Equipment for collecting and compressing waste

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting and compressing waste, in particular a waste container. The present invention still further relates to a method for collecting and compressing waste.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting and compressing waste, in particular a waste container. The invention particularly relates to an apparatus having the features of the generic claim 1. The invention furthermore relates to a method for collecting and compressing waste. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices for collecting and compressing waste are known in the prior art. Patent Document 1 discloses a device for compressing kitchen waste. In this device, the waste brought in is exposed to atmospheric pressure by sucking air with a pump, thereby compressing the waste.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses an apparatus for collecting and disposing of dry trash, wet waste, etc. The apparatus includes a container having a cover secured by a hermetic sealing element, inside which there is a slidable piston forming a sealed chamber. There are further waste compression and liquid discharge elements, and also air and liquid suction elements, which are connected to the chamber and to the interior of the flexible container. However, the piston is only retracted by a spring and does not actively compress the waste.

[0004] Patent document 3 discloses a waste container with a bag therein and a vacuum pump for sucking gas, particularly air, from the bag, and a pressing unit capable of pressing and thus compressing the material inside the bag before sucking the gas. However, no details of the pressing unit are disclosed, only a pressing plate driven "downwards". The document further discloses a sealing unit for hermetically sealing the bag.

[0005] Thus, in waste containers known in the prior art, substantially only atmospheric pressure is used to compress the waste bags, or an unspecified pressing plate is driven "downwards." However, given that the space requirements for waste, including garbage, trash, containers, etc., are generally high and the compression ratio is low, both extra space and extra equipment are required to collect, store, and dispose of the garbage, typically bags of waste. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 209639A1 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 1498364A1 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2007 / 076964A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and in particular to provide a waste container in which waste can be collected, stored, possibly compacted and then disposed of cleanly, which is at the same time easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This object, according to the invention, is to provide an apparatus (1) for collecting and compressing waste, comprising: a) a container (2) for containing a waste bag, the container including a side wall (3), a base plate (4), and a first closure (5) at an opening (6); b) a cover (7) having a second closure (8), the cover being constructed and arranged such that it can be in an open position relative to the opening (6) of the container (2) such that the opening (6) of the container (2) is accessible for placing a waste bag therein, and can be in a closed position relative to the opening (6) of the container (2) such that the cover (7) actively interacts with the opening of the container (2) such that a waste bag placed inside the container (2) can be air-tightly sealed to the cover (7) between the first closure (5) and the second closure (8); c) means for generating compressed air (9); d) means for generating a negative pressure (10); e) means (11) for heat sealing a waste bag placed inside the container (2) when the cover is in the closed position, located at the opening (6) of the container and / or on the cover (7), wherein in the device: f) the cover (7) has a suction opening (12) arranged on the cover (7) so that, in the closed position, a gas atmosphere can be sucked from the inside of a waste bag placed inside the container (2) by the means (10) for creating a negative pressure; g) when the opening (6) is closed, the container (2) is airtight; h) the base plate (4) of the container is movable relative to the side wall (3) and, in the closed position, towards the cover (7); i) means (14) are provided for moving the base plate (4) relative to the side wall (3); j) the container (2) has an inlet port (15) for compressed air, the inlet port being controlled by an inlet valve (16) and loaded with compressed air supplied by a means (9) for generating compressed air.

[0009] The object is also to provide a method for collecting and compressing waste, comprising the steps of: a) sucking a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste, b) simultaneous mechanical compression of the waste bag; and c) simultaneously applying external air pressure to the waste bag.

[0010] This method can be carried out particularly advantageously by means of the device according to the invention.

[0011] Advantageous configurations of the device and of the method are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] The invention is based on the finding that the collection and compaction of waste material is particularly advantageous if the compaction is carried out not only by suction of air from the waste bags, but also in particular by simultaneous additional mechanical compaction of the waste bags and their pneumatic loading, which results in a particularly low space requirement for the waste material in a simple manner and thus the best possible utilization of resources.

[0013] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments.

[0014] The device for collecting and compressing waste according to the invention comprises a container for receiving waste bags. Typical containers are known in the prior art, which are typically substantially rectangular or cylindrical in shape. The container comprises an opening, which is usually preferably the entire top surface, side walls, which are usually the four side walls of a rectangular parallelepiped or the cylindrical surface of a cylinder, and a container bottom. According to the invention, the container is airtight when the opening is closed. This means that when the opening is hermetically sealed, the side walls and the container bottom or the movable base plate inside the container form a self-contained airtight space. Suitable materials are plastic or metal materials, in particular glass fiber reinforced plastic materials, such as GFK30 or GFK40, PEEK plastic, PA6, and also stainless steel or aluminum.

[0015] The container of the device according to the invention further comprises a first seal at the opening, typically on a surface of the top of the container perpendicular to the side wall (and parallel to the container bottom). The seal is arranged along the periphery of the opening, i.e. it surrounds the entire opening of the container. This seal, in the case of a typical waste bag, can achieve an air-tight closure of the opening by suitable interaction with a second seal of the cover. Suitable seals are known in the prior art.

[0016] Insofar as seals are used in the present invention, suitable sealant materials are known per se to the expert, and typical materials include silicone, foamed silicone, EPDM, NBR, CR, cellular rubber, foamed rubber, fluoroelastomers, such as Viton®, aramid fiber-based fiber sealants, such as KLINGERSIL®, PTFE (Teflon®), polyurethane (Vulkollan®), PVC, and PMMA. Preferred materials for the first and second seals are EPDM and silicone. For the sealing and cutting electrodes, fluoroelastomers, such as Viton®, are preferably used.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a means for fixing the waste bag at the opening of the container, preferably a clamping frame or tension clamp. Such a clamping frame is fixed to the container, for example by a hinge, and surrounds the entire opening of the container. The opening is therefore freely accessible when the frame is folded back, so that the waste bag can be placed in the container, where it comes into contact with the first sealing body at the opening. The clamping frame or tension clamp is then closed, so that it takes up a position for fixing the waste bag to the container. In this case, in one embodiment, the first sealing body covered by the waste bag is not covered or only partially covered by the means for fixing the waste bag, and remains substantially accessible, in particular so that it can interact with the second sealing body of the cover. In an alternative embodiment, the first sealing body is contacted by the means for fixing the waste bag on the waste bag when the waste bag is placed inside, and is further entirely located between the first sealing body at the container opening and the second sealing body of the cover in the closed position. The advantage of using a clamping frame is that when inserted, the waste bag sits neatly on top of the first closure already at the container opening and can be secured to the container by a means for securing the waste bag, preferably a clamping frame or tension clamp, which ensures a better seal when the second closure on the cover comes into contact in the closed position with the waste bag and, if necessary, with the means for securing the waste bag.

