modify the display state of the fill level indicator as a function of ambient brightness information.

[0010] Advantageously, the waste collection container comprises a shutter of the waste introduction opening movable between a closed position closing the waste introduction opening and an open position in which the waste introduction opening is accessible, and a member for controlling access to the waste collection volume. Said member for controlling access to the waste collection volume is configured to lock the shutter in the closed position when the filling level is greater than or equal to the predefined level.

[0011] Advantageously, the waste collection container comprises a remote communication system configured to send information about reaching the filling limit to a waste collection organization when the filling level is greater than or equal to the predefined filling level.

[0012] According to various examples, the filling level detector is chosen from an ultrasonic detector, a laser detector or an infrared detector.

[0013] Preferably, the fill level indicator is a light indicator. For example, it may comprise at least one light-emitting diode.

[0014] Advantageously, the control module is configured to modify a light intensity of the fill level indicator as a function of the ambient brightness information.

[0015] According to an advantageous characteristic, the waste collection container comprises a battery box capable of providing an electrical power supply to the waste collection container.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for warning of the filling level of a waste collection container according to the invention. The warning method comprises the steps of: - measurement of the filling level of the container by the level detector, - comparison of the filling level with the predefined filling level, and - display of information on reaching the container filling limit by the filling level indicator if the filling level is greater than or equal to the predefined filling level.

[0017] According to preferred embodiments, the method according to the invention further comprises the following optional features, taken alone or in combination.

[0018] Advantageously, the warning method further comprises the following steps: - measurement of ambient brightness, - comparison of the measured ambient brightness with at least one predefined ambient brightness value, and - changing the display state of the fill level indicator depending on a result of the comparison between the measured ambient brightness and the predefined ambient brightness value.

[0019] Advantageously, the step of comparing the ambient brightness and the step of modifying the display state of the fill level indicator as a function of ambient brightness information comprise one or more of the following sub-steps: - sub-step of comparing the measured ambient brightness to a first predefined threshold value: • if the measured ambient brightness is greater than or equal to the first predefined threshold value, the fill level indicator displays the information that the fill limit has been reached with the light intensity equal to 100% of a predefined light intensity; and • if the measured ambient brightness is lower than the first predefined threshold value, sub-step of comparing the measured ambient brightness to a second predefined threshold value lower than the first threshold value: • if the measured ambient brightness is less than or equal to the second predefined threshold value, the fill level indicator is inactive, and • if the measured ambient brightness is lower than the first predefined threshold value and higher than the second predefined threshold value, the filling level indicator displays the information that the filling limit has been reached with the light intensity lower than 100%, for example lower than 90%, typically between 30% and 70%, of the predefined light intensity. Brief description of the figures

[0020] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0021] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a waste collection container according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0022] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a part of a waste collection container according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0023] [Fig.3] is another perspective view of a portion of the waste collection container of [Fig.2],

[0024] [Fig.4] represents the steps of a method of warning a waste collection container according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.5] represents the steps of a warning method according to an alternative embodiment of the invention,

[0026] [Fig.6] represents the steps of a warning method according to another variant embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0027] The different figures as well as the elements of the same figure are not necessarily represented on the same scale. In all the figures, identical elements bear the same numerical reference.

[0028] The terminology used in this description should in no case be interpreted in a limiting or restrictive manner, simply because it is used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention.

[0029] Conventionally, the waste collection containers of the present invention comply with the EN 13071:2019 standard or the NF_EN 840:2020 standard. The waste collection containers of the present invention may be intended to receive any type of waste such as, for example, household waste, paper, cardboard, plastic, metal and / or glass. [Fig.l] shows a semi-buried waste collection container 100 (hereinafter referred to as “container 100”) according to a first embodiment, comprising a main body 110 forming a waste collection volume and at least one opening 112 for introducing waste into the main body 110. In [Fig.l], only a portion of the main body 110, located above the ground, is shown. In this non-limiting example illustrated in [Fig.l], the container 100 is provided with a shutter 114 for the waste introduction opening 112.This shutter 114 may be a lid or a rotating drum. This opening 112 is closed when the shutter 114 is in a closed position and becomes accessible when the lid or the drum is open. For example, the shutter 114 may be sliding, pivoting, folding, or have any other suitable mechanism. In a variant, rather than being provided with a shutter, the container 100 may be equipped with a rubber flap, for example composed of rubber portions (or petals) arranged around the opening.

