EP0774424A1 - Refuse collection container with means for braking the cover in its closing movement - Google Patents

Abstract

The rubbish bin (1) comprises a collection tank (2) and cover (6) which can be displaced between open and closed positions. The cover is hinged (9) to the tank. The bin cover has a resistance for braking (11) during its passage from open to closed positions. This brake comprises a deformable elastic spring (12) fixed to the tank and to the cover. One end of the spring forming a rectilinear part is housed in an opening in the tank and its other end has a horizontally projecting support zone at right angles to an upper peripheral edge (5) of the tank. The spring projecting part is supported on a cover contact surface at a radial distance from the hinge axis (X). The spring is active during cover closing until it is almost closed and is inactive during the rest of cover travel.

Description

The invention relates to a container provided with means for braking the closing of its cover, for example intended for collecting waste.

Many collection tanks, and in particular those with a large volume, include a tank and a cover for closing the tank.

Generally, the cover is pivotally mounted around an axis extended horizontally, in the usual position for using the container.

Known collection bins have drawbacks.

The weight of such covers is all the more important as the capacity of the container increases. And their closing under the effect of gravity is rapid, even brutal.

This results, on the one hand, from noise pollution, undesirable especially in inhabited areas. These nuisances must not exceed the legally prescribed limits.

On the other hand, bodily accidents occur frequently during closure, both among private and professional users of collection bins.

These are mainly pinching of the user's fingers or hand closing the cover.

Container lid closure systems are known from the prior art, in particular documents CH-A-517 034, CH-A-532 515, DE-B-1 244 648 and DE-A-3 129 285.

However, these systems come in relatively complex forms and essentially comprise multi-turn springs requiring specific adaptations, either in the cover or in the tank of the tank.

The invention aims to solve these drawbacks in particular.

An object of the invention is a collection tank comprising: a collection tank; a cover movable between an open state of access to the interior of the tank and a closed state of substantially hermetic closure of the tank; as well as a pivoting articulation which connects the cover to the tank and the axis of which is generally extended horizontally, when the tank is in a position of use.

In this tank, means are provided for braking the cover when it passes from its open state to its closed state. These braking means comprise at least one spring, for example metallic, one end of which forms a rectilinear part, is housed in an orifice of the tank, while its other end is provided with a support zone, projecting, by example substantially horizontally in the open state of the cover, in line with an upper part of the tank, such as a peripheral edge, and intended to cooperate with a contact surface of the cover, the support area being formed radially distant from the axis of the joint; the spring being arranged so as to be active at the end of the cover closing stroke until it is close to or in this closed state, while it is deactivated for the rest of the stroke of the cover.

According to one characteristic, the support zone is projecting with an angle of the order of 5 to 15 ° relative to the horizontal, in the open state of the cover, in line with an upper part of the tank, such as a peripheral edge.

According to another embodiment, the braking means comprise at least one spring, for example metallic, one end of which forms a rectilinear part, is housed in an opening in the cover, while its other end is provided with a zone of projecting support, for example substantially vertically in the open state of the cover, in line with an upper part of the tank, such as a peripheral edge, and intended to cooperate with a contact surface of the tank, provided radially distant from the axis of the joint; the spring being arranged so as to be active at the end of the cover closing stroke up to or near the closed state, while it is deactivated for the rest of the stroke of the cover, so that its pivoting is then free.

According to one characteristic, the support zone is projecting with an angle of the order of 5 to 15 ° relative to the vertical in the open state of the cover, in line with an upper part of the tank, such that 'a peripheral edge.

According to one characteristic, damping pads are interposed between the cover and the edge of the tank, for example rigidly fixed on the upper edge of the tank facing the cover.

According to another characteristic, the support zone is in the form of a loop.

According to another characteristic, the spring comprises at least one part for anchoring the tank, such as a turn, mounted around the articulation axis.