[0018] The container of the device according to the invention has inside it a movable base plate, which is typically substantially planar. According to the invention, the base plate is designed as a kind of piston and is arranged inside the container so as to be movable perpendicularly to the surface of the base plate, i.e. displaceable along the side wall. In one embodiment, the base plate of the container is sealed by a third sealing body, in this case airtight against the side wall. In this embodiment, when the opening is closed, the side wall and the base plate form an airtight interior space of the container. In this embodiment, the base plate preferably has means that allow the compressed air to be driven in the direction of the upper surface of the base plate. In a preferred alternative embodiment, the base plate of the container is in this case sealed by a third sealing body against the side wall, but not airtight, and when the opening is closed, the side wall and the container bottom form an airtight container. The advantage of the latter embodiment is that the third sealing body does not have to be airtight against the compressed air from the point at which it is fed into the container, which would otherwise impose high requirements on the material used. An inlet port below the base plate is sufficient to fill the interior of the container with compressed air.

[0019] The base plate is essentially movable relative to the side wall and in the direction of the cover (perpendicular to the surface of the base plate) when the cover is in the closed position. For this purpose, the side wall is preferably provided with suitable guide grooves or strips. By moving the base plate, the volume of the container defined by the space in which the waste bags can be placed can be reduced. During the movement, the third seal (also called "seal on the base plate") hermetically seals the base plate against the side wall in any of its positions, typically in one of the above-mentioned embodiments, to prevent the ingress of debris at least below the base plate. When the container opening is closed, the container is then hermetically sealed either by the side wall (which is also airtight) and by the base plate or at least by the container bottom.

[0020] A container is considered airtight when, with the opening closed, the container retains an applied negative pressure of 500 mbar (absolute inside) below 800 mbar (absolute inside) for at least 30 minutes.

[0021] According to the invention, the container has an inlet port for compressed air, which is preferably controlled by an inlet valve and is loaded with compressed air provided by the means for generating compressed air. This allows the compressed air to be injected into the interior space of the container, which is airtight. When the waste bag is placed over the container opening and when the waste bag interacts with the first sealing body, either through the means for fixing the waste bag or through the second sealing body of the cover in the closed position, the space between the waste bag and the container is airtight sealed. Introducing compressed air into the space between the waste bag and the container and closing the cover results in a compression of the waste bag and thus of its contents. According to the invention, the device is preferably configured to drive compressed air into the inlet port, which is also controlled by the inlet valve, and thereby into the interior of the container, when it is used for the means for moving the base plate.

[0022] To fix and move the base plate, the device according to the invention has means for moving the base plate relative to the side wall. These means for moving the base plate are usually capable of holding the base plate in a position that is at the maximum extent of the volume of the container on the one hand, but in any case can move the base plate perpendicularly to its surface and towards the cover when the cover is in the closed position or towards the container opening, so that the volume of the container can be reduced. The means for moving the base plate are in this case capable of moving the base plate in the direction of the container opening with a compressive force of preferably about 50 kPa to about 1000 kPa, preferably about 100 kPa to about 800 kPa, in particular about 300 kPa to about 600 kPa. This force allows the waste bag placed in the container together with the contents to be mechanically compressed when the cover is closed. The possible range of movement of the base plate is preferably such that, with the opening closed by the cover, the volume of the container defined by the space into which the waste bag can be inserted can be reduced by at least 50%, i.e. to 50% of the maximum range, preferably by 70%, i.e. to 30% of the maximum range. Suitable means for moving the base plate are, for example, a threaded rod, a hydraulic cylinder, which can use air, water or oil as a medium, preferably a pneumatic cylinder or a bellows. The latter pneumatic cylinder or bellows can advantageously be driven by compressed air, which can be provided by the means for generating compressed air included in the device according to the invention. The moving means preferably include a retraction element, for example a helical spring. The retraction element performs or assists the retraction of the base plate (away from the cover) after the completion of the mechanical compression process of the waste bag. The retraction force is usually smaller than the compression force, preferably between about 50 kPa and about 500 kPa, preferably between about 100 kPa and about 300 kPa. The means for moving the base plate are in this case configured to be able to apply both the compression and retraction forces defined above, and thus the resultant of both.

[0023] The device according to the invention further comprises a cover, which is configured to cover the opening of the container and for this purpose has a second sealing body at the side, which is a sealing body that interacts with the opening of the container. The cover is configured and arranged in the device so that it can be in an open position relative to the opening of the container, so that the opening of the container is accessible for inserting a waste bag, and in a closed position relative to the opening of the container, so that the cover actively interacts with the opening of the container, so that the waste bag placed inside the container can be hermetically sealed to the cover between the first sealing body (at the container opening) and the second sealing body (on the cover). The extent of the second sealing body therefore substantially coincides with the extent of the first sealing body, i.e. substantially with the extent of the container opening. Thus, when the waste bag is placed in the container and placed over the opening and thus over the first sealing body, the waste bag is clamped and sealed in the closed position between the first sealing body and the second sealing body and, if applicable, the means for fixing the waste bag. The waste bag is thereby closed with the cover, the interior space of the bag only being in contact with the cover (and the actual bag) at this point.

[0024] According to the invention, the cover has a suction opening arranged on the cover such that in the closed position the gas atmosphere can be at least partially sucked out from the inside of a waste bag placed inside the container by the means for generating a negative pressure. As outlined above, the cover is configured such that in the closed position of the waste bag the waste bag is clamped and sealed between the first and second sealing bodies and, if applicable, the means for fixing the waste bag. The waste bag is then closed with the cover, the interior space of the bag being now only in contact with the cover (and the actual bag). This allows the gas atmosphere to be sucked out of the waste bag through the suction opening provided in the cover. The negative pressure required for this is provided by the means for generating a negative pressure as further defined below. A liquid sensor is preferably provided on the cover next to the suction opening. This sensor ensures that the suction process is stopped if liquid from the waste bag reaches or is sucked onto the cover, in order to protect the components of the device from contamination.

[0025] The device according to the invention further comprises means for generating compressed air. Suitable means, e.g. pumps or compressors, are known in the prior art. The compressible air which can be generated is preferably at least 1.0*10 5 Pa (100 kPa, 1 bar), preferably at least 2.0*10 5 The pressure of the container is 200 kPa (200 kPa, 2 bar). Compressed air can be introduced into the container space through the inlet port and can be used for the means for moving the base plate as long as they are air-driven means, such as pneumatic cylinders or bellows.

[0026] The device according to the invention further comprises means for generating a negative pressure. Suitable means, e.g. a vacuum pump, are known in the prior art. The negative pressure which can be generated is preferably at least 5.0*10 4 Absolute pressure of at least 2.0*10 Pa (50 kPa, 500 mbar), preferably at least 2.0*10 4 The vacuum pump must therefore be able to generate an absolute pressure of 500 mbar, preferably 200 mbar, in the container interior space and thus in the waste bag. The negative pressure is used to suck the gas atmosphere out of the waste bag. The device preferably has suitable means, e.g. a negative pressure hose, for supplying the negative pressure to the cover, in particular to the suction opening provided in the cover. The means for generating the negative pressure preferably include a filter, preferably a carbon filter, and / or a liquid sensor. The liquid sensor can ensure that the suction process is stopped if liquid is sucked out of the waste bag, in order to protect the components of the device from contamination.

