NL2023538B1

NL2023538B1 - Refuse distribution and compaction device

Info

Publication number: NL2023538B1
Application number: NL2023538A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Joost Luinstra Jacob
Original assignee: Mr Fill Holding B V
Priority date: 2019-07-19
Filing date: 2019-07-19
Publication date: 2021-02-08

Abstract

Top loading refuse distributing and compacting device (10) for mounting above or in the top of a refuse collection container (2) operable to receive, compact and distribute refuse (6) 5 collected with said container. The device comprises a pivotal handling member (21), which is pivotable between a leftward and rightward guiding position, in which left and right opposed inclined surfaces (22l, 22r) of the handling member alternatingly guide refuse (6) into the right and left side of the container such as to distribute it evenly over said sides, while with the other surface compacting refuse already present in the container. Therein the handling 10 member may comprise a weight sensor (25). The device may be operated based on the signals of sensors, e.g. the weight sensor, for instance if it indicates a living organism being received. The handling member (21) may be one single unit, combining the functions of weighing, distributing and compacting. 15 < fig.1a >

Description

REFUSE DISTRIBUTION AND COMPACTION DEVICE The present invention relates to the field of collection of refuse wherein refuse is collected in a collection container. The present invention pertains in particular to the collection of domestic refuse, e.g. in refuse bags, plastic domestic refuse, etc. In the field it is known to provide a subterranean refuse collection system with a container that is housed in a subterranean pit and can be lifted therefrom for discharge of collected refuse. Above the ground the system includes a refuse introduction housing, e.g. a column, having an introduction opening allowing a user to introduce refuse therein, e.g. domestic refuse. In known embodiments a refuse introduction device is provided in said housing, e.g. a drum type introduction device. This for example allows to control the use of the system, e.g. a user first has to identify himself in some electronic manner. It also may allow to control the dimension of the refuse that is introduced, e.g. limited to the size of a common domestic refuse bag, e.g. a 60 litre bag. Such a collection system can work well to store a large amount of waste between emptying while ensuring the waste already collected is not subject to environmental forces or access by, for example, birds or other animals which may get into the waste and spread it elsewhere.

In known refuse collection systems top loading refuse compacting devices are integrated which are mounted above or in the top of the refuse collection container. These compacting devices are operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has been dropped into the device via the refuse introduction housing and to compact the refuse that has been collected within the container. Examples of such top loading refuse compacting devices are shown in EP2664449, NL2008505, US6588330, CH564467, EP1916202, EP2514586, EP1508535 and EP3296095. EP3265303 discloses a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is adapted to be mounted above or in the top of a refuse collection container, which accords to the preamble of claim 1. This device is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container. Upper and lower pivotal compaction members both have opposed compaction faces, which upon alternating rotation of the compaction member to leftward and rightward positions with respect to the entry opening assume leftward and rightward inclinations to together form a chute that guides the refuse to the left and right

2.

side of the container, respectively. While assuming the leftward and rightward positions, the refuse is compacted at the left and right side, respectively. The known refuse collection systems and distribution and/or compacting devices are considered to be not fully satisfactory. Firstly, while the dimension of the refuse that is introduced may be controlled through the refuse introduction device, with the known systems and devices, containers may after continued introduction of refuse end up being too heavy to lift for waste collection vehicles.

Furthermore, with the known systems and devices, restrictions and recording, e.g. in connection to modules, e.g. registering refuse quantities, any exceeding thereof, and e.g. related cost implications per user, on introduced refuse cannot be correlated to the weight of the refuse. Restrictions thereto may therefore not be controllable.

In a first aspect thereof, it is therefore an object of the current invention to improve the control of the loading of the container, and to at least reduce, preferably prevent, overloading of the container.

Thereto according to the first aspect thereof, the invention provides a provide a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device is capable of providing an indication of the weight of refuse received in the container.

The first aspect of the invention provides a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is adapted to be mounted above or in the top of a refuse collection container, according to claim 1. The device is characterized in that the pivotal handling member further comprises a weighing unit. This weighing unit operates between the distribution and compaction part and the frame. Preferably, it operates between the distribution and compaction part and the receiving part. Alternatively it operates between the handling member and the frame, e.g. the duct of the frame, if present, e.g. between the distribution and compaction part and the frame. The weighing unit is configured to provide an indication of the weight of an object, e.g. refuse, received on the receiving surface. Thereto the weighing unit comprises one or more weight sensors, which are configured to produce one or more signals indicative of the weight of the received object on the top surface in the receiving position of the refuse handling assembly.

EP3434620 provides a weighing unit for a refuse collection system for weighing introduced refuse. The weighing unit is provided to the refuse introduction housing.

23. By providing the weighing unit to the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device, as according to the invention, the functionalities of weighing, distributing, and compacting the refuse are advantageously combined within one device.

Current collection systems can thus be retrofitted with the refuse distributing and compacting device to accomplish the added functionality, without necessitating a separate weighing unit to be installed.

Furthermore, in the preferred case that the weighing unit operates between the distribution and compaction part and the receiving part of the handling member, the functions of weighing, distribution, and compaction are advantageously integrated in a single moving part, which moves only unitary in order to weigh, distribute, and compact the refuse.

Furthermore, as the weighing unit is provided between the parts of the handling member, embodiments are possible in which the one ar more sensors can generally not come into contact with refuse, e.g. not even with surfaces that are in contact with refuse, e.g. wherein the weighing unit is covered by the walls and/or surfaces of the handling member, e.g. provided underneath the top surface, e.g. completely enclosed within the handling member.

This lessens the chance for contamination of the sensors by refuse and/or particles in the surrounding space of the device.

The weighing unit being covered by walls and/or surfaces of the handling member furthermore lessens the chance of becoming affected by conditions within the device and/or the container and/or the introduction housing, e.g. air humidity, temperature, and gases emitted by collected refuse present in the collection container.

The frame of the device may comprise one or more head walls, extending around the entry opening of the device, e.g. defining the entry opening in between them.

These head walls preferably extend - seen in a top view - substantially outside of the contour of the top surface handling member when the handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof, so as to leave substantially the whole top surface uncovered and as such available for receiving refuse dropped into the device.

In an embodiment the one or more head walls serve as transportation elements, configured to be engaged, e.g. by a transportation device, e.g. a lifting device, e.g. a truck mounted crane or a lifting device of a garbage collection vehicle, to be displaced between an external location and a position in or above the top of the container of a refuse handling system, such as to be mounted in that position.

The handling member is configured such that, in the leftward or rightward compacting position, the right or left surface of downwardly engages any refuse already present in the container directly underneath said right or left surface, respectively, such as to compact said already present refuse by means of the refuse handling assembly.

-4- In a particular, simple embodiment, the compacting positions of the refuse handling assembly correspond to the guiding positions thereof. As such, the functions of distributing, weighing, and compacting can be accomplished by moving the refuse handling assembly in three positions only.

In an embodiment, the compacting positions are distinct from the guiding positions. Therein preferably the left or right surface facing upwards in the leftward and rightward guiding position, respectively, is at a larger angle with the imaginary vertical plane in the leftward and rightward compacting position than in the leftward and rightward guiding position, respectively. In an embodiment the device comprises one or more sensors, at least including the weight sensors, e.g. only the weight sensors, or e.g. also including other sensors such as presence detection sensors, movement detection sensors and temperature sensors, configured to produce signals indicative of the measurement being taken by the sensors. The signals produced by the sensors may be externally observable. In an embodiment the device further comprises a control unit operatively connected to the drive assembly and one or more of the sensors, such as to receive the signals produced by these sensors. The control unit is configured to based on signals produced by the one or more sensors, operate the drive assembly such that the drive assembly, when refuse is received on the top surface of the receiving part, and the indication of the weight of the received refuse is provided by the weighing unit, - moves the refuse assembly from the receiving position into the leftward or rightward guiding position, such as to guide the received refuse towards the outlet, and thereafter - optionally, moves the refuse assembly from the leftward or rightward guiding position into the leftward or rightward compacting position, if distinct therefrom, respectively, and thereafter - moves the refuse handling assembly from the guiding position or the compacting position, if distinct therefrom, back into the receiving position. Herein the refuse handling member is preferably moved into the one of the guiding positions and compacting positions after the control unit receives the signals indicative of the weight of the received refuse produced by the weight sensors. Alternatively, the control unit is configured to move the handling member into these guiding positions and compacting positions based on an indication of a signal of another sensor, and/or e.g. after a predetermined time period from the moment the refuse has been received on the top surface, e.g. as detected by one or more presence detection sensors, one or more movement

-5. detection sensors, one or more temperature sensors, or the weight sensor(s). The aim of this configuration is that the received refuse remains in one position, namely on the top surface of the handling member being in the receiving position, while the weight measurement is being taken, and that no refuse passes into the container without the weighing unit having provided aweight indication.

In an embodiment the control unit is furthermore configured to alternatingly, e.g. one on one, two or two, and so on, move the refuse handling assembly in its rightward and leftward guiding position with consequent receiving and handling of refuse. In an embodiment the control unit is furthermore configured to move the refuse handling assembly in its rightward and leftward guiding position based on the weight of the refuse, e.g. to evenly distribute the total weight of the received refuse over the left and right side of the container. In an embodiment the control unit is furthermore configured to move the refuse handling assembly in its rightward guiding position, and optionally further into the rightward compacting position, if distinct therefrom, if a sensor, e.g. a presence or movement detection sensor or temperature sensor as described below, detects the continued presence of refuse already present in the container within range of the left surface of the handling member at the left- hand side of the outlet. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to move the assembly in its leftward guiding position and optionally further into the leftward compacting position, if distinct therefrom, if the continued presence of refuse within range of the right surface of the handling member at the right-hand side of the outlet is detected by the same or another sensor. The control unit is configured to distribute refuse received over time substantially evenly over both sides of the container, while compacting the refuse already present in the container substantially evenly at both sides as well. The effect is that refuse present in the container is compactly stored therein, so that a large amount of refuse may be stored within the limited space of the container. The control unit, if present, may in case the compacting positions are distinct from the guiding positions, be configured to operate the drive assembly such that it moves the handling assembly from the leftward and rightward guiding positions to the leftward and rightward compacting positions, respectively, after guiding received and weighed refuse into the container in the respective guiding position.

In an embodiment the control unit, if present, is furthermore configured to operate the drive assembly such that it moves the refuse handling assembly from each compacting position

-6- back into the receiving position after guiding and optionally compacting, e.g. consequent compacting in a compacting position distinct from the guiding position. In an embodiment the control unit, if present, is furthermore configured to operate the drive assembly, e.g. including the lock mechanism, if present, such as to maintain the handling assembly in each guiding position, after moving it to the guiding position, for a predetermined time period and/or until receiving a signal, e.g. from a sensor, e.g. a presence or movement detection sensor, that the guided refuse has moved through the outlet into the container, and is no longer supported by the handling member.

The control unit, if present, may be configured to operate the drive assembly, e.g. including the lock mechanism, if present, such as to maintain the handling assembly in each compacting position, after moving it to the compacting position, for a predetermined time period and/or until receiving a signal, e.g. from a sensor, e.g. a presence or movement detection sensor, or e.g. an external signal, e.g. from a user interface panel of the refuse collection system the device is to be provided to, or e.g. from an introduction device of the system, that refuse is or is to be dropped into the device, and to move the handling assembly into the receiving position directly after the period has ended and/or the signal has been received. Maintaining the compacting position may further facilitate the compacting of the refuse. In an embodiment, the drive assembly further comprises a lock mechanism, configured to releasably lock the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position, and preferably in the guiding and compacting positions, and to release it therefrom such as to enable the movement of the refuse handling assembly between and into said positions. The lock mechanism may for example be in the simple form of a resistance by the motor to moving it out of the actual position assumed. For example, if the drive motor of the drive assembly is a hydraulic or pneumatic motor, the lock mechanism may be in the form of the closing of valves, e.g. when the piston is in a certain position inside a cylinder.

In an embodiment comprising the control unit, the control unit is furthermore configured to - based on the signals produced by one or more sensors, at least including the signals of the weight sensors - operate the lock mechanism such that the lock mechanism: - releasably locks the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position while the handling member is supporting received refuse at least from the moment that the refuse is received until the weighing unit provides said indication of the weight of received refuse, and - releases the refuse handling assembly after said provision of said indication.

-7- The lock mechanism, advantageously, aims to prevent the refuse handling assembly to undesirably moves, e.g. pivots, e.g. out of the receiving position, while the weight measurement of the refuse is being established. Thereby the refuse may be prevented from shifting over the top surface of the receiving part, and from moving into the container already before the weight measurement is complete.

Preferably, the control unit is also configured to releasably lock the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position whenever the handling member is not supporting any refuse. The effect is that undesired movement, e.g. pivoting, of the handling member upon receiving refuse introduced into the device is prevented, e.g. as a consequence of the impact of the refuse dropping onto the top surface, e.g. off-centre. Alternatively, the control unit is configured to operate the lock mechanism based on signals produced the sensors such that the lock mechanism: - releases the refuse handling assembly whenever the handling member is not supporting any refuse, and - locks the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position immediately after the signals indicate that refuse has been received onto the top surface and/or that refuse has been dropped into the device.

In an embodiment the pivotal handling member of the refuse handling assembly comprises one or more pivot axles. By means of this or these pivot axle(s) the handling member is pivotally connected to the frame. The pivot axles extend along or parallel to the horizontal pivot axis inside one or more slots, e.g. slots of one or more respective ones of the side walls of the frame, such that the movement of the refuse handling assembly between and into the receiving position, the leftward guiding position, the rightward guiding position and the compacting positions, if distinct from the guiding positions, is established by rotation of the pivot axle(s) around the pivot axis. Preferably, one single pivot axle is provided. Providing the pivot axle(s) has the advantageous effect that only one or more of the pivot axle(s) have to be engaged by the drive assembly in order to pivot the entire handling member. In an embodiment the drive assembly engages one or more of the pivot axles, e.g. a single pivot axle, such as to impart said rotation of the pivot axles around the horizontal pivot axis and establish said movement of the refuse handling assembly between and into said positions.

-8- In an embodiment the one or more of said slots are complementary to the pivot axle extending therein, each pivot axle being rotatable inside the respective slot such as to establish the rotation of the pivot axles around the pivot axis. Preferably, these slots each comprise a rotary bearing to facilitate the rotation of the pivot axles around the pivot axis.

In an embodiment the frame of the device comprises opposed side walls, a front and rear side wall, having the one or more slots, namely opposed front and rear slots aligned along the horizontal pivot axis, inside each of which a respective front and rear end of the one or more pivot axles, extends and rotates, preferably inside a rotary bearing provided inside the slot.

