Waste collection container
The waste collection container with fill-level detection and alert systems addresses overflow issues by informing users and management about full status, promoting efficient use and reducing operational inefficiencies.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SULO FRANCE
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Conventional waste collection containers in public places often overflow due to users' uncertainty about their remaining capacity, leading to hygiene, aesthetic, and operational inefficiencies, as well as increased management costs.
A waste collection container equipped with a fill-level detection device and indicator that alerts users when the container is full, optionally with a shutter mechanism to prevent further waste deposition and a remote communication system to notify waste management.
Encourages responsible waste disposal behavior, optimizes container use, reduces overflow, and enhances waste management efficiency by informing users and waste collection agencies about fill levels.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Waste collection container Scope of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of waste collection containers, in particular voluntary waste drop-off containers accessible to a group of users, for example in a public place. State of the art
[0002] The technology of waste collection containers, particularly those used in public places, is already known. Waste collection containers are widely used devices for urban waste management. 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 them. Typically, these containers are as defined in standard EN 13071:2019 or standard NF_EN 840:2020.
[0003] In conventional containers, users are often uncertain about the container's remaining capacity. However, when a user reaches a full container, they rarely take their waste to 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 hygiene, aesthetic, and overall waste management problems. Furthermore, an excessive accumulation of waste in a container can impede its proper functioning, for example, by blocking the opening mechanism of a waste disposal hatch inside the container or by preventing the closure of a waste inlet hatch designed to prevent odors or insects from entering.This results in inefficient use of waste collection infrastructure and additional costs associated with inadequate management. Description of the invention
[0004] In order to remedy this drawback and improve overall waste management, the present invention aims to provide a waste collection container enabling a user to adapt their use of waste collection containers to the availability of storage for 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. Furthermore, the container comprises a Fill-level detection device. The fill-level detection device includes at least one fill level sensor configured to measure the fill level of a container located inside the main body, and at least one fill level indicator visible from outside the container. The fill level indicator is configured to display information indicating that the container has reached its fill level when the fill level is greater than or equal to a predefined fill level.
[0006] The container also includes at least one control module configured to receive container fill level information from the fill level detector and to change a display state of the fill level indicator according to the fill level information.
[0007] Thus, the invention will allow users to easily determine the container's fill level, whether full or not, particularly remotely, thereby encouraging them to adopt more responsible behavior by avoiding depositing waste when the container has reached a predetermined maximum fill level. Furthermore, the invention encourages users to choose a container that is not full, thereby promoting more efficient use of collection infrastructure.
[0008] According to preferred embodiments, the container according to the invention may further comprise the following features, implemented separately or in each of their technically operative combinations.
[0009] Preferably, the waste collection container includes a light sensor located outside the main body, configured to measure ambient light. The control module is then configured to change the display state of the fill level indicator based on ambient light information.
[0010] Advantageously, the waste collection container includes a movable waste inlet opening shutter that can be positioned between a closed position that seals the waste inlet opening and an open position in which the waste inlet opening is accessible, and a waste collection volume access control device. This waste collection volume access control device is configured to lock the shutter in the closed position when the fill level is greater than or equal to the predefined level.
[0011] Advantageously, the waste collection container includes a remote communication system configured to send information on reaching the fill limit to a waste collection organization when the fill level is greater than or equal to the predefined fill level.
[0012] According to various examples, the fill 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 include at least one light-emitting diode.
[0014] Advantageously, the control module is configured to modify the light intensity of the fill level indicator according to the ambient light information.
[0015] According to an advantageous feature, the waste collection container includes a battery box suitable for providing a power supply to the waste collection container.
