WO2020047602A1

WO2020047602A1 - Articulated trash compactor

Info

Publication number: WO2020047602A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/050951
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan Nguyen
Original assignee: Jonathan Nguyen
Priority date: 2018-09-05
Filing date: 2019-09-05
Publication date: 2020-03-12

Abstract

A trash compactor mechanism comprising a plurality of articulated members interlinking in sequence, the articulated members having interlocking geometry to allow interlocking with each other, and a drive sprocket driving the articulated members to advance in a direction of a trash where the articulated members interlock into a rigid assembly and extend in a straight configuration. This allows trash compactor bins to be designed with a smaller footprint, with reduced complexity and improved reliability.

Description

[001] TITLE:

Articulated trash compactor

[002] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application 2018903276 having the international filing date of 5^th September 2018, the disclosure of which is included herein by reference.

[003] TECHNICAL FIELD:

[004] This invention relates to trash compactors, in particular trash compactors for public street litter bins.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [005] BACKGROUND:

[006] Trash collection and disposal is an important part of the modern world. Trash bins are essential anywhere people are likely to traffic. Servicing trash bins traditionally involves a high degree of manual labour to inspect and swap trash receptacles, and heavy machinery for the collection and aggregation of multiple bins. This incurs substantial labour costs for the service provider, and environmental costs due to the movement of waste collection vehicles. It is well known that devices that can alert service providers to the fill level of trash bins can reduce the cost of labour by allowing service providers to only send personnel to bins that require servicing. It is also well known that compacting bins increases the effective capacity of each bin, therefore delaying the need for collection. Fewer truck movements translates to lower fuel costs and reduced exhaust emissions and equipment wear.

[007] US Patent 3024720A from 1959 discloses a trash compaction device.

[008] US Patent 4147100A from 1978 discloses a portable trash compactor.

[009] More recent inventions such as US Patent 6367377B1 from 1998 have added

sensors and US Patent 20050005785A1 from 2003 have added solar power management whilst US Patent 9821955B2 from 2014 has added further

communications devices and methods.

[0010] The advent of intelligent, connected devices such as trash compactors has made the humble trash bin a very visible part of the“Internet of things” and an invaluable part of the modern“smart city”. Conventionally bins with sensors and compactors connected to the internet are now referred to as“Smart Bins”.

[0011] However, with the vast array of features and mechanisms comes the complexity and cost of these new“smart” devices. Published articles in the public domain have well documented the challenges faced by cities implementing“Smart Bins” including the cost and complexity of service.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0012] PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED:

[0013] Since trash compacting bins are generally located in public spaces it is desirable to minimise the footprint of the bin. However commercially prior art examples generally have a large footprint relative to trash receptacle. This is primarily due to the compaction mechanism. A compaction mechanism that can offer a stroke as deep as the receptacle without adding substantial height to the bin would reduce the visual impact of the overall bin.

[0014] Another problem is the compaction range or depth of the compaction system. Lever based systems are limited in their stroke and cannot operate with standard wheelie bins. As a large proportion of street litter bins utilise industry standard wheelie bins, a compaction system that excludes this option adds additional cost to the bin operation.

[0015] Yet another problem is the force applied to the compactor. Trash compaction

systems that implement a scissor mechanism can provide the range required for wheelie bins. However, scissor mechanisms effectively trade the applied force for increased stroke distance, requiring complex mechanisms to increase the force applied to the scissor, to compensate for the force reduction of the scissor mechanism.

[0016] Yet another problem is the cost of manufacturing trash compaction system. Prior art systems require the components to be of sufficient strength to withstand forces significantly higher than the resulting compaction force, limiting the material and manufacturing options for the mechanism components. Existing systems utilise metal components which require costly labour in stamping, welding, and assembly.

[0017] Another problem faced by prior art systems that utilise levers chains and scissors is the interference caused by debris and trash on the mechanism. An important component of prior art compactors is the shrouds that protect the mechanism from debris. A durable shroud, extendable to the length of the compaction stroke is required to cover the exposed compactor components. This shroud typically consists of progressively smaller screens, sliding internally. However, the number and height of shroud inserts limits the depth of the compactor stroke.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0018] Prior art scissor systems have been observed with over 4 shroud inserts, adding to the overall mechanical complexity of the system. More inserts and creates more opportunity for debris to be caught between the sliding surfaces of the shroud members. It is possible to decrease the number of shroud members, but this adds height to compactor mechanism.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0019] SOLUTION:

[0020] This invention uses a flexible chain which, when combined forms a solid vertical column to compact trash.

[0021] This invention discloses a method of using articulated links to that can be configured to be flexible when stored, but rigid when activated and extended during a compaction cycle. This allows the trash compactor to store the links on the side of the bin, allowing for a smaller overall footprint.

[0022] The shape of the articulated links can be designed such that, when combined, the resulting surface is generally flat, with minimal gaps and sharp edges to catch debris and trash. This remove the requirement for a shroud.

[0023] The storing of the compaction system articulated member on the side of the bin reduces the height of the overall bin.