In a particular embodiment, the frame of the device comprises one rear side wall with a rear one of the slots. The rear slot preferably comprises a rear rotary bearing, inside which a rear end of the pivot axle rotates. The device comprises a front mounting structure, preferably comprising a front bearing, the mounting structure being configured to be mounted to the container, e.g. a front wall thereof.

The drive assembly is preferably mounted to the front or rear side wall, when present, of the frame that has the front or rear slot. Preferably the drive assembly therein extends at a front or rear side of the front or rear side wall, respectively, and the handling member at the rear or front side thereof, respectively. The pivot axle therein extends through the front or rear side wall, respectively, such as to protrude therefrom at the front or rear side of the side wall, and the drive assembly engages the pivot axle at the front or rear side of the side wall, respectively.

In an embodiment the one or more slots are not comprised by any side wall of the frame. Therein the device comprises a front and rear mounting structure, preferably comprising a front and rear bearing, respectively. The mounting structures are configured to be mounted to the container, e.g. front and rear walls thereof.

In an alternative embodiment one or more of said slots inside which the one or more pivot axles extend, if present, is a circle segment with a continuous spacing to the horizontal pivot axis, each pivot axle being slidable inside the slot it extends in such as to establish the rotation of the pivot axles around the pivot axis.

In an embodiment one or more of the pivot axles are hollow. If the handling member, e.g. the weighing unit thereof, comprises cabling or wiring, these can be run through the hollow pivot axles and the side walls in the slot of which the pivot axles extend, to an outer side of, or

-9- external from, the handling assembly, for the transfer of the signals produced by one or more of the sensors to the control unit or another receiver, and/or for the transfer of power to the one or more of the sensors from a power source outside the handling assembly. These sensors may include the weight sensors. Alternatively, said transfer may be done wireless and/or said sensors may be powered by energy storage units, e.g. batteries. In an embodiment, the drive assembly comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders arranged along and to the outside of a side wall of the frame, e.g. the duct, preferably one pair along and to the outside of each side wall. Therein each pair of hydraulic cylinders is jointly connected to the refuse handling assembly via a common connection member that extends through a slot in one of the side walls of the frame, and optionally one or more transmissions. The hydraulic cylinders extend from the common connection member to connectors, e.g. in generally opposed directions to spaced apart connectors, for the cylinders to connect to the frame, e.g. said common connection member being integral with the handling member. For example, the common connection member is formed by one of the pivot axles, if present, e.g. by a single one of the pivot axles, e.g. the only pivot axle. In particular, the drive assembly may be embodied and connected to the handling member as disclosed in EP3265303.

In a particularly envisaged embodiment, the drive assembly is embodied as described in the co-pending application NL2023535, and comprises: - a first hydraulic actuator including a first cylinder and a first rod moveable within and extending from said first cylinder, - a second hydraulic actuator including a second cylinder and a second rod moveable within and extending from said second cylinder.

Therein the first and second cylinder are mounted to each other to be moveable as a unit. The first and second rod extend parallel to each other in opposite directions from the unit. The first and second rod extending from the unit are connected to the frame of the refuse handling device or are to be connected to the refuse collection container. The connection member, e.g. embodied by the pivot axle(s), is rotatable about a rotation axis in a first rotational direction and in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. The unit is connected to the connection member using a first pulling member, which is configured to cause the connection member to rotate in the first rotational direction upon movement of the unit in a first direction, and a second pulling member, which is configured to cause the connection member to rotate in the second rotational direction upon movement of the unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

-10 - In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the pivot axles is interconnected with the drive motor of the drive assembly, e.g. a drive axle thereof, or a transmission to its driving parts. When interconnecting with a drive axle of the drive motor, the interconnection is such that the movement of the refuse handling assembly between and into said positions is established by rotation of the drive axle between and into corresponding positions of the drive axle. Therein the control unit, when present, is furthermore being operatively connected to the drive motor such as to control rotation of the drive axle between and into said corresponding positions of the drive axle. In an embodiment comprising the lock mechanism, the lock mechanism is configured to releasably lock the drive axle of the drive motor of the drive assembly in a position corresponding to the receiving position of the refuse handling assembly so as to lock the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position, and to release the drive axle from the position corresponding to the receiving position such as to enable the movement of the refuse handling assembly between and into the rightward guiding position, the leftward guiding position and the receiving position.

In an embodiment, the weight sensors of the weighing unit comprise one or more strain gauge farce transducers and/or one or more piezoelectric force transducers, which connect the distribution and compaction part of the handling member with the receiving part thereof.

In an embodiment the weighing unit comprises a load cell. In an embodiment the weighing unit further comprises one or more end stops, mounted between the compaction and distribution part and the receiving part of the handling assembly, configured to limit a downwards movement of the top surface of the receiving part caused by the weight of received refuse with respect to the compaction and distribution part. The effect is, that the load on the load cell may be limited, for instance to prevent damage thereto due to undue overloading and or asymmetric loading. In an embodiment the weighing unit further comprises a frame, to which the weight sensors and/or the end stops are mounted. The frame is mounted to the compaction and distribution part, whereas the sensors and/or end stops are mounted to the frame in between the frame and the receiving part of the handling member. In an embodiment the weight sensors of the weighing unit provide the signals indicative of the weight of received object, e.g. refuse, continuously over time at least as long as refuse is being supported on the top surface of the handling member in the receiving position of the refuse handling assembly. If present, therein, the control unit operates the drive assembly such that the refuse handling assembly remains in the receiving position for at least as long

-11 - as the signals fluctuate over time to an extent that exceeds a predetermined range.

This fluctuating may e.g. occur directly after being received on the top surface due to the dropping of the refuse onto the top surface, due to shifting and/or sliding of different parts of refuse with respect to one another and/or due to initial stabilizing movements of the received refuse to reach equilibrium on the top surface.

The drive assembly is furthermore operated by the control unit such that the drive assembly moves the refuse handling assembly to one of the guiding positions only after said fluctuating has stopped or remained within said predetermined range for a predetermined time period.

This configuration aims to promote accurate weight measurements to be taken, such that the signals produced accurately represent the actual weight of the received refuse being supported by the handling member.

Furthermore, in an embodiment comprising both the control unit and the lock mechanism, the control unit is also configured to operate the lock mechanism such that the lock mechanism: - locks the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position for at least as long as the signals produced by the weight sensors fluctuate over time to an extent that exceeds the predetermined range, and - releases the refuse handling assembly only after said fluctuating has stopped or remained within said predetermined range for said predetermined time period.

The control unit therein operates the drive assembly such that the drive assembly moves the refuse handling assembly to one of the guiding positions and optionally the compacting positions after said releasing of the refuse handling assembly.

By locking the assembly in the receiving position while establishing the measurement, the handling member may be prevented from undesiredly moving sideways, e.g. out of the receiving position, such as to prevent relative movements of the received refuse over the top surface and to prevent the received refuse from undesiredly sliding into the container via one of the sides already before an accurate measurement has been taken.

An embodiment comprises one or more presence detection sensors, configured to detect whether or not an object, e.g. refuse, is supported on the top surface of the receiving part of the handling member and to produce one or more signals indicative of the received object being supported on said top surface or not.

Therein the one or more of the signals based on which the control unit, when present, operates the drive assembly and/or the lock mechanism are said signals produced by the presence detection sensors.

The presence detection sensors may e.g. be in the form of photoelectric, inductive or capacitive proximity, and/or ultrasonic sensors.

-12- An embodiment comprises one or more movement detection sensors, configured to detect movement of a received object, e.g. refuse, and to produce one or more signals indicative of movement of the received object. Therein the one or more of the signals based on which the control unit, when present, operates the drive assembly and/or the lock mechanism are said signals produced by the movement detection sensors. The movement detection sensors may e.g. be in the form of microwave, ultrasonic, passive infrared, and/or tomographic motion detectors, but also video camera's are envisaged.

An embodiment comprises one or more non-probing temperature sensors, e.g. infrared sensors, configured to indicate the temperature of a received object, and to produce one or more signals indicative of the temperature of the received object. Therein the one or more of the signals based on which the control unit, when present, operates the drive assembly and/or the lock mechanism are said signals produced by the movement detection sensors.

In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is furthermore configured to register in a memory an indication of the total weight of refuse actually present into the container, by adding up the weight of actually received and guided refuse as indicated by the signals of the weight sensors to the already registered indication of the total weight everytime the handling member guides received and weighed refuse through the outlet into the container.

Preferably, this indication is externally observable, e.g. via a user interface and/or via communication to external devices, e.g. managed by operators of a garbage collection service. Preferably, the control unit is configured to take remedial action if the registered indication of the total weight exceeds a predetermined value, e.g. the maximum weight that a garbage collection device can handle when discharging the container. This remedial action may include to produce a warning signal that is observable externally from the device, e.g. by determined operators and/or users of the device. Advantageously, this configuration enables to prevent that the container gets too heavy to handle for a garbage collection device, and to indicate, e.g. to operators of the garbage collection service and/or users of the device, that the container needs to be emptied, e.g. earlier than expected.

In an embodiment the registered indication is set to zero after the container has been emptied, e.g. in response to a signal produced externally, e.g. produced by sensors of the container or by an input signal from an external source, e.g. an operator device or a control switch. This way, the registered indication may always represent the weight of the currently present refuse in the container, excluding the weight of already discharged refuse. Previous values of registered indications of the total weights may also be stored in the memory, e.g.

-13- summed up, e.g. for use as a parameter in determining the remaining lifetime and/or if maintenance is necessary. In an embodiment, the opposed left and right surfaces of the handling member are, seen in direction of the pivot axis, diverging towards the receiving surface in a direction away from said pivot axis, e.g. said left and right surfaces being planar surfaces that are arranged in a V, e.g. said surfaces including an angle between 40° and 100°, e.g. 50°. In an embodiment the distance between the horizontal pivot axis and the receiving surface is between 40 and 80 centimetres.

In an embodiment, in said leftward guiding position the left surface of the distribution and compaction part of the handling member that is upwardly facing the entry opening has an angle relative to the imaginary vertical plane above and parallel to the pivot axis of between 25° and 80°, and wherein in said rightward guiding position the right surface that is upwardly facing the entry opening has an angle relative to said imaginary vertical plane of between 25° and 80°. In an embodiment, in the leftward and rightward guiding positions the receiving surface of the receiving part of the handling member extends in vertical projection below one or more of the head walls and substantially outside of the contour of the entry opening. In an embodiment, in the receiving position the top surface of the receiving part of the handling member extends in vertical projection below substantially the whole receiving opening, and the guiding surfaces extend substantially below one or more of the head walls and substantially outside of the contour of the entry opening. The effect is that inside the contour of the receiving opening, no space is present in the horizontal plane for introduced refuse to end up but the top surface of the receiving part of the handling member. Thereby, it may be prevented that refuse is not, or only partly supported by the top surface, interfering with the weight measurement. In an embodiment, the top surface is shaped to be bent, e.g. slightly, around the horizontal pivot axis. For example, when seen in the direction of the horizontal pivot axis, the top surface forms a circle segment with a constant radius relative to the horizontal pivot axis. The effect is that the top surface can remain close to the entry opening in the receiving position, as upon pivoting the handling member the distance to the surface may remain substantially the same while still extending underneath the entry opening during this pivoting. Furthermore, in this same view the angle between the guiding surfaces and the top surface is reduced, which may promote the shifting of the left and right surfaces underneath the supported refuse while

-14 - pivoting the handling member to move the refuse handling assembly from the receiving position into either of the guiding positions and compacting positions.

In an embodiment, the top ends of the left and right guiding surface comprise a laterally, e.g. perpendicular, extending shoulder defined by a protruding edge that adjoins the lateral outer end of the top surface. This shoulder facilitates the compacting of refuse already present in the container, as it latches laterally behind the refuse such as to reduce refuse moving laterally, e.g. sliding along the left or right surface, while it engages the refuse during compacting thereof as a consequence of the downward force on the refuse.

The first aspect of the invention furthermore provides a refuse collection system comprising: - a collection container, - a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is configured to be mounted above or in the top of the refuse collection container and which device is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container. Therein, the device may accord to any of to the embodiments herein described.

In an embodiment the system is a subterranean refuse collection system comprising: -apitin the ground, e.g. a concrete pit, wherein the collection container is adapted to be arranged in the pit and to be lifted from the pit for discharge of refuse such as to empty the container. Therein the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device is mounted in the top of the refuse collection container.

In an embodiment the system further comprises a refuse introduction housing having an introduction opening allowing a user to introduce refuse therein, e.g. provided with an introduction device, e.g. a drum type introduction device, so that the refuse drops into the the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device, e.g. in the duct thereof, if present.

In an embodiment, wherein the control unit registers an indication of the total weight of the refuse actually present in the container, the control unit is configured to operate the closure element such as to lock the closure element if the indication of the total weight of refuse actually present into the container exceeds a predetermined value. Through this configuration it may be prevented that the container becomes heavier than desired, e.g. heavier than a garbage collection vehicle can handle when discharging the container.

-15- In another or the same embodiment, the control unit is configured to operate the closure element such as to lock the closure element if the signals produced by the weight sensors indicate a weight of received refuse that exceeds a predetermined value.

Other embodiments are envisaged in which the control unit does the same if signals produced by the same or other sensors indicate uncommon values, e.g. if one or more temperature sensors indicate an uncommonly low or high temperature, or if one or more movement detection sensors indicate an uncommon movement pattern of the received refuse.

Other features of the system are discussed below in relation to the first, second and third aspect of the invention. The first aspect of the invention furthermore provides a method for handling refuse introduced in a refuse collection system comprising a collection container and a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is mounted above or in the top of the refuse collection container. This device is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container. The device therein preferably accords to the device according to the invention. The device comprises a pivotal handling member with a top surface, a right surface, and an opposed left surface. The method comprises the following steps. - receiving introduced refuse on the top surface of the device, such that it is supported on the device, - weighing the received refuse being supported on the device, - pivoting the handling member to the left or right side underneath the refuse such that said right or left surface shifts underneath the refuse such that the refuse is supported thereby, and said right or left surface assumes a downward inclination towards the container, - maintaining the right or left surface under a downward inclination such that the refuse slides downwards over said right or left surface towards and into the container, and such that respectively the left or right surface downwardly engages any refuse already present in the container directly underneath said left or right surface, such as to compact said already present refuse,

-16 - - optionally, pivoting the handling member such as to increase said downward inclination, such that respectively the left or right surface downwardly engages any refuse already present in the container directly underneath the left or right surface, such as to compact said already present refuse, e.g. further compacts said already present refuse.