[0027] In one embodiment, the means for generating compressed air and the means for generating negative pressure are separate structural units, for example a compressor and a separate vacuum pump. In a preferred embodiment, the means for generating compressed air and the means for generating negative pressure are implemented as a means for generating compressed air and negative pressure, i.e. are combined as one structural unit of the device according to the invention. For example, the exhaust air from a vacuum pump can be directly used as compressed air according to the invention. Preferably, the means for generating compressed air and negative pressure is a combined vacuum / compressed air pump. Suitable vacuum pumps, which can also directly use the exhaust air as compressed air, are known in the prior art, for example diaphragm pumps.

[0028] The device according to the invention further comprises means for heat sealing the waste bag placed inside the container. The means can be located at the opening of the container and / or on the cover. In the prior art, suitable means are known for heat sealing plastic bags, such as waste bags made of PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or PLA (polylactide). Heat sealing refers to a process in which several sheets of plastic film are first heated and then pressed together under pressure to permanently bond them. A typical means for heat sealing is a heating electrode, in particular a strip electrode, known in the prior art and commercially available. Usually Kanthal strips or wires are used. Depending on the process, a suitable sealing temperature is used, which may be in the range of about 80°C to 140°C, for example about 80°C for thermoplastic materials like PP and PE and up to 140°C for PLA film. A suitable sealing time is about 0.1 to 5 seconds, preferably about 0.5 to 3 seconds. The sealing time is preferably temperature controlled, which is determined by the electrical resistance of the Kanthal strips or wires, as known in the prior art. This ensures sufficient durability for a complete and tight seal.

[0029] Suitable parameters are known in the prior art, such as those specifying the dimensions of the Kanthal strip or wire and the power supply for heat sealing the plastic film. The Kanthal strip or wire is preferably coated with a PTFE layer to prevent the plastic film from adhering. The means located at the opening of the container and / or on the cover are arranged such that, when the cover is in the closed position, the waste bag stretched over the opening of the container can be closed and sealed with a suitable part of the bag, for example a folded flap or another part of the bag, when this flap or another part is placed over the opening. The heat sealing means, in particular the strip electrodes, are preferably arranged substantially parallel to the first and second seals, both on the cover and / or on the container opening. The heat sealing means in this case are preferably arranged along the entire circumference around the container opening to ensure complete sealing of the waste bag. This can be achieved by heat sealing means, in particular the strip electrodes, which are arranged substantially parallel to the second seal on the cover or substantially parallel to the first seal at the container opening, respectively, along the entire circumference (around the container opening). Insofar as the heat sealing means, in particular the strip electrodes, are arranged partly on the cover substantially parallel to the second seal and at the same time partly on the container opening substantially parallel to the first seal, it is sufficient and preferred if these means are arranged together substantially along the entire circumference around the container opening, so that together they ensure a full circumference. A full circumference is ensured if there is at least a small overlap of the opposing means, i.e. on the cover, which is substantially parallel to the second seal on the one hand, and on the container opening, which is substantially parallel to the first seal on the other hand. This ensures a complete sealing of the waste bag. For the first and second seals, the heat sealing means, in particular the strip electrodes, are preferably arranged within the respective areas surrounded by the seals.

[0030] In one embodiment, the device according to the invention has a means for cutting the film, which is another part covering the opening of the container and therefore the waste bag placed inside. Such means, for example a cutting or tearing blade, preferably a cutting electrode, are known in the prior art. The cutting electrode is substantially the same electrode as that used for sealing as described above, only the sealing time and / or temperature is increased so that the foil material is cut. Typical temperatures are about 140°C to about 150°C and times are about 1.5 seconds to 3 seconds.

[0031] The device according to the invention is essentially suitable for use with a variety of waste bags, and heat-sealable plastic bags, for example waste bags made of polyolefins such as PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene) and polyesters such as PLA (polylactide), are preferred for use with the device according to the invention and in the method according to the invention. Heat-sealable plastic bags made of biodegradable PLA film, such as commercially available ones known in the art (e.g. "Planova PLA 50" from SUDPACK Verpackungen GmbH & Co.KG, Ochsenhausen, Germany), are preferably used. The raw material of the film of the waste bag is preferably compostable according to EN13432.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises means on the cover for piercing the waste bag. These are usually arranged inside the area enclosed by the second sealing body, in particular on the cover, so as to allow piercing in the area enclosed by the second sealing body. The means are usually also arranged outside the area enclosed by the heat sealing means. According to the invention, as soon as the waste bag stretched over the opening of the container is closed by a suitable part of the bag, for example a folded flap or another part of the bag when said flap or another part is placed over the opening, a mechanical compression occurs in order to compress the waste bag, and / or the compressed air in the container is compressed, and / or the gas atmosphere is sucked from the inside of the bag. However, since the waste bag has already been closed by pressing the flap or another part of the bag against the waste bag by placing a suitable part of the bag, for example a folded flap or another part of the bag over the container opening, and has been forced into the closed position by the cover and the second sealing body, air can no longer escape from the inside of the bag. For this purpose, a defined "exit port" is created on the waste bag by the means for piercing the waste bag, preferably on a closure tab, i.e. for example on a folded flap of the bag, or on another part. Suitable means for piercing the waste bag are for example one or more spikes or cutting blades. The use of the means for piercing the waste bag can preferably be electrically controlled and therefore is not permanently activated, but preferably electrically activated. For example, this includes one or more electrically extendable spikes or one or more electrically extendable cutting blades, which are later retracted again. This can be activated before the compression or suction step. Retracting the means afterwards has the advantage that the risk of injury when replacing the waste bag is reduced. In a preferred embodiment, the means for piercing the waste bag is arranged in the suction opening or is pierced through the suction opening.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a means for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag. Before the suction or sealing of the waste bag, the container opening is covered by a corresponding part of the bag, for example a folded flap of the bag or another part. In order to prevent slipping of this part, here shown as the closure tab, the device according to the invention comprises a means for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag, typically one or more clamps or clamping strips. These are preferably located at the front side of the container, for example below the container opening. The means for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag, typically one or more clamps or clamping strips, preferably interact with spikes for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag. The spikes are also located, for example accordingly, below the container opening at the front side of the container. Preferably, circuit breakers are also provided, for example directly below the container opening also at the front side of the container, which are arranged to interact with the closure tab of the waste bag, for example to be triggered by contact with the closure tab. The circuit breakers thus make it possible to check whether the opening and closing tab of the waste bag is correctly attached. Only in the latter case is the sealing or cutting process carried out.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises means on the cover for irradiating the interior of the container with UV light (380-100 nm), in particular UV-C light (280-100 nm). Irradiating the waste with UV light, in particular UV-C light, reduces and inactivates harmful microorganisms, thereby inhibiting putrefaction and other metabolic processes and, as a result, preventing the development of odors. Suitable lighting means for generating UV light, in particular UV-C light, are known in the prior art, for example UV LEDs. The cover preferably also comprises a protection device for the means for irradiating the interior of the container, in particular when not in use. Suitable protection means come into consideration are rotating or pivoting dimmers or shades for the UV lamps located on the cover. During mechanical compression of the waste bag, the cover acts as a counter pressure surface. The protection device is therefore preferably moved, for example deployed or maintained in the deployed state, in front of the means for irradiating the interior of the container and is folded again during irradiation, preferably only during irradiation, thereby freeing the irradiation path to the interior of the container. The deployed protective device preferably forms a substantially planar surface with the face of the cover that is directed towards the container. The protective device makes it possible to prevent both contamination and even damage to the irradiation means, in particular during compression.

