Device for collecting and compacting waste

Abstract

A waste‑compaction device comprising a container that becomes airtight when closed, where the container has a first seal at its opening and a movable base plate, a cover that includes an aspiration opening for vacuum extraction and a second seal, where the cover can open for bag insertion and close to seal a waste bag airtight between the two seals, systems for providing compressed air, vacuum, and for heat‑sealing a waste bag, an inlet for compressed air and a mechanism to move the base plate upward to compress the bag.

Description

[0001] International patent application 14 October 2022

[0002] Our Ref.: PCT-17966

[0003] Device for collecting and compacting waste

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for collecting and compacting waste, in particular a waste container. Specifically, the present invention relates to a device having the features of the preamble of claim 1. The present invention also relates to a method for collecting and compacting waste.

[0005] Background and state of the art

[0006] Devices for collecting and compacting waste are known in the prior art. For example, EP 209 639 A1 discloses a device for compacting kitchen waste. In this device, the waste is exposed to atmospheric pressure by a pump extracting the air, thereby compacting it.

[0007] EP 1498 364 A1 discloses a device for collecting and disposing of dry waste, wet waste, and the like. The device comprises a container with a lid secured by hermetic closure elements, with a piston inside that can slide and forms a hermetic chamber. Furthermore, waste compaction and liquid discharge elements, as well as air and liquid intake elements, are provided, which are connected to the chamber and the interior of a flexible container. However, the piston is merely retracted by a spring; there is no active compression of the waste.

[0008] WO 2007 / 076964 A1 discloses a waste container with a bag located therein and a vacuum pump for extracting gas, particularly air, from the bag. A pressing device is provided with which a material inside the bag can be pressed and thus compressed before the gas is extracted. However, details of the pressing device are not disclosed; it merely mentions a downwardly moving pressing plate. The document also discloses a sealing device for gas-tight sealing of the bag.

[0009] In the waste containers known in the prior art, essentially only atmospheric pressure is used to compress the waste bag, or an unspecified press plate is moved "downward." However, given the typically high space requirements of waste, including garbage, rubbish, containers, etc., and low compression, both unnecessary space and unnecessary material for the collection, storage, and disposal of the waste, typically waste bags, are consumed.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and, in particular, to provide a waste container in which waste can be collected and stored, compacted as much as possible, and then disposed of cleanly, and which is, at the same time, easy to use.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the present invention with a device (1) for collecting and compacting waste, comprising a) a container (2) for receiving a waste bag, comprising side walls (3), a base plate (4), and a first seal (5) at the opening (6), b) a lid (7) with a second seal (8), wherein the lid is configured and arranged such that it can be brought into 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, and can be brought into a closed position relative to the opening (6) of the container (2), so that the lid (7) interacts in a form-fitting manner with the opening of the container (2) such that a waste bag introduced into the container (2) can be hermetically sealed against the lid (7) between the first seal (5) and the second seal (8), c) means (9) for generating compressed air,d) means (10) for generating negative pressure, and e) means (11) for thermally welding a waste bag placed in the container (2) when the lid is in the closed position, the means being located at the opening (6) of the container and / or at the lid (7), wherein in the device f) the lid (7) has a suction opening (12) arranged on the lid (7) such that, in the closed position, the gaseous atmosphere can be partially extracted from the interior of a waste bag placed in the container (2) by means of the means (10) for generating negative pressure, g) the container (2) is airtight when the opening (6) is closed, h) the base plate (4) of the container is displaceable relative to the side walls (3) and, in the closed position, towards the lid (6), i) means (14) are provided for displacing the base plate (4) relative to the side walls (3),and j) the container (2) has an inlet opening (15) for compressed air, which can be supplied with compressed air provided by the means (9) for generating compressed air in a controlled manner by means of an inlet valve (16). The object is also achieved by a method for collecting and compacting waste, comprising a) the step of extracting a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste, b) simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag, and c) simultaneously applying external air pressure to the waste bag.

[0013] This method can be carried out particularly advantageously by a device according to the present invention.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the device and the method are the subject of the subclaims.

[0015] The invention is based on the discovery that it is particularly advantageous to collect and compact waste if the compaction is not simply achieved by extracting air from the waste bag, but rather by simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag and applying compressed air. This results in a simple method for collecting waste with a particularly small footprint, thus ensuring the best possible use of resources.

[0016] The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to preferred embodiments.

[0017] The device according to the invention for collecting and compacting waste comprises a container for holding a waste bag. Typical containers are known in the art and are typically essentially cuboid-shaped or cylindrical. The container comprises an opening, typically the, preferably entire, top, as well as side walls, typically the four side walls of the cuboid or the cylindrical surface of the cylinder, and a container base. According to the invention, the container is airtight when the opening is closed. This means that if the opening were hermetically sealed, the side walls and the container base or the movable base plate inside the container would form an airtight space. Suitable materials are plastics or metals, in particular glass fiber reinforced plastics, e.g. GRP 30 or GRP 40, PEEK plastics, PA6, as well as stainless steel or aluminum.

[0018] The container of the device according to the invention also has a first seal at the opening, typically on a surface of the top of the container perpendicular to the side walls (and parallel to the container floor). The seal is designed to be circumferential at the opening, i.e., it encloses the entire opening of the container. This seal is suitable for creating an airtight seal of the opening with a typical waste bag, with appropriate interaction with the second seal on the lid. Suitable sealing materials are known in the art.

[0019] To the extent that seals are used in the present invention, suitable sealing materials are generally known to those skilled in the art. Typical materials include silicone, silicone foam, EPDM, NBR, CR, cellular rubber, sponge rubber, fluoroelastomers, e.g., Viton®, fiber seals based on aramid fibers, e.g., KLINGERSIL®, PTFE (Teflon®), polyurethane (Vulkollan®), PVC, and PMMA. Preferred materials are EPDM and silicone for the first and second seals. Fluoroelastomers, e.g., Viton®, are preferably used as seals against the welding and cutting electrodes.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises means for securing a waste bag to the opening of the container, preferably a tensioning frame or tension clamps. Such a tensioning frame is attached to the container, for example, by means of a hinge and encloses the entire opening of the container. When the frame is folded away, the opening is freely accessible, so that a waste bag can be placed in the container, wherein the waste bag comes into contact with the first seal at the opening. The tensioning frame or the tension clamps are then closed and are thus able to secure the waste bag to the container. In one embodiment, the first seal, with the covering waste bag, is not covered or only partially covered by the means for securing a waste bag, and remains essentially accessible, in particular for interaction with the second seal of the lid.In an alternative embodiment, the first seal is contacted by the means for securing a waste bag via the waste bag, if the bag is inserted, and in the closed position also lies completely between the first seal on the container opening and the second seal on the lid. The use of a tensioning frame has the advantage that the waste bag can be placed neatly over the first seal on the container opening as it is being inserted and can be secured to the container via the means for securing a waste bag, preferably the tensioning frame or the tension clamps. This leads to a high level of tightness when the second seal on the lid comes into contact with the waste bag and, if applicable, with the means for securing a waste bag in the closed position.

