EP2883815A1

EP2883815A1 - Waste collection system and method for operating

Info

Publication number: EP2883815A1
Application number: EP14197208.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Willem Jan Achterberg
Original assignee: Wastec BV
Current assignee: Wastec BV
Priority date: 2013-12-10
Filing date: 2014-12-10
Publication date: 2015-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-10
Also published as: EP2883815B1; DK2883815T3; NL2011929C2; SI2883815T1

Abstract

A waste collection system comprises at least one container (2) in which waste can be accommodated, a vehicle (1) with a drivable substructure (5), a waste collection area (26) on the substructure (5) and a handling mechanism with an arm (6) for transferring the waste container (2) from an area (41) next to the substructure (5) to a position close to the loading opening (27) of the waste collection area (26). Tilting means (28) with a tilting driving means (31) provide for tilting the container (2) in relation to the waste collection area (26) for emptying the waste from the container (2) into the loading opening (27) of the waste collection area (26). The container (2) and arm (6) are provided with a connecting mechanism (17; 25, 32) for connecting the container (2) with the arm (6). To avoid overloading the arm (6), the tilting means (28) are directly supported on the substructure (5) and the tilting driving means (31) interacts directly with the substructure (5).

Description

The invention relates to a waste collection system, comprising at least one container in which waste can be accommodated, as well as a vehicle comprising a drivable substructure, a waste collection area on the substructure and a handling mechanism, which handling mechanism comprises an arm supported on the substructure with an arm driving means for transferring a waste container from an area close to the vehicle to close to the loading opening of the waste collection area, as well as a means of tilting for tilting the container in relation to the waste collection area in connection with emptying the waste from the container into the loading opening of the waste collection area, which container and arm are provided with a connecting device for connecting the container to the arm.
Such a waste collection system is known from DE-U-20312138 . In this case, an articulated arm is attached, the free end of which supports the tilting means. The tilting means and, in particular, the tilting driving means of which are indirectly supported by the vehicle or its substructure via the articulated arm. The container is initially held with the means of tilting, after which the arm can transfer the container to the waste collection area. The container can be tilted and empted there. During this process, the container is continuously supported by the arm, even during the tilting movement.
Such a waste collection system is suitable for relatively small containers, such as drivable containers intended for individual use and for households. The total mass of such a container, even if this is completely filled with waste, is limited in such a way that the arm and the tilting means can undertake the required handling without being subjected to disproportionately high loads.
For other types of container, such as containers stored underground, however, such a design of the arm with indirectly supported means of tilting is not suitable. Such containers stored underground are many times larger than the standard containers for household use. The total mass when loaded is also considerably greater. If such a heavy container were to be tipped when loaded in the manner described above, such great moments would be exerted that the arm and tilting means would have to be designed to be considerably heavier. However, that is less desirable, because the space taken up by such oversized parts is considerable, which causes restriction in the size of the waste collection area and in the flexible implementability of the vehicle.
A further waste collection system is known from WO-A-98/50293 . In this known system, downward-pointing hooks are located on the waste collection area, while close to the top edge of the container it exhibits a rod. By means of the arm, the container is lifted into the hooks by the rod of the container, after which, by exerted lifting action of the arm, the container can be tilted in order to empty it.
Also this known waste collection mechanism has the disadvantage that the loads on the arm when tilting the container are considerable; furthermore, there is the risk of the container coming loose and swinging uncontrollably if it is not correctly connected to the hooks. The magnitude of the forces prevailing at that time between the container, the hook and the arm increase that risk even further.
The aim of the invention is therefore to create an improved waste collection system. Another aim is to create a waste collection system that does not have these restrictions or has them to a lesser degree. A further aim is to create a waste collection system that is suitable for relatively heavy loads. Yet another aim is to create a waste collection system in which the forces when processing the containers remain restricted. These and other aims are achieved by the tilting means exhibiting their own tilting driving means. The moments that are exerted when tilting the container are then directly transferred to the vehicle through the tilting means and the construction parts located on it, such as the substructure, the housing of the waste collection area and similar. Preferably, the tilting means are directly supported on the substructure of the vehicle and the tilting driving means interacts directly with the substructure of the vehicle.
By "own tilting driving means" is understood a driving means of the tilting means which is independent of the arm driving means, such as the hydraulic piston-cylinder mechanisms of the latter. The tilting driving means preferably exhibits its own piston-cylinder mechanism or piston-cylinder mechanisms. Other actuators are also possible, such as electric linear motors, electric motors with a rod system and similar. Combinations of such actuators are also possible, such as a hydraulic piston-cylinder mechanism for the arm and an electric drive for the tilting mechanism or vice versa.
By "directly supported on the substructure" is understood a support of the tilting means which is fixed in relation to the substructure, or in which the support exclusively has a fixed position in relation to the substructure. The same applies to the interaction of the tilting driving means with the vehicle or the substructure.
The arm used for transferring the container between the underground area thereof and the waste collection area can remain inactive when the tilting driving means is activated. The arm driving means does not have to be or remain activated in so doing. As a result of the direct support on the frame of the cart, the construction of the tilting means is rigid and strong in such a way that the moments of the loaded container can be accommodated without any problem. The arm remains free from these torques ensuing from the tilting, and only needs to be implemented for lifting and transferring the container. This means that the arm may exhibit a relatively light and slim construction by which the space required for it is restricted.
