FR2763051A1 - Automatic refuse collecting system using skip-based buffer storage - Google Patents

Abstract

A fixed casing (1), buried below street level (O), has one side compartment (4) accommodating electric and hydraulic auxiliaries, and another (6) liquid refuse tanks. Individual skips (8), normally stationed within this section, can be latched (17,18) to a mobile superstructure (5), which is then raised, by hydraulic rams, or screw jacks (13), for removal at street level. The increasing weight of each skip, as material is added through public access chutes (51), is monitored by a sensor (15) connected to a remote operations room; at a preset value the chute is locked off and collection arranged. Superstructure uprights carry public information panels, an inclined solar panel (72) providing electric power to the centre, and overhead lighting (71).

Description

 The present invention relates to a modular semi-buried mini-recycling center intended for the selective sorting upstream of waste by voluntary contributions, associated with a data transmission of the filling of the containers.

 Currently, door-to-door collections of household and similar waste, and of voluntary supply terminals, glass or paper type, are carried out according to a fixed frequency, and by sector, which obliges consumers to take out their bags or containers at defined times, this presence near the sidewalks and roadways brings in some cases, some nuisances such as: unhealthy, noises, smelly odors, unsightly, obstacles on the sidewalks and traffic congestion consecutive to the collection phase.

 A large number of bags or containers are handled during collection, and there is nothing to distinguish a full container from an empty container. This results in a random, even unpredictable, quantitative flow of waste.

The device according to the invention overcomes these drawbacks. According to a first characteristic, it includes an external freight elevator composed of:
* a visible upper part made up of: a box roofing the structure
mobile of the freight elevator; a number of access hatches corresponding to the container placed below them; a side box comprising two tanks, for oils and liquids, equipped with overflow hatches and drain fittings; panels: solar roof with autonomous lighting, information; a second side box comprising the oleodynamic pump, an electrical connection cabinet and a transmitter, a decoration integrated into the sites.

 + an invisible lower part composed of: a box constituting the hoist pit with the guide of the movable structure, a system of isolation pads for the container trays, a lifting pump, four direct cylinders or screws, the function of which is to lift the mobile structure composed of the central box and the hatches, of slides for guiding; of independent trays isolated from the mobile structure, on which the containers are stationed, of variable number depending on the installation, a weighing system is placed under each tray or integrated into one of the studs on which the container tray rests, depending a specific rating corresponding to each type of waste. A retractable threshold device makes it possible to select the container module and container tray to be handled and lifted towards the roadway to be emptied there.

 This collection is reduced in handling and time, since the method according to the invention allows targeted collection on, and only containers with a filling rate of 75% to 100%.

+ The waterproof and semi-buried design of the device makes it possible to alleviate or reduce certain nuisance factors such as:
+ Visual factor: the container (s) (of any volume), and their respective contents, are enveloped by a rigid and opaque structure which makes them invisible, the visible part of this structure, mobile, modular, can be integrated and decorated in according to local inspirations: flowers, sculpture, architectural effect, etc.

 + Olfactory factor: the watertight design of the internal cell, as well as the hatch operating in the airlock, when depositing waste, limit the fumes to the outside, these are reduced: by the internal confinement of the cell, of the semi-buried positiol of the installation, by thermal insulation applied to the internal face of the external part and the addition of cooler (hot geographic areas), contribute to slowing down the fermentation of fermentable waste, as well as the proliferation bacteriological.

 + Sound factor: the isolated design of the container tray according to the invention, the hatch and airlock device for depositing waste, according to the invention, the use of materials having phonic and thermal qualities in the construction of the elements structures, contribute to acquiring acoustic qualities that meet standardization criteria.

 + Animal factor: several seals and mechanical barriers prevent any intrusion into the interior of the cell. Except when the device is opened when picking up or servicing the installation, as well as accidental intromission when depositing waste.

 To limit acts of vandalism, theft of containers, scattering of projectile contents during demonstrations, etc., containers and contents are made inaccessible and inviolable, by the semi-buried design of the device.