[0035] The invention further relates to a method for collecting and compressing waste, comprising the steps of a) sucking part of the gas atmosphere from a waste bag containing the waste, with b) simultaneous mechanical compression of the waste bag, and c) simultaneous external air pressure loading on the waste bag. Thus, according to the invention, three measures are used to reduce the volume of the waste. First, the sucking of the gas atmosphere from the waste bag. Second, mechanical compression to aid in the removal of the gas atmosphere and in particular to allow a greater pressure on the waste. The reason for this is that during the sucking, 1 bar (10 bar) of air column is required. 5 The third and last option is to apply compressed air to the outside of the waste bag. The last option allows for pressure "from all directions" in this case. According to the invention, measures a), b) and c) are carried out simultaneously, at least at one point in the process.

[0036] The pressures used in processes a), b) and c) preferably correspond to those specified in the above-mentioned equipment. Thus, in step a), a pressure of at least 5.0*10 4 Absolute pressure of at least 2.0*10 Pa (50 kPa, 500 mbar), preferably at least 2.0*10 4 In step b), the waste bag is preferably mechanically loaded with a compressive force of about 50 kPa to about 1000 kPa, more preferably about 100 kPa to about 800 kPa, in particular about 300 kPa to about 600 kPa. In step c), the waste bag is preferably mechanically loaded with a compressive force of at least 1.0*10 5 Pa (100 kPa, 1 bar), preferably at least 2.0*10 5 The apparatus according to the invention is preferably configured to allow these pressures for steps a), b) and c), in particular simultaneously.

[0037] In the method according to the invention, an additional suction of a first part of the gas atmosphere from the waste bag is preferably followed, i.e. a first step in which the waste bag is compressed only mechanically, without loading with compressed air, is carried out before steps a), b) and c) of simultaneous suction, mechanical compression and atmospheric pressure loading, i.e. before a step of suctioning a part of the gas atmosphere from the waste bag containing waste, with simultaneous mechanical compression of the waste bag and loading of the waste bag with atmospheric pressure from the outside. According to the invention, the waste bag is preferably first mechanically compressed and then preferably additionally suctioned, particularly preferably before the final loading of the waste bag with atmospheric pressure is also carried out.

[0038] In the method according to the invention, preferably, before the step of sucking part of the gas atmosphere from the waste bag containing waste while simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag and applying atmospheric pressure to the waste bag from the outside, the waste bag is closed and sealed by pressing a "part of the waste bag or another part of the waste bag" (sometimes simply referred to as a "part"). At this point, no more air can escape from the waste bag, so a single hole is made in the closure tab as described above. The gas atmosphere can now escape through the pierced opening, and if necessary, part of the gas atmosphere can be sucked out of the waste bag.

[0039] Reduction of the waste volume by compression and suction in accordance with the present invention is typically followed by a step of sealing the waste bag by heat sealing with a closure tab, preferably during or immediately after suction of a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag.

[0040] According to the invention, as described in detail above, the device according to the invention can be advantageously used in the method according to the invention, which is therefore carried out using the device according to the invention as described above. In particular, the movable base plate allows mechanical compression of the waste bag, which can then be moved towards the cover in a closed position relative to the side wall, so that the volume of the container can be reduced. Part of the gas atmosphere can then be sucked out of the waste bag containing the waste, through the cover, preferably while maintaining the mechanical compression pressure from the base plate. Finally, compressed air, provided by the means for generating compressed air, is injected through an inlet port of the container, which is controlled, for example, by an inlet valve, preferably while maintaining the compression pressure from the base plate and / or while maintaining the suction, so that the waste bag is further compressed. This achieves maximum compression of the waste. The waste in the waste bag can finally be shrink-wrapped and disposed of.

[0041] The invention will now be explained on the basis of the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the rear side of the device according to the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the device according to the invention with the container extended. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of two vessels of an apparatus according to the invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of two containers of the device according to the invention with the clamping frame open. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the rear side of two containers of the device according to the invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of two containers of the device according to the invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of two vessels of an apparatus according to the invention, which does not have vessel side walls. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of two vessels of an apparatus according to the invention, without vessel side walls and without a base plate. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of two containers of an apparatus according to the invention without container side walls, with the means for moving the base plate extended. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of two containers of an apparatus according to the invention without container side walls, with the means for moving the base plate extended, without the base plate. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the two covers of the device according to the invention in the extended position. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the two covers of the device according to the invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the two covers of the device according to the invention from the rear side. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the device according to the invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the cross section AA shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a detail B of section AA in FIG. [Figure 18]FIG. 17 is a detail C of section AA in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a detail B of section AA in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 17 is a detail C of section AA in FIG. 16. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of two containers of the device according to the invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of two containers of the device according to the invention. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view through the device according to the invention of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a detailed view of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] FIG. 24 is a detailed view of FIG. 23. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The device (1) according to the invention, embodied as a base unit with a front panel, control elements and a baseboard, suitable for example as a kitchen unit, is shown in Figure 1. The extendable middle part, secured by side drawer runners, comprises the container unit, and the upper part with the control elements comprises a cover unit, which is also preferably designed to be pulled out for operational purposes.

[0044] In Fig. 2 the device according to the invention (1) is shown from the rear side, again designed as a base unit with a front panel and a baseboard, suitable for example as a kitchen unit. From the rear side one can see the means (9) for generating compressed air, here shown as a compressor, and the means (10) for generating negative pressure, here shown as a vacuum pump. Both of these means are arranged in the container unit. An activated carbon filter (19) is here mounted above the vacuum pump. The pressure / negative pressure lines are not shown.