A second source of dissatisfaction of prior art systems and devices is that with the current systems and devices, living organisms that accidentally fall into the system and/or device may pass into the container unhindered, so as to end up on or between the collected refuse, e.g. deep inside the ground, which is difficult to access or escape from.

In a second aspect thereof, it is therefore an object of the current invention to provide a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device which is capable of reducing the risk of a living organism that fell into the system and/or device to pass into the collection container. The second aspect thereto provides a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is adapted to be mounted above or in the top of a refuse collection container according to the preamble of claim 1, which is capable of recognizing a living organism dropping in the system and/or device before it could pass into the collection container. Thereto, the refuse handling assembly comprises one or more sensors, configured to produce one or more signals indicative of a living organism being supported on said top surface.

By providing the one or more sensors to the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device, the living organism can be recognized already prior to passing any load into the container. This enables remedial actions preventing that the living organism passes into the collection container to consequently be taken.

Furthermore, thereby the functionalities of detection of a living organism, distributing, and compacting the refuse are advantageously combined within one device. Current collection systems can thus be retrofitted with the refuse distributing and compacting device, without necessitating a separate weighing unit to be installed.

In embodiments the sensors are located inside or on the handling member, so that the functions of detection of a living organism, distribution, and compaction are advantageously integrated in a single moving part, which moves only unitary in order to establish said

-17 - detection and distribution and compaction of the refuse. The sensors may be provided between the parts of the handling member, so that they can generally not come into contact with refuse, e.g. not even with surfaces that are in contact with refuse, e.g. wherein the sensors are covered by the walls and/or surfaces of the handling member, e.g. provided underneath the top surface, e.g. completely enclosed within the handling member. This lessens the chance for contamination of the sensors by refuse and/or particles in the surrounding space of the device. The sensors being covered by walls and/or surfaces of the handling member, e.g. completely enclosed within the handling member, furthermore lessens the chance of becoming affected by conditions within the device and/or the container and/or the introduction housing, e.g. air humidity, temperature, and gases emitted by collected refuse present in the collection container. Alternatively, the sensors could be located elsewhere in or on the distribution and compaction device, e.g. provided to the frame, e.g. the duct of the frame, if present.

The signals produced by the sensors being indicative of a living organism being supported on said top surface, may be recognized manually, e.g. by human interpretation of these signals. Therein the signals are observable externally from the device. This enables an observer to initiate remedial actions.

Preferably, the signals being indicative of a living organism being supported on said top surface, is recognized automatically by means of a control unit, which is operatively connected to the sensors such as to receive the signals produced thereby, and configured to interpret the signals such as to detect the presence of a living organism.

Therein interpretation of the signals may be observable externally from the device, e.g. to enable an observer to initiate remedial actions. Preferably, the control unit is configured to initiate remedial actions when the presence of a living organism on the handling member is recognized thereby. In an embodiment, the control unit operates the drive assembly such that the drive assembly: - does not move the refuse handling assembly out of the receiving position, e.g. locks the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position by means of the lock mechanism, if present, if the signals produced by the sensors indicate, e.g. after interpretation of the signals by the control unit, that a living organism is supported by the handling member, and

-18- - moves the refuse handling assembly to one of the guiding positions and compacting positions, if distinct therefrom, after said signals no longer indicate that a living organism is supported by the handling member, e.g. no longer indicate this for a predetermined time period, and/or - moves the refuse handling assembly to one of the guiding positions and compacting positions, if distinct therefrom, after receiving an external, e.g. remedial signal, e.g. an input signal from an external source, e.g. an operator device or a control switch, that the living organism is no longer supported by the handling member.

In an embodiment the control unit is furthermore configured to operate a lock mechanism of the drive assembly of the device, as has been discussed in more detail in relation to the first aspect. This lock mechanism is configured to releasably lock the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position, and to release it therefrom such as to enable the movement of the refuse handling assembly between and into the leftward and rightward guiding positions and leftward and rightward compacting positions, if distinct therefrom. The control unit operates the lock mechanism such that the lock mechanism: - releasably locks the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position if the signals produced by the sensors indicate, e.g. after interpretation of the signals by the control unit, that a living organism is supported by the handling member, and - releases the refuse handling assembly after the signals no longer indicate that a living organism is supported by the handling member, e.g. no longer indicate this for a predetermined time period, and/or - releases the refuse handling assembly after receiving an external, e.g. remedial signal that the living organism is no longer supported by the handling member.

In an embodiment the sensors comprise one or more presence detection sensors, configured to detect whether or not an object is supported on the top surface of the receiving part of the handling member and to produce one or more signals indicative of the received refuse being supported on said top surface or not.

In an embodiment the sensors comprise one or more movement detection sensors, configured to detect movement of a received object, and to produce one or more signals indicative of movement of the received object.

In an embodiment the sensors comprise one or more temperature sensors, configured to indicate the temperature of a received object, and to produce one or more signals indicative of the temperature of the received object.

-19- In an embodiment, the sensors comprise one or more weight sensors configured to produce one or more signals indicative of the weight of the received object on the top surface in the receiving position of the refuse handling assembly. These weight sensors may e.g. comprise one or more strain gauge force transducers and/or one or more piezoelectric force transducers. The weight sensors may be embodied by a load cell. In a particularly compact embodiment, the sensors consist only of said one or more weight sensors. Therein, the embodiment preferably also accords to the first aspect of the invention. In this embodiment advantageously provides weighing, distribution, compaction, and recognition of living organisms by means of the handling member only. In an embodiment the control unit is configured to interpret the signals produced by the sensors such as to determine if a living organism is being supported by the handling member, by the ability to recognize signals produced by sensors after refuse has been received onto the top surface not being typically caused by the dropping of the refuse onto the top surface and shifting and sliding of different parts of refuse with respect to one another and/or initial stabilizing movements of the received refuse to reach equilibrium on the top surface, and/or other typical signal characteristics for non-living refuse, and/or the ability to recognize signals produced by sensors being characteristic for living organisms, e.g. animals and human beings. These abilities may be based on one or more of: - when interpreting signals of weight sensors, the indicated weight and/or the frequency, pattern, magnitude, and/or duration of fluctuations of the signals over time, and/or - when interpreting signals of presence detection sensors, detected size and/or any variations of the signals over time, and/or - when interpreting signals of movement detection sensors, the duration, magnitudes and directions of detected movements, and/or - when interpreting signals of temperature sensors, the indicated temperature and/or a deviation of the commonly encountered temperature of refuse.

In an embodiment the control unit is furthermore configured to, if the signals produced by the sensors indicate that a living organism is supported by the handling member, produce a warning signal that is observable externally from the device, e.g. by emergency services, passers-by and/or determined operators of the device.

In the embodiment wherein the sensors comprise one or more weight sensors configured to produce one or more signals indicative of the weight of the received object on the top surface

-20 - in the receiving position of the refuse handling assembly, the indication of the weight may in itself enable a recognition of a living organism being supported on the handling member. For instance, if the signals indicate an relatively high weight, e.g. abnormally high in relation to the weight commonly encountered when receiving refuse, of the received object, for instance, 20 kg or more - which approximately corresponds to the average weight of a child of 5 years old, this may be interpreted as an indication that a living organism is supported on the handling member. The weight sensors may provide the signals indicative of the weight of received refuse continuously over a certain time period, at least as long as a received object is being supported on the top surface of the handling member in the receiving position of the refuse handling assembly. Therein the signals may fluctuate over time, e.g. directly after being received on the top surface due to the dropping of the refuse onto the top surface, due to shifting and/or sliding of different parts of refuse with respect to one another and/or due to initial stabilizing movements of the received refuse to reach equilibrium on the top surface. The fluctuations in the produced signals being provided over a time period, may enable a recognition of a living organism being supported on the handling member. Therein the fluctuations indicate a living organism being supported on the handling member if the fluctuations deviate from those commonly encountered when only non-living matter is supported on the handling member. For example, if these are not being typically caused by the dropping of the refuse onto the top surface and shifting and sliding of different parts of refuse with respect to one another and/or initial stabilizing movements of the received refuse to reach equilibrium on the top surface, and/or other typical signal characteristics for non- living refuse. Also, it enables to recognize fluctuations of signals being characteristic for living organisms. For instance, when a living organism is supported, the fluctuations may prolong for a (much) longer time, or the magnitude may diminish over time to a less extent. In general, the recognition may for instance be based on the factors frequency, pattern, magnitude, and/or duration of fluctuations of the signals over time. Also, the average indicated weight may be a factor, e.g. on itself or combined with the other factors of the fluctuations.

In an embodiment comprising the control unit, the control unit operates the drive assembly such that the refuse handling assembly remains in the receiving position, e.g. is locked in the receiving position by the lock mechanism, if present, for at least as long as the signals fluctuate over time to an extent that exceeds a predetermined range. The operation of the drive unit is furthermore such that the drive assembly moves the refuse handling assembly to one of the guiding positions only after said fluctuating has stopped or remained within said

-21 - predetermined range for a predetermined time period. The purpose is to provide the weight indication more accurately. In an embodiment comprising said control unit and said lock mechanism, the control unit operates the lock mechanism such that the lock mechanism: - locks the refuse handling assembly in the receiving position for at least as long as the signals fluctuate over time to an extent that exceeds the predetermined range, and - releases the refuse handling assembly only after said fluctuating has stopped or remained within said predetermined range for said predetermined time period, and operates the drive assembly such that: - the drive assembly moves the refuse handling assembly to one of the guiding positions and compacting positions, if distinct therefrom, after said releasing of the refuse handling assembly .

The second aspect of the invention also relates to a refuse collection system comprising a collection container and a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device as described herein.

In an embodiment of the system, wherein the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device comprises a control unit configured to recognize from sensor signals if a living organism is supported by the handling member, and the introduction opening comprises a releasably lockable closure element, this closure element, when locked, prevents a user to introduce refuse into the refuse introduction housing. Therein the control unit is furthermore configured to operate the closure element such as to lock said closure element if the signals produced by the sensors indicate that a living organism is supported by the handling member. Through this configuration it may be prevented that refuse can be introduced into the device, on top of the living organism, while the living organism is being supported by the handling member.

The second aspect of the invention furthermore provides a method for handling an object, e.g. refuse, introduced in a refuse collection system comprising a collection container and a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is mounted above or in the top of the refuse collection container. This device is operable to receive the object, e.g. refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container. The device therein preferably accords to the device according to the invention.

22. The device comprises a pivotal handling member with a top surface, a right surface, and an opposed left surface.

The method comprises the following steps. -receiving the introduced object on the top surface of the device, such that it is supported on the device, - automatically sensing static and dynamic characteristics of the object, e.g. physical characteristics and behaviour over time, by means of one or more sensors, and - automatically determining if, based on sensed static and dynamic characteristics of the object, a living organism is supported on the device.

If, based on the sensed characteristics, a living organism is found to be supported on the device, the method furthermore comprises the following steps: - automatically initiating remedial actions, at least including maintaining the pivotal handling member in a position with the top surface facing upwards, not pivoting the handling member to the left or right side, - optionally, automatically initiating a blocking of any receiving of further objects into the device, e.g. by blocking an introduction opening of the system, - optionally, automatically producing a warning signal that is observable externally from the device, e.g. by emergency services, passers-by and/or determined operators of the device.

If, based on the sensed characteristics, no living organism is found to be supported on the device, the method further comprises the steps of: - pivoting the handling member to the left or right side underneath the object such that said right or left surface shifts underneath the object such that the object is supported thereby, and said right or left surface assumes a downward inclination towards the container, and - maintaining the right or left surface under a downward inclination such that the object slides downwards over said right or left surface towards and into the container, and such that respectively the left or right surface downwardly engages any refuse already present in the container directly underneath said left or right surface, such as to compact said already present refuse, - optionally, pivoting the handling member such as to increase said downward inclination, such that respectively the left or right surface downwardly engages any refuse already present in the container directly underneath the left or right surface, such as to compact said already present refuse, e.g. further compacts said already present refuse.

- 93. A third source of dissatisfaction of prior art systems and devices is that with the current systems and devices, the current systems and devices are unsatisfactory in terms of robustness and compactness, employing multiple separate moving parts, e.g. movably interconnected, to perform different functions, including compaction and distribution.

In a third aspect thereof, it is an object of the invention to provide a more robust and/or compact alternative to the current systems and devices. The third aspect of the present invention therefore provides a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is adapted to be mounted above or in the top of a refuse collection container and which device is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container, which device is embodied according to the preamble of claim 1. Therein the refuse handling assembly consists of the pivotal handling member only, which moves unitary with respect to the frame in order to distribute and compact received refuse. Advantageously, the functions of both distribution and compaction are integrated in a single moving part, which moves only unitary in order to distribute and compact the refuse.

The first, second, and third aspect of the invention furthermore each provide a refuse collection system, comprising a collection container with a bottom and perpendicularly thereto extending one or more adjoined side walls, and a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is configured to be mounted above or in the top of the refuse collection container and which device is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container. Therein, the device is according to any of the aspects the invention.

In an embodiment the device is separate from the container, wherein the device is mountable above or in the top of the container by mounting of the frame to the container. In an embodiment the device is integrated with the container. For instance, one or more side and/or head walls of the frame may coincide with one or more side and/or head walls of the container. That is, the frame may comprise one or more side walls extending inside the container, surrounded by the side walls of the container, and one or more side walls formed by one or more of the container side walls. The pivot axle of the handling assembly, when

-24- present, may therein extend through aligned and opposed slots of opposed side walls of the frame and/or the container, for instance, two side walls of the frame, one side wall of the frame and one of the container, or two side walls of the container.

In an embodiment the system is a subterranean refuse collection system comprising a pit in the ground, e.g. a concrete pit, wherein the collection container is adapted to be arranged in the pit and to be lifted from the pit for discharge of refuse such as to empty the container. In an embodiment the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device is mounted in the top of the refuse collection container.