 * the risk of fire is limited by the containment and sealing of the device.

 + to allow by a device according to the invention, to measure the filling rate of each container, according to a volume ratio of each type of waste, and to transmit the information by telephone or over the air, according to a unique and identifiable address code , which makes it possible to specifically program a targeted collection on a type of waste, whose containers have a filling rate of more than 75%. This remote monitoring system, annexed to the system, allows simplified management of this selective collection, providing precise annual or seasonal quantification for each type of waste, by geographic sector.

According to particular embodiments:
* The pit: can be made according to the dimensions of the modules receiving the containers, it can receive suitable and complementary equipment such as: cold or hot control by coils connected to the city networks, a lifting pump intended for residual water from Maintenance of the installation. An airlock can also allow access to concession or city networks, installed in a technical tunnel, independent of the 3 boxes available.

 + The mobile structure: can be designed to receive from 1 to several containers mounted on rubber-banded casters, also large capacity open bins, as well as motorized compactors, only the container-carrying platforms differ, the weighing being done directly under the bucket or compactor, these being isolated from the mobile structure, and operating on the same principle as wheeled containers. The mechanical part of the compactor can be fixed on the container platform. The visible part of the mobile structure, the waste deposit hatch (s), the sign can take all current and future forms and materials for better integration into the site. As well as the bins receiving plant elements have the mechanical function of balancing the mass of the moving elements, these being arranged opposite the front of access to the hatches, notwithstanding that the structure can receive 2 rows of hatches symmetrical.

 + Deposits and hoppers hatches: these can be adapted to the types of waste collected in order to avoid any jamming during passage through the hopper. The hatch operates either by tilting along a determined axis, the hopper can be fixed to the hatch box, or independent fixed to the structure, or by a drawer system, the bottom of which is hinged or tilting acting as airlock, the hopper is independent. An airlock panel suspended from the structure, occupies the section of the box of the hatch, a stop on the box prevents the panel from opening in the open hatch position, this panel can be articulated for greater flexibility of operation. The hatch variants can be mechanically assisted by a return spring for closing, or by a door closer system, or by an opening closure controlled by an action on a switch or automatic by a radar system or other detection means. . A crusher or shredder, or a press can be arranged in place of the hopper.

The hatches can be fitted with an electric lock preventing the deposit of waste in the event of a full container.

 + The container tray: it can be designed to receive containers of any volume, either over their lengths or over their widths, relative to the axis of the installation. It has two side plinths for guiding the container, a stop which makes it possible to center the container in the cell, the stop may include an electromagnet for holding the container, this is deactivated when the mobile structure reaches its high level and stop. The underside has 4 to 6 studs allowing both centering on its insulated supports, arranged on the bottom of the pit. Single container devices have a tray, 2 or 4 edges of which have a profile allowing it to be hooked onto the lower crossmembers of the mobile structure. Multi-container devices have trays with retractable thresholds, electrically controlled, by electric cylinders or axial motors. The retractable thresholds can also be installed on the two lower crossmembers of the mobile structure, either 2 thresholds per platform, or 2 thresholds sliding in parallel along the 2 lower crossmembers of the mobile structure, driven by a motorized device such as a worm or cable .

 * The isolation pads of the container-holding trays: located on the bottom of the pit, they are equipped at their upper ends with springs or elastic composites, calibrated according to the theoretical load of each type of waste, a weighing system by sensor can be integrated into one of the 4 to 6 studs of each module.

The useful stroke of the insulations under load must be sufficient to allow the use of sensors such as: micro-contacts, rheostats, photoelectric cells or optical fibers, pressure switches, or other weighing means allowing a minimum of 2 measurements such as 75% and 10% of the filling of a container. The measurements are processed electronically and transmitted to an operating department, the 100% measurement can be used to order the locking of the corresponding hatch.

