EP4606732A1

EP4606732A1 - Waste container

Info

Publication number: EP4606732A1
Application number: EP25157359.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Reinier Imre Anton DEN BOER; Paul H.M. Verhesen
Original assignee: ESE World BV
Current assignee: ESE World BV
Priority date: 2024-02-20
Filing date: 2025-02-12
Publication date: 2025-08-27

Abstract

The present invention relates to a waste container (10) for the temporary storage of waste and/or valuable materials and to a method for discharging the same. The waste container (10) has a container body (11), comprising a ceiling area (12), a side wall (13) and a container bottom (14), which delimit a receiving space (15), a partition device (16) within the receiving space (15), which is provided to divide the receiving space (15) into two or more compartments (15a, 15b) separated from one another, a bottom flap device (17) in the region of the container bottom (14), which has two or more bottom flap elements (17a, 17b) which are movable, in particular pivotable, at the lower end of the receiving space (15), whereby the two or more bottom flap elements (17a, 17b) are movable in the region of the container bottom (14), in particular pivotably, at the lower end of the side wall (13) or at the container bottom (14), and an actuator device (20) which is provided such that it is capable of actuating the individual bottom flap elements (17a, 17b) individually and independently of one another, wherein the actuator device (20) has a number of two or more individual actuator elements (21), and wherein each actuator element (21) is connected to at least one bottom flap element (17a, 17b) via an actuating device (18). In order that the bottom flap elements assigned to the compartments can be handled by means of a structurally simple actuator device, the actuator device (20), in particular the actuator elements (21), is/are additionally also designed as a gripping device, which is provided for lifting and moving the waste container (10).