In an embodiment the system further comprises a refuse introduction housing having an introduction opening allowing a user to introduce refuse therein, e.g. provided with an introduction device, e.g. a drum type introduction device, so that the refuse drops into the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device, e.g. the duct thereof, if present. The refuse introduction housing preferably comprises a user interface panel, operable by users of the system. This interface panel may e.g. be connected to a security mechanism of the system, e.g. operating a closure device covering the introduction opening, in that the closure device is only openable or opened after receiving a signal to that effect from the interface panel, e.g. produced after a user has identified himself by means of the interface panel. The interface panel may also be connected to the control unit of the device, for instance to operate the handling assembly in response to signals from the interface panel, e.g. to move the handling assembly to the receiving position when the signal indicates that refuse is to be dropped into the container, e.g. after a user has identified himself by means of the interface panel. The refuse introduction housing may also comprise sensors connected to or connectable to the control unit, if present, e.g. presence and/or movement detection sensors, producing a signal indicating that refuse is or is to be dropped into the compacting and distributing device, for the purpose of said operation of the handling assembly. The first, second, and third aspect of the invention furthermore each provide a method for handling refuse introduced in a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device, e.g. in a refuse collection system comprising a collection container and the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device. Therein the device is configured to be mounted above or in the top of the refuse collection container, e.g. mounted above or in the top of the refuse container in the refuse collection system. Therein the device is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container. Therein, the system may accord to any of the aspects the invention.

- 95. It is emphasized here that features and embodiments of the different aspects described herein, may be combined by the skilled person to obtain the effects and advantages thereof in combination.

Below the invention is further described with reference to the appended drawings. In the drawings: fig.1a shows in a perspective view a refuse collection system according to the invention, wherein a device according to the invention is mounted in the top of a refuse collection container, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the rightward guiding position thereof, fig.1b shows in another perspective view the same system, with the refuse handling assembly in the same position, fig.1c shows in a perspective view the same system, with the refuse handling assembly in the same position, wherein a refuse bag slides from the right surface of the assembly into the container, fig.2a shows in a side view the refuse collection system of fig.1, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof, fig.2b shows in a side view the system of fig.1, the refuse handling assembly being in the receiving position thereof, fig.2c shows in a front view a refuse collection system of fig.1, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the leftward guiding position thereof, fig.2d shows in a front view a refuse collection system of fig.1, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the rightward guiding position thereof, fig.3a shows in a front view a sideward cross-section of a device according to the invention, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof, fig.3b shows in a front view a sideward cross-section of a device according to the invention, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof, fig.4 shows in a perspective view a device according to the invention, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof, fig.5a shows in a perspective view a refuse collection system according to the invention,

- 96 -

wherein a device according to the invention is mounted in the top of a refuse collection container, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof, and fig.5b shows in the same perspective view the system of fig.5a, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the leftward guiding position thereof,

fig.6a shows in a perspective view the system of fig.5a, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof, prior to a piece of refuse being dropped into the device,

fig.6b shows in a perspective view the system of fig.5a, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof, and a piece of refuse has been received by the device,

fig.6c shows in a perspective view the system of fig.5a, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the rightward guiding position thereof, and a piece of refuse is being guided into the container by the device,

fig.6d shows in a perspective view the system of fig.5a, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the rightward guiding position thereof, and a piece of refuse has been guided in to the container by the device,

fig.7a shows in a perspective view the handling assembly, the rear side wall of the frame and the drive assembly of a device according to the invention, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof,

fig.7b shows in a perspective view the same parts, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the leftward guiding position thereof,

fig.8a shows in a rear view the same parts, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the receiving position thereof,

fig.8b shows in a rear view the same parts, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the leftward guiding position thereof,

fig.8c shows in a rear view the same parts, wherein the refuse handling assembly is in the rightward guiding position thereof,

fig.9 shows a schematic block diagram of possible intercommunications between a number of parts of the system - the solid lines indicating a transfer of signals, and double lines a mechanical connection.

- 97 - Referring firstly to figs.1 and 2, a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device 10 is shown that is mounted in the top of a refuse collection container 2 of a refuse collection system 1. In the figures the front and right side wall of the container 2 have been removed, such as to enable the view of the inside of the container 2.

The device is operable to receive refuse 6, e.g. a domestic refuse bag 6, that has dropped into the device 10 and to distribute said refuse over said refuse collection container 2 as well as to compact refuse collected with said container 2. The device has an entry opening 10e at a top thereof for entry of refuse dropped into the device, via overhead refuse insertion housing 3, and has an outlet 100 at a bottom thereof allowing refuse to drop into the refuse collection container 2 underneath. The device 10 comprises firstly a frame 11 adapted to be mounted above or in the top of refuse collection container 2 of the system. The frame 11 comprises a rear side wall 12s.

The device secondly comprises a refuse handling assembly 20, and thirdly a drive assembly 14 which is operably connected to the refuse handling assembly 20 and at least includes one drive motor 15. This drive assembly is mounted to the rear head wall 12s at the rear side thereof, as is visible from figures 7 and 8.

The refuse handling assembly 20 comprises a pivotal handling member 21, that is pivotally mounted to the frame 11, namely to the rear side wall 12s thereof at the front side thereof, about a horizontal pivot axis 13. This horizontal pivot axis 13 extends between the rear side wall 12s and the front wall of the container (not shown), beneath the entry opening 10e, and intersecting said sidewalls perpendicular thereto. The pivotal handling member 21 has a distribution and compaction part 22 and a receiving part 23. The distribution and compaction part 22 comprises a left surface 221 and a right surface 22r. The receiving part 23 comprises a top surface 23t extends parallel to and remote from said pivot axis 13, and adjoins the left and right surfaces 221, 22r of the distribution and compaction part 22 at respective opposed sides thereof. The refuse handling assembly 20 is selectively movable by the drive assembly 14 between and into a receiving position 20e, shown in fig.1 and 2a, a leftward guiding position 201, shown in fig.2b, and a rightward guiding position 20r, shown in fig.2c.

-28- The drive assembly 14 is configured to move the refuse handling assembly into the receiving position 20e of fig.1 and fig.2a, by pivoting the handling member 21 around said pivot axis 13 such that the top surface 23t of the receiving part extends substantially underneath the entry opening 12e, preferably substantially horizontally, such that refuse that is dropped into the duct 12 through the entry opening 12e is received by the top surface 23t and thereby supported on the handling member 21. The drive assembly 14 is furthermore configured to move the refuse handling assembly 20 from the receiving position 20e into the leftward guiding position 201 of fig.2b. Thereto it pivots the handling member 21 to the right - seen in direction of the pivot axis 13 - around said pivot axis 13 such that the left surface 22! of the distribution and compaction part 22 assumes a leftward inclination 8 relative to an imaginary vertical plane above and parallel to the horizontal pivot axis 13. In the leftward guiding position 201, the left surface 22! of the distribution and compaction part 22 upwardly faces the entry opening 12e, forming an inclined chute that guides received refuse 6 towards a left-hand side of the outlet 120. The drive assembly 14 is furthermore configured to move the refuse handling assembly 20 from the receiving position 20e into the rightward guiding position 20r of fig.2c. Thereto it pivots the handling member 21 to the left - seen in direction of the pivot axis 13 - around said pivot axis 13 such that the right surface 22r of the distribution and compaction part 22 assumes a rightward inclination @r relative to the imaginary vertical plane above and parallel to the horizontal pivot axis 13. In the rightward guiding position the right surface 22r of the distribution and compaction part 22 upwardly faces the entry opening 12e, forming an inclined chute that guides received refuse 6 towards a right-hand side of the outlet 120.

As can be envisaged from the figures, the drive assembly 14 is configured to compact refuse, if the collection container 2 has been sufficiently filled with refuse, that is, up to the level of the right surface 22r in the leftward guiding position 201 of fig.2b, and of the left surface 22 in the rightward guiding position 20r of fig.2c, by means of the refuse handling assembly 20 as it is moved by the drive assembly 14 into these guiding positions 221, 22r. The left and right guiding positions 221, 22r correspond to left and right compacting positions, respectively. The pivotal handling member 21 further comprises a weighing unit 24, operating between the distribution and compaction part 22 and the receiving part 23 of the handling member 21, and configured to provide an indication of the weight of an object, e.g. refuse, received on the top surface 23t. An embodiment of a weighing unit is shown in fig.3b and fig.4. The weighing unit 24 comprises a weight sensor 25, embodied as a load cell 25c, configured to produce a

- 929.

signal indicative of the weight of the received object 6 on the top surface 23t in the receiving position 20e of the refuse handling assembly 20. The weighing unit 24 The weighing unit 24 further comprises four end stops 25s, mounted between the compaction and distribution part 22 and the receiving part 23 of the handling member 21, configured to limit a downwards movement of the top surface 23t of the receiving part 23 caused by the weight of received refuse 6 with respect to the compaction and distribution part 22.

The weighing unit further comprises a frame 25f, to which the load cell 25c and the end stops 25s are mounted. The frame 25f is mounted to the compaction and distribution part 22, whereas the load cell 25c and the end stops 25s are mounted to the frame 25f in between the frame 25f and the receiving part 23 of the handling member 21.

A drive assembly 14 suitable for pivoting the handling member 21 to move the refuse handling assembly 20 between its positions 20e, 201, 20r, is shown in figs.7 and 8, being operably connected to the refuse handling assembly 20 in fig.8. The drive assembly comprises two cylinders 17, which form the drive motor 15, and engages the pivot axle 26 of the handling assembly 20, rotating the pivot axle 26 thereby pivoting the handling member and moving the handling assembly into said positions 20e, 20r, 20I thereof.

Figs.5a and 5b shows a 3D-impression of a device 10 according to the invention. In fig.5a, the handling assembly 20 is in the receiving position 20e, and in fig.5b the handling assembly 20 is in the leftward guiding position 201.

Figs.6a-6d illustrate a use of the device 10 of figs.5a and 5b in similar 3D-impressions. In fig.6a, the handling assembly 20 is in the receiving position, prior to the dropping of a refuse bag 6 into the entry opening 10e of the device. In fig.6b, a refuse bag has been dropped through the entry opening 10e and the duct 12 into the device 10. The refuse bag 6 is received on the top surface 23t of the handling member 21, and supported by the handling member 21. Fig.8c illustrates, in correspondence with fig. 1c, that the handling member 21 has after the refuse bag 6 has been weighed by means of the weighing unit 24, been pivoted to the left by the drive assembly 14, so that the handling assembly 20 is in the rightward guiding position 20r. During this pivoting, the top surface 23t has shifted underneath the refuse bag 6 to the left with respect thereto, while the refuse bag remained in substantially the same position. Thereby the top surface 23t moved away from the refuse bag 6 and the right surface 22r of the handling member 21 moved toward the refuse bag 6 underneath it, such that the refuse bag 6 crossed the joint between the top surface 23t and the right surface 22r

-30 - and moved onto the right surface 22r, until the handling assembly 20 was in the rightward guiding position 20r of fig.6c and only the right surface supports the refuse bag. Now in the rightward guiding position 20r, the right surface 22r of the handling member 21 forms an inclined chute, which enabled the refuse bag 6 to slide downwards by gravity. In fig.6c, the refuse bag 6 has already slid to almost the lowermost end of the right surface 22r, and is about to fall downwards through the outlet 100 into the container 2. In fig.6d the refuse bag 6 has fallen into the container 2, showing the handling assembly 20 just before the drive assembly 14 pivots the handling member 21 to the right to move the handling assembly 20 back to the receiving position 20e of fig.6a.

In these figures, the container 2 has not been filled with refuse yet. It may however be envisaged, that if refuse has already been collected in the container 2 such that the collected refuse is at the level of the guiding surfaces when in the respective guiding positions, the refuse is compacted by the movement of the handling assembly 20 in the guiding positions 20, 20r by means of the drive assembly 14. The refuse is compacted at the right side by the movement of the handling assembly 20 into the leftward guiding position of figures 2b, 5b, 6c, and 6d, and the temporary stay in this position, by the right surface 22r pressing onto the refuse. The refuse is compacted at the left side by the movement of the handling assembly 20 into the rightward guiding position of figures 2c and 8, and the temporary stay in this position, by the left surface 22! pressing onto the refuse. As shown schematically in fig.9, the device further comprises a control unit 30 operatively connected to the drive assembly 14. This control unit is configured to based on signals produced by sensors operate the drive assembly 14 such that the drive assembly 14, when refuse 6 is received on the top surface 23t of the receiving part 23, and the indication of the weight of the received refuse is provided by the weighing unit 24, move the refuse assembly 20 from the receiving position 20e of figs.1,2a into one of the guiding positions 221, 22r of fig.2b, 2c such as to guide the received refuse 6 towards the outlet. It is furthermore configured to, thereafter, move the refuse handling assembly 20 from the one of the guiding positions 221, 22r back into the receiving position 20e. Therein the produced signals include the signals produced by the load cell 25c. In an embodiment this is the only sensor present - however, as discussed, the provision of other sensors is also envisaged. The contral unit 30 is configured to operate the drive assembly 14 such that it moves the refuse handling assembly 20 into a respective guiding position only after receiving the signals indicative of the weight of the received refuse 6 produced by the load cell 25c.

-31- The drive assembly 14 further comprises a lock mechanism 16, configured to releasably lock the refuse handling assembly 20 in the receiving position 20e, and to release it therefrom such as to enable the movement of the refuse handling assembly 20 between and into said positions 221, 22r.

As illustrated schematically in fig.9, the control unit 30 is furthermore configured to based on the signals produced by the one or more sensors, at least including the signals of the load cell 25c, operate the lock mechanism 16 such that the lock mechanism 186, firstly, releasably locks the refuse handling assembly 20 in the receiving position 20e while the handling member 21 is supporting received refuse 6 at least from the moment that the refuse 8 is received until the weighing unit 24 provides said indication of the weight of received refuse 6, and releases the refuse handling assembly 20 after said provision of said indication.

The control unit 30 of fig.9 is configured to operate the lock mechanism 16 such that it also releasably locks the refuse handling assembly 20 in the receiving position 20e whenever the handling member 21 is not supporting any refuse 6. The pivotal handling member 21 of the refuse handling assembly 20 comprises a pivot axle 26, by means of which the handling member 21 is pivotally connected to the frame 11. The pivot axle 26 extends along the horizontal pivot axis 13 inside a slot 12t of the rear side wall 12s, such that said movement of the refuse handling assembly 20 between and into the leftward guiding position 201, the rightward guiding position 20r and the receiving position 20e is established by rotation of the pivot axles 26 around the pivot axis 13. The pivot axle 26 is interconnected with said drive motor 15 of the drive assembly 15. The slot 12t is complementary to the rear end of the pivot axle 26 extending therein.

The pivot axle 26 is rotatable inside the respective slot 12t such as to establish the rotation of the pivot axle 26 around the pivot axis 13. To facilitate this rotation the slot comprises a rotary bearing.

The drive assembly 14 engages the pivot axle 26 such as to impart said rotation of the pivot axle 26 around the horizontal pivot axis 13 and establish said movement of the refuse handling assembly 20 between and into said positions 20e, 201, 20r.