[0021] The container of the device according to the invention has a displaceable base plate on the inside, which is typically essentially planar. According to the invention, the base plate is designed as a type of piston that is movable within the container, i.e., displaceable along the side walls perpendicular to the surface of the base plate. In one embodiment, the base plate of the container is hermetically sealed from the side walls by means of a third seal. In this embodiment, when the opening is closed, the side walls and the base plate form the airtight interior of the container. In this embodiment, the base plate preferably has means that enable the compressed air to be guided towards the top of the base plate.In a preferred alternative embodiment, the container's base plate is not hermetically sealed to the side walls by means of the third seal; rather, when the opening is closed, the side walls and the container floor form the airtight container. The latter embodiment has the advantage that the third seal does not have to be hermetically sealed to the compressed air once it is introduced into the container interior, which would place higher demands on the material used. An inlet opening below the base plate is also sufficient for pressurizing the container interior with compressed air.

[0022] The base plate is generally movable relative to the side walls, and in the closed position of the lid, toward the lid (perpendicular to the surface of the base plate). For this purpose, corresponding guide grooves or strips are preferably provided in the side walls. By moving the base plate, the volume of the container, defined by the space into which the waste bag can be inserted, can be reduced. During the displacement, the third seal (also referred to as the "seal on the base plate") seals the base plate against the side walls in any position, in one of the embodiments described above, airtight, typically at least to prevent contaminants from penetrating beneath the base plate. When the container's opening is closed, it is thus hermetically sealed by the side walls (which are also airtight) and either by the base plate or at least by the container floor.

[0023] The container is described as airtight if, with the opening closed, the container maintains an applied negative pressure of 500 mbar (absolute pressure inside) below 800 mbar (absolute pressure inside) for at least 30 minutes.

[0024] According to the invention, the container has an inlet opening for compressed air, which can be pressurized with compressed air provided by the means for generating compressed air, preferably controlled by an inlet valve. Compressed air can thus be introduced into the interior of the container, which is airtight, via the inlet opening. When a waste bag is placed over the container opening and interacts with the first seal, either via the means for fixing a waste bag or via the second seal of the lid in the closed position, the space between the waste bag and the container is sealed airtight. Introducing compressed air into the space between the waste bag and the container, with the lid in the closed position, thus leads to compression and thus compaction of the contents of the waste bag.

[0025] Preferably, according to the invention, the device is configured so that the compressed air, when used for the means for moving the base plate, can also be guided in a controlled manner by means of an inlet valve to the inlet opening, and thus into the interior of the container.

[0026] To fix and move the base plate, the device according to the invention has means for moving the base plate relative to the side walls. These means for moving the base plate are, on the one hand, typically suitable for holding the base plate in the position of maximum extension of the volume of the container; in any case, they are suitable for moving the base plate perpendicular to its surface and, in the closed position of the lid, towards the lid or towards the container opening in such a way that the volume of the container can be reduced. The means for moving the base plate is capable of moving the base plate towards the container opening, preferably with a compressive force of approximately 50 kPa to approximately 1000 kPa, preferably approximately 100 kPa to approximately 800 kPa, in particular from approximately 300 kPa to approximately 600 kPa.With this force, the waste bag placed in the container, including its contents, can be mechanically compressed when the lid is closed. The possible extent of displacement of the base plate is preferably at least such that the volume of the container, defined by the space into which the waste bag can be inserted, when the opening is closed by the lid, can be reduced by 50%, i.e. to 50% of the maximum extent, preferably by 70%, i.e. to 30% of the maximum extent. Suitable means for displacing the base plate are, for example, screw rods, hydraulic cylinders, for example with air, water or oil as the medium, preferably pneumatic cylinders or bellows. The latter pneumatic cylinders or bellows can advantageously be driven by the compressed air that can be provided by the means for generating compressed air contained in the device according to the invention.The means for displacing preferably comprise restoring elements, for example, coil springs. The restoring elements effect or assist retraction (away from the lid) of the base plate after mechanical compaction of the waste bag has taken place. The restoring forces are typically lower than the compressive forces, preferably from approximately 50 kPa to approximately 500 kPa, preferably approximately 100 kPa to approximately 300 kPa. The means for displacing the base plate is configured such that it can deliver both the above-specified compressive force and the restoring force, i.e., the sum of the two.

[0027] The device according to the invention further comprises a lid. This is configured to cover the opening of the container and, for this purpose, has a second seal on the side that interacts with the opening of the container. The lid is configured and arranged in the device such that it can be brought into 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 can be brought into a closed position relative to the opening of the container, so that the lid interacts with the opening of the container in a form-fitting manner such that a waste bag inserted into the container can be hermetically sealed against the lid between the first seal (at the container opening) and the second seal (on the lid).The second seal thus essentially corresponds in its extension to that of the first seal, i.e., essentially to the container opening. Thus, if a waste bag is inserted into the container and placed over the opening and thus over the first seal, the waste bag is clamped and sealed between the first seal and the second seal, and, if applicable, the means for securing a waste bag, in the closed position. This closes the waste bag with the lid, and the interior of the bag is only in contact with the lid (and the bag itself).

[0028] According to the invention, the lid has a suction opening arranged on the lid in such a way that, in the closed position, the gaseous atmosphere can be at least partially suctioned out from the interior of a waste bag placed in the container by means of the means for generating negative pressure. As explained above, the lid is configured such that, in the closed position, the waste bag is clamped and sealed between the first seal and the second seal, and optionally the means for securing a waste bag. The waste bag is thus closed with the lid, and the interior of the bag is only in contact with the lid (and the bag itself). The gaseous atmosphere can thus be drawn out of the waste bag through the suction opening on the lid. The negative pressure required for this is provided by the means for generating negative pressure, as defined further below.Preferably, a liquid sensor is provided on the lid next to the suction opening. This sensor allows the suction process to be stopped if liquids from the waste bag reach the lid or are suctioned away, thus preventing contamination of the device's components.

[0029] The device according to the invention further comprises means for generating compressed air. Suitable means, e.g., pumps or compressors, are known in the art. Preferably, the generated compressed air has a pressure of at least 1.0 * 10 5 Pa (100 kPa, 1 bar) overpressure, preferably at least 2.0 * 10 5 Pa (200 kPa, 2 bar) overpressure. Compressed air can be used for introducing air into the container interior via the inlet opening, as well as for the means for moving the floor plate, provided that these are air-operated means, such as pneumatic cylinders or bellows.

