EP0650908B1 - Improvements in underground refuse storage units - Google Patents

Abstract

Unit for receiving refuse for underground storage, comprising a pit (6), a vessel (4) which can be arranged therein, this vessel being surmounted by a hollow column (8b, 8d) for receiving the refuse and guiding it towards the vessel, handling means (20, 22) making it possible, in particular, to lift the vessel from the pit and to lower it into it. According to the invention, retractable means (26) for mechanical protection of the vessel, of its column and/or of the area around the unit, when the said vessel is being handled, are also provided in order to retract when the vessel is manoeuvred in the pit and to take up a protective position, substantially at ground level or above it when the vessel is out of the pit. Application to the selective collection of refuse in an urban environment. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to the field of underground storage waste reception units.

We already know such units.

• au moins une fosse ménagée dans le sol,
• au moins une cuve propre à être placée dans la fosse,
• au moins une colonne creuse se dressant au-dessus de la fosse considérée lorsque la cuve y est placée, pour la réception des déchets et leur guidage vers l'intérieur de la cuve avec laquelle ladite colonne communique.

In patent EP-A-252437, a unit of this type is thus described comprising:

• at least one pit in the ground,
• at least one tank suitable for placing in the pit,
• at least one hollow column rising above the pit considered when the tank is placed there, for receiving the waste and guiding it towards the interior of the tank with which said column communicates.

However, problems arise when the tank must be taken out of the pit, these problems being linked to the risks that a tank can present in the air at the end of the crane cable (means usually used to maneuver surface tanks today). common), corollary risks appearing of course with regard to people who may be around this area, especially as the handling of these tanks is subject to the requirements related to the handling equipment (crane) used, as well as to the environment in which these maneuvers are carried out. In addition, it is easily understood that the risks of damage, injury or the like which already exist for "surface" tanks can only be amplified when it is necessary to place the tank relatively tightly in a pit.

• des moyens escamotables de protection mécanique de la cuve, de sa colonne et/ou des abords de l'unité, lors de la manutention de ladite cuve, et
• des moyens de manutention de la cuve et de manoeuvre desdits moyens escamotables de protection, pour :
  • . faire monter ou descendre la cuve dans la fosse, et/ou
  • . escamoter lesdits moyens de protection en position non active, en laissant le passage à la cuve, lorsque celle-ci est manoeuvrée dans la fosse, et les présenter en position active de protection, sensiblement au niveau du sol ou au-dessus de lui, au moins lorsque la cuve est hors de la fosse.

Thus, in WO-A-94 06707 published on 03/31/94 is described a unit for receiving underground storage waste which comprises, in addition to the means cited in EP-A-252,437:

• retractable means for mechanical protection of the tank, its column and / or the surroundings of the unit, during the handling of said tank, and
• means for handling the tank and for operating said retractable protection means, for:
  • . raise or lower the tank in the pit, and / or
  • . retract said protection means in the non-active position, leaving passage to the tank, when the latter is maneuvered in the pit, and present them in the active protection position, substantially at ground level or above it, at less when the tank is out of the pit.

Beyond this document, the invention is specifically concerned with safety conditions, in connection with the operation of the tank, the placement in active or inactive position of the protection means, and the definition of the most appropriate means in question. .

• d'une part des moyens de levage disposés sur la cuve et adaptés pour coopérer avec un câble ou équivalent pour une manoeuvre par gruttage de la cuve dans ou hors de la fosse, et
• d'autre part, des moyens de manoeuvre desdits moyens de protection (structurellement indépendants desdits moyens de levage, mais) fonctionnellement liés au mouvement de la cuve, pour :
  • . faire bouger vers leur dite position active lesdits moyens de protection, en même temps que la cuve est soulevée par l'intermédiaire de sesdits moyens de levage,
  • . et/ou les faire escamoter en position non active, en même temps que la cuve descend dans la fosse par l'intermédiaire de sesdits moyens de levage.

The solution of the invention to best promote this security is that the protection means in question comprise a plate extending across the pit, of which it closes the access when the tank is lifted out of the pit. Advantageously (again for safety reasons in particular), it is further preferred that the aforementioned means of handling and maneuvering include:

• on the one hand, lifting means arranged on the tank and adapted to cooperate with a cable or the like for maneuvering by crumbling the tank in or out of the pit, and
• on the other hand, means for operating said protection means (structurally independent from said lifting means, but) functionally linked to the movement of the tank, for:
  • . move said protective means towards their said active position, at the same time as the tank is raised by means of its said lifting means,
  • . and / or have them retract in the non-active position, at the same time as the tank descends into the pit by means of said lifting means.