[0030] The container 100 comprises a filling limit detection device. The filling limit detection device comprises a filling level detector 120 which measures a filling level h of the container with waste. The level detector 120 emits mechanical and / or electromagnetic waves to measure the filling level h of the container. In non-limiting examples, the filling level detector 120 may be chosen from an ultrasonic detector, a laser detector or an infrared detector.

[0031] The fill level detector 120 is placed inside the main body 110, preferably at the top and center of the main body 110, near the waste introduction opening 112, in order to measure the level where the waste is probably highest, thus ensuring a more efficient measurement.

[0032] The detector 120 may be fixed to a wall of the main body 110 by a conventional fixing means (screwing, riveting, etc.). Alternatively, the detector 120 may be mounted on a specific support inside the container.

[0033] The container filling limit detection device 100 may be provided with several filling level detectors 120. In a non-limiting example, two detectors 120 are positioned separately at the two ends of a diameter of the main body 110 in the form of a cylinder. In another non-limiting example, more than three detectors 120 are arranged separately in various locations to measure the filling level in different areas of the waste collection volume, allowing a more precise definition of the filling of the container.

[0034] The filling limit detection device of the container 100 is also provided with a filling level indicator 140. This indicator 140 is visible from outside the container, thus allowing the user to consult it without looking inside the container 100. It is for example mounted through a through-orifice provided on a wall of the container.

[0035] When the filling level h reaches or exceeds a predefined filling level hp, the indicator 140 displays information that the container filling limit has been reached. Otherwise, the indicator 140 displays a default state.

[0036] The container filling limit detection device 100 also comprises at least one control module (not shown). The control module receives container filling level information sent by the filling level detector 120. Depending on the filling level, the control module modifies the display of the indicator 140, as previously described.

[0037] The control module is preferably placed inside the main body 110 of the container 100.

[0038] Advantageously, the predefined filling level hp is configurable by a waste collection manager. By way of non-exhaustive example, the predefined filling level hp may correspond to a level at which a volume of waste reaches a total capacity of the waste collection volume of the container 100, or correspond to a level where a volume of waste less than 100%, for example, equal to 80%, of the total capacity of the waste collection volume of the container. This second possibility is interesting because it makes it possible to maintain a reserve storage volume in the event that a user still wishes to introduce waste into the container despite the display of information on maximum filling reached.

[0039] Preferably, the predefined filling level hp can be modified at any time during use of the waste container 100. Generally, the predefined filling level is entered into the control module by the waste collection manager. Preferably, the predefined filling level hp is defined as a function of the waste collection frequency and / or the use of the container.

[0040] Preferably, the indicator 140 is luminous, and advantageously visible even at a distance, allowing the user to consult it from a distance. This prevents the user from moving with waste to the container 100 without realizing that it is full, thus risking leaving waste on the ground, because he does not want to turn back to find another container. Another advantage of the 140 indicator is to optimize the frequency of collection by a collection organization of the 100 container when it is full.

[0041] For example, the indicator 140 comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED). The LED of the indicator 140 may light up in red to display information that the filling limit of the container has been reached. The LED may light up in green or remain off to display the default state of the indicator 140, when the filling limit has not been reached.

[0042] Advantageously, the indicator 140 comprises an LED screen capable of displaying numbers, text or other symbols. Advantageously, this display of the indicator 140 can represent a filling rate equivalent to h / hp, whether by a number, text, a percentage gauge, or any other form known to those skilled in the art. This provides users with more detailed information.

[0043] Preferably, the container 100 may be equipped with a plurality of indicators 140 oriented in different directions, thereby allowing the indicator display to be visible from different directions.

[0044] Advantageously, the container 100 is provided with a brightness sensor (not shown) placed outside the main body 110, configured to measure an ambient brightness 1a. Therefore, the control module is also configured to modify a display state of the indicator 140 as a function of the measured ambient brightness.