As visible in figs. 1-8, the device 10 comprises a front mounting structure, comprising a front bearing.

This mounting structure comprises a front slot 12t with a bearing, inside which a front end of the pivot axle 26 rotates.

The mounting structure is configured to be mounted to the front wall of the container by means of bolts, as can best be envisaged from fig. 1.

-32.

Not visible is that the pivot axle 26 is hollow, and the handling member 21, including the weighing unit 24, comprises cabling or wiring which runs through the hollow pivot axle 26 and the rear side wall 12s in the slot 12t of which the pivot axle 26 extends, to the rear side of the rear side wall 12s, for the transfer of the signals produced by the sensors including the load cell 25c, and the control unit 30 or another receiver, and for the transfer of power to the load cell 25c. Referring to figs.7 and 8, the drive assembly 14 comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 17 arranged along and to the rear side of the rear side wall 12s of the frame 11. The pair of hydraulic cylinders 17 is jointly connected to the refuse handling assembly 20 via the pivot axle 26 and a transmission in the form of a chain. The hydraulic cylinders 17 extend from the pivot axle 26 to in generally opposed directions to spaced apart connectors (not shown), for the cylinders to connect to the frame 11.

One of the hydraulic cylinders 17 forms a first hydraulic actuator 17 including a first cylinder and a first rod moveable within and extending from said first cylinder 17, and the other one forms a second hydraulic actuator 17 including a second cylinder and a second rod moveable within and extending from said second cylinder. The first and second cylinder are mounted to each other to be moveable as a unit. The first and second rod extend parallel to each other in opposite directions from the unit. The first and second rod extending from the unit are connected to the frame of the refuse handling device or are to be connected to the refuse collection container. The connection member is rotatable about a rotation axis in a first rotational direction and in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, and wherein the unit is connected to the connection member 26, e.g. the pivot axles 26, using a first pulling member configured to cause the connection member 26 to rotate in the first rotational direction upon movement of the unit in a first direction, and a second pulling member configured to cause the connection member 26 to rotate in the second rotational direction upon movement of the unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The load cell 25c of the weighing unit 24 comprises a strain gauge force transducer which connect the distribution and compaction part 22 of the handling member 21 with the receiving part 23 thereof. The load cell 25c of the weighing unit 24 provides a signal indicative of the weight of a received object 8, e.g. refuse 6, continuously over time at least as long as the object 6, e.g. refuse 6 is being supported on the top surface 23t of the handling member 21 in the receiving position 20e of the refuse handling assembly 20.

-33. Referring now additionally to fig.9, the control unit 30 operates the drive assembly 14 such that the refuse handling assembly 20 remains in the receiving position 20e for at least as long as the signals fluctuate over time to an extent that exceeds a predetermined range. The fluctuating e.g. occurs directly after being received on the top surface 23t in the way shown in fig.6b, due to the dropping of the object 6 onto the top surface 23t, due to shifting and/or sliding of different parts of the object 6 with respect to one another and/or due to initial stabilizing movements of the received object 6 to reach equilibrium on the top surface 23t. Furthermore the control unit 30 operates the drive assembly 14 such that the drive assembly 14 moves the refuse handling assembly 20 to one of the guiding positions 201, 20r only after said fluctuating has stopped or remained within said predetermined range for a predetermined time period. In addition the control unit 30 operates the lock mechanism 16 such that the lock mechanism locks the refuse handling assembly 20 in the receiving position 20e for at least as long as the signals fluctuate over time to an extent that exceeds the predetermined range, and releases the refuse handling assembly 20 only after said fluctuating has stopped or remained within said predetermined range for said predetermined time period. It operates the drive assembly 14 such that the drive assembly 14 moves the refuse handling assembly 20 to one of the guiding positions 201, 20r after said releasing of the refuse handling assembly 20.

The control unit 30 operates the drive assembly 14 such that the drive assembly 14 does not move the refuse handling assembly 20 from the receiving position 20e if the signals produced by the sensors indicate, after interpretation of the signals by the control unit 30, that a living organism is supported by the handling member 21. The operation of the drive assembly 14 is furthermore such that it moves the refuse handling assembly 20 to one of the guiding positions 201, 20r only after said signals no longer indicate that a living organism is supported by the handling member 21 for a predetermined time period. The drive assembly 14 is operated to releases the refuse handling assembly 20 after receiving an external, e.g. remedial signal, e.g. an input signal from an external source, e.g. an operator device or a control switch, that the living organism is no longer supported by the handling member 21. The control unit 30 is furthermore configured to operate the lock mechanism 16, when present, such that the lock mechanism 16 releasably locks the refuse handling assembly 20 in the receiving position if the signals produced by the sensors indicate after interpretation of the signals by the control unit 30, that a living organism is supported by the handling member

21. It is operated to release the refuse handling assembly 20 after the signals no longer indicate that a living organism is supported by the handling member 21 for a predetermined

-34- time period. Lastly the lock mechanism is operated to release the refuse handling assembly 21 after receiving an external, e.g. remedial signal that the living organism is no longer supported by the handling member 21.

The control unit 30 is configured to interpret the one or more signals produced by the sensors such as to determine if a living organism is being supported by the handling member 21, by the ability to recognize signals produced by sensors after an object 6 has been received onto the top surface 23t not being typically caused by the dropping of the object 6 onto the top surface 23t and shifting and sliding of different parts of the object 6 with respect to one another and/or initial stabilizing movements of the received object 6 to reach equilibrium on the top surface 23t, and/or other typical signal characteristics for non-living refuse, and the ability to recognize signals produced by sensors being characteristic for living organisms, e.g. animals and human beings. This ability is based on the interpretation of the weight, the frequency, pattern, magnitude, and duration of fluctuations of the signals over time indicated by the signal produced by the weight sensor 26.

The control unit 30 is furthermore configured to, if the signals produced by the sensors indicate that a living organism is supported by the handling member 21, produce a warning signal that is observable externally from the device 10, e.g. by emergency services, passers- by and/or determined operators of the device 10.

The control unit 30 is furthermore configured to operate the lock mechanism 16 based on the signals produced by the sensors such that the lock mechanism 16 releases the refuse handling assembly 20 whenever the handling member 21 is not supporting any refuse 6, and locks the refuse handling assembly 20 in the receiving position immediately after the signals indicate that refuse 6 has been received onto the top surface 23t and/or that refuse 6 has been dropped into the device 10.

The control unit 30 is furthermore configured to register in a memory an indication of the total weight of refuse 6 actually present into the container 2, by adding up the weight of actually received and guided refuse 6 as indicated by the signals of the weight sensors 26 to the registered indication of the total weight everytime the handling member 21 guides received and weighed refuse 6 through the outlet into the container 2.

The registered indication is set to zero after the container 2 has been emptied, e.g. in response to a signal produced externally, e.g. produced by sensors of the container 2 or by an input signal from an external source, e.g. an operator device or a control switch. The

- 35. registered indication of the total weight is observable externally, e.g. displayed on an interface on the outside of the device or sent to external operator devices. Referring again to figs. 1-6, the opposed left and right surfaces 221, 22r of the handling member 21 are, seen in direction of the pivot axis 13, diverging towards the receiving surface 23t in a direction away from said pivot axis 13, e.g. said left and right surfaces 22, 22r being planar surfaces that are arranged in a V, e.g. said surfaces including an angle between of 50°. The distance between the horizontal pivot axis 13 and the top surface 23t is between 40 and 80 centimetres.

In said leftward guiding position, the left surface 22I of the distribution and compaction part 22 of the handling member 21 that is upwardly facing the entry opening 12e has an angle 9! relative to the imaginary vertical plane above and parallel to the pivot axis 13 of 65°, and in said rightward guiding position 20r the right surface 22r that is upwardly facing the entry opening 12e has an angle Br relative to said imaginary vertical plane above of 65°. This is visible in figures 2b, 2¢, 3b, 6c, 6d and 8. Referring now specifically to fig.1, it is visible that the top ends of the left and right guiding surface 221, 22r comprise a laterally, substantially perpendicular, extending shoulder defined by a protruding edge that adjoins the lateral outer end of the top surface 23t. From the figures it may be envisaged that this shoulder facilitates the compacting of refuse already present in the container 2, as it latches laterally behind the refuse 6 such as to reduce refuse moving laterally, e.g. sliding along the left or right surface, while it engages the refuse during compacting thereof in the shown position 20l, as a consequence of the downward force on the refuse. It is shown that in the receiving position the top surface 23t of the receiving part 23 of the handling member 21 extends in vertical projection below substantially the whole receiving opening 12e, and the guiding surfaces 221, 22r extend substantially outside of the contour of the entry opening 12e. The collection container 2 of the system is adapted to be arranged in a pit in the ground, wherefrom it is to be lifted for discharge of refuse such as to empty the container 2. It is visible in e.g. figures 1 and 2 that the container thereto comprises a openable bottom with a front and rear pivotable bottom element 8a, 8b.

-36 - As shown in figures 1 and 2, the system 1 comprises a refuse introduction housing 3 having an introduction opening 4 allowing a user to introduce refuse therein. A user interface panel 7 is provided to the introduction housing 3 next to the introduction opening 4.

Figure 1 shows that the introduction opening 4 comprises a releasably lockable closure element 4c, which when locked prevents a user to introduce refuse into the refuse introduction housing. The closure element 4c only after a user has identified himself at the user interface panel 7. The control unit 30 of fig.9 is furthermore configured to operate the closure element 4c such as to lock said closure element 4c in case the signal produced by the sensor 25 indicates that a living organism is supported by the handling member 21, and if the indication of the total weight of refuse actually present into the container exceeds a predetermined value, and if the signals produced by the weight sensors indicate a weight of received refuse that exceeds a predetermined value.

The introduction housing 3 is provided with a drum type introduction device 5, so that the refuse 6 drops into the duct 12 of the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device

12.

List of references 1 refuse collection system 2 refuse collection container 2s side wall of 2 3 overhead refuse introduction housing 4 introduction opening of 3 4c closure element of 3 5 introduction device of 3 6 object, e.g. refuse 7 user interface panel 8a front pivotable bottom element of 2 8b rear pivotable bottom element of 2 10 top loading refuse distributing and compacting device 10e entry opening of 10 100 outlet of 10 11 frame of 10

-37- 12 duct of 10 12h head wall of 12 12s side wall of 12 12t slots of 12 13 horizontal pivot axis 14 drive assembly 15 drive motor of 14 16 lock mechanism of 14 17 hydraulic cylinders of 14

20 refuse handling assembly of 10 20e receiving position of 20 201 leftward guiding position of 20 20r rightward guiding position of 20 21 pivotal handling member of 20 22 distribution and compaction part of 21 22] left surface of 22 22r right surface of 22 23 receiving part of 21 23t top surface of 23 24 weighing unit of 20 weight sensor of 24 25c load cell of 25 25f load cell frame 25 25s end stop 26 pivot axle of 21 control unit of 10 30 al leftward inclination or rightward inclination

Claims

-38- CONCLUSIES-38- CONCLUSIONS

1. Van bovenaf te laden verdeel- en verdichtingsinrichting (10) die is aangepast om boven of bovenin een afvalinzamelingscontainer (2) te worden bevestigd, welke inrichting werkzaam is om afval (6) te ontvangen, bijv. een huisvuilzak, dat in de inrichting is geworpen en om zowel dit afval over de afvalinzamelingscontainer (2) te verdelen als het in de container (2) verzamelde afval te verdichten, waarbij de inrichting aan een bovenzijde daarvan een inlaatopening (10e) definieert voor het inlaten van in de inrichting (10) geworpen afval, bijv. via een bovengelegen inbrengbehuizing (3), en aan een onderzijde daarvan een uitlaat (100) definieert die werpen van afval in de ondergelegen afvalinzamelingscontainer (2) mogelijk maakt, waarbij de inrichting omvat: - een frame (11) aangepast om te worden bevestigd boven of bovenin een afvalinzamelingscontainer (2), die optioneel één of meer zijwanden (12s) heeft, bijv.A top-load distribution and compaction device (10) adapted to be mounted above or at the top of a refuse collection container (2), which device is operable to receive refuse (6), e.g. has been thrown and both to distribute this waste over the waste collection container (2) and to compact the waste collected in the container (2), the device defining an inlet opening (10e) at an upper side thereof for admitting into the device (10 ) thrown waste, e.g. via an upper insertion housing (3), and at an underside thereof defining an outlet (100) that allows throwing of waste into the lower waste collection container (2), the device comprising: - a frame (11) adapted to be mounted above or at the top of a refuse collection container (2), optionally having one or more side walls (12s), e.g.

tegenovergelegen zijwanden, en optioneel, één of meer kopwanden (12h), waarbij het frame (11) optioneel een in het frame geïntegreerd kanaal (12) omvat, waarbij het kanaal (12) de zijwanden (12s) en kopwanden (12h) omvat, indien aanwezig, - een afvalhanteersamenstel (20), welke omvat: - een draaibaar hanteerelement (21), dat draaibaar om een horizontale draaiaslijn (13) aan het frame (11) is bevestigd, welke horizontale draaiaslijn zich uitstrekt onder de inlaatopening (10e), welk draaibaar hanteerelement (21) - een verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel heeft, omvattende - een linker oppervlak (221) en - een rechter oppervlak (22r}, en - een ontvangstdeel (23), omvattende - een bovenoppervlak (23t), dat zich parallel aan en op afstand van de draaiaslijn (13) uitstrekt, en aansluit op de linker en rechter oppervlakken (22r, 221) van het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel aan respectieve tegenovergelegen zijden daarvan, - een aandrijfsamenstel (14) dat werkzaam is verbonden met het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) en ten minste één aandrijfmotor (15) omvat, waarbij het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) door het aandrijfsamenstel (14) selectief beweegbaar is tussen en naar een ontvangstpositie (20e), een linkswaartse geleidingspositie (201) en een rechtswaartse geleidingspositie (20r),opposite side walls, and optionally, one or more end walls (12h), the frame (11) optionally comprising a channel (12) integrated into the frame, the channel (12) comprising the side walls (12s) and end walls (12h), if present, - a waste handling assembly (20), comprising: - a rotatable handling element (21) pivotably attached to the frame (11) about a horizontal axis of rotation (13), said horizontal axis of rotation extending below the inlet opening (10e) , which rotatable handling element (21) - has a distribution and compaction part, comprising - a left surface (221) and - a right surface (22r}, and - a receiving part (23), comprising - a top surface (23t), extends parallel to and spaced from the pivot axis (13), and connects to the left and right surfaces (22r, 221) of the distribution and compaction member on respective opposite sides thereof, - a drive assembly (14) operably connected to the waste handling team 1 (20) and at least one drive motor (15), wherein the waste handling assembly (20) is selectively movable by the drive assembly (14) between and to a receiving position (20e), a left guidance position (201) and a right guidance position (20r). ),