Description

The present invention relates to a waste container according to the preamble of patent claim 1, which is provided for receiving and temporarily storing waste and/or valuable materials. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for discharge such a waste container and to a lifting device for the waste container.
Waste containers are known in the state of the art in a wide variety of ways.
One type of waste container, which forms the basis of the present invention, has a container body comprising a side wall, an upper ceiling area and a lower container bottom. These components delimit the receiving space for the waste and/or valuable materials to be thrown in. At least one insertion opening is located in the ceiling area or in the upper area of the side wall. Emptying takes place near the bottom, for example via the bottom of the container. For this purpose, the bottom of the container has at least one discharge opening, which is closed by a bottom flap device. The bottom flap device is, for example, pivotably arranged on the lower area of the side wall or on the container bottom. The bottom flap device can be moved back and forth between a first filling state, in which the bottom flap device closes the discharge opening, and a second, different discharge state, in which the bottom flap device opens the discharge opening. The bottom flap device is operated via an actuator device. In order to empty a waste container of this type, it is generally intended that the waste container is moved from its filling position, in which the waste container is filled in its intended use, to a discharge position, in which the waste container is emptied, for example in a waste collection device, such as a waste collection vehicle. For this purpose, the waste container has a gripping device which co-operates with a lifting device which co-operates with the waste collection device. The lifting device grips the gripping device of the waste container, lifts the waste container from its filling position and moves it to its discharge position. In the discharge position, the actuator device is actuated so that the bottom flap device releases the discharge opening. Once the discharge process is complete, the discharge opening is closed again via the bottom flap device by actuating the actuator device accordingly. The waste container is then returned to its filling position by the lifting device and the lifting device is separated from the gripping device of the waste container.
Waste containers of this type are also widely known in the state of the art.
EP 1 172 308 B1 , for example, discloses such a waste container. The waste container is an above-ground waste container and has a single receiving space for waste. The container bottom has a bottom flap device comprising two bottom flap elements. Both bottom flap elements are pivotably arranged on the side wall of the waste container in the area of the container bottom. A single large discharge opening is provided in the bottom of the container, which is closed by the two bottom flap elements. A gripping device, which co-operates with an external lifting device, is provided in the centre of the ceiling area of the waste container. This gripping device is designed as a hollow profile element, which is firmly connected to the ceiling device of the waste container at one end. At the other, opposite end, the gripping device has a gripping element projecting outwards from the hollow profile element, which is gripped by the lifting device so that the waste container can be lifted. An actuator device for actuating the bottom flap elements is slidably guided within the gripping device. The actuator device has a single actuator element. The gripping device and the actuator device form a spatial unit here. However, the actuator device and the gripping device are functionally designed as separate, independent components. This means that they do not form a functional unit. The function of the gripping device is to lift and move the waste container in conjunction with the lifting device. The actuator device has the function of actuating the bottom flap device.
The actuator element, which is rod-shaped, has a first end with an outwardly projecting gripping element, which is gripped by the lifting device so that the waste container can be emptied. The gripping element of the actuator element is located above the gripping element of the gripping device at all times.
Each bottom flap element is connected to a second end of the single actuator element via an associated actuating device, in particular in the form of a rod-shaped device. By actuating the actuator device, in particular the actuator element, both bottom flap elements are moved simultaneously and in a coupled manner.
To empty the waste container, its gripping device is first gripped by the lifting device and the waste container is moved from the filling position to the discharge position. The bottom flap elements are closed during this process. In this state, the rod-shaped actuator element is pushed into the hollow profile element of the gripping device. The gripping element of the actuator device is located just above the gripping element of the gripping device. In the discharge position, the actuator element of the waste container is actuated in such a way that the two bottom flap elements swivel and thus release the discharge opening. To do this, the actuator element is moved relative to the gripping device by pulling the actuator element out of the gripping device, causing the gripping element of the actuator device to move upwards and away from the gripping element of the gripping device. The gripping element of the gripping device remains stationary.
The waste in the waste container can now be transferred to the waste collection device. The actuator element is then actuated again via the lifting device so that the bottom flap elements close the discharge opening again. To do this, the actuator element is pushed into the gripping device of the waste container, causing the gripping element of the actuator device to move in the direction of the gripping element of the gripping device. The waste container is then returned to its filling position by means of the lifting device and the lifting device is separated from the gripping device.
Since in this known solution both bottom flap elements are connected to the single actuator element via the respective actuating device, the bottom flap elements can only be moved simultaneously, i.e. together. However, individual, independent actuation of the bottom flap elements is not possible.
Such a waste container is advantageous, for example, if only a single fraction of waste or valuables is to be collected in the waste container.
In the recent past, however, there has been an increasing trend towards configuring waste containers in such a way that two or more different fractions of waste and/or valuable materials can be collected separately from each other at the same time, for example glass, metal, plastic, paper, textiles, biowaste, residual waste and the like. For this purpose, the receiving space of the waste container is divided into two or more compartments, which is realised, for example, by corresponding partition devices within the container body, which divide the receiving space into the desired number of compartments. Each compartment is usually assigned its own insertion opening. A specific waste fraction can then be filled into each compartment. The different waste fractions usually have to be emptied separately and therefore independently of each other into the waste collection system, a waste collection vehicle for example. This is done via corresponding discharge openings in the area of the container bottom. To enable separate discharge into the waste collection system, the bottom flap device generally has a number of bottom flap elements, with one bottom flap element being assigned to each compartment of the waste container in particular. It is necessary that each bottom flap element can be actuated individually and independently of the other bottom flap elements, so that during the discharge process only the desired bottom flap element of the compartment to be emptied is actuated. The solution known from EP 1 172 308 B1 is not suitable for this, as there the two bottom flap elements are actuated in a coupled manner.
There was therefore a need to make it possible for waste containers with several compartments, that each compartment can get emptied individually and independently of the other compartments. This requires that each compartment is assigned to an individual bottom flap element and that the operation of the bottom flap elements can be controlled individually.
