EP3476768A1 - Waste collection and drainage system - Google Patents

Abstract

A waste collection and disposal system combining a truck-type vehicle (10) comprising on the one hand a chassis equipped with lifting means (11) for containers (20) and storage means (12) for waste, and on the other hand containers (20) stationed in waste collection areas and whose bottom comprises at least one emptying hatch (22). The vehicle (10) comprises lifting means (11) applying on at least one side face of the container (20), provided with hooking means (21) able to keep the container (20) substantially vertical during movement between a parked position and a drain position.

Description

The present invention is in the field of waste collection, and more particularly relates to a system and a method of collecting household waste. These are temporarily stored in dedicated places in the communes where are grouped, on the ground or buried, storage containers dedicated to the various types of household waste most common (plastic, paper-cardboard, glass, metal, garbage) housewives etc.).

The waste is then periodically collected by means of specialized vehicles which are responsible for emptying the containers before replacing them, empty, for renewed use. For this purpose, the vehicles comprise means of lifting the containers making it possible to move them over skips / tanks for storing waste which equip the rear part of their chassis, and in which the contents of the containers are dumped. These lifting means may for example take the form of a crane or equivalent located at the rear of the vehicle control cabin and by means of which the containers are lifted and transported to arrange them over a dump to empty them. In this case, when the container arrives above an upper opening of the bucket, at least one hatch equipping the bottom of the container is open to allow emptying from below. This is for example what is disclosed in the document FR 2,461,664 .

A variant is described in the patent US 3,207,343 , which presents a solution whose lifting system consists mainly of articulated arms whose rotation, perpendicular to the main axis of the vehicle, is controlled by a first motorized pulley system and cable. A second set motorized pulley / cable allows the lifting of the containers, cable which also participates in the opening of a hatch at the time of the emptying. The collection / emptying is in an axial direction, that is to say that the treated containers must be placed in front of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, lifted over it before being emptied and make the opposite way to be redeposited on the ground.

Alternatively, there are containers of another design that cooperate with lifting means in the form of arms that grip laterally, that is to say at vertically oriented walls, the containers and tilt in the waste collection tanks. The arms lift the container to move it over the truck, then turn them to empty them from above, after retracting the lid.

The respective configurations of the two aforementioned lifting means lead to different processing times, lifting and emptying operations performed by a crane requiring 3 to 5 minutes while the side arms perform a drain in about 45 seconds, because of automation of gripping and kinematics own means corresponding. This temporal advantage is, however, tarnished by certain consequences of top-emptying, which in any case means that the waste-emptying function takes place at the top of these containers, which is also the one used by users for the posting function of their waste.

However, the particular nature of these two functions makes them difficult to reconcile in one and the same place, in particular because the upper part of the containers is the one seen by the users, and if it is also used for emptying, it is found inevitably soiled. Container emptying means that the drain hatch must be located at the level of the top cover and, in this case, the emptying operation very often leaves traces of coulure since the household waste contains in many cases liquid residues. This greatly impairs the attractiveness of the container, as users do not like to see, let alone touch dirty surfaces where their garbage is posted.

In this hypothesis of tilting of the container, taking into account the mechanical constraints related to the emptying operations, and for reasons of durability, the upper part must also be planned robust. The inversion of the containers produces a sudden tilting of the lid-hatch, leading to repetitive shocks that cause premature aging of the structure, without it being possible to provide additional mechanisms limiting the forces experienced by the drain hatch, for example by making the opening progressive. The necessary robustness at the top of the containers translates into practice by using massive, unsightly pieces, at a time when the design of street furniture has become an unavoidable issue, especially for commercial purposes.

Moreover, because of these violent shocks that undergoes the cover-discharge hatch, it is not possible to implement potentially fragile components such as electronic access controls. However, the trend in this area is also the automation of operations, the collection of operational data and the digital management of the container parks, which impose the implementation in containers of a suitable electronics.

The invention overcomes these disadvantages, by proposing an innovative solution based on a fast kinematics of the type used in the turning solution, without the discharge and postage functions of the waste being located in the same place, thus avoiding mutual limitations. due to their cohabitation and described previously.