[0030] The device according to the invention further comprises means for generating negative pressure. Suitable means, e.g., vacuum pumps, are known in the art. The negative pressure that can be generated is preferably at least 5.0 * 10 4 Pa (50 kPa, 500 mbar) absolute pressure, preferably at least 2.0 * 10 4Pa (20 kPa, 200 mbar) absolute pressure. The vacuum pump must therefore be capable of generating an absolute pressure of 500 mbar, preferably 200 mbar, in the container interior, and thus in the waste bag. The negative pressure is used to suck the gaseous atmosphere out of the waste bag. The device preferably has suitable means, e.g. a vacuum hose, to conduct the negative pressure to the lid, and in particular to the suction opening on the lid. Preferably, the means for generating negative pressure comprise a filter, preferably a carbon filter, and / or a liquid sensor. The latter enables the suction process to be stopped in the event that liquids are sucked out of the waste bag to protect the components of the device from contamination.

[0031] 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 in a means for generating compressed air and negative pressure, i.e. combined in one structural unit of the device according to the invention. For example, the exhaust air from a vacuum pump can be used directly as compressed air according to the invention. The means for generating compressed air and negative pressure is therefore preferably a combined vacuum / compressed air pump. Suitable vacuum pumps, in which the exhaust air can also be used directly as compressed air, are known in the art, e.g. diaphragm pumps.

[0032] The device according to the invention further comprises means for thermally welding a waste bag placed in the container. The means can be located at the opening of the container and / or on the lid. Suitable means for thermally welding plastic bags, such as waste bags made of PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or PLA (polylactide), are known in the art. Thermal welding is understood to be a process in which plastic films are first heated and then pressed together under pressure so that they are permanently bonded. Typical means for thermal welding are heating electrodes, in particular strip electrodes, as known in the art and commercially available. Typically, a Kanthai tape or wire is used. Depending on the process, appropriate welding temperatures are used, roughly in the range of 80°C to 140°C, e.g. approx.80°C for thermoplastics such as PP and PE, and up to 140°C for PLA films. Suitable welding times are approximately 0.1 to 5 seconds, preferably approximately 0.5 to 3 seconds. The welding time is preferably temperature-controlled; temperature control is determined, as is known in the art, via the electrical resistance of the Kanthai tape or wire. This ensures a duration sufficient for a complete, tight weld.

[0033] Suitable parameters, such as the dimensioning of the Kanthai tape or wire and the power supply, for thermally welding plastic films are known in the art. Preferably, the Kanthai tape or wire is coated with a PTFE layer to prevent the plastic film from sticking. The means located at the opening of the container and / or on the lid are arranged such that, when the lid is in the closed position, a waste bag stretched over the opening of the container can be closed and welded to a corresponding part of the bag, for example a folded-back flap of the bag, or a separate part if the flap or separate part is placed over the opening.Preferably, the thermal welding means, in particular the strip electrodes, are arranged substantially parallel to the first and second seals, either on the lid and / or on the container opening. The thermal welding means are preferably arranged completely circumferentially around the container opening to ensure complete closure of the waste bag. This can be achieved by thermal welding means, in particular the strip electrodes, which are arranged on the lid substantially parallel to the second seal, or on the container opening substantially parallel to the first seal, in each case completely circumferentially (around the container opening).If the means for thermal welding, in particular the strip electrodes, are arranged both partially on the lid essentially parallel to the second seal and partially on the container opening essentially parallel to the first seal, it is sufficient and preferred that the means together be arranged essentially completely circumferentially around the container opening, thus together ensuring complete circulation. Full circulation is ensured if there is at least a small overlap of the opposing means, i.e., on the one hand, on the lid essentially parallel to the second seal and, on the other hand, on the container opening essentially parallel to the first seal. This ensures complete closure of the waste bag.With regard to the first and second seals, the arrangement of the means for thermal welding, in particular the strip electrodes, is preferably within the respective area encompassed by the seals.

[0034] In one embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises means for severing the separate part of a film covering the opening of the container and thus the inserted waste bag. Such means, for example a cut or tear edge, preferably a cutting electrode, are known in the art. The latter are essentially the same electrodes as those used for welding as described above; only the welding time and / or temperature are increased, resulting in a separation of the film material. Typical temperatures are approximately 140°C to approximately 150°C for a period of approximately 1.5 to 3 seconds.

[0035] The device according to the invention is fundamentally suitable for use with various waste bags. Preferably, thermally weldable plastic bags, such as waste bags made of polyolefins such as PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene), and polyesters such as PLA (polylactide), are used for the device according to the invention and in the method according to the invention. Weldable plastic bags made of biodegradable PLA films, such as those known in the art and commercially available (e.g., "Planova PLA 50" from SÜDPACK Verpackungen GmbH & Co. KG, Ochsenhausen, Germany), are used. The raw materials of the waste bag films are preferably compostable according to EN 13432.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises means on the lid for perforating a waste bag. These are typically arranged within the area spanned by the second seal, in particular on the lid, so that the perforation is enabled within the area spanned by the second seal. The means are also typically arranged outside the area spanned by the means for thermal welding. As soon as a waste bag, which is stretched over the opening of the container, is closed with a corresponding part of the bag, for example a folded-over flap of the bag, or a separate part if the flap or the separate part is placed over the opening, according to the invention mechanical compression is carried out and / or compressed air is forced into the container and / or the gaseous atmosphere is sucked out of the bag interior in order to compress the waste bag.However, since the waste bag is already sealed by pressing on a corresponding part of the bag, for example, a folded-over flap of the bag, or a separate part, by placing the flap or the separate part over the container opening and pressing it into the closed position using the lid and the second seal, air can no longer escape from the interior of the bag. For this purpose, the means for perforating a waste bag creates a defined "outlet opening" on the waste bag, preferably on the cover, i.e., for example, a folded-over flap of the bag, or on the separate part. Suitable means for perforating a waste bag include, for example, one or more spikes or cut edges. The means for perforating a waste bag are preferably used in a controlled manner, i.e., not permanently active, and preferably electrically activated.For example, it involves one or more electrically extendable mandrels or one or more electrically extendable blades that subsequently retract. This can be activated before a compression or suction step. Subsequent retraction of the means has the advantage of reducing the risk of injury when changing the waste bag. In a preferred embodiment, the means for perforating a waste bag is arranged in the suction opening or is perforated through the suction opening.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises means for securing the cover of the waste bag. Before the waste bag is vacuumed or welded, a corresponding part of the bag, for example a folded-over flap of the bag, or a separate part, is placed over the container opening. To prevent this part, referred to here as the cover, from slipping, the device according to the invention comprises means for securing the cover of the waste bag, typically one or more clamps or tensioning bars. These are preferably positioned on the front of the container, e.g. below the container opening. Preferably, the means for securing the cover of the waste bag, typically one or more clamps or tensioning bars, interact with spikes for securing the cover of the waste bag. The latter are, for example, also positioned on the front of the container below the container opening.Preferably, safety switches are provided, for example, on the front of the container, for example, below the container opening. These switches are positioned so that they interact with the waste bag cover, e.g., triggered by contact with it. The safety switches thus make it possible to check whether the waste bag cover has been correctly applied. A sealing or cutting step should only be performed in the last case.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises means on the lid for irradiating the interior of the container with UV light (380 to 100 nm), in particular UV-C light (280 to 100 nm). Irradiation of waste with UV light, in particular UV-C light, reduces and inactivates harmful microorganisms, thus reducing putrefaction and other metabolic processes, and thus reducing odor formation. Suitable light sources for generating UV light, in particular UV-C light, are known in the art, for example UV LEDs. The lid preferably also comprises a protective device for the means for irradiating the interior of the container, in particular when not in use. Suitable protective devices would be, for example, a shade or cover for the UV lamp mounted on the lid so that it can rotate or pivot. The lid serves as a counterpressure surface during the mechanical compression of the waste bag.The protective device is therefore preferably configured such that it moves in front of the means for irradiating the interior of the container, for example, by folding it out or remaining unfolded, and folds back during irradiation, preferably only during irradiation, thus clearing the beam path to the interior of the container. Preferably, the unfolded protective device forms essentially a plane with the lid side surface facing the container. The protective device can prevent both contamination and damage to the irradiation means, particularly during compression.

