Waste disposal drum locking device

Abstract

A double-cylinder, reverse-rotating drum locking device in which the drum locking mechanism, the unlocking mechanism, and the anti-reverse mechanism are combined into a single unit A controlled by an electronic control unit. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device for locking a waste disposal drum

[0001] The invention is in the field of waste and relates to a blocking device and an anti-reverse device for the rotation of the two reverse-rotating half-cylinders of a drum.

[0002] Here, for convenience, we call the reverse-rotating half-cylinders of a drum that allow for removals a cylinder.

[0003] There are a plethora of electric locks and strikes that allow a drum to be locked. These mechanisms have remarkable characteristics for their locking efficiency; however, they are weakened by their intensive outdoor use and are sometimes subjected to attempts at damage that shorten their nominal lifespan.

[0004] There are also many embodiments allowing for an anti-return of the cylinder, among others, the lugs which cooperate with a toothed ring which are very effective.

[0005] The device according to the invention offers a simple solution which achieves blocking and anti-return with the same equipment, hence an advantageous price-quality ratio.

[0006] A locking device for a double-cylinder, reverse-rotating drum T, equipped with means for maintaining its position in a waste container, the drum T being designed to quantify the number of deposits per depositor for the purpose of possible billing, the drum T comprising an electronic control unit, a power supply with battery and solar panel, a reader for depositors' badges or any other medium enabling the depositor to be identified, a mechanism for locking the drum T in the closed position connected to the electronic control unit, an electrical contactor whose change of state validates the opening of the drum T, a non-return mechanism designed to allow only one deposit for each badge reading, the locking device characterized in that the drum T locking mechanism,The drum T unlocking mechanism and the anti-return mechanism are combined into a single unit controlled by the electronic control unit, unit A which allows the drum T to be locked by a locking means, the drum T to be unlocked by an opening means, and an anti-return action by an anti-return means.

[0007] Device characterized in that the apparatus A consists of a longitudinal housing CR on which a pivoting plate PV is articulated about an axis AX1, axis AX1 parallel to the longitudinal face FLO of the housing CR, pivoting plate PV, driven by a pivoting means, the edge TR opposite its articulation of which moves away or comes into contact with a cylindrical flange FL, of the same axis AX as the axis of rotation of the cylinders of the drum T, flange FL fixed on the cylindrical wall PCI of axis AX, the cylindrical walls PCI, PC2 forming the axial ends of said drum T.

[0008] Device characterized in that the pivoting means consists of a screw V nut EC assembly mounted on a motor M fixed on the housing CR, nut EC being integral with a retaining plate PM free in translation and having at least in its extension a wing AI of which an edge AT is in contact with the face closest to the flange FL of the pivoting plate PV, such that said pivoting plate PV moves closer to or further from the flange FL according to the direction of rotation of the motor M, under the combined action of the retaining plate PM and an associated spring RS which bears between the opposite faces of the housing CR and the pivoting plate PV.

[0009] Device characterized in that the means of opening the drum T allows, following the recognition of a depositor badge by the electronic management unit, the transmission of an order to the motor M in order to rotate the pivoting plate PV on its axis BX in the opposite direction to the flange FL, which releases the edge TR of the pivoting plate PV from an excrescence EX made in the flange FL towards the housing CR, release which conditions the possibility of opening the drum T by rotation of the double cylinder by the depositor.

[0010] Device characterized in that the drum locking means T is initiated by the change of state of an electrical contactor CE which occurs during the opening rotation of the drum T over a circular stroke corresponding approximately to three-quarters of the complete opening stroke. The change of state of the contactor CE causes the motor M to operate, which translates the retaining plate PM and consequently pivots the pivoting plate PV, the edge of which TR is pressed against the flange FL by the action of the spring RS. In this position, the opening rotation ends due to the sliding of the edge TR on the flange FL, depositing the deposit, and then closing the drum T while the pivoting plate PV slides on the flange FL until it contacts a protrusion EX disposed on said flange. The contact is followed by an overlap of the protrusion EX by the pivoting plate PV by means of an overlapping mechanism.overlap which ends with the position of the TR slice which comes into contact with the base of said EX protrusion just before the complete closure of the drum T, which makes it impossible to open the drum T due to the retention effect of the EX protrusion on the TR slice and therefore on the PV pivoting plate.