Thus, the waste collection and disposal system of the invention combines on the one hand a truck-type vehicle comprising a chassis equipped with container lifting means and waste storage means, and on the other hand containers parked in waste collection areas and whose bottom has at least one drain hatch, and is such that the vehicle comprises lifting means applying to at least one side face of the container, and provided with means for hooking able to keep the container substantially vertical during movements between a parked position and a drain position.

The solution of the invention in fact avoids any turning operation, and maintains separate the two functions, including distinguishing their locations on the container, which are in practice the opposite of one another. The lifting means applying laterally, however, have the same qualities of diligence of the emptying operations, because allowing the use of a suitable kinematics. It is therefore no longer necessary to move the containers over the vehicle cabin, which greatly simplifies the management of travel, and saves time. In reality, it is the combination of the location of the lifting means and the vertical holding of the containers that makes the system efficient.

In fact, according to a preferred configuration, the lifting means may comprise at least one lift arm rotatably mounted on the chassis along an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the free end of which is capable of catching a gripping system protruding from at least one side of the container, said arm being moved by drive means between a deployed position for attachment and a drain position in which the door is above an opening giving access to the waste storage means.

More specifically, the lifting means may comprise two lifting arms disposed symmetrically on each side of the container, so that the load of the container is distributed between these arms. The axis of rotation of the arm or arms can then be located on or in the vicinity of one of the sides of the truck, and implement optimal and fast kinematics mainly based on a single rotary path to be performed in both directions. The axis of rotation can also be moved vertically.

According to one possible configuration, the lift arm comprises two sections, a first section whose free end has a hinge to the chassis of the vehicle and a second section whose free end is shaped and adapted to cooperate with the attachment means of the vehicle. gripping system of the container, said sections being mutually oriented so as to place the container vertically above an opening of the storage means in the emptying position.

In this position, preferably, the container and the lifting means are held within the surface constituted by the footprint of the vehicle. It is also the storage position of the lifting means when they are not activated, and therefore do not leave the vehicle volume, at least in width.

Preferably, the opening and closing of the emptying hatches of the container is, according to a configuration of the invention, in a progressive manner and controlled by the lifting arm or arms which actuate vertically a rudder located inside the container and is connected to the drain hatch via tie rods. The actuation of the pallet rack can be carried out in particular by means such as at least one hydraulic or electric cylinder, or by any other appropriate solution.

The mechanical structure is thus provided for the displacement to induce an automatic opening / closing of the emptying hatch (s), without any other human intervention, when the container is in the vicinity or right of the opening of the storage tanks. waste.

This opening may for example take the form of an upper opening hopper, often provided with waste grinding means.

1. a. déplacement du ou des bras de levage depuis une position de rangement contenue au moins latéralement dans le volume du véhicule vers une position déployée hors dudit volume ;
2. b. accrochage du conteneur ;
3. c. déplacement inverse du ou des bras de levage vers la position de vidange du conteneur;
4. d. Ouverture de la trappe de vidange du conteneur;
5. e. Fermeture de la trappe de vidange du conteneur;
6. f. déplacement du ou des bras de levage vers la position déployée pour reposer le conteneur ;
7. g. décrochement du conteneur ;
8. h. déplacement du ou des bras de levage vers la position de rangement du ou des bras.

The invention also relates to a method of collecting and emptying waste using the system described previously for emptying containers, and which comprises the following steps:

1. at. moving the lift arm (s) from a storage position contained at least laterally in the vehicle volume to an extended position out of said volume;
2. b. hooking of the container;
3. c. reverse movement of the lifting arm (s) to the emptying position of the container;
4. d. Opening of the emptying hatch of the container;
5. e. Closing the emptying hatch of the container;
6. f. moving the lifting arm (s) to the extended position to rest the container;
7. g. unhooking of the container;
8. h. moving the lifting arm (s) to the storage position of the arm (s).

This method allows implementation of the emptying of a container with increased speed and robustness, the steps can individually be implemented in an easy and reliable manner, kinematics and mechanical structures involved being simplified.

In general, the advantages of the invention are numerous. The fact that the drain hatches are in the low position, placed on the ground when the containers are parked in their usual areas, making possible in particular a massive design and a realization for example galvanized steel hatches or hatches. The system implemented also makes the opening of traps progressive, eliminating the brutality and shocks of previous solutions and de facto lengthening the life of containers.