-39.--39.-

waarbij het aandrijfsamenstel (14) is ingericht om het afvalhanteersamenstel naar de ontvangstpositie (20e) te bewegen door het hanteerelement (21) zodanig om de draaiaslijnwherein the drive assembly (14) is arranged to move the waste handling assembly to the receiving position (20e) by the handling element (21) about the axis of rotation

(13) te draaien dat het bovenoppervlak (23t) van het ontvangstdeel zich in hoofdzaak onder de inlaatopening (10e) uitstrekt, bij voorkeur in hoofdzaak horizontaal, zodanig dat afval dat door de inlaatopening (10e) in de inrichting (10) wordt geworpen door het bovenoppervlak(13) so that the top surface (23t) of the receiving portion extends substantially below the inlet opening (10e), preferably substantially horizontally, such that waste thrown into the device (10) through the inlet opening (10e) is the top surface

(23t) wordt ontvangen en daardoor op het hanteerelement (21) wordt ondersteund,(23t) is received and thereby supported on the handling element (21),

waarbij het aandrijfsamenstel (14) is ingericht om het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) van de ontvangstpositie (20e) naar de linkswaartse geleidingspositie (201) te bewegen door het hanteerelement (21) zodanig om de draaiaslijn (13) naar rechts te draaien - bekeken in de richting van de draaiaslijn (13) - dat het linker oppervlak (221) van het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) een linkswaartse helling (8!) aanneemt ten opzichte van een denkbeeldig verticaal vlak boven en parallel aan de horizontale draaiaslijn (13),wherein the drive assembly (14) is arranged to move the waste handling assembly (20) from the receiving position (20e) to the left guiding position (201) by rotating the handling element (21) so as to rotate the pivot axis (13) to the right - viewed in the direction of the pivot axis (13) - that the left surface (221) of the distribution and compaction part (22) assumes a leftward slope (8!) with respect to an imaginary vertical plane above and parallel to the horizontal pivot axis (13),

waarbij het aandrijfsamenstel (14) is ingericht om het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) van de ontvangstpositie (20e) naar de rechtswaartse geleidingspositie (20r) te bewegen door het hanteerelement (21) zodanig om de draaiaslijn (13) naar links te draaien - bekeken in de richting van de draaiaslijn (13) - dat het rechter oppervlak (22r) van het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) een rechtswaartse helling (Bl) aanneemt ten opzichte van het denkbeeldige verticale vlak boven en parallel aan de horizontale draaiaslijn (13), en waarbij in de linkswaartse geleidingspositie (201) het linker oppervlak (221) van het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) opwaarts naar de inlaatopening (10e) is gericht, waarbij het een hellingsbaan vormt die ontvangen afval (6) naar een linkerzijde van de uitlaat (120) geleidt,wherein the drive assembly (14) is adapted to move the waste handling assembly (20) from the receiving position (20e) to the right guidance position (20r) by rotating the handling element (21) to turn the pivot axis (13) to the left - viewed in the direction of the pivot axis (13) - that the right-hand surface (22r) of the distribution and compaction part (22) assumes a rightward slope (B1) with respect to the imaginary vertical plane above and parallel to the horizontal pivot axis (13), and wherein in the left guiding position (201) the left surface (221) of the distribution and compaction part (22) faces upwardly towards the inlet opening (10e), forming a ramp path that received debris (6) towards a left side of the outlet (120) conducts,

en waarbij in de rechtswaartse geleidingspositie (20r) het rechter oppervlak (22r) van het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) opwaarts naar de inlaatopening (10e) is gericht, waarbij het een hellingsbaan vormt die ontvangen afval (6) naar een rechterzijde van de uitlaat (120) geleidt,and wherein in the right guidance position (20r) the right side surface (22r) of the distribution and compaction member (22) faces upwardly toward the inlet opening (10e), forming a ramp that receives debris (6) toward a right side of the outlet (120) conducts,

en waarbij het aandrijfsamenstel (14) is ingericht om afval te verdichten, als de inzamelingscontainer (2) in voldoende mate is gevuld met afval, door middel van het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) bij het bewegen daarvan door het aandrijfsamenstel (14) naar de linkswaartse en rechtswaartse verdichtingsposities, bijv. overeenkomend met de linkswaartse en rechtswaartse geleidingsposities (221, 22r), met het kenmerk, datand wherein the drive assembly (14) is configured to compact waste, when the collection container (2) is sufficiently filled with waste, by the waste handling assembly (20) as it moves through the drive assembly (14) to the left and left. right hand compaction positions, e.g. corresponding to the left hand and right hand guidance positions (221, 22r), characterized in that

- 40 - het draaibare hanteerelement (21) verder een weegeenheid (24) omvat, die tussen het ontvangstdeel (23) van het hanteerelement (21) en het frame (11) werkzaam is, bij voorkeur tussen het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) en het ontvangstdeel (23), of bijv. tussen het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) en het frame, waarbij de weegeenheid (24) is ingericht om een indicatie af te geven van het gewicht van een op het bovenoppervlak (23t) ontvangen object, bijv. afval, waarbij de weegeenheid (24) één of meer gewichtssensoren (25, 25¢) omvat die zijn ingericht om één of meer signalen te produceren die indicatief zijn voor het gewicht van het op het bovenoppervlak ontvangen object in de ontvangstpositie (20e) van het afvalhanteersamenstel (20).- 40 - the rotatable handling element (21) further comprises a weighing unit (24) acting between the receiving part (23) of the handling element (21) and the frame (11), preferably between the dividing and compacting part (22) and the receiving part (23), or e.g. between the dividing and compacting part (22) and the frame, wherein the weighing unit (24) is arranged to give an indication of the weight of an object received on the top surface (23t) , e.g. waste, wherein the weighing unit (24) comprises one or more weight sensors (25, 25 ¢) arranged to produce one or more signals indicative of the weight of the object received on the top surface in the receiving position (20e ) of the waste handling assembly (20).

2. Inrichting volgens conclusie 1, verder omvattende een regeleenheid (30) die werkzaam is verbonden met het aandrijfsamenstel (14), en is ingericht om gebaseerd op door één of meer sensoren geproduceerde signalen, bijv. ten minste omvattende de door de gewichtssensoren geproduceerde signalen, zodanig de aandrijfeenheid tewerk te stellen dat de aandrijfeenheid (14), wanneer afval (6) is ontvangen op het bovenoppervlak (23t) van het ontvangstdeel (23), en de indicatie van het gewicht van het ontvangen afval is afgegeven door de weegeenheid (24), bijv. na ontvangst van de door de gewichtssensoren (25, 25c) geproduceerde signalen die indicatief zijn voor het gewicht van het ontvangen afval (6): - het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) van de ontvangstpositie (20e) naar de linker of rechter geleidingspositie (201, 20r) beweegt, om zo het ontvangen afval (6) naar de uitlaat te geleiden, en daarna - optioneel, het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) van de linker of rechter geleidingspositie (201, 20r) naar de linkswaartse of rechtswaartse verdichtingspositie beweegt, indien respectievelijk verschillend daarvan, en daarna, -het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) van de één van de geleidingsposities (201, 20r) of verdichtingsposities, indien verschillend daarvan, naar de ontvangstpositie (20e) beweegt.Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit (30) operably connected to the drive assembly (14), and arranged to transmit based on signals produced by one or more sensors, e.g. at least comprising the signals produced by the weight sensors , operating the drive unit so that the drive unit (14), when waste (6) is received on the top surface (23t) of the receiving part (23), and the indication of the weight of the received waste is issued by the weighing unit ( 24), e.g. after receiving the signals produced by the weight sensors (25, 25c) indicative of the weight of the received waste (6): - the waste handling assembly (20) from the receiving position (20e) to the left or right guide position (201, 20r), so as to guide the received waste (6) to the outlet, and then - optionally, the waste handling assembly (20) from the left or right guide position (201, 20r) to moves the left or right compaction position, if different therefrom, respectively, and thereafter moves the waste handling assembly (20) from the one of the guidance positions (201, 20r) or compaction positions, if different therefrom, to the receiving position (20e).

3. Inrichting volgens één van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het draaibare hanteerelement (21) van het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) één of meer draaiassen (26) omvat, bijv. een enkele draaias, middels welke het hanteerelement (21) draaibaar met het frame (11) is verbonden, waarbij de draaiassen (26) zich langs of parallel aan de horizontale draaiaslijn (13) binnen één of meer sleuven (12t) uitstrekken, bijv. van één of meer bevestigingsstructuren, ingericht om aan de container te worden bevestigd, bijv. aan een zijwand daarvan, of bijv. van het frame (11), bijv. van één of meer respectieve zijwanden (12s) van het frame (11), indien aanwezig, bijv. van het kanaal (12), indien aanwezig, waarbij de sleuven (12t langs de horizontale draaiaslijn zijn uitgelijnd, bijv. een voorste en achterste sleuf waarbinnen zich respectievelijk een voor- en achteruiteinde van de één of meer draaiassen (26) uitstrekken,Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotatable handling element (21) of the waste handling assembly (20) comprises one or more pivot shafts (26), e.g. a single pivot axis, by which the handling element (21) is pivotable with the frame ( 11) is connected, the pivot axes (26) extending along or parallel to the horizontal pivot axis (13) within one or more slots (12t), e.g. of one or more mounting structures, adapted to be attached to the container, e.g. on a side wall thereof, or e.g. of the frame (11), e.g. of one or more respective side walls (12s) of the frame (11), if present, e.g. of the channel (12), if present, wherein the slots (12t are aligned along the horizontal axis of rotation, e.g. a front and rear slot within which a front and rear end, respectively, of the one or more rotation axes (26) extend,

-41 - zodanig dat de beweging van de afvalhanteerinrichting (20) tussen en naar de ontvangstpositie (20e), de linkswaartse geleidingspositie (201), de rechtswaartse geleidingspositie (20r), en de linkswaartse en rechtswaartse verdichtingsposities, indien verschillend van de geleidingsposities, wordt bewerkstelligd door rotatie van de draaiassen (26) om de draaiaslijn (13), waarbij het aandrijfsamenstel (14) één of meerdere van de draaiassen (26) aangrijpt, bijv. een enkele draaias (26), om daarmee de rotatie van de draaiassen (26) om de horizontale draaiaslijn (13) tot stand te brengen en de beweging van de afvalhanteerinrichting (20) tussen en naar de posities (20e, 201, 20r) tot stand te brengen.-41 - such that the movement of the waste handling device (20) between and to the receiving position (20e), the left guidance position (201), the right guidance position (20r), and the left and right compaction positions, if different from the guidance positions. accomplished by rotation of the pivot shafts (26) about the pivot axis (13), the drive assembly (14) engaging one or more of the pivot shafts (26), e.g. a single pivot shaft (26), to thereby control the rotation of the pivot shafts ( 26) to establish the horizontal axis of rotation (13) and effect the movement of the waste handling device (20) between and to the positions (20e, 201, 20r).

4. Inrichting volgens conclusie 3, waarbij de één of meer sleuven (12t) elk in hoofdzaak complementair zijn aan de respectieve zich daarin uitstrekkende draaiassen (26), waarbij elke draaias (26) binnen de respectieve sleuf (12t) draaibaar is om zo de rotatie van de draaiassen (26) om de draaiaslijn (13) tot stand te brengen, daarbij bij voorkeur omvattende een draailager waarbinnen de draaias (26) draaibaar is.The device of claim 3, wherein the one or more slots (12t) are each substantially complementary to the respective pivot axes (26) extending therein, each pivot axis (26) being rotatable within the respective slot (12t) so as to maintain the rotation of the pivot shafts (26) to establish the pivot axis (13), preferably comprising a pivot bearing within which the pivot shaft (26) is rotatable.

5. Inrichting volgens conclusie 3 of 4, waarbij één of meer van de draaiassen (26) hol zijn, en het hanteerelement (21) inclusief de weegeenheid (24) bekabeling of bedrading omvat welke door de holle draaiassen (26) heen en door de zijwanden (12s) waarvan de draaiassen (26) zich in de sleuven {12t) uitstrekken heen naar buiten het frame loopt, bijv. het kanaal (12), indien aanwezig, voor het overbrengen van de signalen die worden geproduceerd door de één of meer van de sensoren, bijv. omvattende de gewichtssensoren (25, 250), en de regeleenheid (30) of een andere ontvanger, en/of voor het overbrengen van vermogen naar de één of meer van de sensoren (25, 25¢).Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein one or more of the pivot shafts (26) are hollow, and the handling element (21) including the weighing unit (24) comprises cabling or wiring passing through the hollow pivot shafts (26) and through the side walls (12s) whose pivot axes (26) extend into the slots (12t) extends outwardly from the frame, e.g. the channel (12), if present, for transmitting the signals produced by the one or more of the sensors, e.g. comprising the weight sensors (25, 250), and the control unit (30) or another receiver, and / or for transmitting power to the one or more of the sensors (25, 25 ¢).

6. Inrichting volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het aandrijfsamenstel (14) verder een vergrendelingsmechanisme (16) omvat, dat is ingericht om het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) losmaakbaar in de ontvangstpositie (20e) te vergrendelen, en bij voorkeur in de geleidings- en verdichtingsposities (201, 20r), en om deze daarvan los te maken om zo de beweging van het afvalhanteersamenstel tussen en naar de posities mogelijk te maken.Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the drive assembly (14) further comprises a locking mechanism (16) adapted to releasably lock the waste handling assembly (20) in the receiving position (20e), and preferably in the receiving position (20e). guiding and compaction positions (201, 20r), and to release them therefrom so as to allow movement of the waste handling assembly between and to the positions.

7. Inrichting volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de gewichtssensoren (25, 25c) van de weegeenheid (24) één of meer rekstrookjes en/of één of meer piëzo-elektrische krachtopnemers omvatten, welke het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) van het hanteerelement (21) met het ontvangstdeel (23) daarvan verbinden.Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the weight sensors (25, 25c) of the weighing unit (24) comprise one or more strain gauges and / or one or more piezoelectric force transducers, which the distribution and compaction part (22). ) of the handling element (21) to the receiving part (23) thereof.