[0011] Device characterized in that the overlapping means in the closing stroke of the drum T is made possible on the one hand by an acute angle formed between the flange FL and the pivoting plate PV, angle whose apex, coinciding with the edge TR, is directed towards the closing of the drum T and on the other hand by the position of the contactor which is such that the change of state can only take place, during the opening stroke, when the protrusion EX has passed over the edge TR of the sliding plate PV towards the end of the opening stroke.

[0012] Device characterized in that the anti-return means is obtained by having on the flange FL at least one protrusion EX1 between the protrusion EX and the electrical contactor CE always opposite the edge TR of the pivoting plate PV such that an attempt to reopen the drum T even when it is not totally closed will cause the edge TR of the pivoting plate PV to register on the base of the protrusion EX1 of the flange FL, causing an immediate stop of the attempt to reopen the drum T.

[0013] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of example, and in which:

[0014] - The [Fig. 1] is a perspective showing the drum T with axis AX.

[0015] - Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the position of the PM retaining piece and its action on the pivoting of the PV plate.

[0016] - Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the complete assembly with the flange FL fixed to the SM metal structure.

[0017] - Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the position of the EX and EX1 outgrowths. on the FL flask.

[0018] - Fig. 5 is a perspective view providing an overview of apparatus A without the FL flask.

[0019] - Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the position of the RS spring between the plate PV and the CR crankcase.

[0020] The device according to the invention is fixed in a drum T comprising two cylinders with reverse rotation of horizontal axis AX bordered on both sides by a cylindrical wall PCI and PC2 of the same axis AX.

[0021] The drum T is provided with means for maintaining its position in a waste container, drum T intended to be able to quantify the number of deposits per depositor for the purpose of possible billing, drum T including an electronic control unit, a power supply with battery and solar panel, a reader of the depositors' badges or any other medium allowing the depositor to be identified.

[0022] We will speak here of the rotation of the drum T for simplification and not of the rotation of an IEC half-cylinder.

[0023] In our embodiment example, a device A is arranged directly opposite the cylindrical wall PCI.

[0024] The cylinders have means for maintaining their position on a BT frame disposed on either side of the drum in its axis AX, BT frame comprising a metal structure perpendicular to the axis AX on which the drum T is articulated.

[0025] For convenience, we use one of the two metal structures arranged on either side of the drum cylinders, a vertical longitudinal rectangular metal structure called SM, parallel to the outer face of the drum cylinders, which we consider here to be vertical for simplification and convenience.

[0026] Metallic structure SM on which is installed the device A which allows the locking, unlocking of the drum T as well as the anti-return function.

[0027] The apparatus A includes a housing CR consisting mainly of a rectangular plate PR which is fixed on the face of the metal structure SM opposite the cylindrical wall PCI.

[0028] The PR plate of the CR housing has two first returns RI and R2 at right angles made on one side and directed towards the cylindrical wall PCI.

[0029] Two notches EH1, EH2 are made in the angle formed by the returns RI and R2.

[0030] The PR plate continues, machined with a rectangular-shaped orifice which terminates in a central return R3 suitable for receiving a motor M.

[0031] The apparatus also includes a PV plate machined with two tabs bent at right angles, PP1 and PP2, each on one of the two ends of one side.

[0032] The legs PP1 and PP2 fit into the notches EH1 and EH2 in such a way that the PV plate is articulated around an axis AX1 substantially parallel to the edge of the vertical longitudinal rectangular metal structure called SM.

[0033] A spring RS is disposed between the opposite faces of the pivoting plate PV and the plate PR of the housing CR.

[0034] The apparatus A further includes a motor M fixed on the return R3 of the plate PR.

[0035] The motor M is coupled to a screw V on which runs a nut EC attached to a retaining plate PM.

[0036] The PM retaining piece has at least one AI wing whose opposite edge is in contact with the FP face of the pivoting plate opposite the cylindrical wall PCI.