[0045] In figure 3 the device (1) according to the invention as shown in figure 1 is shown designed as a base unit with baseboard and control elements, suitable for example as a kitchen unit. The front panel is not shown. The central part including the container units is shown pulled out by the side pull-out runners. The upper part with the control elements including the cover unit is shown in the retracted position. The container unit comprises two containers (2) with respective side walls (3) and openings (6). A first seal (5) is provided at the opening of each container.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of two containers of the device (1) according to the invention. The containers are substantially formed by a side wall (3) and a container bottom (not visible here). A movable base plate (4) is positioned inside the containers. A first seal (5) is provided at the opening (6) of each container. Heat sealing means (11) are embodied as strip electrodes at the openings (6), but only covering about one third of the circumference of the openings (6). A corresponding electrode (see FIG. 12) on the cover, not shown here, completes the heat sealing means (11) around the entire circumference of the opening. This ensures that the waste bag is completely sealed during sealing. Alternatively, the strip electrodes can be arranged along the entire circumference around the container opening. A control unit (11a) for the heat sealing means supplies power to the heat sealing means (11) at the openings (6) or the cover (7). The seal (13) on the base plate (also referred to as the "third seal"), in the embodiment described in detail above, preferably seals the base plate (4) against the side wall (3) in all its positions airtight, so as to prevent any possible ingress of debris at least below the base plate (4). When the container opening (6) is closed, the container is then hermetically sealed either by the side wall (3) (which is also made airtight) and by the base plate (4) or at least by the container bottom (18) (not shown here, see e.g. FIG. 9). Compressed air can enter the inside of the container through the inlet port (15) via a controlled compressed air inlet valve (16). This compressed air is used to compress waste in a waste bag located inside the container (and above the base plate) when the cover is in the closed position and the waste bag is pressing against the first seal (5). If the seal (13) is made airtight, compressed air is injected into the interior space of the container above the base plate. The fastening means (17), here designed as a clamping frame and shown in the closed position, surrounds the opening (6) on the outside and, when a waste bag (not shown here) is placed inside (with the clamping frame open), is able to clamp the waste bag and thereby fasten it to the container.The fastening means (17) only partially covers the closure (5), in this figure at the edge of the opening (6) shown in the foreground. In this area, a piercing recess (25) is formed using the fastening means (17) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The waste bag placed inside the clamping frame (17) in the open state is clamped by the clamping frame onto the first closure (5). Without the piercing recess (25), which is preferably formed by the clamping frame while covering the first closure (5), the closure tab (part of the waste bag or another part) and the waste bag would be directly overlapping each other when covering the waste bag for sealing, so that the closure tab could not be pierced by the piercing means (21), or possibly could only be pierced selectively. The piercing recess (25) therefore protects the waste bag from the piercing means (21), which can therefore pierce only the closure tab in order to suck in the gas atmosphere and / or to allow the gas atmosphere to escape from the interior of the waste bag. This is explained in more detail with reference to FIG.

[0047] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention corresponding to figure 4, but with the difference that the fastening means (17), now designed as a clamping frame, is shown in the open position, in which a waste bag (not shown here) can be placed inside the container through the opening (6).

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of the container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention from the rear side. The container (2) comprises a side wall (3) and a container bottom (not visible here) and has an opening (6). A fastening means (17), here designed as a clamping frame and shown in the closed position, surrounds the opening (6) on the outside and, when a waste bag (not shown here) is placed inside (with the clamping frame open), can clamp the waste bag and thereby fix it to the container. In order to advantageously use the space inside the device (1) according to the invention, especially when the device is configured as a base unit suitable for example as a kitchen unit, means (9) for generating compressed air, here shown as a compressor, and means (10) for generating a negative pressure, here shown as a vacuum pump, are arranged in the container unit of the device behind the container. An activated carbon filter (19) is here mounted above the vacuum pump. Below the compressor, a control (11a) for the heat sealing means is arranged.

[0049] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the interior of the container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention. The area of ​​the container (2) in which the waste bag can extend is limited by the side wall (3) and the movable base plate (4), shown here in the "highly extended" position. A first sealing body (5) is arranged at the opening (6) of the container together with a heat sealing means (11). A sealing body (13) on the base plate seals the base plate (4) either airtightly to the side wall (3) or, preferably, at least to prevent possible ingress of debris under the base plate (4). A fastening means (17) only partially covers the sealing body (5), here at the edge of the opening shown in the foreground of the figure. In this area, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening means (17) is also used to form a perforated recess (25).

[0050] Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the inside of the container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention. The container is substantially formed by a side wall (3) (the front side wall is not shown) and a container bottom (18). The area of ​​the container (2) into which the waste bags can extend is limited by the side wall (3) and a movable base plate (4), here shown in the "lowered" position. A seal (13) on the base plate seals the base plate (4) either airtight against the side wall (3) or, preferably, at least to prevent possible ingress of debris under the base plate (4). The means (14) for moving the base plate according to the invention preferably include a sliding element, here formed as a bellows, which can push the base plate (4) in the direction of the cover, and a retraction element, here designed as a helical spring.

[0051] Figure 9 shows a detailed view corresponding to figure 8 of the interior of the container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention. The container is essentially formed by a side wall (3) (the front side wall is not shown) and a container bottom (18). Compared to figure 8, the base plate (4) is not shown. The means (14) for displacing the base plate according to the invention, here shown in the "lowered" position, preferably comprises a sliding element, here formed as a bellows connected by a holder, which can push the base plate (4) towards the cover, and a retraction element, here designed as a helical spring.

[0052] In figure 10, a detailed view corresponding to figure 8 of the interior of the container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention is shown, where the mobile base plate (4) is brought into a "highly extended" position by the means (14) for moving the base plate. The means (14) for moving the base plate, which is preferred according to the invention, comprises a sliding element, here formed as a bellows, capable of pushing the base plate (4) towards the cover, and a retracting element, here designed as a helical spring. The retracting element is tensioned in the "highly extended" position and can retract the base plate, for example after emptying the container, i.e. after removing the compressed and sealed waste bag.

[0053] Figure 11 shows a detailed view corresponding to figure 10 of the interior of the container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention. The means (14) for moving the base plate are shown in the "highly extended" position and the base plate is not shown.

[0054] In Fig. 12 a detailed view of the cover (7) of the device (1) according to the invention is shown, here in the position extended by the drawer runner (for operational purposes). The cover (7) comprises a second sealing body (8) thereon, which in the closed position interacts with the first sealing body (5) at the container opening (not shown here). The heat sealing means (11) is designed as a strip electrode, but only extends over about two thirds of the circumference of the opening. A corresponding electrode (see for example Fig. 4) at the container opening, not shown here, completes the heat sealing means (11) over the entire circumference of the opening. This ensures a complete sealing of the waste bag during sealing. Atmosphere can be sucked out of the waste bag through the suction opening (12).