[0016] The invention also relates to a method for warning of the fill level of a waste collection container according to the invention. The warning method comprises the steps of: - measurement of the container's fill level by the level detector, - comparison of the fill level with the predefined fill level, and - display of container fill limit information by the fill level indicator if the fill level is greater than or equal to the predefined fill 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 to at least one predefined ambient brightness value, and - modification of the display state of the fill level indicator based 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 based on ambient brightness information include one or more of the following substeps: - sub-step of comparing the measured ambient brightness to a first predefined threshold value: • If the measured ambient light level is greater than or equal to the first predefined threshold value, the fill level indicator displays the information indicating that the fill limit has been reached. with a light intensity equal to 100% of a predefined light intensity; and • if the measured ambient brightness is lower than the first predefined threshold value, a sub-step will compare the measured ambient brightness to a second predefined threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value: • If the measured ambient light level is less than or equal to the second predefined threshold value, the fill level indicator is inactive, and • if the measured ambient brightness is less than the first predefined threshold value and is greater than the second predefined threshold value, the fill level indicator displays the information of reaching the fill limit with the light intensity less than 100%, for example less than 90%, typically between 30% and 70%, of the predefined light intensity. Brief description of the figures
[0020] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying 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 part of a waste collection container according to a second embodiment of the invention,
[0023] [Fig.3] is another perspective view of part of the waste collection container of [Fig.2],
[0024] [Fig.4] represents the steps of a warning method for 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 embodiment of the invention. Detailed description
[0027] The different figures, as well as the elements of the same figure, are not necessarily represented at the same scale. Across all the figures, identical elements bear the same numerical reference.
[0028] The terminology used in this description shall in no way 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 standard EN 13071:2019 or standard NF_EN 840:2020. The waste collection containers of the present invention can be designed to receive any type of waste, such as, for example, household waste, paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and / or glass. Figure 1 shows a semi-buried waste collection container 100 (hereafter referred to as "container 100") according to a first embodiment, comprising a main body 110 forming a waste collection volume and at least one waste inlet 112 into the main body 110. Figure 1 shows only a portion of the main body 110, located above ground. In this non-limiting example illustrated in [Fig.1], the container 100 is equipped with a shutter 114 for the waste 112 introduction opening.This closure 114 can be a lid or a rotating, movable drum. This opening 112 is closed when the closure 114 is in a closed position and becomes accessible when the lid or drum is opened. For example, the closure 114 can be sliding, pivoting, hinged, or have any other suitable mechanism. In one variant, rather than being fitted with a closure, the container 100 can be equipped with a rubber flap, for example, composed of rubber portions (or petals) arranged around the opening.
[0030] The container 100 includes a fill-limit detection device. The fill-limit detection device includes a fill level detector 120 that measures a fill level h of the container with waste. The level detector 120 emits mechanical and / or electromagnetic waves to measure the fill level h of the container. In non-limiting examples, the fill level detector 120 may be selected 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 inlet opening 112, in order to measure the level where the waste is probably highest, thus ensuring a more efficient measurement.
[0032] The detector 120 can be fixed to a wall of the main body 110 by a conventional fastening means (screwing, riveting, etc.). Alternatively, the detector 120 can be mounted on a specific support inside the container.
[0033] The container fill limit detection device 100 can be equipped with several fill level detectors 120. In a non-limiting example, two detectors 120 are positioned separately at the two ends of a diameter of the cylindrical main body 110. In another non-limiting example, more than Three 120 detectors are arranged separately in various locations to measure the fill level in different areas of the waste collection volume, allowing a more precise definition of the container's fill level.
[0034] The container 100 fill limit detection device is also provided with a fill 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 hole provided on a wall of the container.
[0035] When the fill level h reaches or exceeds a predefined fill level hp, indicator 140 displays information indicating that the container's fill limit has been reached. Otherwise, indicator 140 displays a default state.