Note that in WO-A-94 06707, means for lifting by crumbling the tank are described. However, these means are not presented as dissociated from the maneuvering means from the protection means with a view to functioning as above, which we consider to be a drawback.

According to a preferred additional characteristic, the protection means of the present invention are capable of sliding in translation along the pit with the tank, up or down, under the control of their said operating means.

Particularly when the unit will comprise several tanks, with their columns grouped together, for example in a central zone of the unit, the aforementioned means of protection may comprise, on the side of the zone for grouping the columns, at least one corner wall in angle iron, erected in the form, for example, substantially of a triangle, thus ensuring, in addition to protection, a means of positioning the tank with respect to the axis of the pit, the triangular shape further promoting progressive guidance.

Furthermore, in addition to a plate (as presented above, preferably forming a retractable bottom plate under the tank and which may be in several parts), the protection means may include, for each tank, a railing erected above from the ground when the tank is lifted out of its pit, and retracted into this pit, or nearby, when the tank is maneuvered there.

• lorsque la cuve doit être mise en place ou sortie de la fosse, on relie sesdits moyens de levage au câble ou équivalent de gruttage de ladite cuve et on assurer la manoeuvre de celle-ci,
• on fait se dresser ces moyens de protection en même temps que la cuve est levée, ou on les fait s'escamoter en même temps que la cuve est descendue dans la fosse au bout dudit câble ou équivalent, la cuve agissant pour cela sur lesdits moyens de protection, par son poids. Ainsi, c'est alors le poids de la cuve qui peut retenir ces moyens de protection en position escamotée.

According to yet another aspect of the invention which still makes it possible to improve the protection conditions of the above reception unit:

• when the tank is to be put in place or taken out of the pit, its lifting means are connected to the cable or the equivalent of lifting of said tank and the operation thereof is ensured,
• these protection means are raised at the same time as the tank is lifted, or they are retracted at the same time as the tank is lowered into the pit at the end of said cable or equivalent, the tank acting for this on said means of protection, by its weight. Thus, it is then the weight of the tank which can retain these protection means in the retracted position.

• la figure 1 est une vue d'ensemble en perspective d'une unité de stockage souterrain conforme à l'invention comprenant en l'espèce quatre fosses ou une fosse en quatre parties pour quatre cuves,
• la figure 2 est une vue comparable à celle de la figure 1, montrant l'une des cuves soulevées avec, sous elle, un garde-fou de protection en position active, dressée, la plaque de protection n'étant pas représentée,
• la figure 3 est une vue locale agrandie du garde-fou de figure 2, représenté seul,
• la figure 4 est une vue du mécanisme de manoeuvre du garde-fou, alors que celui-ci est en position haute, dressée, sur la partie gauche de la figure 4, tandis que sur la partie droite, la cuve est dans la fosse, le garde-fou étant escamoté,
• la figure 5 montre une réalisation dans laquelle les moyens de protection comprennent uniquement un fond mobile à cornière,
• et la figure 6 est une autre variante de réalisation dans laquelle on a adjoint aux moyens escamotables, des murets fixes disposés comme un croisillon entre les fosses.

A more detailed description of the invention will now be given, in relation to the accompanying drawings:

• FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an underground storage unit according to the invention comprising in this case four pits or a four-part pit for four tanks,
• FIG. 2 is a view comparable to that of FIG. 1, showing one of the raised tanks with, beneath it, a protective railing in the active position, erected, the protective plate not being shown,
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged local view of the railing of FIG. 2, shown alone,
• FIG. 4 is a view of the mechanism for maneuvering the railing, when the latter is in the raised, upright position, on the left part of FIG. 4, while on the right part, the tank is in the pit, the railing being retracted,
• FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the protection means only comprise a movable bottom with angle iron,
• and FIG. 6 is another alternative embodiment in which the means have been added retractable, fixed walls arranged like a cross between the pits.

In FIG. 1 first of all, we see schematically illustrated, and identified as a whole 1, a waste reception unit (paper, metal, plastic, ...) with underground storage located at the location of an area of land 2.

Unit 1 in this case comprises four sub-assemblies each consisting of a tank 4 (appearing more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 4) emptying by its opening hatch bottom 5, here articulated in rotation at the place of hinges 7 Each tank is suitable for being housed in a pit 6 dug into the ground, each tank being individually associated with a collection column 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d erected above the ground when the tank is placed inside its pit, the columns being here joined towards the central part 9 of the unit.