Various solutions for this are disclosed in EP 2 808 273 A1 . The starting point of these solutions is a waste container, which is designed here in the form of an underfloor waste container. The waste container has a container body consisting of a ceiling area, a side wall, and a container bottom. The receiving space delimited by the aforementioned components is divided into a number of compartments by partition walls, each compartment serving to receive a fraction of waste and/or valuable materials. A separate individual insertion opening is provided in the ceiling area for each compartment. A bottom flap device is provided in the area of the container bottom, which consists of a number of bottom flap elements that are pivotably attached to the lower end of the side wall. A bottom flap element is assigned to each compartment, via which the discharge opening of the compartment can be closed or opened. The individual bottom flap elements can be actuated individually and independently of each other via an actuator device, so that only certain bottom flap elements are actuated depending on the discharge process, while other bottom flap elements remain closed. For the purpose of discharge, the waste container has a central gripping device in the ceiling area, via which the waste container can co-operate with an external lifting device. The actuator device is used to move the bottom flap elements back and forth between different positions.
According to a first design variant in this known solution, the gripping device is designed as a hollow profile element, which is firmly connected to the ceiling area of the waste container at one end. At the other end, the gripping device has an outwardly projecting flange, which is gripped by the lifting device so that the waste container can be lifted. The gripping device is stationary. An actuator device for actuating the bottom flap elements is slidingly guided within the gripping device. The actuator device has a single actuator element. Here too, the gripping device and the actuator device form a spatial unit. However, as described above, the gripping device and the actuator device do not form a functional unit here either. Here too, the actuator element has a first end with an outwardly projecting flange, which is gripped by the lifting device so that the waste container can be emptied. The gripping element of the actuator element is located above the gripping element of the gripping device. Each bottom flap element is connected to one end of the actuator element via an associated actuating device, in particular in the form of a linkage device. The connection is realised in such a way that the bottom flap elements can be coupled or decoupled to/from the actuator element via lever elements as required. When the actuator device, in particular the actuator element, is actuated, only those bottom flap elements that are coupled to the actuator element at that time are moved simultaneously. If individual compartments of the waste container are not to be emptied during the discharge process, the corresponding discharge openings remain closed via the corresponding bottom flap elements by decoupling the bottom flap elements from the actuator element.
If individual bottom flap elements are to be prevented from opening during the discharge process, they must therefore be decoupled from the actuator element. This is done by actuating a key, whereby each compartment and thus each bottom flap element assigned to the compartment has assigned such a key. The keys are arranged in the area of each compartment in the ceiling area of the waste container. This represents a considerable design effort. A further disadvantage is that before discharge, staff must first manually operate the required keys, which are also located in the ceiling area of the waste container, away from the central gripping device. Errors can also occur, for example if the wrong keys are used.
To empty the waste container, its stationary, i.e. immovable, gripping device is gripped by the lifting device and the waste container is moved into the discharge position. The bottom flap elements are closed during this process. In the discharge position, the actuator element of the waste container is actuated by the lifting device in such a way that the bottom flap elements coupled to the actuator element swivel and thus release the discharge opening. To do this, the actuator element is moved relative to the gripping device by pulling the actuator element out of the gripping device, causing the gripping element of the actuator device to move upwards away from the stationary gripping element of the gripping device. However, the decoupled bottom flap elements remain in their closed position. The waste in the waste container can be transferred to the waste collection system.
The actuator element is then actuated again via the lifting device so that the bottom flap elements close the discharge opening again. To do this, the actuator element is pushed into the gripping device of the waste container, causing the gripping element of the actuator device to move in the direction of the gripping element of the gripping device.
The waste container is then returned to its filling position and the lifting device is disconnected from the gripping device and the actuator device.
The disadvantage of this known solution is that the individual compartments of the waste container cannot be emptied automatically. Instead, once a compartment has been emptied, the waste container must first be put down again. The emptied compartment must then be locked manually, while the next compartment to be emptied is unlocked manually by decoupling it from the actuator device. This is a very time-consuming process.
According to a second design variant, this known solution initially provides a stationary gripping device provided centrally in the ceiling area of the waste container, which co-operates with the lifting device to move the waste container between its filling position and its discharge position. In addition, an actuator device is provided which has a separate, individual actuator element for each bottom flap element. The actuator device therefore has more than one actuator element. For lifting and positioning, the waste container is gripped by the lifting device via the gripping device. To open the bottom flap elements individually, only the actuator element assigned to the bottom flap element is then actuated. As the actuator elements are spatially distanced from the gripping device, the gripping device, and the actuator device form neither a spatial nor a functional unit. A correspondingly complex lifting device is therefore required here.
In the aforementioned solutions known from the state of the art, the static gripping device and the dynamic actuator device are always separate, independent components, particularly in functional terms. The sole purpose of the gripping device is to move the waste container into the desired position using the lifting device. The sole purpose of the actuator device is to actuate the bottom flap device of the waste container so that it either opens or closes the discharge opening.
The solutions known from the state of the art are designed in such a way that the gripping element of the gripping device is always located below the gripping element of the actuator device. To open the bottom flap elements, the actuator device is pulled upwards in relation to the gripping device, whereby the gripping element of the actuator device moves away from the gripping element of the gripping device. To close the bottom flap elements, the actuator device is pushed in the direction of the gripping device, whereby the gripping element of the actuator device moves in the direction of the gripping element of the gripping device.
Starting on the state of the art described above and the associated disadvantages, it is the object of the present invention to further developing a waste container with several compartments of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that the bottom flap elements assigned to the compartments can be operated individually and independently of one another in a structurally simple manner, whereby the number of components required for an discharge process of the waste container is minimised.
According to the invention, this object is solved by the waste container with the features according to independent patent claim 1, which represents the first aspect of the invention, by the lifting device with the features according to independent patent claim 14, which represents the second aspect of the invention, and by the method for discharging such a waste container with the features according to independent patent claim 15, which represents the third aspect of the invention.
Further features and details of the invention can be derived from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details that are described in connection with the waste container according to the invention also apply in full in connection with the lifting device according to the invention and the method according to the invention, and vice versa in each case, so that with regard to the disclosure of one aspect of the invention, full reference is always made to the disclosure of the other aspects of the invention. In particular, features of the lifting device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are also explained in the context of the description of the waste container.
The basic idea of the present invention is that the gripping device, which is provided for lifting and moving the waste container, and the actuator device, which is provided for actuating the bottom flap elements, are now combined. As a result, they not only form a spatial unit, but also a functional unit. According to the invention, the actuator device and the gripping device are combined or grouped into one single component, both structurally and functionally. The basis of the present invention is the actuator device, which is movable, i.e. dynamic, and which now also assumes and provides the function of the gripping device. A separate, independent, and static gripping device, as is necessary in prior art solutions, is no longer required. As will be described in greater detail below, the present invention thus represents a paradigm shift compared to the prior art.