[0036] The container fill level detection device 100 also includes at least one control module (not shown). The control module receives container fill level information sent by the fill level detector 120. Depending on the fill level, the control module modifies the display of 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 fill level hp is configurable by a waste collection manager. By way of non-exhaustive example, the predefined fill level hp can correspond to a level at which a volume of waste reaches the total capacity of the container's waste collection volume of 100, or to a level where a volume of waste less than 100%, for example, equals 80% of the container's total waste collection volume. This second possibility is advantageous because it allows for maintaining a reserve storage volume in case a user still wishes to introduce waste into the container despite the display indicating that the maximum fill level has been reached.
[0039] Preferably, the predefined fill level hp can be modified at any time during the use of the waste container 100. Generally, the predefined fill level is entered into the control module by the waste collection manager. Preferably, the predefined fill level hp is defined according to 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 afar. This prevents the user from carrying waste to the container 100 without realizing that it is full, thus risking leaving waste on the ground, as the person does not want to turn back to find another container. Another advantage of indicator 140 is to optimize the collection frequency of container 100 by a waste collection organization when it is full.
[0041] For example, indicator 140 includes at least one light-emitting diode (LED). The LED of indicator 140 can light up red to display information indicating that the container's fill limit has been reached. The LED can light up green or remain off to display the default state of indicator 140, when the fill limit has not been reached.
[0042] Advantageously, the indicator 140 includes an LED display capable of showing numbers, text, or other symbols. Advantageously, this display on the indicator 140 can represent a fill level 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 can be equipped with several indicators 140 oriented in different directions, thus allowing the indicator display to be visible in different directions.
[0044] Advantageously, the container 100 is equipped with a light sensor (not shown) located outside the main body 110, configured to measure an ambient light level. Therefore, the control module is also configured to change the display state of the indicator 140 according to the measured ambient light level.
[0045] Preferably, the fill level indicator 140 switches between a performance mode and an economy mode. In performance mode, the brightness of the indicator 140 is, for example, equal to 100% of a predefined brightness level, allowing the indicator 140 to be visible during a bright day. In economy mode, the brightness of the indicator 140 is reduced compared to that in performance mode, for example, less than 90% of the predefined brightness level, typically between 30% and 70% of the predefined brightness level. This economy mode is optional and makes it possible to limit energy consumption when ambient light is reduced, for example, at night, at dawn, at dusk, and on cloudy days. A warning method will be described below by way of example.
[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment, and in the presence of a shutter 114, an access control device (not shown) to the waste collection volume can be configured to lock the shutter 114 in the closed position once the fill level h reaches or exceeds the predefined fill level hp. This aims to prevent the container from overflowing by preventing a user from forcing access to the waste container when it is already full.
[0047] Advantageously, the access control device includes a receiver configured to receive a locking command signal sent by the control module as soon as the fill level h reaches the predefined fill level hp. The access control device also includes a locking system, such as a pin tumbler lock, a triangular key lock, etc., to hold the shutter 114 in the closed position as soon as the receiver receives the locking command signal.
[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the container 100 includes a remote communication system (not shown) configured to transmit information about reaching the fill limit to the waste collection agency as soon as the fill level h reaches the predefined fill level hp. This is intended to inform the manager of the need to collect the waste from 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's premises.
[0049] Preferably, the remote communication system transmits to the waste collection agency the fill level h measured by the fill level detector 120 or the fill rate at regular intervals. This allows the manager to proactively monitor the container's fill level, thus facilitating waste collection management.
[0050] Advantageously, the container 100 is equipped with a battery box (not shown) suitable for providing the electrical power necessary for the operation of the container 100. For example, the battery box powers the detector 120, the indicator 140, the control module, the light sensor if applicable, and the remote communication system if present.
[0051] The invention has been described in the preferred configuration of an above-ground waste collection container, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. However, it is 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, underground waste collection containers.
[0052] Figures 2 to 3 illustrate an example of an underground waste collection container. This underground container is particularly suitable for urban environments or spaces where aesthetics and space utilization 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 The terminal emerges above ground, creating an entrance to the underground waste collection volume. 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 container. A fill level detector 120 is installed on one lower side of the container's main body, emitting detection waves towards the underground waste collection volume, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. An indicator 140 is placed on an external surface of the container and is visible to users and collection agencies.