The invention is now described in detail, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a collection bin according to an embodiment of the invention, with its cover in an intermediate state before closing (in solid line), and in the fully open state (in line discontinuous).

Figure 2 is a partial view of a collection tray, in section along a plane perpendicular to the arrow II of Figure 1, and therefore to the hinge axis of the cover, the latter not being shown.

FIG. 3 is a partial view, rear and elevation of a tank, according to arrow III in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial view, in plan and from above of a tank, along arrow IV of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial view, in front perspective, of an embodiment of a collection bin according to the invention, in which the braking means are arranged near an upper lateral edge of the tank, the cover being shown in an intermediate closed state.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of an embodiment of a spring of braking means according to the invention, with a single rod for fixing to the tank.

And FIG. 7 is a partial view, from the front and along arrow VII, of the spring of FIG. 6.

The reference numeral 1 designates in Figures 1 to 5, a collection bin.

Here, tray 1 is made of high density polyethylene (HDPE). But it can for example be made of metal, at least in part.

In FIG. 1, the tank 1 rests in a usual position of use, on a reference plane P. This is for example the ground.

Here, the plane P is substantially horizontal. The description of the invention is made by considering the tank 1 or its constituents in this position.

The terms "lower" and "upper" are defined by considering this position. They respectively designate a location close to and relatively distant from the plane P, perpendicular to the latter.

Similarly, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" refer to orientations parallel and perpendicular to the plane P, respectively.

It is however specified that the tank 1 or its components can take various positions in space, different from those of the examples, in particular during its use.

In the examples, it is a bin 1 for collecting waste.

But the tray 1 can have other destinations or uses, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, tray 1 can be used in the food industry.

The tank 1 comprises a tank 2, which defines a useful volume 3 of internal loading.

This useful volume 3 has the function of collecting waste, for which it therefore forms a container.

The useful volume 3 is here substantially prismatic in shape with a horizontal rectangular base.

Its collection capacity is of the order of one to several hundred liters, for example from 100 to 1,000 liters. Tray 1 is said to be "high capacity".

The volume 3 opens outwardly from the tank 2, to an opening 4. It is through the opening 4 that the loading of the waste is carried out.

Here, the opening 4 is located at an upper face of the tank 2. It is delimited by an upper edge 5 of the tank 2.

The edge 5 is extended substantially parallel to the plane P, over the entire periphery of the tank 2.

In Figure 1 the reference 7 designates wheels, here four in number. They are mounted on the tank 2, near its lower horizontal face.

The wheels 7 allow the movement of the tank 1 by rotation on the reference plane P. In this example, they are directional.

Also, the tray 1 includes a cover 6.

The cover 6 is articulated on the tank 2, so as to be displaceable as indicated by the arrow D in FIGS. 1 and 5.

By acting, in one direction or the other, according to arrow D on the cover 6, the latter is moved between a state known as completely open (in broken lines in FIG. 1), and a state known as closed (not shown) .

In the open state, the cover 6 releases the opening 4 to allow loading of the volume 3. The cover 6 is then substantially vertical.

In the closed state, the upper opening 4 is covered.

And the volume 3 is closed off substantially hermetically by the cover 6. The latter is then in abutment against the upper edge 5, generally horizontally.

The reference 8 designates damping pads, interposed between the cover 6 and the edge 5, in the closed state.

The studs 8 are here made of relatively flexible material such as rubber, and are rigidly fixed on the upper edge 5, facing the cover 6.

The pads 8 have the function of dampening the noise nuisance due to the coming into contact with the tank 2 of the cover 6, when the latter has reached its closed state.

Therefore, the studs 8 do not act on the movement D of the cover 6.

But they define its closed state, while absorbing some of the noise pollution caused when the cover arrives in this state.

The reference numeral 9 designates a pivoting articulation which connects the cover 6 to the tank 2.

The articulation 9 is generally extended parallel to the horizontal, and defines an axis of rotation X. This axis X also defines a transverse direction of the tank 1.