According to the invention, only the movable actuator device, which co-operates with a corresponding external lifting device, is required for moving, i.e. for lifting, for moving to the discharge position, for returning to the filling position and for opening and closing the bottom flap device. The lifting device is used to move the waste container towards and away from the waste collection system. The actuator device thus provides an interface between the waste container and the lifting device.
The waste container of the present invention can be designed in different ways, for example as an above-ground waste container, or as an underground waste container, or as a semi-underground waste container. Underground waste containers are perfect for places with a high volume of waste and have a capacity of 3 to 7 m³, for example. The present invention is not limited to a specific capacity. Whilst the waste is stored underground, only a minimal surface area is required above ground. Semi-underground waste containers also offer a huge filling volume, thus ensuring long discharge intervals and reducing maintenance costs. The space requirement is low, as only a small part, for example a third, of the volume is visible. The invention is not limited to specific areas of application or types of waste containers.
According to the first aspect of the invention, a waste container is provided which comprises the features of independent patent claim 1.
The waste container is used for the temporary storage of waste and/or valuable materials, wherein several different fractions of waste and valuable materials can be stored separately from one another in the waste container at the same time. Consequently, the term "waste" in the sense of the present description and the present invention does not only subsume waste in the conventional sense, but also any form of valuable materials and recyclable materials. A "waste fraction" in the sense of the present description and the present invention is in particular a specific type of waste/valuable material, and in particular the smallest separable unit of a type of waste/valuable material.
The waste container comprises a container body consisting of a side wall, an upper ceiling area and a lower container bottom. These components delimit the receiving space for the waste and/or valuables to be thrown in and received in the container body. At least one insertion opening is located in the ceiling area or in the upper area of the side wall. Discharge takes place close to the floor, for example via the bottom of the container. For this purpose, the bottom of the container comprises at least one discharge opening.
In order to provide different compartments in the receiving space, a partition device is provided inside the receiving space, which divides the receiving space into two or more separate compartments. According to one embodiment, the partition device has at least one partition wall or partition plate. The partition device is used to divide the receiving space into two or more, for example three, four or more compartments. The invention is not limited to a specific number of compartments. This depends, for example, on how many waste fractions are to be stored simultaneously and separately from one another in the waste container. The number of compartments also depends on the size of the waste container. In the following, the waste container is often described being provided with four compartments as an illustration, although the invention is of course not limited to this. In this case, the partition device can, for example, have two partition plates or walls, which are cross-shaped and aligned perpendicular to each other.
The individual compartments are closed in the area of the container bottom via a bottom flap device. A discharge opening is assigned to each compartment. According to one embodiment, each compartment has its own individual discharge opening. However, depending on the type of waste stored and the design of the waste collection device, scenarios in which two or more compartments have a single common discharge opening are also conceivable and are therefore included in the present invention.
The bottom flap device is arranged on the waste container, in particular on the container body. According to one embodiment, the bottom flap device is arranged on the lower area of the side wall or on the container bottom. According to another embodiment, the bottom flap device is arranged on the partition device, for example a partition wall or plate.
According to one embodiment, the bottom flap device is pivotably arranged on the waste container by means of one or more hinge devices. The bottom flap device is moved back and forth between a first filling state, in which the bottom flap device closes the discharge opening(s), and a second discharge state deviating therefrom, in which the bottom flap device opens the discharge opening(s). Depending on where the hinge device(s) is/are arranged on the waste container, the folding direction of the bottom flap device and thus the direction of movement of the waste emptied from the waste container can be controlled.
According to the invention, the bottom flap device has two or more bottom flap elements which are arranged movably, in particular pivotably, on the waste container, for example at the lower end of the side wall or on the container bottom or on the partition device. One bottom flap element is assigned to each compartment. The bottom flap elements correspond to the corresponding discharge openings of the compartments. According to one embodiment, the number of discharge openings corresponds to the number of bottom flap elements. According to one embodiment, each compartment has its own individual bottom flap element. However, depending on the type of waste stored and the design of the waste collection device, scenarios are also conceivable, and thus encompassed by the present invention, in which two or more compartments have a single common bottom flap element. According to one embodiment, the bottom flap elements are pivotably arranged at the lower end of the side wall or at the bottom of the container. In this case, the bottom flap elements preferably swivel in the opposite direction to each other. In this case, the waste to be emptied slides in the direction of the centre axis or the centre of the container body during the discharge process. According to another embodiment, the bottom flap elements are pivotably arranged at the lower end of the partition device. In this case, the hinge device is preferably a type of "butterfly" hinge device. In this case, the waste to be emptied slides towards the edge area of the container body during the discharge process.
Furthermore, the waste container comprises an actuator device which is provided so that it is capable to actuate the individual bottom flap elements individually and independently of each other. This means that the bottom flap device is operated via the actuator device. An "actuator" is generally a device that generates a movement. The actuator device of the present invention can be designed in different ways. According to one embodiment, the actuator device is provided for generating a linear movement, in particular in a vertical direction. The vertical direction is in particular parallel to the direction of the height extension of the waste container. Some examples of this are explained in more detail further on in the description.
The actuator device comprises a number of two or more individual actuator elements. According to one embodiment, the actuator elements are provided to generate a linear movement, in particular in a vertical direction. The vertical direction is again in particular parallel to the direction of the height extension of the waste container. Each actuator element is connected to at least one bottom flap element via an actuating device. According to one embodiment, each actuator element is connected to a single bottom flap element. This means that the number of actuator elements corresponds to the number of bottom flap elements. Each actuator element is individually and independently connected to a bottom flap element via its own actuating device. In this way, a bottom flap element can be actuated, i.e. brought into an open or closed position, individually and independently of the other bottom flap elements by actuating the actuator element assigned to it. According to one embodiment, in which the receiving space of the waste container is divided into four compartments and to each compartment is assigned a bottom flap element, the actuator device has four such actuator elements. Depending on the discharge process, only certain bottom flap elements can be actuated, while other bottom flap elements remain closed. According to one embodiment, one bottom flap element is assigned to each actuator element. In this case, the number of actuator elements corresponds to the number of bottom flap elements. According to another embodiment, two or more bottom flap elements can also be assigned to a common actuator device.