In particular, the arm can be implemented for transferring the container between the tilting means on the cart and an area, such as an underground area next to the cart, in which the coupling mechanism comprises first connecting means for connecting the container to the arm and second connecting means for connecting the container to the tilting means.
In the waste collection system in accordance with the invention, the functions of raising the container and tilting it are separate: the arm implements the raising function and is thus loaded, but the tilting function and the ensuing load are accounted for by the tilting means. The arm is thus free of loads ensuing from tilting the container. The tilting means may be suspended on the side of the waste collection area. In a preferred embodiment, such tilting means are provided on opposite sides of the waste collection area in such a way that, as desired, containers can be handled on both sides of the vehicle.
The arm can be implemented in various ways; preferably the arm comprises a framework with two legs which are connectable to opposite sides of the container and which legs exhibit a mutual distance which is larger than the external dimension of the container over these sides, in such a way that the container is tiltable between the legs of the framework. As soon as the container is connected to the tilting means, the container can then be tilted through between the legs. Then it is not necessary to disconnect the framework from the container, so that the total release cycle of the container can be implemented efficiently and quickly. Preferably, the system can be rotated in relation to the arm by means of a horizontal hinge with an axis of rotation aligned essentially horizontally and transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction of the arm.
In accordance with a first illustrative example, a lever can be provided which is suspended rotatably on the arm about an essentially horizontal axis of rotation, which lever exhibits two mutually rigidly connected lever parts on opposite sides of the axis of rotation one of which is connected to the framework and the other of which is connected to an actuator for rotating the lever in relation to the arm, in which the container supports a counter-connector that can be brought into interaction with the connector of one of the lever parts and in which at a distance from the connector a stop is provided, preferably on the loading opening, against which the container can be supported.
By operating the actuator in a suitable way, the framework can function as an extension of the arm and thus increase the range of the arm. If the actuator is freed, the framework will be adjusted pointing vertically downwards, under the effect of gravity. Furthermore, the framework is preferably rotatable in relation to the arm by means of a rotary suspension with an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the horizontal hinge. In that case, the framework can be suspended rotatably on the lever according to the orientation of the rotary suspension with axis of rotation pointing vertically.
In accordance with a second illustrative example, the tilting means may comprise a lever which is suspended rotatably about an essentially horizontal axis of rotation, in relation to the substructure as well as an actuator for rotating the lever, in which the lever supports a connector and the container supports a counter-connector that can be brought into interaction with the connector of the lever and in which at a distance from the connector a stop is provided on the lever against which the container can be supported.
Preferably, the tilting means comprise two parallel levers which are mutually connected by a cross member, and the container supports two counter-connectors which are each connectable with the cross member. The lever(s) is/are preferably suspended close to the edge of the loading opening. The container is thus tilted over this edge in such a way that its contents reach the waste collection area in a reliable manner. This may be the supply of a compaction mechanism, which supplies the compacted waste to such a collection area.
The connecting means may comprise two fittings, known per se, suspended on the arm, which fittings which are provided with first bolts, in which case the container exhibits correspondingly shaped recessed openings in which the bolts can be accommodated and are rotatable. In a simple illustrative example these fittings may also comprise two bolts which are connectable to the tilting means.
In accordance with an alternative illustrative example, the container may be provided with pins on opposite sides, while the levers of the tilting mechanism may exhibit hooks into which the pins of the container are hooked and can then be locked. Accordingly, the levers with thus connected container are tilted by the activation of the relevant actuator(s). The said pins are preferably situated close to or on an external wall of the container.
The manipulation of the container is simplified if the arm is articulated and the parts of the arm are connected to each other about mutually parallel axes of rotation, and which parts of the arm are mutually adjustable by means of one or more respective actuator(s). More preferably, the arm is rotatable in relation to the substructure about an essentially vertical axis of rotation and/or about an essentially horizontal axis of rotation pointing transversely and in relation to the longitudinal direction of the arm. After the container is connected to the relevant lever part, the actuator can be activated in such a way that the container is tilted about its relevant axis of rotation. The actuators of the arm do not play any part in this.
The area for the container can be implemented in various known ways. In accordance with a first possibility, the container can be accommodated entirely into the ground, covered by a lid with insertion column. In accordance with a second possibility, the container is partly sunk into the ground, in such a way that it partly protrudes above the ground level. In accordance with a third possibility, the container is placed on the ground level.
The waste collection system can be implemented with a tilting device on the right of the vehicle, on the left of the vehicle or even on the left and on the right of the vehicle. In these implementations, the vehicle may carry an indication mechanism in connection with traffic approaching from behind, by means of which it can be indicated during which period the vehicle will still be stationary in connection with emptying a container. This indication mechanism may indicate said period as a countdown. Alternatively, the tilting device can be attached to the rear of the vehicle.
The invention also relates to a method for operating the waste collection system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:

connecting the arm to the container via the first connecting means,
activating the arm and thus transferring the container to the tilting means,
connecting the container to the tilting means via the second connecting means and thus supporting the container by the tilting means,
deactivating the arm,
activating the tilting means and thus tilting the container.

By "deactivating the arm" is understood the raising of the support of the container by the arm. The arm is then stationary and only needs to support its own weight. No lifting forces are exerted on the container, which is incidentally completely supported by the tilting mechanism.
Preferably, the method also comprises handling the connection between the arm and the container after the container is connected to the tilting means and the arm is deactivated and while the container is tilted. After the container is laid down and tilted back, the arm is activated again and after which the connection between the container and the tilting means can be removed. Finally, the thus emptied container is put back onto the intended storage place by the arm.
However, it is also possible to disconnect the arm from the container after the container is connected to the tilting mechanism. Subsequently, the container can then be tilted in which the arm remains stationary and disconnected. After the container is tilted back, the arm can be connected to the container, after which the container can be disconnected from the tilting mechanism. Finally, the container is then placed back with the arm. It is apparent from this that the arm itself plays no part in tilting the container. The tilting mechanism always has its own tilting driving means, which is separate from the arm driving means.
The entire method can be implemented automatically, while the driver of the cart remains in its cab. This is made possible in a known way by providing cameras at suitable places and arranging the controls for the remote control in the cab. In that context, the arm may carry a sensor, while the container can be provided with a reflector which is detectable by the sensor. Other sensor embodiments are also possible, such as, for example, with a camera to detect the contour of the container.
In the following the invention will be described in more detail using an illustrative example reproduced in the figures.

Figures 1 and 2 show front elevations of a vehicle with connected container in various positions.
Figures 3 and 4 show plan views with various stages of the arm.
Figure 5 shows a perspective view with the container connected to the tilting mechanism.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view with a connected, tipped container.
Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of a part of the vehicle with connected container, in perspective.
Figure 8 shows a view in accordance with Figure 7, with tilted container.
Figure 9 shows a front elevation in accordance with arrow IX of Figure 7.
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the container adapted in Figures 7-9.