[0039] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for collecting and compacting waste, comprising a) the step of extracting a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste, while b) simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag, and c) simultaneously applying external air pressure to the waste bag. According to the invention, three means are used to reduce the waste volume: firstly, extracting the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag, and secondly, mechanical compression, which serves to assist in the removal of the gaseous atmosphere and, above all, enables higher pressures to be exerted on the waste, since during the extraction, only the pressure of the air column of 1 bar (10 5Pa), and finally, thirdly, the action of compressed air on the exterior of the waste bag. The latter thus enables pressing from "all directions." According to the invention, these measures a), b), and c) are carried out simultaneously at least at one point in the process.

[0040] The pressures used in process steps a), b), and c) preferably correspond to those provided for the device described above. Thus, in step a), a negative pressure of at least 5.0 * 10 4 Pa (50 kPa, 500 mbar) absolute pressure, preferably at least 2.0 * 10 4 Pa (20 kPa, 200 mbar) absolute pressure. In step b), the waste bag is preferably mechanically subjected to a pressure force of about 50 kPa to about 1000 kPa, more preferably about 100 kPa to about 800 kPa, in particular from about 300 kPa to about 600 kPa. In step c), the waste bag is preferably pressurized with compressed air of at least 1.0 * 105 Pa (100 kPa, 1 bar) overpressure, preferably at least 2.0 * 10 5 Pa (200 kPa, 2 bar) overpressure. The device according to the invention is preferably configured to enable these pressures for steps a), b), and c), in particular simultaneously.

[0041] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, before steps a), b) and c) of simultaneous suction, mechanical pressing and air pressurization, i.e. before the step of suctioning a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste while simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag and applying external air pressure to the waste bag, a step is first carried out in which only the waste bag is mechanically compressed, preferably followed by additional suctioning of a first portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag, i.e. without applying compressed air. According to the invention, the waste bag is therefore preferably first mechanically compressed, then preferably additional suction is carried out, before most preferably the waste bag is also subjected to air pressure.

[0042] Preferably, in the method according to the invention, before the step of extracting a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste, while simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag and applying external air pressure to the waste bag, the waste bag is closed and sealed by means of a "portion of the waste bag or a separate portion of the waste bag" (sometimes also referred to simply as a "portion") by pressing the portion on. Since no more air can now escape from the waste bag, the cover is perforated at one point, as described above. The gaseous atmosphere can now escape through the perforation opening and, if necessary, a portion of the gaseous atmosphere can be extracted from the waste bag.

[0043] After the reduction of the waste volume according to the invention by pressing and suction, a step of closing the waste bag by thermal welding to the cover typically follows, preferably during or (immediately) after the suction of part of the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag.

[0044] According to the invention, as described in detail above, the device according to the invention can be advantageously used for the method according to the invention; therefore, the method according to the invention is preferably carried out using the device according to the invention as described above. In particular, the movable base plate enables mechanical compression of the waste bag, wherein it can be displaced relative to the side walls in the direction of the lid, which is in the closed position, and thus the volume of the container can be reduced. Subsequently, a portion of the gaseous atmosphere is sucked out of a waste bag containing waste through the lid, preferably while maintaining the mechanical pressure by the base plate. Finally, the inlet opening of the container, e.g.Controlled by an inlet valve, compressed air supplied by the compressed air generating means is injected, preferably while maintaining the pressure through the base plate and / or while maintaining the suction, thus further compressing the waste bag. This achieves maximum compression of the waste. Finally, the waste can be sealed in the waste bag and disposed of.

[0045] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a device according to the invention.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the rear of a device according to the invention. Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a device according to the invention with extended containers.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of two containers of a device according to the invention.

[0049] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of two containers of a device according to the invention with open clamping frames.

[0050] Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the rear side of two containers of a device according to the invention.

[0051] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of two containers of a device according to the invention. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of two containers of a device according to the invention without the container's side wall.

[0052] Figure 9 shows a schematic view of two containers of a device according to the invention without a side wall of the container and without a base plate.

[0053] Figure 10 shows a schematic view of two containers of a device according to the invention without a side wall of the container with the means for moving the base plate extended.

[0054] Figure 11 shows a schematic view of two containers of a device according to the invention without a side wall of the container with extended means for moving the base plate without a base plate.

[0055] Figure 12 shows a schematic view of two covers of a device according to the invention in the extended state.

[0056] Figure 13 shows a detailed view of two covers of a device according to the invention. Figure 14 shows a detailed view of two covers of a device according to the invention from the rear. Figure 15 shows a top view of a device according to the invention.

[0057] Figure 16 shows a section AA as indicated in Figure 15.

[0058] Figure 17 shows a detailed view B from section AA of Figure 17.

[0059] Figure 18 shows a detailed view C from section AA of Figure 17.

[0060] Figure 19 shows a detailed view B from section AA of Figure 17.

[0061] Figure 20 shows a detailed view C from section AA of Figure 17.

[0062] Figure 21 shows a detailed view of two containers of a device according to the invention. Figure 22 shows a detailed view of two containers of a device according to the invention. Figure 23 shows a section through the device according to the invention of Figure 22.

[0063] Figure 24 shows a detailed view of Figure 23.

[0064] Figure 25 shows a detailed view of Figure 23.