The separation of functions also allows the upper part to benefit from improved aesthetics, and also the implementation of sensitive equipment such as electronic components or assemblies involved in the individual or collective management of the device. or containers. Thus, the introduction of household waste ports may for example be equipped with a double drum with access control, which was impossible in the case of a configuration undergoing repeated and intense mechanical stresses.

Finally, and this is not the least expected benefit, the upper part of each container can remain clean and therefore adapted to its main purpose: encourage users to deposit their household waste for recycling.

• la figure 1 représente, en double vue perspective et en section, un véhicule et un conteneur de déchets encore au sol dans l'aire de collecte des déchets, les moyens de levage déployés et accrochés au conteneur ;
• la figure 2 montre, en double vue perspective et en section, une phase intermédiaire de levage ;
• la figure 3 illustre, toujours en double vue perspective et en section, la fin du déplacement, conteneur positionné au-dessus d'une ouverture d'une trémie donnant accès aux moyens de stockage des déchets du véhicule, avant que ceux-ci n'y soient déversés ;
• la figure 4 reprend les éléments de la figure précédente, les trappes équipant le conteneur étant à présent ouvertes pour libérer les déchets ;
• la figure 5 représente de façon plus détaillée le mode de fonctionnement desdites trappes en lien avec les moyens de levage, à l'aide de vues de côté du conteneur respectivement trappes fermées et ouvertes ; et
• la figure 6 reprend les éléments de la figure précédente, avec des vues à l'intérieur du conteneur montrant la structure de commande à palonnier de la position des trappes.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended figures which represent an example of non-limiting implementation of the invention, and for which:

• the figure 1 represents, in double perspective view and in section, a vehicle and a waste container still on the ground in the waste collection area, the lifting means deployed and hooked to the container;
• the figure 2 shows, in double perspective view and in section, an intermediate phase of lifting;
• the figure 3 illustrates, always in double perspective perspective and in section, the end of the displacement, container positioned above an opening of a hopper giving access to the means of storage of the waste of the vehicle, before these are spilled therein ;
• the figure 4 takes again the elements of the previous figure, the hatches equipping the container being now opened to release the waste;
• the figure 5 shows in more detail the mode of operation of said hatches in connection with the lifting means, with side views of the container respectively closed and open hatches; and
• the figure 6 takes again the elements of the previous figure, with views inside the container showing the control structure with rudder of the position of the hatches.

With reference to the figure 1 the vehicle 10, in this case a waste collection truck, comprises lifting means 11 of a container 20 placed on the ground in a waste collection area. It also comprises waste storage means in the form of a volume 12 enclosures located at the rear, on the chassis of the vehicle 10. Access to these storage means 12 is via a hopper 13, generally provided with a compactor (not shown), which directs the waste to the volume 12. The lifting means are in this case consist of twin arms 14, the free ends are attached to the attachment means in the form of gripping systems 21 arranged symmetrically on two opposite vertical faces of the container 20. The sectional view of this figure 1 shows that the arms 14 are rotated by a drive shaft 15 which may be the case may be driven vertically disposed parallel to and in the vicinity of a sidewall of the vehicle 10. The bottom of the container 20 is provided with two hatches 22 pivoting along two opposite lower edges of the container 20, in this case located at the bottom of the equipped faces means for attaching the arms 14.

The following figures make it possible to understand the progress of the collection phases, the figure 2 showing the lifting means 11 during displacement of the container 20, in this case lifted at a height from the ground such that it is at a level higher than that of the upper opening of the hopper 13, although said container 20 is still outside the vehicle.

On the contrary, in figure 3 , the container 20 is now located right of the hopper 13, ready to dump the waste it contains. The lower hatches 22 are however still closed, which is no longer the case in the figure 4 . It should be noted that in the configurations of Figures 3 and 4 when the container 20 is in the emptying position, centered above the hopper, it is in abutment at a position which is also that of the "storage" of the empty lifting means 11. In this case, the section of the lifting arm 14 which is contiguous with the rotation shaft 15 is of vertical shape and does not protrude beyond the chassis of the vehicle 10, but remains on the contrary in the volume area of the vehicle 10. In fact, and this is part of the simplicity of the configuration, the lifting means 11, and therefore the arms 14, always carry out the same and unique path, whether to go to grab a container or to resume a rest position stored in the vehicle 10 after having redeposited, so empty, or to move a container to the hopper 13 or redeposit, therefore supported.