[0055] FIG. 13 shows a detailed view of the cover (7) of the device (1) according to the invention, here shown from below in the direction of the container. The cover (7) comprises a second sealing body (8) on the cover, which in the closed position interacts with the first sealing body (5) at the container opening (not shown here). The heat sealing means (11) is designed as a strip electrode, but only covers about two thirds of the circumference of the opening. Atmosphere can be sucked from the waste bag through the suction opening (12), which also houses the perforation means (21). The protection device (20) can be folded up in a hidden manner during operation, which allows the irradiation means, typically a UV lamp, optical access to the interior of the container. The light from the UV lamp can thus reach the interior of the container as soon as the protection device (20) is moved laterally, for example rotated or pushed. In the closed position, the protection device (20) forms a substantially plane with the side of the cover (7) which in the closed position is directed towards the container.

[0056] The cover (7) of the device (1) according to the invention is also in the retracted position during normal operation of the device, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. To deposit waste into the waste bag, the container unit is normally extended as shown in Figure 3 and, after depositing the waste inside, is retracted again as shown in Figure 1. In the retracted position, the cover (7) with the second sealing body (8) is normally lowered, so that the second sealing body (8) interacts with the first sealing body (5) at the container opening in the closed position and the waste bag is sealed by the cover (7). This prevents unpleasant odors due to the waste and for this purpose, after the retraction of the container unit, the waste can be irradiated with additional UV light by the means for irradiating the inside of the container, which is located on the cover. In one embodiment, the irradiation is performed every time the container unit is retracted after depositing the waste inside and / or after part of the atmosphere has been sucked out of the garbage bag.

[0057] Figure 14 shows a detailed view of the cover (7) of the device (1) according to the invention, here shown from above. Atmosphere can be sucked from the waste bag through the suction opening (12). A housing, which normally encloses the suction opening, the UV lamp (26) and the protection device (20), is not shown. Through the suction opening (12), the waste bag can be pierced by a perforation means (21), shown here as a blade, so that a semicircular cut area is obtained. On the cover shown in the foreground, the UV lamp (26) and the protection device (20) are not visible, only the opening that is normally filled by the protection device (20) is shown.

[0058] FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of the device (1) according to the invention from above in order to explain the position of cross section AA shown in FIG.

[0059] Figure 16 shows section AA of figure 15. In this figure, both the cover unit with the cover (7), UV lamp (26) and protection device (20) as well as the container opening are shown. A perforation means (21), here shown as a blade, protrudes through the suction opening (12) and perforates a part of the waste bag or preferably another part covering the waste bag. This is shown in detail in figures 17 and 19, which explain section B. For the container (2), the side wall (3), the clamping frame (17) and the container opening are shown. The waste bag is also shown together with a part of the waste bag or preferably another part covering the waste bag and thus stretching over the container opening. This is shown in detail in figures 17 to 20.

[0060] FIG. 17 shows section B of FIG. 16 in more detail with respect to the steps of the piercing and suction process. Section B shows the upper edge of the container (2) with a first seal (5) at the container opening. The cover (7) is shown in the closed position, the second seal (8) on the cover interacts with the first seal (5) on the part of the clamping frame (17) which now includes a corresponding further seal (17a) on the clamping frame. A heat sealing means (11) is arranged on the cover, here designed as a strip electrode. A waste bag (23) is placed inside the container and rests against the side wall (3) inside the container. The waste bag is tensioned over the container opening, in particular over the first seal (5) at the container opening, by the means (17) for fixing the waste bag, here designed as a clamping frame. In the case of section B, the clamping frame (17) presses the waste bag (23) directly onto the first sealing body (5), because the clamping frame (17) now includes a further sealing body (17a) on the clamping frame and projects above the first sealing body (5). In the area where the means for fastening the waste bag (17) does not project above the first sealing body (5), the means for fastening the waste bag (17) only stretches the waste bag over the first sealing body (5), as for example shown in and explained with the aid of FIG. 4. In order to seal the waste bag when a predefined filling level is reached, according to the invention, a part of the waste bag, for example a flap, or preferably a further part (24) of the waste bag, for example from a continuous roll, must be placed over the container opening. This is usually done manually with the container unit pulled out, but suitable means can also be provided for automatically positioning a part, for example a flap of the waste bag, or preferably a further part (24), for example from a continuous roll, over the container opening. This can also be envisaged when the receptacle unit is in the retracted position as shown in figure 1. After retraction of the receptacle unit into the device (1) according to the invention, the cover is brought into the closed position as shown in figure 17, which retraction can be envisaged and carried out either manually or automatically, for example by touching a button.In this case, the second seal (8) of the cover is pressed against the clamping frame (17) which includes a corresponding further seal (17a), which seal (17a) is pressed against the first seal (5). In the area where the clamping frame does not protrude above the first seal (5), as for example shown in and explained with the aid of FIG. 4, the clamping frame only tensions the waste bag over the first seal (5). In this case, the second seal (8) of the cover is pressed directly against the first seal (5). In both cases, the second seal (8) of the cover seals against the waste bag (23) a part of the waste bag, for example a flap of the waste bag, or preferably a further part (24). In this position, the interior of the waste bag is hermetically sealed against the surroundings. However, this also means that in this state, the atmosphere cannot be sucked out of the interior of the waste bag or the atmosphere cannot escape from the interior of the waste bag by compressing the waste bag. To enable this, a defined opening is created in the closure tab of the waste bag by the perforation means (21). The perforation recess (25) created by the clamping frame (17) by overlapping the first closure body (5) allows selective perforation of the overlapping part of the waste bag, for example the flap of the waste bag, or preferably another part (24), as shown in FIG. 17. As also shown in FIG. 17, section B, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening means (17) is used to create the perforation recess (25). Without the perforation recess (25), which is preferably created by the clamping frame while covering the first closure body (5), the closure tab (part of the waste bag or another part) and the waste bag would be directly overlapping each other when covering the waste bag for sealing, which would make it impossible for the perforation means (21) to selectively perforate only the closure tab. The perforation recess (25) therefore protects the waste bag from the perforation means (21), which can thus only perforate the closure tab.After perforation is complete, a portion of the atmosphere can be sucked out from inside the waste bag through the suction opening (12) as shown by the arrow, or by compressing the waste bag, a portion of the atmosphere can escape from inside the waste bag through the suction slot (22) that actually remains between the waste bag (23) and the overlapping portion of the waste bag, such as a flap or preferably another portion (24) of the waste bag.