The axis X is arranged here near the upper edge 5, along a wall 10 called the rear of the tank 2.

The wall 10 is here extended substantially vertically, in the transverse direction (X) of the tank 1.

The tank 1 comprises braking means 11.

These braking means 11 have the function of acting on the cover 6 during (and therefore during) its passage from the open state to its closed state.

More particularly, the braking means 11 satisfy the following functionalities.

They allow significant and sufficient braking of the fall of the cover 6 when it is closed.

In fact, they reduce the noise pollution caused by the arrival in the closed position of the cover 6.

And they limit the violence with which the cover risks hitting a member of a user who is inadvertently between the edge 5 and the cover 6, when the latter is closed.

They do not oppose the complete sealing, substantially hermetic and under the effect of gravity, of the tank 2 by the cover 6.

This is to confine in volume 3, the collected waste and / or odor nuisance, for example.

This closure must be maintained, under normal conditions of use and except in the case of voluntary opening, after closing the cover 6.

Thus, the means 11 must not cause the unintentional opening of the tank 1, in particular during its storage and its handling, for example on the wheels 7.

Also, the braking means 11 must not hinder the complete opening of the cover 6, by a rotation D, here of substantially 3/4 of a turn (270 degrees).

Nor should they hinder the maintenance of the cover 6 vertically when it is completely open (FIG. 1) against the outside of the rear wall 10 of the tank 2.

It is also desirable that the means 11 occupy a reduced bulk, and do not annoy the users of the tank 1.

As for the above, the braking means 11 are generally arranged without their projecting from the outside of the tank 1.

This also makes it possible to limit the accessibility to these means 11, the risk of hooking of collected objects, as well as the possible injuries (scratches, for example) of users (and therefore to guarantee their safety).

In FIG. 1, the means 11 are mounted on the tank 1, between handles 13 for handling the tank 1 and a part of the articulation 9 secured to the cover 6, so to further limit the risks of loss or untimely dismantling.

It follows from the above that the braking means 11 are functionally different from the pads 8.

It is also understood that the action of the pads 8 and means 11 is complementary, against noise pollution.

Generally, the braking means 11 comprise at least one elastically deformable member 12.

The expression "elastically deformable" means that the member 12 is capable of following at least in part, the relative displacement D of the cover 6 and of the tank 2, by opposing this displacement D a force proportional to its deformation in the field elastic.

And this without causing the opening of the cover 6, once closed.

In an example not shown, a tank 1 is provided with two members 12, spaced from one another along the axis X of articulation.

This makes it possible to distribute the effects of the braking means 11 over the length of the axis X.

So that the members 12 do not project transversely towards the outside of the tank 1, they are in the examples, arranged at a distance from the ends of the axis X, as in FIG. 5.

Each member 12 mounted on a tank 1 is capable of being secured on the one hand to the tank 2 and on the other hand to the cover 2.

Provision can be made for the braking means 11 to be constantly active, between the open and closed states.

But in the examples, the braking means 11 are arranged so as to be active at the end of the closing stroke of the cover 6 until close to the closed state.

Here they are active until this state.

On the other hand, the means 11 are deactivated over the rest of the travel of the cover 6, so that its pivoting is then free.

The elastically deformable members 12 illustrated comprise at least one spring, metallic in the examples.

In FIGS. 2 to 4, one end 14 of the spring of the member 12 is rigidly fixed to the tank 2.

While its other end 15 is provided with a support zone 16, intended to cooperate with a contact surface of the cover 6.

In FIG. 1, the contact surface 17 is arranged on the cover 6, at its so-called internal face opposite the useful volume 3, in the closed state.

In general, the bearing zone 16, and therefore the contact surface 17, are arranged radially at a distance from the axis X of the articulation 9.

This makes it possible to obtain a chosen lever arm, and depending on the stiffness of the member 12, a predetermined effect of the means 11 on the cover 6.