-42--42-

8. Inrichting volgens conclusie 7, waarbij de één of meer gewichtssensoren (25, 25c) van de weegeenheid (24) zijn belichaamd als een weegcel (25c), waarbij, bij voorkeur, de weegeenheid (24) verder één of meer eindaanslagen (25s) omvat, die zijn bevestigd tussen het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) en het ontvangstdeel (23) van het hanteringselement (21), ingericht om een neerwaartse beweging van het bovenoppervlak (23t) van het ontvangstdeel (23) veroorzaakt door het gewicht van ontvangen afval (6) ten opzichte van het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) te beperken, waarbij, bij voorkeur, de weegeenheid verder een frame (25f) omvat, waaraan de weegcel (25c) en/of de eindaanslagen (25s), indien aanwezig, zijn bevestigd, waarbij het frame (25f) is bevestigd aan het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22), en de weegcel (25c) en eindaanslagen (25s), indien aanwezig, zijn bevestigd aan het frame (25f) tussen het frame (25f) en het ontvangstdeel (23) van het hanteerelement (21).Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the one or more weight sensors (25, 25c) of the weighing unit (24) are embodied as a weighing cell (25c), wherein, preferably, the weighing unit (24) further includes one or more end stops (25s). ), mounted between the distribution and compaction part (22) and the receiving part (23) of the handling element (21), arranged to prevent downward movement of the top surface (23t) of the receiving part (23) caused by the weight of the received debris (6) relative to the distribution and compaction part (22), wherein, preferably, the weighing unit further comprises a frame (25f), on which the weighing cell (25c) and / or the end stops (25s), if are attached, with the frame (25f) attached to the distribution and compaction member (22), and the weigh cell (25c) and end stops (25s), if any, attached to the frame (25f) between the frame ( 25f) and the receiving part (23) of the handling element (21).

9. Inrichting volgens één of meer van de conclusies 2-8, waarbij de weegsensoren (25,25¢) van de weegeenheid (24) de signalen die indicatief zijn voor het gewicht van een ontvangen object (6), bijv. afval (6), continu over de tijd afgeven ten minste zo lang als het object (6), bijv. afval (6), wordt ondersteund op het bovenoppervlak (23t) van het hanteerelement (21) in de ontvangstpositie (20e) van het afvalhanteersamenstel (20), waarbij de regeleenheid (30) het aandrijfsamenstel (14), bijv. omvattende het vergrendelmechanisme (16) daarvan, zodanig tewerk stelt dat het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) ten minste zo lang als de signalen over de tijd fluctueren in een mate die een vooraf bepaald bereik overschrijdt in de ontvangstpositie (20e) blijft, waarbij het fluctueren bijv. plaatsvindt direct nadat het object op het bovenoppervlak (23t) is ontvangen als gevolg van het vallen van het object (8) op het bovenoppervlak (23t), als gevolg van onderling schuiven en/of glijden van verschillende delen van het object (6) ten en/of als gevolg van initiële stabiliserende bewegingen van het ontvangen object (6) om evenwicht te bereiken op het bovenoppervlak (23t), en zodanig dat het aandrijfsamenstel (14) het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) uitsluitend naar één van de geleidingsposities (201, 20r) en verdichtingsposities beweegt wanneer het fluctueren is gestopt of gedurende een vooraf bepaalde tijdsperiode binnen het vooraf bepaalde bereik is gebleven.Device according to one or more of claims 2-8, wherein the weighing sensors (25.25 ¢) of the weighing unit (24) transmit the signals indicative of the weight of a received object (6), e.g. waste (6). ), dispensing continuously over time at least as long as the object (6), e.g. waste (6), is supported on the top surface (23t) of the handling element (21) in the receiving position (20e) of the waste handling assembly (20 ), wherein the control unit (30) operates the drive assembly (14), e.g. including the locking mechanism (16) thereof, such that the waste handling assembly (20) fluctuates over time at least as long as the signals fluctuate over time to an extent that a predetermined exceeds a certain range remains in the receiving position (20e), the fluctuation taking place e.g. immediately after the object is received on the top surface (23t) due to the falling of the object (8) on the top surface (23t), due to mutually sliding and / or sliding of different parts of the object (6) and / or as a result of initial stabilizing movements of the received object (6) to achieve equilibrium on the top surface (23t), and such that the drive assembly (14) only moves the waste handling assembly (20) to one of the guide positions (201, 20r) and compaction positions moves when the fluctuation has stopped or has remained within the predetermined range for a predetermined period of time.

10. Inrichting volgens één of meer van de conclusies 2-9, waarbij de één of meer sensoren (25) één of meer omvatten van: - aanwezigheidsdetectiesensoren, ingericht om te detecteren of een object, bijv. afval, op het bovenoppervlak (23t) van het ontvangstdeel (23) van het hanteerelement (21) wordtDevice according to one or more of the claims 2-9, wherein the one or more sensors (25) comprise one or more of: - presence detection sensors, arranged to detect whether an object, e.g. debris, is on the top surface (23t) of the receiving part (23) of the handling element (21)

- 43. ondersteund en om één of meer signalen te produceren die indicatief zijn voor het al dan niet op het bovenoppervlak ondersteund worden van het ontvangen object (6), - één of meer bewegingsdetectiesensoren, ingericht om beweging van een ontvangen object (6), bijv. afval, te detecteren en één of meer signalen te produceren die indicatief zijn voor beweging van het ontvangen object (6), - één of meer temperatuursensoren, ingericht om de temperatuur van een ontvangen object (6), bijv. afval (6), aan te geven en om één of meer signalen te produceren die indicatief zijn voor de temperatuur van het ontvangen object (6), waarbij de één of meer van de signalen op basis waarvan de regelunit (30) het aandrijfsamenstel (14), bijv. omvattende het vergrendelmechanisme (16) daarvan, indien aanwezig, tewerkstelt, de signalen zijn die door de aanwezigheidsdetectie-, bewegingsdetectie- en/of temperatuursensoren worden geproduceerd.- 43. supported and to produce one or more signals indicative of whether or not the received object (6) is supported on the top surface, - one or more motion detection sensors, adapted to detect movement of a received object (6), e.g. debris, to detect and produce one or more signals indicative of movement of the received object (6), - one or more temperature sensors, arranged to measure the temperature of a received object (6), e.g. debris (6) , and to produce one or more signals indicative of the temperature of the received object (6), the one or more of the signals on the basis of which the control unit (30) controls the drive assembly (14), e.g. comprising its locking mechanism (16), if any, employs the signals produced by the presence detection, motion detection and / or temperature sensors.

11. Inrichting volgens één van de conclusies 2-10, waarbij de regeleenheid het aandrijfsamenstel (14) zodanig tewerkstelt dat het aandrijfsamenstel (14): - het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) niet uit de ontvangstpositie (20e) beweegt, bijv. deze in de ontvangstpositie vergrendelt door middel van het vergrendelmechanisme (18), indien aanwezig, als de door de sensoren geproduceerde signalen aangeven, bijv. na interpretatie van de signalen door de regeleenheid (30), dat een levend organisme door het hanteerelement (21) wordt ondersteund, en - het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) van de ontvangstpositie (20e) naar één van de geleidingsposities (201, 20r) en verdichtingsposities beweegt nadat de signalen niet langer aangeven dat een levend organisme wordt ondersteund door het hanteerelement (21), bijv.Apparatus according to any of claims 2-10, wherein the control unit employs the drive assembly (14) such that the drive assembly (14): - does not move the waste handling assembly (20) out of the receiving position (20e), e.g. into the receiving position locks by means of the locking mechanism (18), if present, when the signals produced by the sensors indicate, e.g. after interpretation of the signals by the control unit (30), that a living organism is supported by the handling element (21), and - the waste handling assembly (20) moves from the receiving position (20e) to one of the guiding positions (201, 20r) and compaction positions after the signals no longer indicate that a living organism is supported by the handling element (21), e.g.

dit niet langer aangeven gedurende een vooraf bepaalde tijdsperiode, en/of - het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) van de ontvangstpositie (20e) naar één van de geleidingsposities (201, 20r) en verdichtingsposities beweegt na ontvangst van een extern signaal, bijv. een herstelsignaal, bijv. een inputsignaal vanuit een externe bron, bijv. een bedieningstoestel of een regelschakelaar, dat het levende organisme niet langer wordt ondersteund door het hanteerelement (21).no longer indicating this for a predetermined period of time, and / or - the waste handling assembly (20) moves from the receiving position (20e) to one of the guidance positions (201, 20r) and compaction positions upon receipt of an external signal, e.g. a recovery signal, e.g. an input signal from an external source, e.g. a control device or a control switch, that the living organism is no longer supported by the handling element (21).

12. Inrichting volgens conclusie 11, waarbij de regeleenheid (30) is ingericht om de één of meer door de sensoren geproduceerde signalen te interpreteren om zo te bepalen of een levend organisme wordt ondersteund door het hanteerelement (21), door de mogelijkheid te hebben te herkennen dat door sensoren geproduceerde signalen nadat een object (6) op het bovenoppervlak is ontvangen niet typisch worden veroorzaakt door het vallen van een object (6) op het bovenoppervlak (23t) en door ten opzichte van elkaar schuiven en glijden van verschillende delen van het object (6) en/of door initiële stabiliserende bewegingen vanThe device of claim 11, wherein the control unit (30) is arranged to interpret the one or more signals produced by the sensors so as to determine whether a living organism is supported by the handling element (21), by having the ability to recognize that signals produced by sensors after an object (6) has been received on the top surface are not typically caused by the falling of an object (6) on the top surface (23t) and by sliding and sliding relative to each other of different parts of the top surface object (6) and / or by initial stabilizing movements of

-44 - het ontvangen object (6) om evenwicht te bereiken op het bovenoppervlak (23t), en/of andere typische signaalkarakteristieken voor niet-levend afval, en/of de mogelijkheid te hebben te herkennen dat door sensoren geproduceerde signalen karakteristiek zijn voor levende organismen, bijv. dieren en mensen, waarbij deze vermogens zijn gebaseerd op één of meer van: - bij het interpreteren van signalen van gewichtssensoren (25, 25c), het aangegeven gewicht en/of de frequentie, het patroon, de grootte en/of duur van fluctuaties van de signalen over de tijd, en/of - bij het interpreteren van signalen van aanwezigheidsdetectiesensoren, de gedetecteerde afmetingen en/of mogelijke variaties van de signalen over de tijd, en/of - bij het interpreteren van signalen van bewegingsdetectiesensoren, de duur, groottes en richtingen van gedetecteerde bewegingen, - bij het interpreteren van signalen van temperatuursensoren, de aangegeven temperatuur en/of de afwijking daarvan ten opzichte van gewoonlijk voorkomende waarden voor niet- levend afval.-44 - the received object (6) to achieve equilibrium on the top surface (23t), and / or have other typical signal characteristics for non-living debris, and / or have the ability to recognize that signals produced by sensors are characteristic of living organisms, e.g. animals and humans, where these abilities are based on one or more of: - when interpreting signals from weight sensors (25, 25c), the indicated weight and / or frequency, pattern, size and / or duration of fluctuations of the signals over time, and / or - when interpreting signals from presence detection sensors, the dimensions detected and / or possible variations of the signals over time, and / or - when interpreting signals from motion detection sensors, the duration, magnitudes and directions of detected movements, - when interpreting signals from temperature sensors, the indicated temperature and / or its deviation from normal jk common values for non-living waste.

13. Inrichting volgens conclusie 12, waarbij de regeleenheid (30) verder is ingericht om, als de door de sensoren geproduceerde signalen aangeven dat een levend organisme wordt ondersteund door het hanteerelement (21), een waarschuwingssignaal te produceren dat buiten de inrichting (10) waarneembaar is, bijv. door hulpdiensten, voorbijgangers en/of bepaalde bedieners van de inrichting (10).The device of claim 12, wherein the control unit (30) is further arranged to produce, when the signals produced by the sensors indicate that a living organism is supported by the handling element (21), a warning signal that is outside the device (10) perceptible, e.g. by emergency services, passers-by and / or certain operators of the device (10).

14. Inrichting volgens conclusies 2 en 13, en optioneel één of meer van de conclusies 3-12, waarbij de regeleenheid (30) verder is ingericht om in een geheugen een indicatie van het totale gewicht van momenteel in de container (2) aanwezig afval (6) te registreren, door elke keer wanneer het hanteerelement (21) ontvangen en gewogen afval (6) door de uitlaat de container (2) in geleidt het gewicht van momenteel ontvangen en geleid afval (6) zoals door de signalen van de gewichtssensoren (25, 25c) aangegeven op te tellen bij de geregistreerde indicatie van het totale gewicht, waarbij, bij voorkeur, de geregistreerde indicatie op nul wordt gezet nadat de container (2) is geleegd, bijv. als reactie op een extern geproduceerd signaal, bijv. geproduceerd door sensoren van de container (2) of door een inputsignaal van een externe bron, bijv. een bedieningstoestel of een regelschakelaar, bijv. waarbij de geregistreerde indicatie van het totale gewicht extern waarneembaar is, bijv. weergegeven op een interface buiten de inrichting of verzonden naar externe bedieningstoestellen.Apparatus according to claims 2 and 13, and optionally one or more of claims 3-12, wherein the control unit (30) is further arranged to provide an indication in a memory of the total weight of waste currently present in the container (2). (6) recording, by each time the handling element (21) conducts received and weighed waste (6) through the outlet into the container (2), the weight of currently received and directed waste (6) as by the signals from the weight sensors (25, 25c) indicated to be added to the recorded indication of the total weight, preferably setting the recorded indication to zero after the container (2) has been emptied, e.g. in response to an externally produced signal, e.g. produced by sensors of the container (2) or by an input signal from an external source, e.g. a control device or a control switch, e.g. where the recorded indication of the total weight is externally observable, e.g. displayed on an interface outside the facility or sent to external control devices.

- 45.- 45.