 The lateral oil and liquid box: composed of a buried pit where 1 to 2 tanks are arranged, the capacity of which can be targeted in relation to the location of collection, ie from 1000 to 2000 liters for each tank; of an external fixed box harmonized with the installation, comprises I with 2 independent or mixed hatches in the shape of a spillway allowing the deposits of liquids, the emptying is carried out by suction or pumping, the piping connection is made by firefighter type connection . A gauge measuring the filling level makes it possible to transmit information, like the containers, the 100% level can control the locking of the hatch.

 The machinery side box: it is the symmetry of the liquid box, except that the box is equipped with an access gate allowing to intervene on the oleodynamic group and the control cabinets, an independent hatch gives access to the controls, composed of switches maintained ascent downward, an emergency stop, a cell selector controlling the movable or retractable threshold (s), a switch for locking the installation, an indicator light power up. An option makes it possible to remove the oleodynamic group, using the oleodynamic pump of the pickup truck, a hose on reel provided with a quick connector allows connection to the device, all the electrical functions are then ensured by the solar panel and its batteries .

The motorization can comprise 2 speeds, a slow and a fast, either the motor er is equipped, or a variation of frequency offers the same service, which makes it possible to reduce the speed to the extremes high and low, but especially during the rise when the mobile structure meets the container tray, reducing the shock of
I hanging.

 + The solar and information panel: it combines several functions, the first characteristic is to provide information on the operation of the installation to any user by a panel, visible from the access side to the hatches, it can include the indications for filling in each module, and incidentally the material balances, global and annual quota in tonnes or volume (for the educational benefit of the selective sorting system upstream by voluntary contributions). It includes a solar panel arranged on the roof above the access face to the hatches, the available surface is sufficient whatever the modules to provide the energy necessary for the operation of the installation, excluding the oleodynamic power plant. Zone lighting above the hatches allows users to deposit their waste at night. The lighting is automatic, it can operate in night light mode and provide additional lighting triggered by a radar detecting a presence in the perimeter of the access area to the hatches, a timer allows the extinction.

 For reasons of surface availability, the side boxes can combine in a single module, the oleodynamic unit and the electrical cabinets can be arranged above the tanks. The device configurations can take different forms, the modularity of the elements consists of: 2 technical modules each comprising: 1 element from the pit box, 2 guiding devices, 2 cylinders or worm, 1 basic element of the mobile structure; from 1 to 12 modules comprising: 1 element from the pit box, 1 mobile structural element, 1 container tray, 1 hopper hatch, 1 weighing device, and 1 container (or open bucket or compactor), 1 or 2 side modules comprising: 1 pit box, 1 technical box, 1 hydraulic group, 1 control device, 1 electrical function cabinet, 1 transmission device, 1 to 2 tanks and their accessories, 1 water lifting pump, 1 or several additional modules including: 1 lighting, 1 solar panel, 1 information panel; the modules can be combined in standard line or: square, U, etc., or on a drop.

 For communication and service reasons, the information panel can integrate a telephony device, connected to the management or remote monitoring service, allowing users to provide useful information on the allocation of a particular waste, and through its accessibility of an emergency call and assistance terminal.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention:
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show in partial section the device of the invention in the rest position, selective collection phase and data transmission.

Figure 3 and Figure 4 show in partial section the device of the invention in working or high position, pickup and handling phase.

FIG. 5 represents a view of the insulated plate, element of the device of the invention
FIG. 6 represents a side view of the insulated tray and of the elements constituting the retractable threshold device
FIG. 7 represents the operating block diagram of the invention.

Figure 8 shows in section, the deposition hatch in the closed position.

Figure 9 shows in section, the hatch of Figure 8 in the open position.

Figure 10 shows in section, a variant of the hatch in the closed position.

Figure 11 shows in section, the hatch of Figure 10 in the closing phase, and the passage of object through the airlock.

Figure 12 shows a view of the solar roof panel and the information panel
Figure 13 shows in section Figure 12.

Figures 14 to 19 schematically represent the modular possibilities of the device whose containers are placed transversely.