[0055] A method for warning the fill level of a waste collection container 100 according to the invention is now described.
[0056] Fig. 4 illustrates the steps of the container 100 fill level warning process comprising the fill level detector 120, the indicator 140 and the control module, by way of non-limiting example.
[0057] A first step Snl consists of measuring the fill level h of the container by the detector 120. Preferably, a signal containing the fill level h information is transmitted by the detector 120 to the control module. Upon receiving this fill level information, in a second step Sn2, the control module compares the measured fill level h with the predefined fill level hp.
[0058] Preferably, when the fill level h is less than the predefined fill level hp, the indicator displays the default state (step S3a), as mentioned previously. Conversely, if the fill level h is the same as or greater than the predefined fill level hp, the indicator 140 displays the information indicating that the fill limit has been reached, as described previously (step S3b). For example, this could be indicated by displaying the text "Full" if the indicator has a screen, by illuminating the indicator if it is off by default, or by changing its color from green to red if the indicator is an LED.
[0059] In another implementation example, the container 100 is also equipped with the light sensor configured to measure ambient light. The control module is then configured to change the display state of the fill level indicator 140 based on the ambient light information. We will subsequently describe the case in which the fill level indicator 140 is illuminated, by way of non-limiting example.
[0060] According to a first variant of this implementation example, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], when the fill level h is less than the predefined fill level hp, the illuminated fill level indicator 140 is inactive (step S3a0 ), that is, it switches off. In addition, the warning process includes an ambient light measurement step SJ, performed by the light sensor.
[0061] Preferably, a signal containing the measured ambient light information is transmitted by the light sensor to the control module. Upon receiving the ambient light information, as a light comparison step S1, the control module compares the measured ambient light to at least one predefined ambient light threshold value. Based on the comparison result, the control module adjusts the display state of indicator 140 by modifying, preferably, the brightness of the indicator 140 (step S4).
[0062] Preferably, in a first sub-step Si2a of the brightness comparison step Si2, if the measured ambient brightness la is greater than or equal to a first threshold value h, predefined for example to preferentially indicate daytime ambient brightness, the indicator 140 displays the information of reaching the fill 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 fill level indicator 140 during the day.
[0063] If the measured ambient brightness is less 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 fill limit with the reduced light intensity, i.e., less than 100%, for example less than 90% of the predefined light intensity, typically between 30% and 70% of the predefined light intensity.
[0064] If the measured ambient brightness la is less than the first predefined threshold value lb according to a second example (illustrated in [Fig. 5]), a second substep Si2b of the brightness comparison step Si2 is performed with a second threshold value 12 that is less than the first threshold value li and indicates, for example, nighttime ambient brightness. If the measured ambient brightness la is less than or equal to the second threshold value 12, the indicator 140 is inactive (display substep 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 is less than the first threshold value and greater than the second threshold value, indicating, for example, ambient brightness corresponding to nightfall or sunrise, the indicator 140 displays the information indicating that the fill limit has been reached, with the light intensity reduced, i.e., below 100%, normally below at 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 light level is below the first threshold value and above the second threshold value, an analysis of the variation in ambient light is carried out by taking measurements at regular intervals over time and comparing them with a set of predefined threshold values. If the ambient light level continues to decrease over time, thus indicating, for example, nightfall, the indicator light can reduce its brightness over time according to the ambient light level or reduce it to, for example, 50% of the predefined brightness level, and then the indicator light can switch off after a certain time, for example, 3 hours.If, on the other hand, the ambient light continues to increase over time, indicating for example sunrise, the control module can communicate to the light indicator 140 to illuminate with the light intensity increasing according to the ambient light, for example up to 100% of the preset light intensity.