[0024] This invention also discloses apparatus and method of a compaction plate of variable geometry that allows a compaction plate to have a larger footprint than the compaction actuator, without trapping debris and trash on its retraction move.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0025] Advantageous features of the invention:

[0026] A compactor mechanism where the extending actuator members can be articulated can stored flat on the side or top of the bin, so the overall height of the bin is minimised

[0027] A compactor mechanism that does not require a shroud mechanism to protect the compaction mechanism from debris

[0028] Because the elements of the articulated chain are under compression, a wider variety of materials (such as plastic) can be used in the manufacture of the compaction system.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates the trash compactor in perspective view with the bin receptacle supporting chassis

[0031 ] Figure 2 illustrates the articulated members, compaction plate, gears and sprockets [0032] Figure 3 illustrates a subset of the articulate member containing two members

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0033] DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein, are provided by way of illustration of an example of a particular embodiment, or examples of particular embodiments, of the principles of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, of those principles and of the invention. In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances, proportions may have been exaggerated in order more clearly to depict certain features of the invention

[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, a trash compactor bin contains a compaction actuator assembly consisting of two chains(1) with interlocking geometry, on opposing sides of a fixed mechanical joiner(1 1).

[0036] The chains may be individual links, connected from one to the next by means of a pivot pin, or intermediate member that allows the links to be act like a chain. Alternatively, the chain may be manufactured as an integrated part from a flexible material such as rubber.

[0037] Each chain is connected to drive sprocket(7), then both chains are joined at the

mechanical joiner.

[0038] The sprockets are directly connected to gears(10) which are meshed such that the sprockets are driven in sync, in opposite directions.

[0039] When the sprockets are driven in one direction, the two chains are joined, and the resulting section is pushed out from the mechanical joiner as subsequent links in the chain being advanced(3).

[0040] The joined chains are interlocked, forming a straight rigid assembly with a

substantially conformal exterior shape to reduce debris capture.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0041] Preferentially the link members will have a“spine” section(16) which interfaces with the sprocket, and a plurality of“arms” (17) which allow the resulting interlocked chain assembly to form a rectangular box shape.

[0042] The arms of the link members are shaped such that once combined, they are locked to members of the same chain, and to the corresponding member of the other chain(3).

[0043] The arms of the link members are shaped such that once meshed in the rigid

configuration, individual arms are interlocked with the previous and next arms.

Preferentially, this interlocking system features a raised part (14) on one face which connects to an indent (13) on the previous link, and an indent on the opposite face which connects to the raised part of a of the next link. As the raised parts lock in with the indented parts, the chain is held rigid and links are prevented from sliding against each other

[0044] At the distal end of the joined chain assembly is connected a primary compaction plate (11).

[0045] In an alternate embodiment, the linear actuator of the compaction mechanism is a single articulated chain mechanism.

[0046] A sprocket moves the links of the chain mechanism though a channel guide

positioned between the retracted (stored) and downwardly extended compaction positions.

[0047] The links of this chain are shaped such that the chain can curve inwards but does not extend outwards beyond a straight profile.

[0048] Preferentially, a link locking pin in each link locks into the next link when the two links are in line.

[0049] A locking pin release button is built into each link. When the pin release button is depressed, the lock pin retracts, allowing the link to move freely

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(Rule 26) RO/AU [0050] The links are configured such that when a link is advanced into the straight profile, it locks into the next link, creating a rigid straight compactor when compacting.

[0051] When retracting, the locking pin release button contacts with a fixed member on the compactor carrier which releases the joint, allowing it to be flexibly follow the race, to be driven by the sprocket, into the retracted position,

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Claims

CLAIMS:

001 A trash compactor mechanism comprising one or more sets of articulated members with interlocking geometry, wherein advancing the first and subsequent members in the direction of the trash results in a the interlocking of said members into a substantially rigid assembly, and force applied in the direction of the trash, resulting in the compacting of said trash.

002 A trash compactor assembly of Claim 1 where the interlocking of the first and second members results in an assembly whose combined external surfaces are substantially conformal.

003 A trash compactor mechanism comprising one or more sets of linear actuators, where each linear actuator consists of an articulated assembly of members interlinking in a sequence. Each link member contains a pivot connecting to the previous, and a pivot connecting to the next link. Each link contains a means to interlock its angular position with the previous and/or next link. When the links are advanced in the direction of the trash, the articulated assembly extends in a straight configuration and the interlock means is activated, keeping the links rigid and substantially straight. Each link contains a means to disengage the interlock when the compactor is retracted.

004 A method of Claim 3 where the interlocking method is at least one spring loaded or magnetically coupled pin which extends from the present link into the next link. A pin release means is integrated into the link. When the pin release means is activated the joint between the two connected members become flexibles.

005 A method of Claim 1 and Claim 3 where the means of retracting the link locking pin is a rail. The rail follows the path of the articulated assembly when retracted such that, in the retracted position the interlink locking means are activated, keeping the links flexible.

006 A method of Claim 1 and Claim 3 where the means of retracting the link locking pin is a magnet. The rail follows the path of the articulated assembly when retracted such that, in the retracted position the interlink locking means are activated, keeping the links flexible.

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(Rule 26) RO/AU A method of Claim 1 and 5 where the compaction mechanism is housed within a removeable module. A method of Claim 1 and 5 where the links in the compactor actuator assembly are directed to the sides or rear of the trash receptacle when in the retracted state. A trash compactor of Claim 1 and 3 where the compaction mechanism is integrated into a container fitted to the top of the trash receptacle or enclosure housing the receptacle such as the container becomes the top cover of the receptacle. A trash compactor of Claim 1 and 3 where the compactor mechanism is pivoted at one point and locked at an alternate position of the receptacle or receptacle container.

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