Figures 20 to 25 schematically represent the modular possibilities of the device whose containers are placed longitudinally.

Figures 26 and 27 schematically represent the modular possibilities of the device whose container is of the large volume box type.

FIG. 28 schematically represents a variant of the device using an open bucket or with large capacity compartments.

FIG. 29 schematically represents a variant of the device using a box skip provided with a compactor.

 With reference to these drawings, the device comprises one or more boxes (1), constituting the hoist pit. A lateral pit (3) on which is fixed a box constituting the machinery (4) housing: an oleodynamic group (31) consists of an electric motor, an oil pump, a distributor, a manual rescue device; an automatic, or, and manual lift water pump (32); of a control cabinet and a transmitter (42), access is effected by a gate (41) provided with a lock making it possible to protect the control device.

The second pit (2) houses and isolates one to two tanks (21), on which is fixed a box (6), a hatch device (61) makes it possible to hide the liquid collection funnels, as well as the connections of draining by external pumping. The levels of the tanks are quantified by probe, coded, then transmitted to a remote monitoring.

The central module is composed of a pit (1), a mobile structure (5), a roof solar panel (7). The vertical movement of the mobile structure (5) is achieved by 4 cylinders (13) or worm, each cylinder (13) having a lifting value between 800daN (fig 14 and fig 20) and 3,000daN (fig 29) , the jack (13) takes support on the bottom of the pit (1), the mechanical connection between the jack (13) and the frame (16) of the mobile structure (5) is carried out by a yoke, the guide
(12) of the mobile structure (5) is made by 4 guides fixed in the corners of the pit (1) and 4 slides (19) fixed to the base of the frame (16) of the mobile structure (5). The 2 parallel beams, at the base of the frame (16) of the mobile structure (5), are equipped with 2 thresholds (18) per module, fixed or retractable controlled by electromagnets (181), making it possible to hang when of the ascent, the container tray (s) (17) selected. Each container-holding tray (17) consists of two plinths making a reinforcement, of a container stop (8) which can receive a magnet for holding the container, of two smooth treads, on the underside, of 4 studs with 6 centering studs, 2 hanging profiles (171). The insulated plate (17) is placed on 4 pads (14) fixed on the bottom of the pit (1), each pad (14) is fitted at its end with insulation (19) calibrated according to the density of the waste, i.e. : from 50 daN to 1 SOOdaN. A sensor (15) measures the crushing of the insulations (19) under the container and content load, the information is processed by coding and according to a filling threshold> 75%, then transmitted to an operating center.

The upper part of the mobile structure (5), visible, covers the frame or lower cell, the face coming into contact with the circulation path (0) receives, 2 peripheral seals (54) sealing with a profile which has the channel function Fig 1 (12), the outer seal prevents any intrusion of water from the roadway, the inner seal prevents the intrusion of water from the channel towards the pit, these 2 peripheral seals also act as a seal in air, which increases the internal confinement in the cell, a sensitive bead (54) stops the descent of the mobile structure in the event of an obstacle, it is positioned between the 2 seals, and comes to be embedded in the oak (12). The external boxes (4), (5) and (6) can be in harmony with the installation site, tanks (52) using the internal spaces that cannot be used in the upper structures can be integrated, rainwater is channeled to the peripheral channel (12), itself connected to the local sanitation network. The inner face of the boxes (4), (5) and (6) can receive thermal and sound insulation in relation to the place of installation, air conditioning connected to the cold (or hot) water network, can be arranged between the jacks (13), fixed on the side wall of the pit, or the bottom of the pit, this, to adjust the internal temperature of the cell to a value lower than 150, a probe triggers a solenoid valve of the hot water circuit or. cold.