In accordance with the invention, the actuator device, i.e. in particular the actuator elements, is now also designed as a gripping device, which is provided for lifting and moving the waste container. In other words, the actuator elements also assume the function of the gripping device.
This means that a separate gripping device that is independent of the actuator device, as is required in the prior art and which represents a stationary component, is no longer required according to the invention. Instead, this gripping function, which consists of moving the waste container from its filling position to the discharge position and then returning it, is also performed by the actuator device. In addition to the opening and closing function for the bottom flap elements, the actuator elements therefore also have a gripping function for an external lifting device.
In order to empty such a waste container, it is generally intended that the waste container is moved from its filling position, in which the waste container is filled in its intended use, to a discharge position, in which the waste container is emptied, for example into a waste collection system, such as a waste collection vehicle. For this purpose, the waste container comprises the actuator device with gripping function, which co-operates with a lifting device which in turn co-operates with the waste collection system. According to the invention, this gripping function is performed by the actuator device, in particular by the actuator elements. That means that the gripping function is thus also movable. The lifting device grips the actuator device of the waste container, lifts the waste container from its filling position and moves it to its discharge position. In the discharge position, the actuator device is actuated so that the bottom flap device releases the discharge opening. Once the discharge process is complete, the discharge opening is closed again via the bottom flap device by actuating the actuator device accordingly. The waste container is then returned to its filling position by the lifting device and the lifting device is disconnected from the actuator device of the waste container.
The actuator elements of the actuator device can be designed in various ways. According to one embodiment, at least one actuator element is designed as a hook element, in particular as a closed hook element. According to one embodiment, at least one actuator element is designed as an eyelet element. According to one embodiment, at least one actuator element is designed as a three-dimensional body element, for example as a closed hollow body element, as a solid body element or the like. In this case, the actuator element can, for example, be designed as a flange, a plate, a knob, a ball, or the like. In the aforementioned cases, the actuator element is then connected to the actuating device via which the actuator element is connected to the bottom flap element. According to one embodiment, at least one actuator element is designed as a, preferably elongated, profile element, for example a hollow profile element or solid profile element, which has a hook element or a three-dimensional body element at one end. At the other end, the profile element is then connected to the actuating device, via which the actuator element is connected to the bottom flap element. In the light of the present invention, an elongated component is, in particular, a component whose extension in the longitudinal direction is greater than its extension in the cross-sectional direction. Since the actuator device comprises more than one actuator element, the actuator elements are each designed in the same way according to one embodiment. Or, according to another embodiment, combinations of different types of actuator elements are realised.
According to one embodiment, a supporting body device is provided which projects outwards, i.e. away from the ceiling area, preferably in a central position from the ceiling area, i.e. from the centre or centre of gravity or centre of gravity of the ceiling area. The supporting body device extends upwards, for example vertically or approximately vertically, from the outer surface of the ceiling device. In this case, the direction of extension of the supporting body device is parallel or approximately parallel to the height extension of the waste container. The height extension of the waste container is its extension from the container bottom over the height of the side wall up to its ceiling area.
The actuator elements are guided outside and/or inside the supporting body device. In particular, the supporting body device has a supporting function and/or a carrying function and/or a guiding function for the actuator elements.
According to one embodiment, the supporting body device is designed as a housing or a hollow profile element, in particular as an elongated hollow profile element. In this case, the actuator elements are preferably guided within the supporting body device, in particular in a movable manner, for example in a sliding manner. According to one embodiment, the supporting body device is designed as a backbone. The term "backbone" refers in particular to the spine or stabilising element of the waste container, which gives it sufficient rigidity and stability. In this case, the actuator elements are preferably guided outside the backbone device, in particular in a movable, e.g. sliding, manner. According to one embodiment, the actuator elements are guided along the supporting body device in the longitudinal extension of the supporting body device, i.e. in its extension away from the ceiling device. According to another embodiment, the actuator elements are guided at the upper end of the supporting body device.
In the case of a backbone, the supporting body device can be cross-shaped, for example. If a partition device consisting of two cross-shaped partition walls is also provided in the receiving space of the waste container, the supporting body device and the partition device together can form this backbone, in order to give the waste container sufficient rigidity and stability. In such a case, the side wall of the container body does not need to have a load-bearing function and can, for example, be made of lightweight materials such as textile, film or similar. This reduces the weight of the waste container and makes it easier to transport. The latter design is particularly advantageous if the waste container is designed as an underfloor waste container which is inserted into a receiving pit formed in the floor and lined with a protective material such as concrete or the like.
According to one embodiment, the ceiling area of the waste container comprises a guide opening that corresponds to the lower end of the supporting body device. In this way, the actuating devices, via which the bottom flap elements are connected to the actuator elements, can pass through the guide opening and be connected to the actuator elements. Alternatively, the actuator elements extend through the guide opening into the receiving space of the waste container, so that the connection point between the fastening device and the actuator element lies within the receiving space of the waste container.
According to one embodiment, the actuator elements are guided individually and independently of one another, preferably with sliding movement, outside and/or inside the supporting body device. According to one embodiment, the movement of the actuator elements is a linear movement.
According to one embodiment, the actuator elements are provided with a direction of movement parallel to the height extension of the waste container.
According to one embodiment, the actuator elements are movable relative to the waste container, in particular relative to the container body or to the supporting body device, in particular with sliding movement. The movement takes place in a particular way, namely between two end positions. A first end position, which defines a closing position of the bottom flap elements, is at the maximum distance from the ceiling area. A second end position, which defines an opening position of the floor flap elements, is at a minimum distance from the ceiling area. In the present invention, all actuator elements are preferably gripped simultaneously and brought into the upper, first closing position. Or, in the initial situation, the actuator elements are always in the first, upper closing position. To open the bottom flap elements, at least one actuator element, and possibly several actuator elements, is then moved so that they move from the first upper end position to the second, lower end position. The actuator elements that are not required during the discharge process remain in the first, upper end position and thus assume the gripping function with which the waste container is held in the discharge position.
If, for example, the actuator device has n actuator elements that are connected to n bottom flap elements via corresponding actuating devices, up to n-1 actuator elements can be moved simultaneously from the first upper end position, the closing position, to the second lower end position, the opening position, during a discharge process. One actuator element must remain in at least the first upper end position to ensure the gripping function. Since different waste fractions are usually stored in the different compartments of the waste container, in reality it will usually be the case that one or at most two compartments are emptied at the same time, so that at least one actuator element is always available to ensure the gripping function.