The Figures 5 and 6 give details of the operation and more specifically the control of the position of the hatches 22 relative to the rest of the container 20.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6 , the hatches 22 are actually controlled by a spreader 24 to which are attached rods 25 whose distal ends are pivotally connected in brackets 26 protruding from the upper face of each of the flaps 22. The ends of the spreader 24 slide in slides 27 formed in the two opposite walls of the container 20 which are also fixed gripping systems 21. The slideways 27 are provided in such a length that when the ends of the rudder 24 arrive in stop at the upper end of the slide 27, the hatches 22 are completely closed, while when in contact with the lower end of the slide 27, the hatches 22 are open. The lifter 24 can be moved, as mentioned before and in a non-limiting manner, by means of at least one hydraulic or electric cylinder. The operation appears from the inside of the container 20 in figure 6 , and seen from outside in Figure 7, without these drive means.

In this external representation, each lateral gripping system 21 is in the form of an external upright 23, the upper part of which protrudes from the container 20 has a cylindrical stud 28 laterally adapted to cooperate with the free end unciform of each arm 14 An open hook towards the top of the arms 14, of such shape that the stud 28 matches its internal profile, raises from below the container 20 on both sides, the shape matching ensuring a degree of freedom in rotation which allows to preserve at each moment the verticality of the container 20 which rests there by gravity.

The uprights 23 also guide the movement of a hook 29 movable vertically, also open upwards, and which supports on each side an end of the spreader 24 which protrudes from the container 20 outside the slide 27. According to a possibility , the external upright 23 is secured to the opposite faces of the container 20 by means of a fixed hook 30.

It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the example described and explained with reference to the figures, which should be considered as a simple non-exhaustive illustration of the invention. This encompasses, on the contrary, variants of particular form falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims (9)

A waste collection and disposal system combining a truck-type vehicle (10) comprising on the one hand a chassis equipped with lifting means (11) for containers (20) and storage means (12) for waste, and on the other hand containers (20) stationed in waste collection areas and whose bottom comprises at least one emptying hatch (22), characterized in that the vehicle comprises lifting means (11) applying on to least one side face of the container (20), provided with hooking means (21) able to maintain the container (20) substantially vertical during movement between a parked position and a drain position. Waste collection and disposal system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lifting means (11) comprise at least one lifting arm (14) rotatably mounted on the frame along an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis. of the vehicle (10), the free end of which is capable of hooking onto a gripping system (21) protruding from at least one face of the container (20), said arm (14) being displaced by means of driving between a deployed position for attachment and a drain position in which the door (22) is above an opening (13) giving access to the storage means (12) waste. Waste collection and disposal system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises two lifting arms (14) arranged symmetrically on each side of the container (20). Waste collection and disposal system according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the axis of rotation is located on or in the vicinity of one side of the truck (10). Waste collection and disposal system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the axis of rotation is vertically displaceable. Waste collection and disposal system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lifting arm (14) comprises two sections, a first section whose free end comprises an articulation to the chassis of the vehicle and a second section whose free end is uncoupled and adapted to cooperate with the gripping means (28) of the gripping system (21) of the container (20), said sections being mutually oriented so as to place the container (20) vertically above an opening (13) of the storage means (12) in the emptying position. Waste collection and disposal system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening and closing of the flaps (22) for emptying the container (20) is done in a progressive manner and controlled by the arm (s). (14) which actuate vertically a spreader (24) located inside the container (20) and connected to each flap (22) of drainage by means of tie rods (25). Waste collection and disposal system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuation of the spreader (24) is effected by means such as at least one hydraulic or electric cylinder. A method of collecting and discharging waste using the system of the preceding claims for emptying the containers (20), characterized in that it comprises the following steps: at. moving the lifting arm or arms (14) from a storage position contained at least laterally in the vehicle volume (10) to an extended position out of said volume; b. hooking the container (20); c. reverse movement of the lifting arm or arms (14) to the emptying position of the container (20); d. Opening the flap (22) for emptying the container (20); e. Closing the trap (22) for emptying the container (20); f. moving the one or more lifting arms (14) to the extended position to rest the container (20); g. detachment of the container (20); h. moving the lifting arm or arms (14) to the storage position of the arm or arms (14).

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