In FIGS. 2 to 7, the member 12 of the braking means 11 comprises a stainless steel wire, of the "piano cord" type, with a diameter of approximately 4mm.

In the example of Figures 2 to 5, the wire forming the member 12 is folded and wound.

It thus defines a general shape of an inverted "U", as visible in the vetical plane parallel to the X axis, in FIG. 3.

• Deux parties droites 18, perpendiculaires à l'axe X et sensiblement verticales, ici de 100 mm env. de long (pour fixation sur cuve 2).
• Deux spires 19, distantes suivant l'axe X, sur environ un tour et demie chacune (pour favoriser la déformation élastique de freinage du couvercle 6). les spires 19 sont étendues perpendiculairement à l'axe X.
• Une partie droite horizontale (environ 75mm) entre les deux spires 19, qui forme avec deux tronçons de liaison 20 la zone d'appui 16, elle aussi en forme de "U" (figure 4).

This organ 12 includes:

• Two straight parts 18, perpendicular to the X axis and substantially vertical, here 100 mm approx. long (for fixing on tank 2).
• Two turns 19, spaced apart along the X axis, over about one and a half turns each (to promote the elastic braking deformation of the cover 6). the turns 19 are extended perpendicular to the axis X.
• A horizontal straight part (about 75 mm) between the two turns 19, which forms with two connecting sections 20 the support zone 16, also in the shape of a "U" (FIG. 4).

The weight of the wire is here of the order of 25 grams.

The mechanical characteristics of the member 12 are calculated to give the means 11 a robustness guaranteeing their efficiency of use for several years, under the usual conditions.

Note in Figure 2 that in a plane perpendicular to the axis X, the support area 16 is extended at an angle A, of the order of 5 ° to 15 ° relative to the horizontal.

In fact, the zone 16 is extended from the outside towards the inside of the tank 1, from the turns 19 towards the inside of the volume 3, and towards the lower part of the tank 1.

The angle A makes it possible to determine the sector of action of the means 11, here the sector of the displacement D during which the cover 6 is biased by means 11 during closing.

According to the embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, the means 11 do not include a single, but two elastically deformable members 12, such as that which is illustrated.

In this example, the members 12 are mounted at a distance along the axis X, from one another as well as from the transverse ends of the edge 5, and near the articulation 9.

In general, each of the members 12 has a structure comparable to that of the member in FIGS. 2 to 4.

Therefore, similar structures are designated by the same references.

Here, the bearing zone 16 of the elastically deformable member 12 is in the form of a substantially circular loop, as visible in FIG. 7.

And the bearing zone 16 projects substantially with respect to the vertical with an angle B of the order of 5 to 15 °, in the open state of the cover 6, to the right of the upper peripheral edge 5.

The action sector of the member 12 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is therefore greater than that of the example of FIGS. 2 to 4.

A dimension C of the straight part 18 or rectilinear rod defining the end 14, is here of the order of 70mm. On the tank 1, this part 18 is substantially vertical.

As for the previous examples, the turn 19 is centered on the axis X. Its internal diameter R is of the order of 15mm.

The straight part 18 is connected to the turn 19 by a section 21.

The section 21 forms an angle F of the order of 12 ° relative to the horizontal, in a plane perpendicular to the axis X (Figure 6).

While the connecting section 20 between the turn 19 and the area 16, forms an angle G of the order of 50 ° relative to the vertical.

The sections 20 and 21 are therefore here extended substantially at 22 ° from one another.

The maximum horizontal dimension H of the member 12 in FIG. 6 is of the order of 45mm.

In FIG. 7, the diameter J of the loop of the zone 16 is of the order of 22mm.

And the maximum distance K vertically, between zone 16 and the axis X is of the order of 58mm.

In FIG. 5, a member 12 in the form of a metal spring is mounted on the tank 1 so that its end 14 is rigidly fixed to the cover 6.