[0045] Preferably, the fill level indicator 140 switches between a performance mode and an economy mode. In performance mode, the light intensity of the indicator 140 is for example equal to 100% of a predefined light intensity, allowing the indicator 140 to be visible during a day with light. In economy mode, the light intensity of the indicator 140 is reduced compared to that in performance mode, for example less than 90% of the predefined light intensity, typically between 30% and 70% of the predefined light intensity. This economy mode is optional and makes it possible to limit energy consumption when the ambient light is reduced, for example during the night, at dawn, at dusk and in cloudy weather. A warning method will be described below, by way of example.

[0046] According to an advantageous variant, and in the event of the presence of a shutter 114, an access control member (not shown) to the waste collection volume can be configured to lock the shutter 114 in the closed position once the filling level h reaches or exceeds the predefined filling level hp. This aims to avoid any overflow of the container by preventing a user from forcing access to the waste container when the latter is already full.

[0047] Advantageously, the access control member comprises a receiver configured to receive a locking control signal sent by the control module as soon as the filling level h reaches the predefined filling level hp. The access control member also comprises a locking system, such as a piston bolt lock, a triangular key lock, etc., to keep the shutter 114 in the closed position as soon as the locking control signal is received by the receiver.

[0048] According to a preferred variant, the container 100 comprises a remote communication system (not shown) configured to transmit the information of reaching the filling limit to the waste collection organization as soon as the filling level h reaches the predefined filling level hp. This aims to inform the manager of a need to collect the waste in the container once it is full. This may involve sending a signal in the form of a radio wave from the container to a wave receiver at the container manager.

[0049] Preferably, the remote communication system transmits to the waste collection organization the filling level h measured by the filling level detector 120 or the filling rate at regular intervals. This allows the manager to monitor the filling state of the container proactively, thus facilitating the management of waste collection.

[0050] Advantageously, the container 100 is equipped with a battery box (not shown) capable of providing the electrical power supply necessary for the operation of the container 100. For example, the battery box supplies the detector 120, the indicator 140, the control module, the brightness sensor if applicable, as well as the remote communication system if it is present.

[0051] The invention has been described in the preferred configuration of an above-ground waste collection container, as illustrated in [Fig.l]. It is however possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to adapt the invention to any other configuration of waste collection container, such as, for example, buried waste collection containers.

[0052] Figures 2 to 3 illustrate an example of a buried waste collection container 100. This buried container is particularly suitable for urban environments or spaces where aesthetics and space occupation are major concerns.

[0053] The container 100 comprises a main body 110. A lower portion (not shown) of the main body 110 is located underground, thus forming a waste collection volume. An upper portion of the main body, also called a terminal, emerges above ground, creating an entrance to the waste collection volume located underground. An opening 112 is made in this terminal of the main body.

[0054] A shutter 114 is arranged to cover the opening 112 in the terminal. A fill level detector 120 is installed on a lower side of the main body terminal, emitting detection waves towards the waste collection volume located underground, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. An indicator 140 is placed on an exterior surface of the terminal and is visible to users and by collecting organizations.

[0055] A method for warning of the filling level of a waste collection container 100 according to the invention is now described.

[0056] [Fig.4] illustrates the steps of the filling level warning method of the container 100 comprising the filling level detector 120, the indicator 140 and the control module, without limitation.

[0057] A first step Sn1 consists of measuring the filling level h of the container by the detector 120. Preferably, a signal containing the information of the filling level h is transmitted by the detector 120 to the control module. Upon receipt of this information of the filling level, a second step Sn2, the control module compares the measured filling level h with the predefined filling level hp.

[0058] Preferably, when the filling level h is lower than the predefined filling level hp, the indicator displays the default state (step S3a), as mentioned previously. On the other hand, if the filling level h is identical to or higher than the predefined filling level hp, the indicator 140 displays the information that the filling limit has been reached, as previously described (step S3b). For example, this may result in a display of a text “Full” if the indicator has a screen, by lighting up the indicator if it is off by default, or by a change in its color from green to red if the indicator is an LED.

[0059] In another exemplary implementation, the container 100 is also equipped with the brightness sensor configured to measure an ambient brightness 1a. The control module is in this case configured to modify the display state of the fill level indicator 140 as a function of the ambient brightness information. We will describe below the case in which the fill level indicator 140 is luminous, without limitation.

[0060] According to a first variant of this exemplary implementation, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], when the filling level h is lower than the predefined filling level hp, the luminous filling level indicator 140 is inactive (step S3a0 ), that is, it turns off. In addition, the warning method includes a step of measuring the ambient brightness SJ, carried out by the brightness sensor.

