EP0774424B1 - 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 according to the preamble of claims 1 and 3, provided with means of braking of the closing of its cover, for example intended for waste collection.

Many collection bins, and in particular those with large volume, include a tank and a lid shutter of the tank.

Generally, the cover is pivotally mounted around an axis extended horizontally, in the usual position use of the tank.

Known collection bins have disadvantages.

The weight of such covers is all the more important that the capacity of the tank increases. And their closing under the effect of gravity is fast, even brutal.

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

On the other hand, bodily accidents occur frequently during closing, both among the individual and professional users of collection.

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

Bin 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 shapes and basically involve multi-coil springs requiring adaptations either in the lid or in the tank of the bac.

The invention aims to solve in particular these disadvantages.

A first object of the invention is a collection bin as defined in claim 1.

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

A second object of the invention is defined by the claim 3.

According to a particular characteristic, the support zone is in projection with an angle of the order of 5 to 15 ° relative to the vertical in the open state of the cover, to the right of a upper part of the tank, such as an edge peripheral.

According to a common characteristic, studs cushioning are interposed between the cover and the edge of the tank, for example rigidly fixed on the edge top of the tank opposite the cover.

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

La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un bac de collecte conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention, avec son couvercle dans un état intermédiaire avant fermeture (en trait plein), et à l'état complètement ouvert (en trait discontinu).

La figure 2 est une vue partielle d'un bac de collecte, en coupe suivant un plan perpendiculaire à la flèche II de la figure 1, et donc à l'axe d'articulation du couvercle, ce dernier n'étant pas représenté.

La figure 3 est une vue partielle, arrière et d'élévation d'un bac, suivant la flèche III de la figure 2.

La figure 4 est une vue partielle, en plan et de dessus d'un bac, suivant la flèche IV de la figure 3.

La figure 5 est une vue partielle, en perpective avant, d'un mode de réalisation de bac de collecte selon l'invention, dans lequel les moyens de freinage sont agencés à proximité d'un bord latéral supérieur de la cuve, le couvercle étant représenté dans un état intermédiaire de fermeture.

La figure 6 est une vue partielle, de côté, d'un mode de réalisation de ressort de moyens de freinage selon l'invention, à tige unique de fixation à la cuve.

Et la figure 7 est une vue partielle, de face et suivant la flèche VII, du ressort de la figure 6.

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 collecting tank 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 at 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 Figure 1, the tray 1 rests in a position usual use, on a reference plane P. It for example the soil.

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

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

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

However, it should be noted that bin 1 or its constituents can take various positions in space, different from those of the examples, in particular during use.

In the examples, it is a collection bin 1 of waste.

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

The tank 1 includes a tank 2, which delimits a useful interior loading volume 3.

The purpose of this useful volume 3 is to collect waste, for which it therefore forms a container.

The useful volume 3 is here substantially shaped prismatic with 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, at an opening 4. It is through opening 4 that the loading of waste.

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

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

In FIG. 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 movement by rolling from tray 1 on the reference plane P. They are in this directional examples.

Also, the tray 1 includes a cover 6.

The cover 6 is articulated on the tank 2, of so as to be movable as indicated by the arrow D on Figures 1 and 5.

By acting, one way or the other, according to the arrow D on cover 6, the latter is moved between a state called completely open (in broken lines on the Figure 1), and a so-called closed state (not shown).

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

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

And volume 3 is substantially closed tightly by the cover 6. The latter is then in support against the upper edge 5, generally at the horizontal.

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

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

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

So the pads 8 do not act on the displacement D of cover 6.

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

The reference numeral 9 designates an articulation swivel which connects the cover 6 to the tank 2.

Joint 9 is generally extended parallel to the horizontal, and defines an axis of rotation X. This axis X also defines a direction cross section of tank 1.

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

The wall 10 is here extended substantially to the vertical, in the transverse direction (X) of 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 meet the following functionality.

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

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

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

They don't object to the full shutter, substantially airtight and under the effect of gravity, the tank 2 by the cover 6.

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

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

Thus, the means 11 must not cause unintentional opening of tray 1, especially when storage and handling, for example on wheels 7.

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

Nor should they hinder the maintenance of cover 6 vertically when fully open (Figure 1) against the outside of the rear wall 10 of the tank 2.

It is also desirable that the means 11 occupy reduced footprint, and does not bother users from tray 1.

For the above, we generally have the braking means 11 without protruding outside of tray 1.

This also limits accessibility to these means 11, the risk of snagging of collected objects, as well as possible injuries (scratches, example) of users (and therefore guarantee their security).

In FIG. 1, the means 11 are mounted on the tray 1, between handles 13 for handling tray 1 and a part of the joint 9 integral with the cover 6, so further limit the risk of loss or disassembly untimely.

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

We also understand that the action of pads 8 and means 11 is complementary, against nuisance sound.

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

The expression "elastically deformable" means that organ 12 is able to follow at least in part, the relative displacement D of the cover 6 and of the tank 2, in opposing this displacement D an effort proportional to its deformation in the elastic domain.

And this without opening the cover 6, once closed.

In an example not shown, a tray 1 is provided of two members 12, spaced from each other along the X axis of articulation.

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

So that the organs 12 do not protrude transversely towards the outside of tray 1, they are in the examples, arranged at a distance from the ends of the axis X, as in Figure 5.

Each member 12 mounted on a tank 1 is able to be secured on the one hand to the tank 2 and on the other hand to the cover 2.

It can be provided that the braking means 11 are constantly active, between open and closed states.

But in the examples, the braking means 11 are arranged to be active at the end of the race closing 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 on the rest of the stroke of the cover 6, so that its pivoting is then free.