The waste deposit hatch (51) and (61) consists of a panel mounted on a hinged frame on a profile, at the base of the mobile structure box (5) (and (6)), a handle (511), allows gripping and maneuvering of the hatch (51), a seal is arranged (517) between the inner edge of the face of the panel of the hatch and the opening made on the box (5) and ( 6). The hatch in the open position makes it possible to deposit a volume of objects in a box in an arc fig 9 or in a drawer fig 11, (512), the opening is done manually, a device type door closer (514) ensures the closing smoothly, or automatically by an electric door closer device (514), the opening is controlled by a short-beam radar (516) placed under each hatch, a timer enables closing to be controlled
For the drawer hatches, a return spring fixed to one of the two slides (5113) allows closing assistance. In the closing phase, the object retracts an airlock hatch (513) articulated and suspended from the box (5), the airlock hatch (513) closes by gravity before the object sliding through the fixed or mobile hoppers (53) reaches and is deposited in the container placed below, thus limiting the propagation of the sounds of shocks produced by the fall of the object. The bottom of the drawer hatch consists of an articulated mat (5111), it is pressed, when opened by rollers (5112) fixed to the structure (5), when closing this mat slides like the object that it transports in the oblique box of the hopper (53) A manual or electric lock can block the opening of the hatch, an indicator on the information panel (74) allows to visualize the decommissioning of the module with a full container .

The roof panel (7): solar (72), information (73), and area lighting (71), is fixed overhanging the box of the mobile structure (5), the two uprights receive the batteries or batteries powered by a solar panel equipped with silicon cells (72), the function of which is to supply the low voltage energy of the device, transmission and coding device (42), radars (516), retractable thresholds (18) hatch motorizations (516), technical information functions (74) out of service and collection quotas, lighting of the low-voltage zone (71): night-time operation takes place in standby mode, the hatch radar controls the additional lighting function by timer. The silicon cells are protected by a sandwich composed of a steel underside and cover by a Celluloid or glass, this sandwich is embedded in a profile of the roof structure (7)
The roof can be tilted and take a shape related to the installation site.

The lighting strip is in the shape of a half-moon, it incorporates low-voltage neon type lamps or LED panel, a grid and a sheet of translucent decor material allow protection of the lighting and deflectors. The free surface between the uprights receives an information panel (73), this panel can receive on its lower part a strip (74) comprising information for deactivation of the hatches (51) and (61), masses of waste collected by module in annual quota or total city obtained by the operating department. A telephone terminal can allow additional services, using the same transmission device.

 The transmission of the filling data is done by the local telephone networks or by radio type transmission means according to a unique frequency allocated to each module. The advantage is that each information can be processed by a usual computer system, in real time, for a reduction of the collection phases of the collector where only the full containers are collected FIG 7.

A sheet metal lining (55) prevents any fall towards the interior of the pit, on 3 fronts.

The upper edge of the containers is higher than the level 0 of the roadway, during the descent phase of the mobile structure (5) and (16), the container tray (17) and its container (8) come land on its isolated studs (14), the stall is done automatically, the mobile structure continues its descent over 300 mm 1 stop is mechanical, the upper mobile box resting on the peripheral channel (12), which allows to introduce the hoppers (53) inside the containers (8) this function prevents overflow and reduces the height of the waste drop.

Figure 7 shows the different functions of the device as well as the electrical connections between the elements, the force energy supply can come from the city network or from the collection truck equipped with an electrical connection socket.

The collection truck fitted with an oleodynamic unit eliminates the oleodynamic unit (31) from the devices, only the low voltage functions of the equipment powered by the solar panel device and batteries remain.

Figures 14 to 25 show the modular possibilities of the device, using standardized containers, 750, 800, 1000, 1100, 1300 and 1700 liters. depending on the types of waste to be collected, the mobile upper structure (5) can receive, instead of the hopper (53), a crusher, press or shredder.

Figures 26 and 27 show the modular possibilities of the device, using large capacity bins or containers, 2000 to 3000 liters, handling and emptying are done by collection trucks equipped with front arms, or by crane lifting the assembly mobile structure and tank, this type of function only requires guiding in the pit but retains all the seals and insulation. Depending on the materials to be collected, the upper structure can receive, instead of the hopper (53), a crusher, press or shredder.