[0065] A device (1) according to the invention is shown in Figure 1, here designed as a substructure unit with a front cover, control element, and baseboard, e.g., suitable for a kitchen unit. The extendable middle section, secured by the lateral pull-out rails, comprises the container unit; the upper section with the control elements comprises the lid unit, which is preferably also designed to be extendable for servicing purposes.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a device (1) according to the invention from the rear, here also designed as a substructure unit with a front cover and baseboard, e.g., suitable for a kitchen unit. Visible from the rear are the means (9) for generating compressed air, indicated here as a compressor, and the means (10) for generating negative pressure, indicated here as a vacuum pump. These means are both provided in the container unit. The activated carbon filter (19) is mounted above the vacuum pump. The pressure / vacuum lines are not shown.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a device (1) according to the invention, as shown in Figure 1, designed as a substructure unit with a skirting board and operating element, e.g. suitable for a kitchen unit. The front cover is not shown. The middle part, which comprises the container unit, is shown pulled out by means of the lateral pull-out rails. The upper part with the operating elements, which comprises the lid unit, is shown in the retracted state. The container unit comprises two containers (2) with the respective side walls (3) and openings (6). The first seal (5) is provided at the opening of each container.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of the containers of the device (1) according to the invention. The containers are essentially formed by the side walls (3) and the container base (not visible here). The movable base plate (4) is located inside the containers. The first seal (5) is provided at the opening (6) of each container. The means for thermal welding (11) are designed as strip electrodes at the openings (6), but only along approximately one-third of the circumference of the openings (6). The corresponding electrodes on the lid, not shown here (see Fig. 12), complete the means for thermal welding (11) to completely surround the openings. This ensures complete sealing of the waste bag during welding. Alternatively, the strip electrodes can also be designed to completely surround the container opening.The control system for the thermal welding means (11a) supplies the thermal welding means (11) to the opening (6) or the lid (7). The seal on the base plate (13) (also referred to as the "third seal") seals the base plate (4) against the side walls (3) in any position, in an embodiment described in detail above, in an airtight manner, preferably at least to prevent contaminants from penetrating beneath the base plate (4). When the container's opening (4) is closed, it is thus hermetically sealed by the side walls (3) (which are also airtight) and either by the base plate (4) or at least by the container floor (18) (not shown here, see, for example, Fig. 9). Compressed air can enter the container through the inlet opening (15) via the controlled compressed air inlet valve (16).This compressed air is used to compress the waste in the waste bag arranged inside the container (and above the base plate) when the lid is in the closed position and presses the waste bag against the first seal (5). If the seal (13) is airtight, the compressed air is introduced into the interior of the container above the base plate. The fixing means (17), designed here as a clamping frame and shown in the closed state, encloses the opening (6) on the outside and, when a waste bag (not shown here) is inserted (with the clamping frame open), can clamp it and thus fix it to the container. The fixing means (17) only partially covers the first seal (5), here at the end of the opening (6) shown at the front in the figure. In this area, the fixing means (17) serves, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, to form a recess for the perforation (25).A waste bag inserted with the tensioning frame (17) open is stretched over the first seal (5) by means of the tensioning frame. Without the recess for perforation (25), which is preferably formed by the tensioning frame while covering the first seal (5), the cover (a part of the waste bag or a separate part) and the waste bag would lie directly on top of each other when the waste bag is covered for welding, so that the perforating means (21) could not perforate the cover or could only selectively perforate the cover under certain circumstances. The recess for perforation (25) thus protects the waste bag from the perforating means (21), which can therefore only perforate the cover to allow the gaseous atmosphere to be sucked out and / or the gaseous atmosphere to escape from the interior of the waste bag. This is described in more detail in Figure 17.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention, corresponding to Figure 4. Only the fixing means (17), here designed as a clamping frame, is shown in the open state. In this state, a waste bag (not shown here) can be inserted into the interior of the container through the opening (6).

[0070] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the containers (2) of the device (1) according to the invention from the rear. The containers (2) comprise the side walls (3) and the container floor (not visible here) and have the openings (6). The fixing means (17), designed here as a clamping frame and shown in the closed state, encloses the opening (6) on the outside and, when a waste bag (not shown here) is inserted (with the clamping frame open), can clamp it and thus fix it to the container. For advantageous use of the space in the device (1) according to the invention, especially when it is designed as a substructure unit, e.g. suitable for a kitchen unit, the means (9) for generating compressed air, indicated here as a compressor, and the means (10) for generating negative pressure, indicated here as a vacuum pump, are arranged in the container unit of the device behind the containers.The activated carbon filter (19) is mounted above the vacuum pump. The control unit for the thermal welding device (11a) is located below the compressor.

[0071] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the interior of a container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention. The area of ​​the container (2) in which the waste bag can extend is delimited by the side walls (3) and the movable base plate (4), shown here in the "raised" state. The first seal (5) and the means for thermal welding (11) are provided at the opening (6) of the container. The seal on the base plate (13) seals the base plate (4) from the side walls (3), either airtight, or preferably at least to prevent dirt from penetrating beneath the base plate (4). The fixing means (17) only partially covers the first seal (5), here at the end of the opening shown at the front in the figure. In this area, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing means (17) also serves to form the recess for the perforation (25).

[0072] Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the interior of a container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention. The containers are essentially formed by the side walls (3) (the front side wall is not shown) and the container base (18). The area of ​​the container (2) in which the waste bag can extend is delimited by the side walls (3) and the movable base plate (4), shown here in the "lowered" state. The seal on the base plate (13) seals the base plate (4) from the side walls (3), either airtight, preferably at least to prevent dirt from getting under the base plate (4). According to the invention, the means for displacing the base plate (14) preferably comprises both thrust elements, here designed as air bellows, which can displace the base plate (4) towards the lid, and return elements, here designed as coil springs.

[0073] Figure 9 shows a detailed view of the interior of a container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention, corresponding to Figure 8. The containers are essentially formed by the side walls (3) (the front side wall is not shown) and the container floor (18). The base plate (4) is not shown in comparison to Figure 8. According to the invention, the means for displacing the base plate (14), shown here in the "lowered" state, preferably comprise both thrust elements, here designed as air bellows, which are connected by means of a holder and can displace the base plate (4) towards the lid, and return elements, here designed as spiral springs.

[0074] Figure 10 shows a detailed view of the interior of a container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention, corresponding to Figure 8, but the displaceable base plate (4) is brought into the "raised" state by the means for displacing the base plate (14). According to the invention, the means for displacing the base plate (14) preferably comprises both thrust elements, here designed as air bellows, which can displace the base plate (4) towards the lid, and return elements, here designed as spiral springs. The latter are tensioned in the "raised" state and enable the base plate to be returned, for example after the container has been emptied, i.e. after the pressed and welded waste bag has been removed.

[0075] Figure 11 shows a detailed view of the interior of a container (2) of the device (1) according to the invention corresponding to Figure 10. The means for displacing the base plate (14) is shown in the "raised" state; the base plate is not shown.

[0076] Figure 12 shows a detailed view of the lids (7) of the device (1) according to the invention, here in the extended state by means of pull-out rails (e.g. for servicing purposes). The lids (7) comprise the second seal (8) on the lid, which interacts with the first seal (5) on the container opening (not shown here) in the closed position. The means for thermal welding (11) are designed as strip electrodes, but only around two-thirds of the circumference of the opening. The corresponding electrodes on the container opening, not shown here (see e.g. Fig. 4), complete the means for thermal welding (11) to completely circumferentially surround the opening. This ensures complete sealing of the waste bag during welding. The atmosphere can be sucked out of the waste bag through the suction openings (12).