[0068] According to a second variant of this implementation example, when the fill level h is less than the predefined fill level hp, the indicator light remains active (e.g., lit) in its fault state, but with a display different from the display of the information indicating that the fill limit has been reached. In this case, the ambient light comparison step Si2, comprising steps Si2a and Si2b, and the display state modification step S4, comprising steps S4a, S4b, and S4c, also apply to modify the indicator's brightness in its fault state according to the ambient light, 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: fill level indicator
[0072] h: fill level
[0073] hp: preset fill level
[0074] the: ambient light
[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: display step inactive
[0081] S3b: step of displaying the information of reaching the fill limit
[0082] SJ: ambient light measurement step
[0083] Si2: ambient brightness comparison step
[0084] Si2a: substep for comparing ambient brightness with the first predefined threshold value
[0085] Si2b: substep for comparing ambient brightness with the second predefined threshold value
[0086] S4: Display state modification step
[0087] S4a: substep of modifying the display state where the brightness of the fill level indicator is equal to 100% of the predefined brightness
[0088] S4b: substep of changing the display state to inactive
[0089] S4c: substep of modifying the display state where the light intensity of the fill level indicator is reduced
Claims
Demands
1. Waste collection container (100) comprising a main body (110) forming a waste collection volume and at least one waste inlet opening (112) in the main body (110), the container (100) being characterized in that it comprises a fill limit detection device, and the fill limit detection device comprising: - at least one fill level detector (120) configured to measure a container fill level (h) located inside the main body (110), - at least one fill level indicator (140) visible from outside the container (100), the fill level indicator being configured to display information indicating that the container has reached its fill limit when the fill level (h) is greater than or equal to a predefined fill level (hp),and - at least one control module configured to receive container fill level information from the fill level detector (120) and to change the display state of the fill level indicator (140) according to the fill level information, and, the container includes a light sensor located outside the main body (110), configured to measure ambient light (la), the control module being configured to change the display state of the fill level indicator (140) according to ambient light information.
2. A waste collection container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a shutter (114) for the waste inlet opening (112) movable between a closed position closing the waste inlet opening (112) and an open position in which the waste inlet opening (112) is accessible, and a waste collection volume access control device configured to lock the shutter (114) in the closed position when the fill level (h) is greater than or equal to the preset (hp).
3. Waste collection container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a remote communication system configured to send information on reaching the fill limit to a waste collection agency when the fill 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, wherein the fill level detector (120) is selected from an ultrasonic detector, a laser detector or an infrared detector.
5. Waste collection container (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fill level indicator (140) is a light indicator, for example a light-emitting diode.
6. Waste collection container (100) according to claim 5, wherein the control module is configured to change the light intensity of the fill level indicator (140) according to the ambient light information.
7. A method for warning the fill 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 fill level (h) (Sn1) of the container by the level detector (120); - a step of comparing the fill level (h) (Sn2) with the predefined level (hp), and - a step of displaying (S3b) the information of reaching the fill limit of the container if the fill level (h) is greater than or equal to the predefined fill level (hp).
8. Warning method according to the preceding claim, 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
9. - a modification step (S4) of the display state of the fill level indicator based on 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 6, in which the step of comparing the ambient light (Si2) and the step of modifying (S4) the display state of the fill level indicator as a function of ambient light information comprise the following substeps: a sub-step comparing the ambient brightness (la) measured to a first predefined threshold value (li) (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 limit reached information filling with a light intensity equal to 100% of a predefined light intensity (S4a); and if the measured ambient brightness (la) is less than the first predefined threshold value (li), a substep comparing the measured ambient brightness (la) to a second predefined threshold value (l2) less than the first threshold value (S^a): - if the measured ambient light (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 less than the first predefined threshold value (IJ) and is greater than the second predefined threshold value (l2), the fill level indicator (140) displays the information indicating that the fill limit has been reached, along with the light intensity less than 100%, for example less than 90%, typically between 30% and 70%, of the predefined light intensity (S4c).