FIG. 28 has the following characteristics: same structural design as FIG. 1, except the insulated plate which has reinforced treads (221), the bucket has wheels and is handled by an Ampyrol type truck.

FIG. 29 has the same characteristics as FIG. 28, except the possibility of keeping the mechanical and electrified part of the compactor, and of only picking up the compacted waste box.

According to the embodiments of the device:
The pits (1), (2) and (3) are built: either prefabricated in concrete at the factory and assembled on the installation site, or by galvanized steel panels assembled on the site, in both cases waterproofing by resin. or tar is applied.

The boxes (4), (5) and (6), the tanks (21), the movable frame (16), the studs (14) the hatches (51) and (61), their boxes (512), the guide (12), the retractable thresholds (18), the gutters (12), are mainly produced by boilermaking and locksmithing,

Claims (1)

 l) Device for collecting household or industrial waste, by voluntary, modular contribution, characterized in that it comprises a central pit (1), in which is installed a mobile structure (16) (5) functioning as a freight elevator , whose plate (17) is isolated from the mobile structure (5) when the latter is in the rest or closed position, which makes it possible to take measurements by sensors (23) and to transmit the information, in order to program the collects single full containers. A hatch (51) allows the deposit of waste, for each group of waste to be differentiated. The installation has automatic zone lighting (71.) and an information panel (73) located above the access face to the hatches (51). A side module (4) comprising the machinery (31), the electrical operating systems (42), a second side module comprising 1 to 2 liquid tanks (21), an access hatch (61), the information of the fill level is also transmitted.  2) Device according to claim I characterized in that the plate (17) comprises retractable thresholds (18) or fixed (174), or the 2 side members (16) comprise pairs of retractable thresholds (18).  3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the plate or plates (17) rest on insulations (19) fixed on studs (14), the crushing of these insulations (19) is a function of the density of waste stored in the container, a sensor system (15) makes it possible to measure and code the filling rate of the container.  4) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the container or containers (8) placed on its studs (14), the upper edge of the container exceeds the level 0 of the roadway.  5) Device according to claim I characterized in that the hatches (51) switch manually, or semi-automatically with a switch or automatically by radar (516) controlling a motor type door closer (514).  6) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the hatches (51) have the shape of a drawer, the bottom of which is retractable (5112), the closure of the drawer is achieved by a return spring (5113), or semi automatically with the action of a switch, or automatically by radar (516) controlling a door closer type motor (514)  7) Device according to claim 1 or claims 5 and 6 characterized in that an articulated panel acts as an airlock (513), suspended from the mobile structure (5), it bends by its axes during the forced passage of objects placed in the box (512)  from the hatch (51), and brakes the fall of these objects towards the hopper (53), it resumes its  formed by its inertia.  8) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that a solar panel (72)  arranged vertically on the facade comprising the hatches (51), supplies batteries  or batteries, allowing the zone lighting functions by a light strip  (71), to power the data transmission devices, and indicators allowing  view the filling status of each container, these indicators are inserted  in the information panel (74), fixed on the uprights of the module (7).  9) Device according to claim I characterized in that 2 seals fixed under the  external mobile structure (54), are applied on each side of a low profile  sant office of chêneau (12) fixed on the periphery of the central pit (1).  10) Device according to claim I and previous claim characterized in a  sensitive bead (54) is disposed between the 2 seals, and comes to be embedded  in the channel (12) during the descent of the mobile structure (5).  il) Device according to claim 1 or claim 3 characterized in I 'use of a coding and telephone or wireless transmission system integrated into the modular device, under each container tray (17) is arranged a sensor (15 ), allowing an identification, then according to a programming corresponding to density thresholds, the signal is coded then transmitted by telephone or wireless means to an operating service.  12) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the modularity of the devices, making it possible to associate modules which may be different in size and volume, taking the forms of usual geometric juxtapositions.  13) Device according to claim I characterized by the use of free volumes of the external structures (4), (5) and (6), allowing the integration of trays (52) which can receive floral or cultural arrangements.