[0077] Figure 13 shows a detailed view of the lids (7) of the device (1) according to the invention, depicted here from below, looking towards the containers. The lids (7) comprise the second seal (8) on the lid, which interacts with the first seal (5) on the container opening (not shown here) in the closed position. The thermal welding means (11) are designed as strip electrodes, but only along approximately two-thirds of the circumference of the opening. The atmosphere can be extracted from the waste bag through the suction opening (12). The suction opening (12) also houses the perforation means (21). The protective device (20) can be folded away during operation, thereby providing optical access to the interior of the container for the irradiation means, typically a UV lamp. The light from the UV lamp can thus reach the interior of the container as soon as the protective device (20) has been moved aside, e.g., rotated or pushed.In the closed state, the protective device (20) essentially forms a plane with the side surface of the lid (7), which is directed towards the container in the closed position.

[0078] The lids (7) of the device (1) according to the invention remain in the retracted state during normal operation of the device, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. To place waste into the waste bag, the container unit is typically extended as shown in Figure 3, and after the waste has been placed, it is retracted again as shown in Figure 1. In the retracted state, the lid (7) with the second seal (8) is normally lowered so that the second seal (8) interacts with the first seal (5) at the container opening in the closed position and seals the waste bag by means of the lid (7). This prevents unpleasant odors from the waste. In addition, after the container unit has been retracted, the waste can be irradiated at the lid using the means for irradiating the interior of the container with UV light.In one embodiment, each time the container unit is retracted after the waste has been introduced, irradiation and / or a portion of the atmosphere is extracted from the waste bag.

[0079] Figure 14 shows a detailed view of the lid (7) of the device (1) according to the invention, shown here from above. The atmosphere can be extracted from the waste bag through the suction opening (12). The housing, which normally encloses the suction opening, the UV lamp (26) and the protective device (20), is not shown. The waste bag can be perforated through the suction opening (12) by the perforation means (21), indicated here as a blade that moves across a semicircular cutting area. In the lid, which is shown in the foreground, the UV lamp (26) and the protective device (20) are not visible, only the opening, which is normally formed by the

[0080] protective device (20) is shown.

[0081] Figure 15 shows the device (1) according to the invention schematically from above in order to illustrate the position of the section AA as shown in Figure 16.

[0082] Figure 16 shows section AA from Figure 15. Shown are the lid unit with lid (7), the UV lamp (26) and the protective device (20), as well as the container opening. The perforation means (21), indicated here as a blade, protrudes through the suction opening (12) and perforates the part of the waste bag, or rather the separate part that covers the waste bag. This is explained in more detail in Figures 17 and 19, which show section B. The side walls (3), the clamping frame (17) and the opening of the container of the container (2) are shown. Also indicated is the waste bag, as well as the part of the waste bag, or rather the separate part, that covers the waste bag and thus spans the container opening. This is explained in more detail in Figures 17 to 20.

[0083] Figure 17 shows section B from Figure 16 with more details for the perforating and suctioning process step. Section B shows the upper edge of the container (2) with the first seal (5) at the container opening. The lid (7) is shown in the closed position; the second seal (8) on the lid interacts with the first seal (5), here via part of the clamping frame (17) including a corresponding further seal on the clamping frame (17a). The means for thermal welding (11), designed here as strip electrodes, are arranged on the lid. A waste bag (23) is shown inserted into the container; this bag rests against the side wall (3) inside the container. The means for fixing the waste bag (17), designed here as a clamping frame, stretches the waste bag over the container opening, in particular over the first seal (5) at the container opening.In the case of section B, the tensioning frame (17) presses the waste bag (23) directly onto the first seal (5), since here the tensioning frame (17), including the further seal on the tensioning frame (17a), projects beyond the first seal (5). For areas where the means for securing the waste bag (17) does not project beyond the first seal (5), as shown, for example, in Figure 4 and discussed in relation to Figure 4, the means for securing the waste bag (17) merely tensions the waste bag over the first seal (5). In order to close the waste bag when the intended fill level is reached, according to the invention a part, for example a tab of the waste bag, or preferably a separate part of the waste bag (24), for example from an endless roll, must be placed over the container opening.This is typically done manually when the container unit is pulled out, but corresponding means can also be provided which automatically position the separate part, for example a tab of the waste bag, or, preferably, a separate part (24), for example from an endless roll, over the container opening. This can also be provided for the container unit in the retracted state, as shown in Fig. 1. After the container unit has been moved into the device (1) according to the invention, which can be provided and carried out manually or automatically, e.g. at the push of a button, the lid is brought into the closed position, as shown in Figure 17. The second seal (8) of the lid is pressed onto the clamping frame (17), including a corresponding further seal (17a), and this is pressed onto the first seal (5).For areas where the tensioning frame does not extend beyond the first seal (5), as shown, for example, in Figure 4 and discussed in relation to Figure 4, the tensioning frame merely tensions the waste bag over the first seal (5). Here, the second seal (8) of the lid is pressed directly onto the first seal (5). In both cases, the second seal (8) of the lid seals the part of the waste bag, for example a flap of the waste bag, or, preferably, the separate part (24) against the waste bag (23). In this position, the interior of the waste bag is hermetically sealed from the environment. However, this also means that the atmosphere inside the waste bag cannot be sucked out in this state, or that the atmosphere inside the waste bag cannot escape when the waste bag is compressed. To make this possible, a defined opening is created in the cover of the waste bag by the perforation means (24).The recess for perforation (25) created by the tensioning frame (17) by covering the first seal (5) enables selective perforation of the covering part of the waste bag, for example a flap of the waste bag, or, preferably, the separate part (24), as shown in Figure 17. As also shown in section B of Figure 17, the fixing means (17), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, serves to form a recess for perforation (25). Without the recess for perforation (25), which is preferably formed by the tensioning frame covering the first seal (5), the cover (a part of the waste bag or a separate part) and the waste bag would lie directly on top of one another when the waste bag is covered for welding, so that the perforation means (21) could not selectively perforate only the cover.The perforation recess (25) thus protects the waste bag from the perforating means (21), which can therefore only perforate the cover. After perforation has been completed, part of the atmosphere inside the waste bag can be sucked out through the suction opening (12), as indicated by the arrow, or part of the atmosphere inside the waste bag can escape when the bag is compressed, specifically through the suction gap (22) that remains between the waste bag (23) and the covering part of the waste bag, for example, a flap of the waste bag, or, preferably, the separate part (24).