[0037] In our example embodiment, the retaining piece PM has a wing AI and a wing AJ arranged on either side of the screw V whose edges AT and ATT are in contact with the face FP of the pivoting plate.

[0038] Starting the motor M in a direction that moves the nut EC away from the motor M results in: a rotation of the V screw, • a movement of the nut EC and the associated retaining piece PM tending to move away from the motor M, a movement solely in translation due to the contact of the AT and ATT slices with the FP face of the PV board, • Bringing the PV pivoting plate closer to the CR housing.

[0039] Starting the motor M in a direction that brings the nut EC closer to the motor M results in: • a rotation of screw V, • a movement of the nut EC and the associated retaining piece PM tending towards the motor M, a movement solely in translation due to the contact of the AT and ATT slices with the FP face of the PV plate, • A distancing of the PV pivoting plate from the CR housing.

[0040] We have described the pivoting movement of the PV plate around its axis AXE

[0041] The pivoting PV plate has a TR edge opposite its articulation around the AX1 axis.

[0042] A circular flange FL is fixed to the cylindrical wall PCI directly opposite the apparatus A.

[0043] This flange FL is provided with at least two protrusions EX and EX1 close to the outer perimetry of FL and spaced apart from each other, protrusions in the direction of the apparatus A.

[0044] In the closed drum T position, the TR edge of the pivoting plate PV is blocked behind the EX protrusion of the flange FL, thus preventing the opening of the drum.

[0045] A CE contactor is arranged around the perimeter of the FL flange.

[0046] In the closed drum position, an opening command transmitted by the control unit to motor M generates: • a rotation of the motor, • a translation of the PM retaining piece away from the M motor • a sufficient distance between the TR edge and the FL flange to eliminate the EX protrusion.

[0047] In this configuration, a user can open the drum T in order to make a deposit.

[0048] The rotation of the drum T in the direction of opening causes a rotation in the same direction and by the same angle of the flange FL.

[0049] This rotation of the flange FL determines the change of state of the contactor CE which occurs when the protrusion EX1 has joined and passed the edge TR of the pivoting plate PV opposite and before the end of the opening stroke of the drum T.

[0050] The change of state of the CE contactor results in: • a rotation of the motor • a translation of the PM retaining piece which moves closer to the M motor • A pivoting motion around the AX1 axis of the PV pivoting plate, driven by the RS spring, PV plate whose TR edge comes into contact with the FL flange beyond the EX1 protrusion.

[0051] The open drum allows removal by the user.

[0052] The user closes the drum T.

[0053] This action results in: • a rotation of the drum T and therefore of the flange FL • Friction due to contact between the TR edge of the PV pivoting plate and the FLO face opposite the FL flange • a first lifting of the TR slice of the PV pivoting plate to straddle the EX1 protrusion • a second lifting of the TR slice of the PV pivoting plate to straddle the EX protrusion, just before the drum T stops in the closed position.

[0054] In this closing operation, an attempt to reopen the drum when the pivoting plate PV has crossed the protrusion EX1 is made impossible by the position of the edge TR which comes to block behind the protrusion EX1 prohibiting any rotation in this direction, this function called anti-return eliminates the possibility of several removals with a single authorization to open the drum.

[0055] We have thus described a device for locking a drum T from an apparatus A which allows the locking, unlocking of the drum T as well as the anti-return function.

[0056] Of course, the invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. The invention includes all technical equivalents of the means described, as well as combinations thereof, if these are executed in accordance with its spirit and implemented within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Demands

1. A locking device for a double-cylinder, reverse-rotating drum (T) equipped with means for maintaining its position in a waste container, the drum (T) being designed to quantify the number of deposits per depositor for the purpose of possible billing, the drum (T) comprising an electronic control unit, a power supply with battery and solar panel, a reader for depositors' badges or any other medium enabling the depositor to be identified, a mechanism for locking the drum (T) in the closed position connected to the electronic control unit, an electrical contactor whose change of state validates the opening of the drum (T), a non-return mechanism designed to allow only one deposit for each badge reading, the locking device characterized in that the drum (T) locking mechanism,The drum release mechanism (T) and the anti-return mechanism are combined into a single unit controlled by the electronic control unit, unit (A) which allows the drum (T) to be locked by a locking means, the drum (T) to be unlocked by a means of opening said drum (T), and an anti-return action by an anti-return means.