In the condition shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 1 is set at various distances from the container 2 which is still in recess 3 in the ground 4. The vehicle 4 exhibits a substructure 5 provided with wheels 34 on which the articulated arm 6 is mounted. This articulated arm exhibits three arm parts 7, 8 and 9 which are connected mutually rotatably by hinges 12, 13 and 14. Through the first hinge 11, the first arm part 7 is supported rotatably on the framework 5. Also, arm 6 is rotatable on the framework 5 around the vertical axis of rotation 15. The various arm parts 7-9 are adjustable in relation to each other by the linear actuators 18, 19.
On the free end of arm 6 is situated the framework 10, that is rotatable about the horizontal hinge 14. As reproduced in Figures 5 and 6, this framework exhibits two arms 16, on the underside of which are situated the fittings 17. These fittings 17 also exhibit known bolts, which are slottable and then rotatable in undercut recesses of the take-ups 36 next to the upper edge of the container 2. Because these parts are known, they are not all reproduced. The mutual distance of the legs 16 is greater than the corresponding width of the container 2, so that this is rotatable between these legs 16 as reproduced in Figure 6.
As reproduced in Figures 1-6, the framework 10 is suspended by means of lever 20 on arm 6. This lever 20 exhibits two lever parts 21, 22. The uppermost lever part 21 is connected by means of linear actuator 23, with the outermost arm part 9, the framework 10 is suspended on the lowermost lever part 22, via the rotational suspension 24 with axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the horizontal hinge 14.
On the substructure 5 of vehicle 1 is accommodated of the waste collection area indicated in its entirety with 26. This waste collection area 26 exhibits a loading opening 27. Next to the edge of the last opening 27 are arranged the tilting means indicated in their entirety with 28. These tilting means 28 exhibit two levers 29 as well as the roller bearings 30. By means of the tilting driving means, such as with actuators 31, these levers 29 are adjustable between the positions reproduced in Figures 5 and 6. In the illustrative example represented, the fittings 17 are also provided with bolts 25 by means of which the container 2 may be connected to the rod 32 which extends between both levers 29.
The waste collection system in accordance with the invention is operated is follows. The substructure 5 of the cart is stabilised by means of props 33 in relation to the setup location 41 on the ground 4. Consequently, as reproduced in Figures 1 and 2 the arm 6, and in particular its framework 10, are connected in a known way to the top of the container 2 which is situated in the ground 4. Although the container in the reproduced example is accommodated entirely in the ground, this may partially extend above the ground level, or be placed on the ground level. By activating the linear actuators 18, 19, 23 of the arm 6, as well as the actuator (not reproduced) for rotating the arm 6 about the vertical axis of rotation 15 in a suitable way, the container 2 may, as reproduced in Figures 3 and 4, be lifted up and transferred to the position next to the tilting means 28.
As soon as the container 2 is positioned in a suitable position in relation to the tilting means 28, the bolts 25 can be activated in such a way that the container 2 may be connected to these tilting means 28. In this condition, the activation of the linear actuators of the arm 6 is cancelled. Then the linear actuators 31 of the tilting means 28 are activated in such a way that the container 2 is transferred from the suspended position in accordance with Figure 5 to the tilted position in accordance with Figure 6. In the latter condition, the contents of the container 2 are emptied under the effect of gravity through the loading opening 27 into the waste collection area 26.
During this treatment, the framework 10 remains essentially in a vertical position, with its legs 16 pointing downwards. The framework swivels passively in relation to the arm 6 around the rotary suspension 24 and the hinges 12-14 of the lever 20.
In the views of Figures 7-9 a further possible embodiment of the waste collection system is reproduced. In these figures, the vehicle is reproduced only partially, only with its relevant parts, in other words, including without cab, wheels, articulated arm and similar. In this alternative embodiment, there is a container 2 which, as shown in Figure 10, exhibits pins 37 next to the loading opening, which extend on opposite sides of the container. Furthermore, the container 2 also exhibits in a known way on the top the take-ups 36 for the fittings (not shown) which are provided on the arm (not shown) to connect the container to this arm.
Next to the loading opening 27 of the cart, on the other hand, the tilting means 28 are provided, and indeed on two opposite sides of the loading opening 27. The tilting means 28 each exhibit a pair of levers 29 as shown in Figures 7-9, which levers are mutually connected by the rod 32. The hydraulic piston/cylinder mechanism 31 interacts with this rod 32, which is also connected to the substructure 5. On the upper end of the levers 29 shown in Figures 7 and 9 are situated the bolt hooks 38 into which the respective pins 37 of the container 2 can be hooked and locked. At a distance from the bolt hooks 35, the supports 39 are attached to the levers 29. As shown in Figures 7-9, a wall of the container 2 is held towards the arm against these supports 29 when the pins 37 are accommodated in the bolt hooks 38.
In this condition, by the activation of the hydraulic piston/cylinder mechanism 31, the tilting mechanism 28 with the container 2 are tilted as reproduced in Figure 8 in such a way that the contents of the container 2 can be deposited into the waste collection area 26 of the vehicle.

List of Reference Numbers

1.: Vehicle
2.: Container
3.: Recess
4.: Ground
5.: Substructure
6.: Arm
7.-9.: Arm Part
10.: Framework
11.-14.: Hinge
15.: Axis of Rotation
16.: Leg
17.: Fitting
18., 19.: Linear Actuator
20.: Lever
21., 22.: Lever Part
23.: Linear Actuator
24.: Rotary Suspension
25.: Counter-Connector or Bolt
26.: Waste Collection Area
27.: Loading Opening
28.: Tilting Means
29.: Lever
30.: Roller Bearing
31.: Actuator
32.: Connector or Rod
33.: Prop
34.: Wheel
35.: Axis of Rotation
36.: Take-Up of Fitting
37.: Counter-Connector or Pin
38.: Connector or Bolt Hook
39.: Support
40.: Platform Arm
41.: Setup Place