[0061] Preferably, a signal containing the information of the measured ambient brightness is transmitted by the brightness sensor to the control module. Upon receiving the information of the ambient brightness 1a, as a brightness comparison step S12, the control module compares the measured ambient brightness 1a to at least one predefined ambient brightness threshold value. Depending on the result of the comparison, the control module adjusts the display state of the indicator 140 by preferably modifying a luminous intensity of the luminous indicator 140 (step S4).

[0062] Preferably, in a first sub-step Si2a of the brightness comparison step Si2, if the measured ambient brightness 1a is greater than or equal to a first threshold value h, predefined for example to preferentially indicate a daytime ambient brightness, the indicator 140 displays the information of reaching the filling limit with the light intensity equal to 100% of a predefined light intensity (display sub-step S4a of the display state modification step S4), thus ensuring the visibility of the filling level indicator 140 during the day.

[0063] If the measured ambient brightness 1a is lower than the first predefined threshold value h, according to a first example (optionally, not shown in [Fig.5]), the indicator 140 displays the information of reaching the filling limit with the reduced light intensity, i.e., lower than 100%, for example lower than 90% of the predefined light intensity, typically between 30% and 70% of the predefined light intensity.

[0064] If the measured ambient brightness 1a is lower than the first predefined threshold value 1b according to a second example (illustrated in [Fig.5]), a second sub-step Si2b of the brightness comparison step Si2 with a second threshold value 12 which is lower than the first threshold value 11 and indicates for example a night ambient brightness is carried out. If the measured ambient brightness 1a is lower than or equal to the second threshold value 12, the indicator 140 is inactive (display sub-step S4b of the modification step S4), thus saving electrical energy and reducing light pollution.

[0065] According to this second example, if the measured ambient brightness 1a is lower than the first threshold value het and higher than the second threshold value 12, indicating for example an ambient brightness corresponding to nightfall or daybreak, the indicator 140 displays the information of reaching the filling limit with the reduced light intensity, i.e., lower than 100%, normally lower to 90%, typically between 30% and 70%, for example 50%, of the predefined light intensity (display sub-step S4c of modification step S4). This approach aims to save electrical energy, reduce light pollution while maintaining the visibility of the indicator for users.

[0066] Advantageously, the control module analyzes a variation in ambient brightness over time.

[0067] By way of non-limiting example, when the measured ambient brightness 1a is lower than the first threshold value het and higher than the second threshold value 12, an analysis of the variation in the ambient brightness is carried out by measuring at regular intervals over time and by comparing it with a set of predefined threshold values. If the ambient brightness 1a continues to decrease over time, thus indicating, for example, nightfall, the light indicator may reduce its light intensity over time depending on the ambient brightness or reduce it to, for example, 50% of the predefined light intensity, and then the light indicator may turn off after a certain time, for example 3 hours.If, on the other hand, the ambient brightness continues to increase over time, indicating for example daybreak, the control module can communicate to the light indicator 140 to illuminate with the light intensity which increases according to the ambient brightness, for example up to 100% of the predefined light intensity.

[0068] According to a second variant of this exemplary implementation, when the filling level h is lower than the predefined filling level hp, the light indicator remains active (for example lit) in its fault state, but with a display different from the display of the information about reaching the filling limit. In this case, the step of comparing the ambient brightness Si2, comprising the steps Si2a and Si2b, and the step of modifying the display state S4, comprising the steps S4a, S4b and S4c, also apply to modify the light intensity of the indicator in its fault state as a function of the ambient brightness, as illustrated in [Fig.6]. List of references

[0069] 100: waste collection container 110: main body 112: waste introduction opening 114: shutter

[0070] 120: Fill level detector

[0071] 140: filling level indicator

[0072] h: filling level

[0073] hp: predefined fill level

[0074] the: ambient brightness

[0075] U: first predefined threshold value

[0076] 12: second predefined threshold value

[0077] Snl: filling level measurement step

[0078] Sn2: filling level comparison step

[0079] S3a: default state display step

[0080] S3a0: inactive display step

[0081] S3b: step of displaying the information on reaching the filling limit

[0082] SJ: ambient brightness measurement step

[0083] Si2: ambient brightness comparison step

[0084] Si2a: sub-step of comparing the ambient brightness with the first predefined threshold value