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

In Figures 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 bearing zone 16, intended to cooperate with a surface of cover contact 6.

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

In general, the support zone 16, and therefore the contact surface 17 are spaced radially apart of the X axis of the joint 9.

This provides a chosen lever arm, and depending on the stiffness of the member 12, an effect predetermined means 11 on the cover 6.

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

In the example of FIGS. 2 to 5, the wire forming the member 12 is folded and rolled up.

It thus defines a general form of "U" overturned, as visible in the vetical plane parallel to the X axis, in Figure 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 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 X axis, the support area 16 is extended at an angle A, of the order of 5 ° to 15 ° relative to the horizontal.

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

The angle A allows to determine the sector of action means 11, here the displacement sector D during which the cover 6 is biased by means 11 during the closure.

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

In this example, the members 12 are mounted at distance along the X axis, from each other as well as transverse ends of edge 5, and close to the joint 9.

In general, each of the organs 12 to one structure comparable to that of the member in FIGS. 2 to 4.

So similar structures are denoted by the same references.

Here, the support zone 16 of the deformable member 12 elastically is substantially loop-shaped circular, as shown in figure 7.

And the support zone 16 projects substantially through relative 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 edge upper device 5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sections 20 and 21 are therefore extended here approximately 22 ° from each other.

The maximum horizontal dimension H of the member 12 of Figure 6, is of the order of 45mm.

In FIG. 7, the diameter J of the loop of the area 16 is around 22mm.

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

In FIG. 5, a member 12 in the form of a spring metal, is mounted on tray 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 surface of contact 17 of tank 2, arranged radially away from the X axis of the joint 9.

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

Then the member 12 is elastically deformed, to offer a predetermined resistance at the end of the closing the cover 6.

As with the previous examples, this deformation causes an angular approximation of ends 14 and 15 around the X axis, towards the inside of the tray 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 X axis of the joint 9. This makes the means 11 unintentionally unmountable.

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

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

In general, the invention includes all lid drop slowdown solutions comprising one or more deformable members elastically similar.

Claims (6)

1. A collection receiver (1), for example for waste, comprising: a collection vessel (2); a cover (6) movable between an open state for access to the inside of the vessel (2) and a closed state for substantially airtight closure of the vessel (2); a pivoting articulation (9) which connects the cover (6) to the vessel (2) and whose axis (X) lies roughly horizontal, when the receiver (1) is in a position of use; and means (11) of braking the cover (6) when passing from its open state to its closed state, characterised in that these braking means (11) comprise at least one spring (12) having a convolution (19), for example metallic, one end (14) of which, forming a straight part (18), is housed in an orifice in the vessel (2), whilst its other end (15) is provided with a bearing area (16), projecting, for example substantially horizontally in the open state of the cover (6), at right angles with a top part of the vessel (2), such as a peripheral edge (5), and intended to cooperate with a contact surface (17) of the cover (6), the bearing area (16) being provided at a distance radially from the axis (X) of the articulation (9); the convolution (19) of the spring (12) being wound over substantially one and a half turns along the axis (X) of the articulation (9), so as to make the spring (12) active at the end of closure travel of the cover (6) until close to the closed state or up to this state, whilst it is deactivated over the remainder of the travel of the cover (6); the spring (12) being mounted with the convolution (19) between a part of the articulation (9) fixed to the cover (6) and a part of the receiver (1) in contact with the articulation (9), for example a handle (13) for handling the receiver (1).
2. A receiver (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the bearing area (16) projects with an angle (A) of around 5 to 15° with respect to the horizontal, in the open state of the cover (6), at right angles with a top part of the vessel (2), such as a peripheral edge (5).
3. A collection receiver (1), for example for waste, comprising: a collection vessel (2); a cover (6) movable between an open state for access to the inside of the vessel (2) and a closed state for substantially airtight closure of the vessel (2); a pivoting articulation (9) which connects the cover (6) to the vessel (2) and whose axis (X) lies roughly horizontal, when the receiver (1) is in a position of use; and means (11) of braking the cover (6) when passing from its open state to its closed state, characterised in that these braking means (11) comprise at least one spring (12) having a convolution (19), for example metallic, one end (14) of which, forming a straight part (18), is housed in an orifice in the cover (6), whilst its other end (15) is provided with a bearing area (16), projecting, for example substantially vertically in the open state of the cover (6), at right angles with a top part of the vessel (2), such as a peripheral edge (5), and intended to co-operate with a contact surface (17) of the vessel (2), provided at a distance radially from the axis (X) of the articulation (9); the convolution (19) of the spring (12) being wound over substantially one and a half turns along the axis (X) of the articulation (9), so as to make the spring (12) active at the end of closure travel of the cover (6) until close to the closed state or up to this state, whilst it is deactivated over the remainder of the travel of the cover (6), so that its pivoting is then free; the spring (12) being mounted with the convolution (19) between a part of the articulation (9) fixed to the cover (6) and a part of the receiver (1) in contact with the articulation (9), for example a handle (13) for handling the receiver (1).
4. A receiver (1) according to Claim 3, characterised in that the bearing area (16) projects with an angle (A) of around 5 to 15° with respect to the vertical, in the open state of the cover (6), at right angles with a top part of the vessel (2), such as a peripheral edge (5).
5. A receiver (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that damping studs (8) are interposed between the cover (6) and the edge (5) of the vessel (2), for example rigidly fixed to the top edge (5) of the vessel (2) opposite the cover (6).
6. A receiver (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the bearing area (16) is in the form of a loop.

Images