Claims

1. A waste collection system, comprising at least one container (2) in which waste can be accommodated, as well as a vehicle (1) comprising a drivable substructure (5), a waste collection area (26) on the substructure and a handling mechanism, which handling mechanism comprises an arm (6) supported on the substructure (5) with an arm driving device (18, 19, 23) for transferring a waste container (2) close to the loading opening (27) of the waste collection area (26), as well as means of tilting (28) for tilting the container (2) in relation to the waste collection area (26) in connection with emptying the waste from the container into the loading opening of the waste collection area, which container (2) and arm (6) are provided with a connecting mechanism (17, 25, 32) for connecting the container to the arm, characterised in that the tilting means (28) exhibit their own tilting driving means (31).

2. Waste collection system in accordance with Claim 1, in which the tilting means (28) are supported directly on the substructure (5) of the cart (1) and the tilting driving means (31) interacts directly with the substructure (5) of the cart (1).

3. Waste collection system in accordance with Claim 1 or 2, in which the arm (6) is designed to transfer the container (2) to the tilting means (28) on the cart (1), and the connecting mechanism exhibits first connecting means, such as a fitting (17) and a take-up (36) for the fitting, for connecting the container (2) to the arm (6) as well as two connecting means, such as a bolt (25) and a rod (32), for connecting the container (2) with the tilting means (28).

4. Waste collection system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, in which the tilting means (28) comprise a lever (29) which is suspended rotatably about an essentially horizontal axis of rotation (35) in relation to the substructure (5), which lever comprises two mutually rigidly connected lever parts which extend on opposite sides of the axis of rotation (35) from which a lever part supports a connector (32) and the other lever part interacts with an actuator (31), in which the container (2) supports a counter-connector (25) that can be brought to interact with the connector (32) of one part of the lever and in which at a distance from the connector (32) a stop (30) is provided, preferably on the loading opening (27), against which the container (2) is adjustable.

5. Waste collection system in accordance with Claim 4, in which the framework (10) is rotatable in relation to the arm (2) by means of a rotatable suspension (24) with an axis of rotation pointing perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the horizontal hinge (14), and preferably the framework (10) is rotatably suspended, about the rotatable suspension (24) with the axis of rotation pointing perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the horizontal hinge (14), on the lever (20).

7. Waste collection system in accordance with any one of Claims 1-3, in which the tilting means (28) comprise a lever (29) which is suspended rotatably about an essentially horizontal axis of rotation (35), in relation to the substructure (5) as well as an actuator (31) for rotating the lever (29), in which the lever (29) supports a connector (38) and the container (2) supports a counter-connector (37) that can be brought into interaction with the connector (38) of the lever (29) and in which at a distance from the connector (38) a stop (39) is provided on the lever (28) against which the container (2) can be supported.

8. Waste collection system in accordance with any one of Claims 4-7 in which the tilting means (28) comprise two parallel levers (29) which are mutually connected by a cross member (32).

9. Waste collection system in accordance with any one of Claims 4-9, in which the lever(s) (29) is/are suspended next to the edge of the loading opening (27).

10. Waste collection system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, in which the connection mechanism comprises two fittings (17) suspended on the arm provided with first bolts and the container (2) exhibits correspondingly recessed openings into which the bolts can be accommodated and rotated, and in which the fittings (17) preferably comprise two bolts (25) which can be connected with the tilting means (28).

11. Waste collection system in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, in which on the opposite sides of the loading opening (27) tilting means (28) are provided, and the arm (6) is set up essentially centrally in relation to both tilting means.

12. Set up, comprising a waste collection system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, and an area, such as a recess (3) in a substrate (4) where the container (2) is accommodated, as well as a setup place (41) for the vehicle (1) provided next to the area.

13. Method for operating the waste collection system in accordance with one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of:

- activating the arm (2) and thus transferring the container (6) to the tilting means (28),

- supporting the container by the tilting means,

- deactivating the arm (6),

- then activating the tilting means (28) and thus tilting the container (2).

14. Method in accordance with Claim 13, comprising maintaining the connection between the arm (6) and the container (2) after the container is connected to the tilting means and the arm is deactivated and while the container is tilted.

15. Method in accordance with Claim 13, comprising the steps of;

- after accommodating the container (6) on the tilting means (28) and before tilting the container (6), releasing the arm (2) of the container (6).