In this case, each column 8a, ... 8d is fixedly connected, offset, (for example by screwing) to the corresponding tank 4, at the location of an enlarged foot 10 surmounting an upper transverse wall 4a of the tank (see Figure 4) extending, in the normal substantially vertical position of the tank, in an essentially horizontal plane. The upper wall 4a will very advantageously be such that it can support the weight not only of passers-by but also of vehicles, without the latter damaging the underlying part of the tank, this wall 4a being able to be extended peripherally by a shoulder or a support rim 4a ′ adapted to come to bear on the outer edge 11 of the pit (FIG. 4).

For filling the tanks, each collection column 8a,... 8d has an orifice 14 allowing users to throw away their waste, this orifice connecting, inside the column, to an interior conduit 16 communicating at its base. , and through holes appropriate, with the inside of the associated tank (see arrow 18 in Figure 1).

For the operation of the tank, up or down, it is adapted to be able to be lifted at the end of a cable 20, as well as a crane cable, hooked in the lower part to a fixed hooking plate 22 to the tank, here along its axis (axis 24 for the column tank 8b in Figure 1).

In particular in FIGS. 2 and 5, it will be noted that, to ensure safety in the environment of the unit 1, and also to promote the protection in particular of the columns as well as of the tanks themselves, retractable mechanical protection means which may be favorable to guiding the tanks, and identified respectively as a whole 26 or 26 '(Figures 2 and 4) and 28 (Figure 5), have been added.

In FIG. 5, it will be noted that a plate 28 is in its high position in which it extends substantially at ground level, forming a sort of cover above the pit in question, avoiding that a person can so fall into it. In addition, to promote the protection of the other columns (in this case 8b, 8c, 8d), the plate 28 is linked locally, near its border and in this case near one of its angles (here at proximity of its "inside" angle 42 closest to the aforementioned columns), to a triangular upright wall 44 which may have a substantially angle-shaped shape, in the manner of the angle elevation 31 of the railing 26. Thus, for example during the presentation of the tank for its descent into the pit, one of the angles of the tank may be positioned in the interior corner of the angle iron 44, the descent of the floor 28 with its associated guide projection, at the same time than the tank, maintaining this optimum positioning. To promote good sliding of the plate 28, it can be guided in translation in its pit by a conventional rack system (toothed wheels + chains).

In FIGS. 2 and 3 where the plate is not shown, the retractable means further comprise a railing in the form of a cage with bars 29 erected from a base 30 forming a kind of horizontal external flange, l 'interior of the structure 26 is of course hollow to allow passage to the tank 4. Given the rectangular section here retained pits, the barrier 29 is of the same section. It will also be noted, by comparing FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, that its height rises as one approaches the interior angle 31 closest to the central zone 9 of the unit which surrounds the hollow terminals 8a, ... 8d. In this case, this local elevation of walls is such that the two walls concerned 29a, 29b of the barrier, contiguous to the angle 31, terminate in the upper part by a raised shape, possibly inclined and in this case triangular, culminating in the corner, favoring the positioning of the tank to present it as well as possible facing the pit, while protecting the surrounding columns over practically most of their height.

To achieve the retraction of the railing, it could of course have been imagined to dissociate in their angles each of the four erected walls 29, by further articulating them at their base via hinges also carried by the base 30, which could then occupy a fixed position on the ground, in line with the pits, each wall of the railing can thus be laid down (for example outside the pit) or straightened, in particular preventing any fall into the pit considered, as soon as necessary.

Another retraction principle has however been retained in FIG. 4, for the railing shown.

In this case, the railing 26 ′ which is in this case constituted by a simple cage with four vertical walls, without base, is mounted sliding inside the pit, along the walls 6a which define it laterally, e sufficient space to be reserved between the railing and the tank to allow the passage of the latter through the cage.

For the raising or lowering maneuver, substantially along the vertical axis 24a of the pit in question, the cage 26 ′ is associated with maneuvering means identified as a whole 32. These pulley means 32 consist here of two units of control, opposite, each comprising a cable 34 fixed, on one side, at the bottom of the railing, at 36a, and on the other, outside the wall 6a, to a counterweight 38 which can slide in a adapted space.

When the tank is installed in its pit (on the right in FIG. 4), it blocks the cage 26 ′ in the low retracted position, in this case by pressing it on the upper wall 4a of the tank (on the right in the figure ), while when this same tank is raised, the cage 26 'is itself driven in upward translation, by the two counterweights 38 which descend at the same time as the cage rises, until the latter reaches its high upright position (on the left in Figure 4), a stop or any equivalent means stopping the cage (or its operating means) when the high position is reached.