[0061] FIG. 18 shows section C of FIG. 16 in more detail, corresponding to the step of the piercing and suction process in the case of FIG. 17. Section C shows the upper edge of the container (2) with a first sealing body (5) at the container opening. The cover (7) is shown in the closed position, the second sealing body (8) on the cover interacts with the first sealing body (5). A heat sealing means (11) is arranged on the container, here designed as a strip electrode. A waste bag (23) is placed in the container and rests against the side wall (3) inside the container. The waste bag is stretched over the container opening, in particular over the first sealing body (5) at the container opening, by a means (17) for fixing the waste bag, here designed as a clamping frame. To seal the waste bag according to the invention, a part of the waste bag, for example a flap, or preferably another part (24) of the waste bag, for example from a continuous roll, is placed over the container opening. As shown in FIG. 18, corresponding to FIG. 17, the cover is in the closed position. This causes the second seal (8) of the cover to be pressed against the first seal (5) and the second seal (8) of the cover seals a portion of the waste bag, e.g. a flap or preferably another portion (24) of the waste bag, against the waste bag (23). In this position, the interior of the waste bag is hermetically sealed against the environment. A suction slot (22) between the waste bag (23) and the overlapping portion of the waste bag, e.g. a flap or preferably another portion (24) of the waste bag, remains between the heat sealing means (11) and the corresponding opposing mating surface.

[0062] Figure 19 shows section B of figure 16 in more detail with respect to the steps of the sealing process. As in figure 17, the cover is also shown in the closed position, but further lowered so that it can seal the waste bag. In this case, the cover is moved further towards the upper edge of the container (2) with the first sealing body (5), and the second sealing body (8) on the cover further interacts with the first sealing body (5), over the part of the clamping frame (17) which now contains the corresponding further sealing body (17a). The heat sealing means (11) arranged on the cover, here designed as a strip electrode, now rests directly on the corresponding mating surface of the container opening, and the suction slot (22) still present in figure 17 is closed. The waste bag (23) placed inside the container is thus under and sealed to the heat sealing means (11) with a part of the waste bag, for example a flap, or preferably with another part of the waste bag (24), for example from a continuous roll, in contact therewith, thereby completing the sealing.

[0063] Figure 20 shows section C of figure 16 in more detail with respect to the steps of the sealing process. In comparison with figure 18, the cover is also shown in the closed position, but lowered further so that it can seal the waste bag. In this case the cover is moved further towards the upper edge of the container (2) with the first sealing body (5), and the second sealing body (8) on the cover further interacts with the first sealing body (5), over the part of the clamping frame (17) which now contains the corresponding further sealing body (17a). The heat sealing means (11) arranged on the container (2), here designed as a strip electrode, is now in direct contact with the corresponding mating surface of the cover, and the suction slot (22) still present in figure 18 is closed. The waste bag (23) placed inside the container is thus above and sealed to the heat sealing means (11) with a part of the waste bag, e.g. a flap, or preferably with another part (24) of the waste bag, e.g. from a continuous roll, in contact therewith, thereby completing the sealing.

[0064] In Fig. 21 a cross section of a preferred device according to the invention is shown, designed as a base unit with a front panel, control elements and a baseboard, suitable for example as a kitchen unit. The pull-out intermediate part, secured by side pull-out runners, contains a container unit, here two containers are shown in the pulled-out position with the front panel slightly folded. In the illustrated embodiment the heat sealing means (11) are arranged all around on the opening of the container, which is preferred according to the invention. In the container shown in the front, the opening of the container is covered by another part (24) of a waste bag and is therefore shown in a closed state. The other part (24) of the waste bag is supplied from a roll (30) (continuous roll) as shown in the figure, which roll (30) supplies several parts (24) of waste bags that are provided to cover the waste bags. The roll (30) is preferably arranged at the rear end of the container, i.e. at the end remote from the front panel of the container. As in the state shown in FIG. 21, the roll (30) is therefore preferably arranged in such a way that, according to the invention, another part (24) of the waste bag can be unwound from the roll (30) and placed over the container opening in order to close the waste bag. The waste bag part (24) can then be fixed by the means (27) for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag, here designed as a foldable frame at the front side of the container. In this case, the means (27) for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag of the waste bag part (24) preferably presses against the spikes (27a) for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag. The means (29) for cutting, here designed as a cutting electrode, is usually present between the roll (30) and the container opening. Alternatively, the cutting means (29) can also be designed as a tear bar. The circuit breaker (28) is preferably arranged to be activated when the waste bag part (24) is properly placed over the container opening. With this arrangement, as soon as the portion (24) of the waste bag which will close the waste bag is placed over the container opening, the portion (24) is secured by the means (27) for securing the closure tab of the waste bag, whereupon the circuit breaker (28) is activated when the portion (24) is properly placed over the container opening.The waste bag can then be sealed all around the periphery over the container opening by heat sealing means (11) and thus closed, and preferably after sealing the waste bag, the portion (24) is cut from the roll (30) by cutting means (29). Finally, the sealed waste bag can be removed from the container after opening the means for securing the closure tab (27) and the means for securing the waste bag (17).

[0065] Figure 22 shows a cross-section through a preferred device according to the invention corresponding to figure 21. In the container shown in front, the container opening is covered by another part (24) of the waste bag and is shown in the closed state. In comparison with figure 21, the means (27) for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag, here designed as a foldable frame on the front side of the container, is shown closed. The part (24) of the waste bag is thus fixed. In this case, the means (27) for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag on the part (24) of the waste bag preferably presses a spike (27a) for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag and activates a circuit breaker (28) (not shown here).

[0066] FIG. 23 shows a cross-section through the device according to the invention corresponding to FIG. 16. In the container shown, the container opening is covered with another part of waste bag (24), so that the waste bag (23) placed inside is shown closed. The other part of waste bag (24) comes from a roll (30) (continuous roll) as shown in the figure, which roll (30) provides several parts of waste bag (24) provided to cover the waste bag. In the method according to the invention, three measures are used simultaneously to reduce the waste volume: firstly, the suction of the gas atmosphere from the waste bag, secondly, mechanical compression, which is used to assist in the removal of the gas atmosphere and allows, among other things, a higher pressure on the waste, and finally, thirdly, the application of compressed air to the outer surface of the waste bag. The suction of the gas atmosphere from the waste bag, which creates a negative pressure inside the waste bag, is shown in the figure as "A". The compressive load is shown by the arrow marked "B". The compressive load is performed by injecting compressed air into the container, which is here located under the base plate. Compressed air flows through the seals in the base plate and acts on the waste bag sealed to the cover. The force caused by lifting the base plate results in mechanical compaction of the waste.