The present invention thus represents a paradigm shift compared to the solutions known from the prior art. In the known solutions, the situation is exactly the opposite. There, the first end position, which defines a closing position of the bottom flap elements, is at a minimum distance from the ceiling area. The second end position, which defines the opening position of the bottom flap elements, is at the maximum distance from the ceiling area. To open the bottom flap elements and release the discharge opening, the actuator elements, which are connected to the bottom flap elements via corresponding actuating devices, must be pulled from the lower first position to the upper second end position. For this reason, these known solutions always require a further additional stationary gripping device that is independent of the actuator elements, via which the waste container is held while the actuator elements are actuated.
The actuating device, via which a bottom flap element is connected to an actuator device, can be designed in different ways. According to one embodiment, the actuating device is designed as a linkage device consisting of one or more linkage elements. If several linkage elements are present, these are preferably connected to each other in an articulated manner. According to one embodiment, the actuating device is designed as an elastic or flexible element. According to one embodiment, the actuating device is designed as a cable element. According to one embodiment, the actuating device is designed as a chain element. The invention is not limited to the examples mentioned.
According to one embodiment, the actuating device has a longitudinal extension that is greater than the height extension of the waste container. Or, in the case of an elastic actuating device, the actuating device can be given a longitudinal extension that is greater than the height extension of the waste container.
For example, the following configuration can be realised. In the filling position, the waste container usually stands on the floor. Alternatively, the waste container is located in a receiving pit that is closed at the bottom by a bottom element. In both cases, the bottom of the container rests on the floor, forcing the bottom flap elements to close. In this state, the actuator elements are at a minimum distance from the ceiling area of the waste container, which actually corresponds to the second end position, the opening position. This is advantageous for reasons of space and to protect the actuator elements. When the waste container is moved to a discharge position, the actuator elements are first moved from this initial position to the first end position, the closing position, which is at the maximum distance from the ceiling area, without the waste container already being lifted. As the actuating device is longer than the height extension of the waste container, this is possible without any problems. By moving the actuator elements to the first upper end position, the actuating device is tightened in such a way that the bottom flap elements remain in the closed position even when the waste container is lifted. The waste container can then be emptied in the manner described above. When the waste container is returned to the filling position, the waste container with the closed container flap elements initially rests on the floor while the actuator elements are still in the first, upper end position, the closed position. The actuator elements are only moved to the second, lower end position once the waste container has touched down on the floor so that the bottom flap elements can no longer open on their own. The excess length of the actuating device is accommodated within the receiving space of the waste container.
According to one embodiment, a throw-in column is provided around the supporting body device. This is particularly advantageous if the waste container is designed as an underfloor waste container. The waste is then thrown into the waste container via the throw-in column.
According to one embodiment, the waste container comprises at least one insertion opening, which is formed in the ceiling area or in the upper end area of the side wall. In particular, each compartment in the receiving space of the container body is assigned to an insertion opening. If the waste container has a throw-in column, the throw-in openings are preferably located in the throw-in column.
According to the second aspect of the invention, there is provided a lifting device for lifting and moving a waste container according to the first aspect of the invention, which comprises the features of independent patent claim 14.
In order to avoid repetition, reference is therefore also made here in full to the explanations relating to the first aspect of the invention. The lifting device can be part of a waste collection system, a waste collection vehicle for example, or co-operate with such a system. For example, the lifting device can be a crane device, which is arranged on a waste collection vehicle.
The lifting device comprises one or more lifting elements, which are provided to interact with the actuator device, in particular the at least one actuator element. During a lifting process, the lifting device is coupled to the actuator device of the waste container. In particular, the lifting elements are coupled to the actuator elements. According to one embodiment, a lifting element of the lifting device is associated with each actuator element of the actuator device of the waste container. According to one embodiment, the actuator device has four actuator elements and the lifting device has four lifting elements. The invention is of course not limited to such an embodiment.
According to one embodiment, the lifting elements are designed in such a way that they can interlock with the actuator elements. For this purpose, the lifting elements, and possibly also the actuator elements, have suitable locking elements.
Such a lifting device makes automated lifting, moving and discharge of the waste container possible in particular. According to one embodiment, the lifting elements are designed to perform a movement corresponding to the actuator elements, for example a linear movement, such as a vertical movement, in particular parallel to the height extension of the waste container. According to one embodiment, the lifting elements are provided in such a way that they are capable to grip the actuator elements from above, in particular vertically, which can be done automatically, for example. If the lifting elements have corresponding locking elements, in particular those that can be actuated automatically, this can prevent the lifting elements from being unintentionally released from the actuator elements. The actuator elements are then gripped in their entirety via the lifting elements, which represents a gripping function of the waste container. Individual lifting elements and thus individual actuator elements can now be actuated, which results in actuation of the respective associated bottom flap element, thereby releasing the corresponding discharge opening.
According to the present invention, only the movable actuator device of the waste container is required, which co-operates with a corresponding external lifting device. The waste container is moved towards and away from the waste collection system via the lifting device. The actuator device thus provides an interface between the waste container and the lifting device. Depending on the configuration, the lifting device can have one or more lifting elements that interact with the actuator elements of the actuator device. A lifting element interacts with each actuator element. The lifting device simultaneously engages all the actuator elements of the actuator device. To lift and move the waste container, according to one embodiment, all the actuator elements are gripped simultaneously by the lifting elements of the lifting device and initially moved to the first upper end position, which effects the closing position of the bottom flap elements. In this case, all actuator elements only perform one gripping function. To open a bottom flap element, the corresponding actuator element is then moved to the second lower end position via the associated lifting element, which effects the opening position of the bottom flap element. All other actuator elements remain in the first upper end position.
According to the third aspect of the invention, a method for discharging a waste container is provided, which comprises the features of independent patent claim 15.
A waste container is emptied according to the first aspect of the invention, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is also made here in full to the explanations relating to the first aspect of the invention. The waste container is preferably moved by a lifting device according to the second aspect of the invention, so that, in order to avoid repetition, reference is also made here in full to the explanations relating to the second aspect of the invention.
The method is characterised by the following steps:

a) The actuator elements of the actuator device are gripped by an external lifting device, whereby the actuator elements are in a first end position, which defines a closing position of the bottom flap elements and which is at a maximum distance from the ceiling area, or are brought into the first end position, in particular by means of the lifting device.
b) The waste container is moved into its discharge position using the lifting device.
c) At least one actuator element is moved into a second end position, which defines an opening position of the floor flap elements and which is at a minimum distance from the ceiling area, and the floor flap element connected to the actuator element via the actuating device is moved into an open position.
d) After the discharge process, the actuator element located in the second end position is moved back to the first end position so that the bottom flap element connected to the actuator element is moved to a closed position via the actuating device.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Figures 1 to 3: by means of a schematic diagram, the basic structure, and the basic mode of operation of a waste container according to the invention;
Figures 4 to 6: a further embodiment of a waste container according to the invention;
Figure 7: a third embodiment of a waste container according to the invention;
Figure 8: the embodiment shown in Figure 7 with an insertion column;
Figures 9 and 10: the mode of operation of an actuator device according to a further embodiment of the invention;
Figures 11 and 12: a fourth embodiment of a waste container according to the invention; and
Figure 13: another example of an actuator device.

Figures 1 to 3 initially sketch an exemplary waste container 10. Figures 1 to 3 are used to explain the basic structure and basic mode of operation of the waste container 10, before various embodiments of the waste container are illustrated and explained in the remaining figures 4 to 13.
The waste container 10 is used for the temporary storage of waste and/or valuable materials, whereby several different fractions of waste and valuable materials can be stored separately from one another in the waste container 10 at the same time.
As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the waste container 10 has a container body 11 consisting of a side wall 13, an upper ceiling area 12 and a lower container bottom 14. These delimit the receiving space 15 for the waste and/or valuable materials to be thrown in. In order to create different compartments in the receiving space 15, a partition device 16 in the form of a partition wall 16a is provided within the receiving space 15, which divides the receiving space 15 into two separate compartments 15a, 15b. The individual compartments 15a, 15b are closed in the area of the container bottom 14 by a bottom flap device 17. Each compartment 15a, 15b is assigned to a discharge opening 28a, 28b, which are closed by the bottom flap device 17 and can be opened as required. The bottom flap device 17 consists of two bottom flap elements 17a, 17b, which are arranged on the lower area of the side wall 13 or on the container bottom 14 via a hinge device 17c.
A bottom flap element 17a, 17b is assigned to each compartment 15a, 15 and each discharge opening 28a, 28b.
Furthermore, the waste container 10 comprises an actuator device 20, which is provided so that it is capable to actuate the individual bottom flap elements 17a, 17b individually and independently of one another. The actuator device 20 comprises two individual actuator elements 21. Each actuator element 21 has a profile element 21b. At its upper end is a three-dimensional body part 21a in the form of a ball or knob. At its lower end, the profile element 21b is connected to an actuating device 18 in the form of a chain element 18a, and via this to the bottom flap element 17a, 17b. The chain element 18a has a longitudinal extension 18b that is greater than the height extension 25 of the waste container 10. The actuator elements 21 are provided with a direction of movement 24 parallel to the height extension 25 of the waste container 10.
The actuator device 20, i.e. the actuator elements 21, are also designed as a gripping device, which is provided for lifting and moving the waste container 10. This means that the actuator elements 21 also perform the function of the gripping device and, in this function, co-operate with an external lifting device 30. A separate gripping device for the actuator device 20, as is required in the prior art and which represents a stationary component, is no longer required according to the invention. Instead, this gripping function, which consists of moving the waste container 10 from its filling position 32 (Figure 1) to the discharge position 33 (Figures 2 and 3) and then returning it, is also performed by the actuator device 20. In addition to the opening and closing function for the bottom flap elements 17a, 17b, the actuator elements 21 thus also have a gripping function for an external lifting device 30.
Furthermore, a supporting body device 19 is provided which projects outwards, i.e. away from the ceiling area 12, from the centre or centre of gravity of the ceiling area 12. The supporting body device 19 extends upwards from the outer surface of the ceiling area 12, for example vertically or approximately vertically upwards. The supporting body device 19 is designed here as a hollow profile element 19a, and the actuator elements 21 are guided individually and independently of one another, preferably with sliding movement, within the supporting body device 19.
In order to empty the waste container 10, it is intended that the waste container 10 is moved from its filling position 32 (Figure 1), in which the waste container 10 is filled in the intended use, to a discharge position 33 (Figures 2 and 3), in which the waste container 10 is emptied, for example in a waste collection device, such as a waste collection vehicle. For this purpose, the waste container 10 comprises the actuator device 20 with gripping function, which co-operates with the lifting device 30, which co-operates with the waste collection system (not shown). According to the invention, this gripping function is performed by the actuator device 20, in particular by the actuator elements 21. The lifting device 30 grips the actuator device 20 of the waste container 10, which initially stands on the bottom 31, lifts the waste container 10 from its filling position 32 (Figure 1) and moves it to its discharge position 33 (Figures 2 and 3). In the discharge position 33, the actuator device 20 is actuated so that the bottom flap elements 17a, 17b release the discharge openings 28a, 28b.
In order to realise this discharge process, the actuator elements 21 are provided so that they can move, in particular slide, relative to the waste container 10, in particular relative to the supporting body device 19. The movement takes place in a particular manner, namely between two end positions 22, 23. A first end position 22, which defines a closing position of the bottom flap elements 17a, 17b, is at a maximum distance 22a from the ceiling area 12 (Figure 2). A second end position 23, which defines an opening position of the bottom flap elements 17a, 17b, lies at a minimum distance 23a from the ceiling area 12 (Figure 3). In the present invention, all actuator elements 21 are gripped simultaneously and brought into the upper, first end position 22, the closing position (Figure 2). To open the bottom flap elements 17a, 17b, at least one actuator element 21 is then moved so that it moves from the first upper end position 22 to the second, lower end position 23 (Figure 3). The actuator elements 21 that are not required during the discharge process remain in the first, upper end position 22 and thus assume the gripping function with which the waste container 10 is held in the discharge position 33.
After completion of the discharge process, the discharge openings 28a, 28b are closed again via the bottom flap elements 17a, 17b by corresponding actuation of the actuator device 20. The waste container 10 is then returned to its filling position 32 (Figure 1), i.e. to the floor 31, by the lifting device 30 and the lifting device 30 is disconnected from the actuator device 20 of the waste container 10.
According to one embodiment, which is shown in Figure 3a, the bottom flap elements 17a, 17b are arranged pivotably at the lower end of the partition device 16. In this case, the hinge device 17c is a type of "butterfly" hinge device. In this case, the waste to be emptied slides towards the edge area of the side wall 13 of the container body 11 during the discharge process. According to another embodiment, which is shown in Figure 3b, the bottom flap elements 17a, 17b are arranged pivotably at the lower end of the side wall 13 via hinge devices 17a. In this case, the bottom flap elements 17a, 17b preferably swivel in the opposite direction to each other. In this case, the waste to be emptied slides in the direction of the centre axis of the container body 11 during the discharge process.
Figures 4 to 6 show various views of a further embodiment of a waste container 10. The basic structure of the waste container 10 corresponds to the basic structure shown in Figures 1 to 3, with identical components being provided with identical reference numerals. With regard to these identical components, reference is therefore made to the corresponding explanations of Figures 1 to 3 in order to avoid repetition.
In the embodiment example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the receiving space 15 is divided into a total of four compartments, each compartment being assigned to a discharge opening 28, which in turn can be closed via a respective bottom flap element 17a, 17b, 17d, 17e. In the ceiling area 12 of the waste container 10, a separate insertion opening 27 is provided for each compartment.
In this embodiment, the supporting body device 19 is designed as a backbone 19b, which gives it sufficient rigidity and stability. In this case, the actuator elements 21 are preferably guided outside the supporting body device 19, in particular in a movable, for example sliding, manner. The actuator elements 21 are designed here as hook elements 21c. The hook elements 21c are each connected to a bottom flap element via an actuating device 18 in the form of a chain element 18a. Figure 6 shows this particularly clearly for the bottom flap element 17b. The actuator elements 21, 21c are guided at the upper end of the supporting body device 19.
In the case of the "backbone" 19b, the supporting body device 19 can be cross-shaped, for example. If a partition device 16 consisting of two cross-shaped partition walls 16a is also provided in the receiving space 15 of the waste container 10, the supporting body device 19 and the partition device 16 can together form this "backbone" in order to give the waste container 10 sufficient rigidity and stability. In such a case, the side wall 13 of the container body 10 does not have to assume a load-bearing function and can, for example, be made of lightweight materials. The waste container 10 shown in Figures 4 to 6 is designed as an underfloor waste container.
In the embodiment example shown in Figure 7, the waste container 10 has four compartments 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d. In the centre of the ceiling area 12 is a supporting body device 19, which projects upwards from the ceiling area 12. The supporting body device 19 is designed as a hollow profile element 19a. Four actuator elements 21, which are parts of the actuator device 20, are guided in this hollow profile element 19a. The actuator elements 21 can be moved individually and independently of each other. They are guided in corresponding guide hollow profile elements 19c. Each actuator element 21 consists of a profile element 21b, at the upper free end of which there is a three-dimensional body element 21a in the form of a knob or the like. Each three-dimensional body element 21 is gripped by an external lifting device (not shown). In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the actuator elements 21 are in the second end position with the three-dimensional body elements 21a at a minimum distance from the ceiling area (see Figures 1 to 3).
Figure 8 shows the embodiment example from Figure 7, whereby a throw-in column 26 is provided around the supporting body device 19. The insertion column 26 has differently designed insertion openings 27 for different fractions of waste and valuable materials.
Figures 9 and 10 show an example of an actuator device 20, whereby the actuator elements 21 are again guided in a supporting body device 19. Here too, the supporting body device 19 is designed as a hollow profile element 19a. Four actuator elements 21, which are parts of the actuator device 20, are guided in this hollow profile element 19a. The actuator elements 21 can be moved individually and independently of one another. They are guided in corresponding guide hollow profile elements 19c. Each actuator element 21 consists of a profile element 21b, at the upper free end of which there is a hook element 21c. Each hook element 21c is gripped by an external lifting device 30, as can be seen in particular in Figure 10. The lifting device 30 has four lifting elements 30a, with one lifting element 30a interacting with each hook element 21c. To lift and move the waste container, all four actuator elements 21 are gripped simultaneously by the lifting elements 30a of the lifting device 30 and initially brought into the first upper end position, which effects the closing position of the bottom flap elements. To open a bottom flap element, the corresponding actuator element is then moved into the second lower end position via the associated lifting element 30, which brings about the opening position of the bottom flap element. All other actuator elements 21 remain in the first upper end position. With regard to the mode of operation, reference is made at this point to the explanations relating to Figures 1 to 3.
Figures 11 and 12 show an embodiment example of a waste container 10, which has four compartments 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d. In the centre of the ceiling area 12 is a supporting body device 19, which projects upwards from the ceiling area 12. The supporting body device 19 is designed as a hollow profile element 19a. Four actuator elements 21, which are parts of the actuator device 20, are guided in this hollow profile element 19a. The actuator elements 21 can be moved individually and independently of each other. They are guided in corresponding guide hollow profile elements 19c. Each actuator element 21 consists of a rectangular profile element 21b, at the upper free end of which there is a hook element 21c. Each hook element 21c is gripped by an external lifting device (not shown) and can be moved back and forth in the direction of movement 24 between the first end position and the second end position (see also Figures 1 to 3 in this regard).
Finally, Figure 13 shows an example of a supporting body device 19, which is designed as a hollow profile element 19a. Four actuator elements 21, which are parts of the actuator device 20, are guided in this hollow profile element 19a. The actuator elements 21 can be moved individually and independently of one another. Each actuator element 21 consists of a rectangular profile element 21b, at the upper free end of which there is a plate element 21d, which extends outwards beyond the boundary of the profile element 21b. Each plate element 21d is gripped by an external lifting device (not shown). The actuator elements 21 are moved in the manner shown in Figures 1 to 3.
The waste containers shown in the various figures are provided in particular as underfloor waste collection containers.