[0084] Figure 18 shows section C from Figure 16 with more details corresponding to the perforating and suctioning process step as in Figure 17. Section C shows the upper edge of the container (2) with the first seal (5) at the container opening. The lid (7) is shown in the closed position; the second seal (8) on the lid interacts with the first seal (5). The means for thermal welding (11), designed here as strip electrodes, are arranged on the container. A waste bag (23) is inserted into the container and rests against the side wall (3) inside the container. The means for fixing the waste bag (17), designed here as a tensioning frame, stretches the waste bag over the container opening, in particular over the first seal (5) at the container opening.To close the waste bag, according to the invention, a part, for example a tab of the waste bag, or preferably a separate part of the waste bag (24), for example from a continuous roll, is placed over the container opening. As shown in Figure 18, corresponding to Figure 17, the lid is brought into the closing position. Here, the second seal (8) of the lid is pressed onto the first seal (5), and the second seal (8) of the lid seals the part of the waste bag, for example a tab of the waste bag, or preferably the separate part (24), against the waste bag (23). In this position, the interior of the waste bag is hermetically sealed from the environment.Between the means for welding (11) and the corresponding opposite counter surface, the suction gap (22) remains between the waste bag (23) and the covering part of the waste bag, for example a flap of the waste bag, or, preferably, the separate part (24).

[0085] Figure 19 shows section B from Figure 16 with more details for the welding process step. As in Figure 17, the lid is also shown in the closed position, but lowered further to allow welding of the waste bag. Here, the lid is moved further towards the upper edge of the container (2) with the first seal (5), the second seal (8) on the lid continues to interact with the first seal (5), here via part of the clamping frame (17) including a corresponding additional seal (17a). The means for thermal welding (11) arranged on the lid, designed here as strip electrodes, now lie directly on the corresponding mating surface of the container opening, and the suction gap (22) still present in Figure 17 is closed.The waste bag (23) placed in the container is thus in contact with the part, for example a tab of the waste bag, or, preferably, a separate part of the waste bag (24), for example from an endless roll, below the means for thermal welding (11) and can be welded to it and thereby sealed.

[0086] Figure 20 shows section C from Figure 16 with more details for the welding step. Compared to Figure 18, the lid is also in the closed position, but lowered further to allow welding of the waste bag. Here, the lid is moved further towards the upper edge of the container (2) with the first seal (5), the second seal (8) on the lid continues to interact with the first seal (5), here via part of the clamping frame (17) including a corresponding further seal (17a). The means for thermal welding (11) arranged on the container (2), designed here as strip electrodes, are now in direct contact with the corresponding mating surface of the lid, and the suction gap (22) still present in Figure 18 is closed.The waste bag (23) placed in the container is thus in contact with the part, for example a flap of the waste bag, or, preferably, a separate part of the waste bag (24), for example from an endless roll, above the means for thermal welding (11) and can be welded to it and thereby sealed.

[0087] Figure 21 shows a section of a preferred device according to the invention, here designed as a substructure unit with a front cover, operating element and baseboard, e.g. suitable for a kitchen unit. The pull-out middle section, fixed by the lateral pull-out rails, comprises the container unit, here two containers, shown in the pulled-out state with the front cover slightly folded down. In the embodiment shown, the means for thermal welding (11) are designed to run all the way around the opening of the container, which is preferred according to the invention. In the container shown in the foreground, the opening of the container is covered and thus closed by a separate part of the waste bag (24). As shown in the figure, the separate part of the waste bag (24) comes from a roll (30) (endless roll) which stores several parts of the waste bag (24) intended to cover the waste bag.The roll (30) is preferably arranged at the rear end of the container, i.e., at the end of the container further away from the front cover. As in the state shown in Figure 21, the roll (30) is thus preferably arranged such that, in order to close the waste bag, a separate part of the waste bag (24) can be unrolled from the roll (30) and placed over the container opening. The part of the waste bag (24) can then be fixed by the means for fixing the cover of the waste bag (27), here designed as a foldable frame on the front of the container. In this case, the means for fixing the cover of the waste bag (27) presses the part of the waste bag (24) preferably onto mandrels for fixing the cover of the waste bag (27a). Typically, means for cutting (29), here designed as a cutting electrode, are provided between the roll (30) and the opening of the container.Alternatively, the separating means (29) can also be designed as a tear-off edge. Preferably, safety switches (28) are arranged such that they are activated when the part of the waste bag (24) is correctly placed over the opening of the container. This arrangement allows, as soon as the part of the waste bag (24) that will close the waste bag is placed over the opening of the container, the part (24) to be fixed in place by the means for fixing the cover of the waste bag (27), wherein the safety switches (28) are activated when the part (24) is correctly placed over the opening of the container. Subsequently, the waste bag can be welded all the way around to the opening of the container by the thermal welding means (11) and thus closed, and, preferably after the welding of the waste bag, the part (24) can be separated from the roll (30) by the separating means (29).Finally, the welded waste bag can be removed from the container after opening the means for fixing the cover (27) and the means for fixing the waste bag (17).

[0088] Figure 22 shows a section of a preferred device according to the invention corresponding to Figure 21. In the container shown in the foreground, the opening of the container is shown covered and closed by a separate part of the waste bag (24). In comparison to Figure 21, the means for securing the cover of the waste bag (27), here designed as a foldable frame on the front of the container, is shown closed. The part of the waste bag (24) is thus secured. In this case, the means for securing the cover of the waste bag (27) of the part of the waste bag (24) preferably presses onto pins for securing the cover of the waste bag (27a) and activates the safety switches (28) (not shown here).

[0089] Figure 23 shows a section through a preferred device according to the invention corresponding to Figure 16. In the container shown, the opening of the container is covered by a separate part of the waste bag (24), and the inserted waste bag (23) is shown closed thereby. The separate part of the waste bag (24), as shown in the figure, comes from a roll (30) (endless roll) which stores several parts of the waste bag (24) intended to cover the waste bag. In the method according to the invention, three means are used simultaneously to reduce the waste volume: firstly, suction of the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag; secondly, mechanical compression, which serves to assist in the removal of the gaseous atmosphere and, above all, enables higher pressures to be exerted on the waste; and finally, thirdly, the action of compressed air on the exterior of the waste bag.The extraction of the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag, which creates a negative pressure in the waste bag, is shown as "A" in the figure. The pressurization is illustrated by the arrows marked "B". The latter is achieved by introducing compressed air into the container, here below the base plate. The compressed air flows past the seals of the base plate and acts on the waste bag, which is sealed against the lid. The force from lifting the base plate causes the mechanical compression of the waste.