[0085] Si2b: sub-step of comparing the ambient brightness with the second predefined threshold value

[0086] S4: display state modification step

[0087] S4a: sub-step of modifying the display state where the light intensity of the filling level indicator is equal to 100% of the predefined light intensity

[0088] S4b: sub-step of changing the display state to inactive

[0089] S4c: sub-step of modifying the display state where the light intensity of the fill level indicator is reduced

Claims

Claims

1. Waste collection container (100) comprising a main body (110) forming a waste collection volume and at least one opening for introducing waste (112) into the main body (110), the container (100) being characterized in that it comprises a filling limit detection device, and the filling limit detection device comprising: - at least one filling level detector (120) configured to measure a filling level (h) of the container placed inside the main body (110), - at least one filling level indicator (140) visible from outside the container (100), the filling level indicator being configured to display information on reaching the filling limit of the container when the filling level (h) is greater than or equal to a predefined filling level (hp),and - at least one control module configured to receive container filling level information from the filling level detector (120) and to modify a display state of the filling level indicator (140) depending on the filling level information.,

2. Waste collection container (100) according to claim 1, comprising a brightness sensor placed outside the main body (110), configured to measure an ambient brightness (la), the control module being configured to modify the display state of the filling level indicator (140) according to ambient brightness information.

3. Waste collection container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a shutter (114) of the waste introduction opening (112) movable between a closed position closing the waste introduction opening (112) and an open position in which the waste introduction opening (112) is accessible, and a member for controlling access to the waste collection volume configured to lock the shutter (114) in the closed position when the filling level (h) is greater than or equal to the predefined level (hp).

4. Waste collection container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a remote communication system configured to send the filling limit reached information to a waste collection organization when the filling level (h) is greater than or equal to the predefined level (hp).

5. A waste collection container (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the fill level detector (120) is selected from an ultrasonic detector, a laser detector or an infrared detector.

6. A waste collection container (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the fill level indicator (140) is a light indicator, for example a light-emitting diode.

7. A waste collection container (100) according to claim 6 combined with claim 2, wherein the control module is configured to modify a light intensity of the fill level indicator (140) depending on the ambient light information.

8. Method for warning of the filling level of a waste collection container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - a step of measuring the filling level (h) (Snl) of the container by the level detector (120); - a step of comparing the filling level (h) (Sn 2) with the predefined level (hp), and - a step of displaying (S3b) the information of reaching the filling limit of the container if the filling level (h) is greater than or equal to the predefined filling level (hp).

9. Warning method according to the preceding claim, the waste collection container (100) being according to claim 2, the warning method comprising the following steps: - a step of measuring the ambient brightness (la) (SJ), - a step of comparing the measured ambient brightness (la) (Si 2) to at least one predefined ambient brightness value, and

10. - a step of modifying (S4) the display state of the filling level indicator as a function of a result of the comparison between the measured ambient brightness (Ia) and the predefined ambient brightness value. Warning method according to the preceding claim, the waste collection container (100) being according to claim 7, in which the step of comparing the ambient brightness (Si2) and the step of modifying (S4) the display state of the filling level indicator according to ambient brightness information comprise the following sub-steps: a sub-step of comparing the ambient brightness (la) measured with a first threshold value (1 ^ predefined (Si 2a): - if the measured ambient brightness (la) is greater than or equal to the first predefined threshold value (li), the fill level indicator displays the information that the limit has been reached. filling with light intensity equal to 100% of a predefined light intensity (S4a); and if the measured ambient brightness (la) is lower than the first predefined threshold value (li), a sub-step of comparing the measured ambient brightness (la) to a second predefined threshold value (l2) lower than the first threshold value (S^a): - if the measured ambient brightness (la) is less than or equal to the second predefined threshold value (12), the fill level indicator is inactive (S4b), and - if the measured ambient brightness (la) is lower than the first predefined threshold value (IJ) and is higher than the second predefined threshold value (l2), the filling level indicator (140) displays the information of reaching the filling limit with the light intensity less than 100%, for example less than 90%, typically between 30% and 70%, of the predefined light intensity (S4c).

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