The same principle of operation, uphill or downhill, could be retained in the context of FIG. 5, to maneuver the ascent or descent into the pit of the plate, or of the plate, 28 provided for to be able to be placed (e) by its said associated maneuvering means, substantially at ground level when its corresponding tank is raised, while being able to descend with the tank when the latter is replaced in the pit, then sliding along the walls of the latter , under the tank.

In Figure 6, in in addition to the retractable protective elements already described, an alternative embodiment of the unit 1 is illustrated in which separating walls 46 rise to separate the pits two by two. In this case, the walls 46 consist of a cross with four branches joined in the central part 9 of the unit and having a height which rises as one approaches this area of intersection, the arrangement of said walls being of course such that they in no way prevent the maneuver in lifting or lowering of each tank with its column, the angle form of two sections of adjacent walls constituting a positioning surface vis-à-vis - screw of the pit, for each of the tanks.

In the context of alternative embodiments, one could of course also imagine making the control of the retractable protection means independent of the movements of the tank. Thus, one could for example provide, before removing a tank, to control the rise of the railing 26 'in the extended position (on the left in FIG. 4), then to lift the tank, an appropriate passage formed through the wall 4a can allow this, the same principle can be retained for the descent.

Claims (10)

1. Underground refuse storage unit, comprising:

   - at least one pit (6) provided in the ground,

   - at least one vessel (4) suitable for placing in the pit,

   - at least one hollow column (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) standing above the pit when the vessel is placed therein, to receive refuse and to guide it inside the vessel with which the said column communicates,

   - retractable means (26, 26', 28) for mechanical protection of the vessel (4), its column (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) and/or the surrounds of the unit (1) during handling of the said vessel, and

   - means (20, 22; 32, 38) for handling the vessel and manoeuvring the said retractable protection means, in order, respectively:

   • to raise the vessel from the pit, manoeuvre it out, or lower it into the pit, and

   • to retract the protection means into an inactive position, allowing the vessel to pass, when the latter is manoeuvred into the pit (6), and bring them into the active protection position, substantially at ground level or above it, at least when the vessel is out of the pit, the said protection means comprising a plate (28) extending across the pit (6) to which it closes off access when the vessel is raised out of the pit.
2. Unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the handling and manoeuvring means (20, 22; 33, 38) comprise:

   - on the one hand, lifting means (22) arranged on the vessel (4) and arranged to co-operate with a cable or equivalent (20) for manoeuvring the vessel into or out of the pit by means of a crane, and

   - on the other hand, means (32, 38) for manoeuvring the said protection means (26, 26', 28) operatively linked to the movement of the vessel, in order to:

   • cause the said protection means to be shifted to their said active position at the same time as the vessel is raised by way of its lifting means (20, 22),

   • and cause them to be retracted into the inactive position at the same time as the vessel descends into the pit by way of the said lifting means.
3. Unit according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the said protection means additionally comprise a balustrade (26, 26') raised above the ground when the vessel is raised out of its pit (6) and retracted substantially parallel to the ground or below ground, out of the pit or substantially parallel to the raised walls (6a) which limit it laterally, when the vessel (4) ascends or descends in the pit.
4. Unit according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the said protection means (26, 26', 28) retract into the pit in the inactive position and are retained in this position by the said vessel bearing on them, so that it is the weight of the vessel which thus retains the said protection means.
5. Unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said protection means (26, 26', 28) are capable of sliding along the pit (6) with the vessel (4), under the control of the said manoeuvring means (32, 34, 38), in order to descend when the vessel is lowered and to move back up to the surface when the vessel is raised again.
6. Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (28) is arranged beneath the vessel (4) in order to form beneath it a base plate which is retractable substantially vertically.
7. Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plate (28) bears on its upper face and close to its periphery at least one raised wall (44).
8. Unit according to any one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the balustrade (26, 26') varies in height in order to facilitate the positioning of the vessel.
9. Unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of vessels (4) arranged close to one another, the columns (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the said vessels being grouped when the vessels are placed in their pits, separating walls (46), erected on the ground between the pits (6) and forming angles between them, being interposed between the said columns, the separating walls being higher towards their said angles.
10. Unit according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of vessels (4) arranged close to one another and the columns (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of which are grouped when the said vessels are placed in their pits, the said retractable protection means (26, 26', 28) including, on the same side as the area in which the columns are grouped, at least one corner wall (31, 44) raised substantially in the shape of an angle piece of varying height.

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