List of reference numerals

10: Waste container
11: Container body
12: Ceiling area
13: Side wall
14: Container bottom
15: Receiving space
15a: Compartment
15b: Compartment
15c: Compartment
15d: Compartment
16: Partition device
16a: Partition wall
17: Bottom flap device
17a: Bottom flap element
17b: Bottom flap element
17c: Hinge device
17d: Bottom flap element
17e: Bottom flap element
18: Actuating device
18a: Chain element
18b: Longitudinal expansion of the actuating device
19: Supporting body device
19a: Hollow profile element
19b: Backbone
19c: Hollow guide profile element
20: Actuator device
21: Actuator element
21a: Three-dimensional body element
21b: Profile element
21c: Hook element
21d: Plate element
22: First end position
22a: Maximum distance to the ceiling area
23: Second end position
23a: Minimum distance to the ceiling area
24: Direction of movement of the actuator elements
25: Height extension of the waste container
26: Throw-in column
27: Insertion opening
28a: Discharge opening
28b: Discharge opening
30: Lifting device
30a: Lifting elements for the actuator elements
31: Floor
32: Filling position
33: Discharge position

Claims

Waste container (10) for the temporary storage of waste and/or valuable materials, comprising
a container body (11), comprising a ceiling area (12), a side wall (13) and a container bottom (14), which delimit a receiving space (15),

a partition device (16) within the receiving space (15), which is provided to divide the receiving space (15) into two or more compartments (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) separated from one another,

a bottom flap device (17) in the region of the container bottom (14), which has two or more bottom flap elements (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e) which are arranged movably, in particular pivotably, on the waste container (10), in particular at the lower end of the side wall (13) or on the container bottom (14) or on the partition device (16), and

an actuator device (20) which is provided so that it is capable of actuating the individual bottom flap elements (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e) individually and independently of one another, wherein the actuator device (20) comprises a number of two or more individual actuator elements (21), and

wherein each actuator element (21) is connected to at least one bottom flap element (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e) via an actuating device (18),

characterised in that

in that the actuator device (20), in particular the actuator elements (21), is/are additionally designed as a gripping device, which is provided for lifting and moving the waste container (10).
Waste container according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuator element (21) is designed as a hook element (21c), or in that the actuator element (21) is designed as a three-dimensional body element (21a, 21d), or in that the actuator element (21) is designed as a profile element (21b), which has a hook element (21c) or a three-dimensional body element (21a, 21d) at one end.
Waste container according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a supporting body device (19) is provided which projects outwards from the ceiling region (12), preferably in a central position from the ceiling region (12), and in that the actuator elements (21) are guided outside and/or inside the supporting body device (19).
Waste container according to claim 3, characterised in that the supporting body device (19) is a housing, or a hollow profile element (19a), or a backbone (19b).
Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the actuator elements (21) are provided with a direction of movement (24) parallel to the height extension (25) of the waste container (10).
Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the actuator elements (21) are provided movably relative to the waste container (10), in particular relative to the container body (11) or to the supporting body device (19), between two end positions (22, 23), wherein a first end position (22), which defines a closing position of the bottom flap elements (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e), is located at a maximum distance (22a) from the ceiling area (12), and wherein a second end position (23), which defines an opening position of the bottom flap elements (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e), is located at a minimum distance (23a) from the ceiling area (12).
Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the actuating device (18) is designed as a linkage device consisting of one or more linkage elements, as an elastic element, as a cable element, or as a chain element (18a).
Waste collection container according to claim 7, characterised in that the actuating device (18) has a longitudinal extension (18b) which is greater than the height extension (25) of the waste container (10).
Waste collection container according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that a bottom flap element (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e) is assigned to each actuator element (21).
Waste collection container according to anyone of claims 3 to 10, characterised in that a throw-in column (26) is provided around the supporting body device (19).
Waste collection container according to anyone of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the waste container (10) has at least one insertion opening (27) which is formed in the ceiling area (12) or in the upper end region of the side wall (13), and in particular in that an insertion opening (27) is assigned to each compartment (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) in the receiving space (15) of the container body (11).
Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the partition device (16) comprises at least one partition wall (16a).
Waste container according to anyone of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the waste container (10) is designed as an above-ground waste container, or as an underfloor waste container, or as a semi-underfloor waste container.
Lifting device (30) for lifting and moving a waste container (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 13, comprising one or more lifting elements (30a) which are provided to interact with the actuator device (20), in particular the at least one actuator element (21) of the waste container (10).
Method for discharging a waste container (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised by the following steps:
a) The actuator elements (21) of the actuator device (20) are gripped by an external lifting device (30), wherein the actuator elements (21) are located in a first end position (22), which defines a closing position of the bottom flap elements (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e) and which is located at a maximum distance (22a) from the ceiling area (12), or are brought into the first end position (22), in particular by means of the lifting device (30);

b) The waste container (10) is moved into its discharge position (33) via the lifting device (30);

c) At least one actuator element (21) is moved into a second end position (23), which defines an opening position of the bottom flap elements (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e) and which is at least (23a) remote from the ceiling area (12), and the bottom flap element (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e) connected to the actuator element (21) via the actuating device (18) is moved into an open position;

d) After the discharge process, the actuator element (21) located in the second end position (23) is moved back into the first end position (21) so that the bottom flap element (17a, 17b, 17d, 17e) connected to the actuator element (21) via the actuating device (18) is moved into a closed position.