[0090] Figure 24 shows a section corresponding to Figure 17 with more details for the process step of perforating and suctioning as well as the application of air pressure. The upper edge of the container is shown, the lid is in the closed position, the second seal on the lid interacts with the first seal, here via part of the clamping frame including a corresponding further seal on the clamping frame (as in Figure 17). The means for thermal welding (11) are arranged at the container opening and are designed here as strip electrodes. A waste bag (23) is shown inserted into the container and lies against the side wall (and the base plate, not shown here) inside the container. The waste bag is stretched over the container opening by the means for securing the waste bag, designed here as a clamping frame.In order to close the waste bag when the intended fill level is reached, according to the invention a part, for example a tab of the waste bag, or preferably a separate part of the waste bag (24), for example from a continuous roll, is placed over the container opening. This is typically done manually with the container unit extended, but corresponding means can also be provided that automatically position the separate part (24), for example from a continuous roll, over the container opening. The separate part of the waste bag (24) is clamped by the means for fixing the cover of the waste bag (27); a correctly inserted part (24) activates the safety switches (28). With the lid in the closed position, the second seal of the lid is positioned directly on the first seal of the container (see more detail in Figure 17).The seals of the lid and the container seal the separate part (24) against the waste bag (23). In this position, the interior of the waste bag is hermetically sealed from the environment. To allow the atmosphere to be extracted from the interior of the bag, the perforation creates a defined opening in the cover of the waste bag.

[0091] After perforation, a portion of the atmosphere inside the waste bag can be extracted through the extraction opening in the lid, or a portion of the atmosphere can escape from the inside of the waste bag when it is compressed. The extraction of the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag, which creates a negative pressure in the waste bag, is shown in the figure as "A." The pressurization is illustrated by the arrows marked "B." The latter is achieved by introducing compressed air into the container, here below the base plate. The compressed air flows past the seals of the base plate and acts on the waste bag, which is sealed against the lid. The force from lifting the base plate causes the mechanical compression of the waste.

[0092] Figure 25 shows the 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 lid is in the closed position, and the second seal on the lid interacts with the first seal (as in Figure 18). The means for thermal welding (11), designed here as strip electrodes, are arranged at the container opening. A waste bag (23) is shown inserted into the container. The waste bag is stretched over the container opening by the means for securing the waste bag, designed here as a tensioning frame.According to the preferred embodiment shown, a separate part of the waste bag (24) is positioned from a roll (30) over the container opening and the waste bag inserted into it, typically manually with the container unit extended, but corresponding means can also be provided that automatically position the separate part (24) over the container opening. The seals of the lid and the container seal the separate part (24) against the waste bag (23). The suction of the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag, which creates a negative pressure in the waste bag, is shown in the figure as "A". The pressurization is illustrated by the arrows marked "B". After suction, the waste bag is closed by welding to the separate part (24), and the latter is separated from the roll (30) by the means for separating the separate part (29), here designed as a cutting electrode.

[0093] This provides a waste container in which a comparatively large amount of waste can be collected and stored, which can be compacted to the maximum and then disposed of cleanly, and which is also easy to use.

[0094] Reference character list

[0095] 1 device

[0096] 2 containers

[0097] 3 side walls

[0098] 4 Base plate

[0099] 5 First seal at the opening of the container

[0100] 6 Opening the container

[0101] 7 lids

[0102] 8 Second seal on the lid

[0103] 9 Means for generating compressed air

[0104] 10 means of creating suppression

[0105] 11 Thermal welding agents

[0106] 11a Control for the means of thermal welding

[0107] 12 Suction opening on the lid

[0108] 13 Seal on the base plate

[0109] 14 Means for moving the base plate

[0110] 15 Inlet opening into the container

[0111] 16 Inlet valve for compressed air

[0112] 17 Means for securing a waste bag

[0113] 17a Seal on the means for fixing a waste bag

[0114] 18 Container floor

[0115] 19 activated carbon filters

[0116] 20 UV lamp protection device

[0117] 21 Means of perforation

[0118] 22 Extraction gap

[0119] 23 garbage bags

[0120] 24 Flap of the waste bag or separate part

[0121] 25 Recess for perforation

[0122] 26 UV lamp

[0123] 27 Means for fixing the cover of the waste bag

[0124] 27a Pins for fixing the cover of the waste bag

[0125] 28 fuse switches

[0126] 29 Means for separating the separate part

[0127] 30 roll of the separate part for covering the waste bag

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for collecting and compacting waste comprising a) a container (2) for receiving a waste bag comprising side walls (3), inside a movable base plate (4) and a first seal (5) at the opening (6), b) a lid (7) with a second seal (8), wherein the lid is configured and arranged such that it • can be brought into an open position opposite the opening (6) of the container (2) so that the opening (6) of the container (2) is accessible for the insertion of a waste bag, and • can be brought into a closed position opposite the opening (6) of the container (2) so that the lid (7) interacts with the opening of the container (2) in such a positive-locking manner that a waste bag inserted into the container (2) can be hermetically sealed between the first seal (5) and the second seal (8) against the lid (7), c) means (9) for generating compressed air, d) means (10) for generating a vacuum, and e) means (11) for thermally welding a waste bag inserted into the container (2) when the lid is in the closed position, wherein the means are located at the opening (6) of the container and / or on the lid (7), characterized in that the lid (7) has a suction opening (12) which is arranged on the lid (7) in such a way thatso that, in the closed position, the gaseous atmosphere from inside a waste bag inserted into the container (2) can be partially extracted by means of the means (10) for generating negative pressure, the container (2) is airtight when the opening (6) is closed, the base plate (4) of the container is displaceable relative to the side walls (3) and, in the closed position, towards the lid (6), the device (1) has means (14) for displacing the base plate (4) relative to the side walls (3), and the container (2) has an inlet opening (15) for compressed air, which can be supplied with compressed air by means of an inlet valve (16) provided by the means (9) for generating compressed air.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (7) comprises means (17) for perforating a waste bag. Device (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. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, configured such that the compressed air used for the means (14) for moving the base plate (4) can also be directed to the inlet opening (15) by means of an inlet valve (16). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (14) for moving the base plate are pneumatically operated, and preferably comprise one or more pneumatic cylinders or one or more pneumatic bellows. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (10) for generating a vacuum, preferably a vacuum pump, are arranged in the cover (7).Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means (10) for generating negative pressure comprise a filter, preferably a carbon filter, and / or a liquid sensor. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (7) comprises means for irradiating the interior of the container with UV light. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises means (17) for fixing a waste bag, preferably a tension frame, to the opening (6) of the container. Method for collecting and compacting waste comprising the step of extracting a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste, while simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag and applying external air pressure to the waste bag.Method according to claim 10, in which, prior to the step of extracting a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste, a step is first carried out by simultaneously mechanically compressing the waste bag and applying external air pressure to the waste bag. a method in which only the waste bag is mechanically compressed, followed by the additional extraction of a first portion of the gaseous atmosphere from the waste bag. A method according to claim 10 or 11, in which, prior to the step of extracting a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag containing waste, the waste bag is closed by means of a portion of the bag or a separate portion of the waste bag by pressing on the portion, this portion of the bag or a separate portion of the waste bag is perforated, and a portion of the gaseous atmosphere is extracted from the waste bag through the perforation opening.A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a step of sealing the waste bag by thermal welding during or after the extraction of a portion of the gaseous atmosphere from a waste bag. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is used.

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