While its other end 15 is provided with a support zone 16 intended to cooperate with a contact surface 17 of the tank 2, formed radially at a distance from the axis X of the articulation 9.

In this example, the member 12 follows the cover 6 freely, until the zone 16 abuts against the surface 17, here a vertical part of the handle 13 of the tank 2.

Then the member 12 is elastically deformed, in order to oppose a predetermined resistance at the end of the closing stroke of the cover 6.

As in the previous examples, this deformation causes the ends 14 and 15 to be angularly brought together around the axis X, towards the inside of the tank 1.

The elastically deformable member 12 comprises in the examples at least one anchoring part on the tank 1.

This is the turn 19, which is mounted around the axis X of the joint 9. This makes the means 11 unintentionally unassemblable.

Also, the deformable member 12 comprises in the examples of Figures 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, at least one angular positioning part. It is the rectilinear part 18, which is housed in an orifice 22 in the tank 2.

In FIG. 5, the part comprising the end 14 is housed in an orifice (not shown) in the cover 6.

In general, the invention includes all solutions for slowing down the cover falling comprising one or more elastically similar deformable members.

Claims (7)

Collection tank (1), for example of waste, comprising: a collection tank (2); a cover (6) movable between an open state of access to the interior of the tank (2) and a closed state of substantially hermetic closure of the tank (2); a pivoting articulation (9) which connects the cover (6) to the tank (2) and whose axis (X) is generally extended horizontally, when the tank (1) is in a position of use; and braking means (11) of the cover (6) when passing from its open state to its closed state, characterized in that these braking means (11) comprise at least one spring (12), for example metallic, of which one end (14) forming a rectilinear part (18), is housed in an orifice of the tank (2), while its other end (15) is provided with a support zone (16), projecting by example substantially horizontally in the open state of the cover (6), in line with an upper part of the tank (2), such as a peripheral edge (5), and intended to cooperate with a contact surface (17) of the cover (6), the bearing zone (16) being provided at a distance radially from the axis (X) of the articulation (9); the spring (12) being arranged so as to be active at the end of the closing stroke of the cover (6) until it is close to or closed, while it is deactivated on the rest of the cover stroke (6). Tray (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support zone (16) projects with an angle (A) of the order of 5 to 15 ° relative to the horizontal, in the state open the cover (6), in line with an upper part of the tank (2), such as a peripheral edge (5). Collection tank (1), for example of waste, comprising: a collection tank (2); a cover (6) movable between an open state of access to the interior of the tank (2) and a closed state of substantially hermetic closure of the tank (2); a pivoting articulation (9) which connects the cover (6) to the tank (2) and whose axis (X) is generally extended horizontally, when the tank (1) is in a position of use; and braking means (11) of the cover (6) when passing from its open state to its closed state, characterized in that these braking means (11) comprise at least one spring (12), for example metallic, of which one end (14) forming a rectilinear part, is housed in an opening in the cover (6), while its other end (15) is provided with a support zone (16) projecting, for example substantially vertically in the open state of the cover (6), in line with an upper part of the tank (2), such as a peripheral edge (5), and intended to cooperate with a contact surface (17) of the tank (2), spaced radially from the axis (X) of the articulation (9); the spring (12) being arranged so as to be active at the end of the closing stroke of the cover (6) until it is close to or closed, while it is deactivated on the rest of the travel of the cover (6), so that its pivoting is then free. Container (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the support zone (16) projects with an angle (A) of the order of 5 to 15 ° relative to the vertical in the open state of the cover (6), in line with an upper part of the tank (2), such as a peripheral edge (5). Tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that damping pads (8) are interposed between the cover (6) and the edge (5) of the tank (2), for example rigidly fixed on the upper edge (5) of the tank (2) opposite the cover (6). Tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the support zone (16) is in the form of a loop. Container (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the spring (12) comprises at least one part for anchoring to the container (1), such as turn (19), mounted around the hinge axis (X) (9).

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