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the apparatus (A) consists of a longitudinal housing (CR) on which is articulated a pivoting plate (PV) about an axis (BX), axis (BX) parallel to the longitudinal face (FLO) of the housing (CR), pivoting plate (PV), moved by a pivoting means, of which a slice (TR) opposite its articulation moves away from or comes into contact with a cylindrical flange (FL), of the same axis (AX) as the axis of rotation of the cylinders of the drum (T), flange (FL) fixed on a cylindrical wall (PCI) of axis (AX), cylindrical walls (PCI, PC2) forming the axial ends of said drum (T).

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the pivoting means comprises a screw (V) and nut (EC) assembly mounted on a motor (M) fixed to the housing (CR), the nut (EC) being integral with a retaining plate (PM) free to translate and comprising at least one wing (AI) extending from it, one edge (AT) of which is in contact with the face closest to the flange (FL) of the plate pivoting (PV), such that said pivoting plate (PV) moves closer to or further from the flange (FL) according to the direction of rotation of the motor (M), under the combined action of the retaining plate (PM) and an associated spring (RS) which bears between the opposite faces of the housing (CR) and the pivoting plate (PV).

4. Device according to claim 3 characterized in that the means for opening the drum (T) allows, following recognition of a depositor badge by the electronic management unit, the transmission of an order to the motor (M) in order to rotate the pivoting plate (PV) on its axis (BX) in the opposite direction to the flange (FL), which releases the edge (TR) of the pivoting plate (PV) from an outgrowth (EX) made in the flange (FL) towards the housing (CR), release which conditions the possibility of opening the drum (T) by rotation of the double cylinder by the depositor.

5. Device according to claim 3 characterized in that the drum locking means (T) is initiated by the change of state of an electrical contactor (CE) which occurs during the opening rotation of the drum (T) over a circular stroke corresponding approximately to three-quarters of the complete opening stroke, the change of state of the contactor (CE) causes the operation of the motor (M) which translates the retaining plate (PM) and consequently pivots the pivoting plate (PV) whose edge (TR) is pressed against the flange (FL) by the action of the spring (RS), in this position, the opening rotation ends due to the sliding of the edge (TR) on the flange (FL) the depositor makes its deposit and then closes the drum (T) while the pivoting plate (PV) slides on the flange (FL) until it contacts a protrusion (EX) disposed on said flange,The contact is followed by an overlap of the protrusion (EX) by the pivoting plate (PV) by means of an overlapping mechanism, an overlap which ends with the position of the edge (TR) which comes into contact with the base of said protrusion (EX) just before the complete closure of the drum (T), which makes it impossible to open the drum (T) due to the retention effect of the protrusion (EX) on the edge (TR) and therefore on the pivoting plate (PV).

6. Device according to claims 4 and 5 characterized in that the overlapping means in the closing stroke of the drum (T) is made possible on the one hand by an acute angle formed between the

7. flange (FL) and the pivoting plate (PV), angle whose apex, coinciding with the edge (TR), is directed towards the closing of the drum (T) and on the other hand by the position of the contactor which is such that the change of state can only take place, during the opening stroke, when the protrusion (EX) has passed over the edge (TR) of the sliding plate (PV) in the direction of the end of the opening stroke. Device according to claim 4 and 5 characterized in that the anti-return means is obtained by having on the flange (FL) at least one protrusion (EX1) between the protrusion (EX) and the electrical contactor (CE) always opposite the edge (TR) of the pivoting plate (PV) such that an attempt to reopen the drum (T) even when it is not totally closed will cause the edge (TR) of the pivoting plate (PV) to register on the base of the protrusion (EX1) of the flange (FL), causing an immediate stop of the attempt to reopen the drum (T).

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