[0067] Figure 24 shows a section corresponding to Figure 17, showing the steps of the process of piercing and suction and air pressure loading in more detail. The upper edge of the container is shown, the cover is shown in the closed position, the second seal on the cover interacts with the first seal, here on the part of the clamping frame which contains the corresponding further seal on the clamping frame (as in Figure 17). A heat sealing means (11) is arranged at the container opening, here designed as a strip electrode. A waste bag (23) is shown in the container, which sits inside the container against the side wall (and the base plate, not shown here). The waste bag is tensioned over the container opening by a means for fixing the waste bag, here designed as a clamping frame. In order to close the waste bag when a predetermined filling level is reached, according to the invention, a part of the waste bag, for example a flap, or preferably another part of the waste bag (24), for example from a continuous roll, is placed over the container opening. This is usually done manually with the container unit pulled out, but suitable means can also be envisaged for automatically positioning the other part (24), for example from a continuous roll, over the container opening. The other part (24) of the waste bag is clamped by a means (27) for fixing the closure tab of the waste bag, and a properly placed part (24) activates a circuit breaker (28). When the cover is in the closed position, the second seal of the cover sits directly over the first seal of the container (see more closely FIG. 17). The seals of the cover and of the container seal the other part (24) against the waste bag (23). In this position, the interior of the waste bag is hermetically sealed against the surroundings. A defined opening is made in the closure tab of the waste bag by the perforation means in order to allow the atmosphere to be sucked from the interior of the bag. After the perforation is completed, part of the atmosphere can be sucked from the interior of the waste bag through the suction opening provided in the cover, or part of the atmosphere can escape from its interior by compressing the waste bag. The gas atmosphere is drawn from the waste bag, creating a negative pressure within the waste bag, shown in the diagram as "A". The pressure load is indicated by the arrow marked "B".The pressure loading is achieved here by injecting compressed air into the container below the base plate. The compressed air flows through the seals in the base plate and acts on the waste bag sealed against the cover. The force resulting from lifting the base plate results in mechanical compaction of the waste.

[0068] Figure 25 shows a section corresponding to figure 24 at the other end of the container, corresponding to figure 18. The upper edge of the container is shown, the cover is in the closed position and the second seal on the cover interacts with the first seal (as in figure 18). The heat sealing means (11) is arranged at the container opening, here designed as a strip electrode. A waste bag (23) is shown placed inside the container. The waste bag is tensioned over the container opening by a means for fixing the waste bag, here designed as a clamping frame. According to the preferred embodiment shown, with the container unit pulled out, the further part (24) of the waste bag from the roll (30) is typically manually positioned over the container opening and the waste bag placed therein, although suitable means can also be provided for automatically positioning the further part (24) over the container opening. The seals of the cover and of the container seal the further part (24) against the waste bag (23). The gas atmosphere is sucked out of the waste bag, which creates a negative pressure in the waste bag, indicated in the figure as "A". The pressure load is indicated by the arrow marked "B". After suction, the waste bag is closed by sealing it to the further part (24), which is cut off from the roll (30) by a means for cutting the further part (29), here designed as a cutting electrode.

[0069] This provides a waste container which is capable of collecting and storing relatively large volumes of waste, which can be maximally compacted for subsequent clean disposal, whilst at the same time being easy to operate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 device 2 containers 3 side wall 4 Base plate 5 First sealing body for container opening 6 Container opening 7 Cover 8 Second sealing body provided on the cover 9 Means for generating compressed air 10 Means for generating negative pressure 11 Heat sealing means 11a Control unit for heat sealing means 12 Suction opening on cover 13 Sealing part on base plate 14 Means for moving the base plate 15 Inlet port on vessel 16 Compressed air inlet valve 17 Means for fastening waste bags 17a Seal on means for fastening waste bag 18 Bottom of container 19 Activated carbon filter 20 Protective device for UV lamps 21 Perforation means 22 Suction Slot 23 Waste Bags 24 Flaps or other parts of waste bags 25 Drilling recess 26 UV lamps 27 Means for fastening cover panels of waste bags 27a Spikes for fastening the cover panel of the waste bag 28 Circuit Breaker 29 Means for cutting off another part 30 Roll of separate pieces for covering waste bags

Claims

1. A device (1) for collecting and compressing waste, comprising: a) a container (2) for containing a waste bag, the container including a side wall (3), an internal movable base plate (4), and a first closure (5) at an opening (6); b) a cover (7) having a second seal (8), - can be in an open position relative to the opening (6) of the container (2) so that the opening (6) of the container (2) is accessible for inserting a waste bag therein; a cover (7) constructed and arranged such that the cover (7) can actively interact with the opening of the container (2) such that the cover (7) can be brought into a closed position relative to the opening (6) of the container (2) such that a waste bag placed inside the container (2) can be hermetically sealed to the cover (7) between the first closure (5) and the second closure (8); c) means for generating compressed air (9); d) means for generating a negative pressure (10); e) means (11) for heat sealing a waste bag placed inside the container (2) when the cover is in the closed position, located at the opening (6) of the container and / or on the cover (7); the cover (7) has a suction opening (12) arranged on the cover (7) so that, in the closed position, a gas atmosphere can be partially sucked out from inside a waste bag placed inside the container (2) by a means (10) for generating a negative pressure; When the opening (6) is closed, the container (2) is hermetically sealed, the base plate (4) of the container is movable relative to the side wall (3) and in the closed position towards the cover (7); The device (1) has a means (14) for moving the base plate (4) relative to the side wall (3), The device as described above, characterized in that the container (2) has an inlet port (15) for compressed air, which is controlled by an inlet valve (16) and can be filled with compressed air supplied by a means (9) for generating compressed air.

2. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (7) comprises means (21) for piercing the waste bag.

3. 3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means (14) for moving the base plate (4) are driven by compressed air supplied by the means (9) for generating compressed air.

4. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, configured so that the compressed air used by the means (14) for moving the base plate (4) can also be delivered to an inlet port (15) controlled by an inlet valve (16).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (14) for moving the base plate are pneumatically operated, preferably being one or more pneumatic cylinders or one or more pneumatic bellows.

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein means (10) for generating a negative pressure, preferably a vacuum pump, are arranged in the cover (7).

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (10) for generating a negative pressure comprises a filter, preferably a carbon filter, and / or a liquid sensor.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (7) comprises means for irradiating the interior of the container with UV light.

9. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means (17), preferably a clamping frame, for mounting a waste bag over the opening (6) of the container.

10. 10. A method for collecting and compressing waste, comprising the step of sucking a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste while simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag and subjecting the waste bag to an external air pressure, wherein the method uses a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein prior to the step of aspirating a portion of the gas atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste while simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag and applying an external air pressure to the waste bag, a step of only mechanically compressing the waste bag is first performed, followed by additional aspirating a first portion of the gas atmosphere from the waste bag.

12. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein prior to the step of aspirating a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag containing waste while simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag and applying an external air pressure to the waste bag, the waste bag is sealed by a portion of the bag or another portion of the waste bag by pressing the portion of the bag or the other portion of the waste bag, the portion of the waste bag or the other portion of the waste bag is pierced, and a portion of the gaseous atmosphere is suctioned from the waste bag through the pierced port.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising sealing the waste bag by heat sealing during or after aspiration of a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag.

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