15. Inrichting volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het aandrijfsamenstel (14) een paar hydraulische cilinders (17) omvat die langs en aan de buitenzijde van een zijwand (12s) van het frame (11), bijv. van het kanaal (12), indien aanwezig, zijn aangebracht, bij voorkeur één paar langs en aan de buitenzijde van één van de zijwanden (12s), en waarbij elk paar hydraulische cilinders (17) gezamenlijk is verbonden met het afvalhanteersamenstel (20) via een gezamenlijk verbindingselement {26) dat zich uitstrekt door een sleuf (12t) in de zijwand (12s) van het frame (11), en optioneel één of meer overbrengingen, waarbij de hydraulische cilinders (17) zich uitstrekken van het gezamenlijke verbindingselement (28} naar verbindingsstukken, bijv. in in hoofdzaak tegenovergestelde richtingen naar op onderlinge afstand gelegen verbindingsstukken, om de cilinders met het frame (11) te verbinden, bijv. waarbij het gezamenlijke verbindingselement (26) integraal is met het hanteerelement (21), bijv. waarbij de inrichting voldoet aan één of meer van conclusies 5-11 en het gezamenlijke verbindingselement (26) wordt gevormd door één van de draaiassen (26), bijv. één enkele draaias (28).Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the drive assembly (14) comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders (17) running along and on the outside of a side wall (12s) of the frame (11), e.g. of the channel. (12), if any, are arranged, preferably one pair along and outside one of the side walls (12s), and each pair of hydraulic cylinders (17) are jointly connected to the waste handling assembly (20) via a common connecting element {26) extending through a slot (12t) in the side wall (12s) of the frame (11), and optionally one or more transmissions, the hydraulic cylinders (17) extending from the common connector (28} to connectors , e.g. in substantially opposite directions to spaced connectors, to connect the cylinders to the frame (11), e.g. where the joint connector (26) is integral with the handle element (21), e.g. wherein the device complies with one or more of claims 5-11 and the common connecting element (26) is formed by one of the pivot axes (26), e.g. a single pivot axis (28).

16. Inrichting volgens conclusie 15, waarbij het aandrijfsamenstel omvat: - een eerste hydraulische actuator (17) omvattende een eerste cilinder en een eerste stang die beweegbaar is in en zich uitstrekt vanaf de eerste cilinder; - een tweede hydraulische actuator (17) omvattende een tweede cilinder en een tweede stang die beweegbaar is in en zich uitstrekt vanaf de eerste cilinder; en waarbij de eerste en tweede cilinder aan elkaar bevestigd zijn om als een eenheid beweegbaar te zijn, waarbij de eerste en tweede stang zich parallel aan elkaar in tegenovergestelde richtingen van de eenheid uitstrekken, waarbij de zich vanaf de eenheid uitstrekkende eerste en tweede stang met het frame van de afvalhanteerinrichting zijn verbonden of te verbinden zijn met de afvalinzamelingscontainer, waarbij het verbindingselement roteerbaar is om een rotatie-as in een eerste rotatierichting en in een tweede rotatierichting die tegengesteld is aan de eerste rotatierichting, en waarbij de eenheid is verbonden met het verbindingselement (26), bijv. de draaias(sen) (26), daarbij gebruik makend van een eerste trekelement dat is ingericht om het verbindingselement (26) te doen roteren in de eerste rotatierichting bij beweging van de eenheid in een eerste richting, en een tweede trekelement dat is ingericht om het verbindingselement (26) te doen roteren in de tweede rotatierichting bij beweging van de eenheid in een tweede richting die tegengesteld is aan de eerste richting.The device of claim 15, wherein the drive assembly comprises: - a first hydraulic actuator (17) comprising a first cylinder and a first rod movable in and extending from the first cylinder; - a second hydraulic actuator (17) comprising a second cylinder and a second rod movable in and extending from the first cylinder; and wherein the first and second cylinders are attached to each other to be movable as a unit, the first and second rods extending parallel to each other in opposite directions of the unit, the first and second rods extending from the unit frame of the waste handling device are connected or connectable to the waste collection container, the connecting element being rotatable about an axis of rotation in a first rotation direction and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, and the unit being connected to the connecting element (26), e.g. the pivot shaft (s) (26), using a first pulling member adapted to rotate the connecting member (26) in the first direction of rotation upon movement of the unit in a first direction, and a second pulling element adapted to rotate the connecting element (26) in the second direction of rotation at b Weighing the unit in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

17. Inrichting volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de linker en rechter oppervlakken (221, 22r) van het hanteerelement (21), bekeken in de richting van deApparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the left and right surfaces (221, 22r) of the handling element (21), viewed in the direction of the

- 46 - draaiaslijn (13), naar het bovenoppervlak (23t) toe divergeren in een richting van de draaiaslijn (13) vandaan, bijv. waarbij de linker en rechter oppervlakken (22, 22r) vlakke oppervlakken zijn die in een V zijn aangebracht, bijv. waarbij de oppervlakken een hoek van tussen 40° en 100° insluiten.46 - pivot axis (13), diverging towards the top surface (23t) in a direction away from the pivot axis (13), e.g. where the left and right surfaces (22, 22r) are flat surfaces arranged in a V, e.g. where the surfaces include an angle of between 40 ° and 100 °.

18. Inrichting volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de afstand tussen de horizontale draaiaslijn (13) en het bovenoppervlak (23t) tussen 40 en 80 centimeter bedraagt.Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between the horizontal axis of rotation (13) and the top surface (23t) is between 40 and 80 centimeters.

19. Inrichting volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij in de linkswaartse geleidingspositie het linker oppervlak (221) van het verdeel- en verdichtingsdeel (22) van het hanteerelement (21) dat opwaarts naar de inlaatopening (10e) is gericht een hoek (8!) ten opzichte van het denkbeeldige verticale vlak boven en parallel aan de draaiaslijn (13) van tussen 25° en 80° heeft, en waarbij in de rechtswaartse geleidingspositie (20r) het rechter oppervlak (22r) dat opwaarts naar de inlaatopening (10e) is gericht een hoek (Br) ten opzichte van het denkbeeldige verticale vlak van tussen 25° en 80° heeft.Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein in the left guiding position the left surface (221) of the distribution and compaction part (22) of the handling element (21) facing upwardly towards the inlet opening (10e) has an angle (8!) With respect to the imaginary vertical plane above and parallel to the axis of rotation (13) of between 25 ° and 80 °, and wherein in the right-hand guidance position (20r) has the right-hand surface (22r) that is upward to the inlet opening ( 10e) is oriented has an angle (Br) with respect to the imaginary vertical plane of between 25 ° and 80 °.

20. Inrichting volgens één of meer van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij in de ontvangstpositie het bovenoppervlak (23t) van het ontvangstdeel (23) van het hanteerelement (21) zich in een verticale projectie onder in hoofdzaak de gehele inlaatopening (10e) uitstrekt, en de geleidingsoppervlakken (221, 22r) zich in hoofdzaak buiten de contour van de inlaatopening (10e) uitstrekken, bijv. onder één of meer van de kopwanden (12h), indien aanwezig, en waarbij in de linkswaartse en rechtswaartse geleidingsposities (201, 20r) en verdichtingsposities het ontvangstoppervlak (23t) van het ontvangstdeel (23) van het hanteerelement (21) zich in verticale projectie in hoofdzaak buiten de contour van de inlaatopening (10e) uitstrekt, bijv. onder één of meer van de kopwanden (12h), indien aanwezig.An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the receiving position, the top surface (23t) of the receiving portion (23) of the handling element (21) extends in a vertical projection underneath substantially the entire inlet opening (10e), and the guiding surfaces (221, 22r) extending substantially outside the contour of the inlet opening (10e), e.g. under one or more of the end walls (12h), if present, and in the left and right guiding positions (201, 20r) and compression positions the receiving surface (23t) of the receiving part (23) of the handling element (21) extends in vertical projection substantially outside the contour of the inlet opening (10e), e.g. under one or more of the end walls (12h), if present.

21. Afvalinzamelingssysteem (1) omvattende: - een afvalinzamelingscontainer (2), - een van bovenaf te laden afvalverdeel- en verdichtingsinrichting (10) die is ingericht om boven of bovenin de afvalinzamelingscontainer te worden bevestigd en welke inrichting werkzaam is om afval (8), bijv. een huisvuilzak (6), dat in de inrichting (10) is geworpen te ontvangen en het afval over de container te verdelen en met de container verzameld afval te verdichten, welke inrichting (10) voldoet aan één of meer van de conclusies 1-20.21. Waste collection system (1) comprising: - a waste collection container (2), - a waste distribution and compaction device (10) to be loaded from above, which is arranged to be mounted above or at the top of the waste collection container and which device is operable to collect waste (8) e.g. to receive a household refuse bag (6) which has been thrown into the device (10) and to distribute the waste over the container and to compact waste collected with the container, which device (10) meets one or more of the claims 1-20.

-47 --47 -

22. Afvalinzamelingssysteem volgens conclusie 21, waarbij het systeem (1) een ondergronds afvalinzamelingssysteem is omvattende: - een schacht in de grond, bijv. een betonnen schacht, waarbij de inzamelingscontainer (2) is aangepast om in de schacht te worden geplaatst en uit de schacht te worden getild voor het lozen van afval om daarmee de container (2) te legen.Waste collection system according to claim 21, wherein the system (1) is an underground waste collection system comprising: - a shaft in the ground, e.g. a concrete shaft, the collection container (2) being adapted to be placed in the shaft and out of the shaft. shaft to be lifted to discharge waste in order to empty the container (2).

23. Afvalinzamelingssysteem volgens conclusie 21 of 22, waarbij de van bovenaf te laden afvalverdeel- en verdichtingsinrichting (10) bovenin de afvalinzamelingscontainer (2) is bevestigd.Refuse collection system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the top-loading refuse distribution and compaction device (10) is mounted in the top of the refuse collection container (2).

24. Afvalinzamelingssysteem volgens één of meer van de conclusies 21-23, verder omvattende: - een afvalinbrengbehuizing (3) die een inbrengopening (4) heeft welke het voor een gebruiker mogelijk maakt daarin afval in te brengen, bijv. voorzien van een inbrenginrichting (5), bijv. een inbrenginrichting van het trommeltype, zodat afval (6) de inrichting (10) in valt, bijv. in het kanaal (12), indien aanwezig, van de van bovenaf te laden afvalverdeel- en verdichtingsinrichting (10).Waste collection system according to one or more of claims 21-23, further comprising: - a waste insertion housing (3) having an insertion opening (4) which allows a user to insert waste therein, e.g. provided with an insertion device ( 5), e.g. a drum-type introducer, so that debris (6) falls into the device (10), e.g., into the channel (12), if any, of the debris distribution and compaction device (10) to be loaded from above.

25. Afvalverzamelingssysteem volgens conclusie 24, waarbij de van bovenaf te laden afvalverdeel- en verdichtingsinrichting (10) voldoet aan conclusie 12 of 13 en optioneel één of meer andere van conclusies 2-20, waarbij de inbrengopening (4) een losmaakbaar vergrendelbaar afsluitelement omvat, welke wanneer vergrendeld het een gebruiker verhindert om afval in de afvalinbrengbehuizing in te brengen, waarbij de regeleenheid (30) verder is ingericht om het afsluitelement zodanig tewerk te stellen dat het afsluitelement vergrendelt als - de door de sensoren geproduceerde signalen aangeven dat een levend organisme wordt ondersteund door het hanteerelement (21), en/of - indien de inrichting voldoet aan conclusie 14, als de indicatie van het totale gewicht van het momenteel in de container aanwezige afval een vooraf bepaalde waarde overschrijdt, en/of - als de door de gewichtssensoren geproduceerde signalen een gewicht van ontvangen afval aangeven dat een vooraf bepaalde waarde overschrijdt, - als de door de temperatuursensoren geproduceerde signalen een temperatuur aangeven die een vooraf bepaalde waarde overschrijdt.A refuse collection system according to claim 24, wherein the top-loading refuse distribution and compaction device (10) complies with claim 12 or 13 and optionally one or more others of claims 2-20, wherein the insertion opening (4) comprises a releasable, lockable closure element, which, when locked, prevents a user from introducing debris into the waste insertion housing, the control unit (30) being further arranged to operate the sealing element to lock the sealing element when - the signals produced by the sensors indicate that a living organism is becoming supported by the handling element (21), and / or - if the device complies with claim 14, if the indication of the total weight of the waste currently present in the container exceeds a predetermined value, and / or - if the weight sensors signals produced indicate a weight of waste received that exceeds a predetermined value, - when the signals produced by the temperature sensors indicate a temperature exceeding a predetermined value.

26. Werkwijze voor het hanteren van afval (8) dat is ingebracht in een afvalinzamelingssysteem (1) omvattende een inzamelingscontainer (2) en een van bovenaf te laden afvalverdeel- en verdichtingsinrichting (10) die is bevestigd boven of bovenin de afvalinzamelingscontainer (2), waarbij de inrichting werkzaam is om afval (6), bijv. eenA method of handling waste (8) introduced into a waste collection system (1) comprising a collection container (2) and a top-loading waste distribution and compaction device (10) mounted above or at the top of the waste collection container (2) , the device being operable to collect waste (6), e.g. a

- 48 -- 48 -

huisvuilzak (6), te ontvangen, dat in de inrichting (10) is geworpen en om het afval over de container (2) te verdelen en met de container ingezameld afval te verdichten, waarbij de inrichting bij voorkeur voldoet aan één of meer van de conclusies 1-20, en omvattende een draaibaar hanteerelement (21) met een bovenoppervlak (23t), een rechter oppervlak (22r), en een tegenovergelegen linker oppervlak (221), waarbij de werkwijze de volgende stappen omvat:household refuse bag (6), which has been thrown into the device (10) and to distribute the waste over the container (2) and compact waste collected with the container, the device preferably complying with one or more of the claims 1-20, and comprising a rotatable handling element (21) having a top surface (23t), a right surface (22r), and an opposite left surface (221), the method comprising the steps of:

- het ontvangen van ingebracht afval (6) op het bovenoppervlak (23t) van de inrichting (10),- receiving introduced debris (6) on the top surface (23t) of the device (10),

zodanig dat het op het hanteerelement (21) wordt ondersteund,such that it is supported on the handling element (21),

- het wegen van het ontvangen afval (6) dat op het hanteerelement (21) wordt ondersteund, - het zodanig onder het afval (6) door naar links of naar rechts draaien van het hanteerelement (21) dat respectievelijk het rechter of linker oppervlak (22r, 22!) zodanig onder het afval (6) schuift dat het afval (8) daarop wordt ondersteund, en het rechter of linker oppervlak (22r, 221) een neerwaartse helling naar de container (2) toe aanneemt,- weighing the received waste (6) supported on the handling element (21), - turning the handling element (21) under the waste (6) by turning the handling element (21) to the left or right so that the right or left surface ( 22r, 22!) Slides under the waste (6) such that the waste (8) is supported thereon, and the right or left surface (22r, 221) takes a downward slope towards the container (2),

- het onder de neerwaartse hoek houden van het rechter- of linker oppervlak (22r,221) houden zodat het afval (6) neerwaarts over respectievelijk het rechter of linker oppervlak (22r, 221)- holding the right or left surface (22r, 221) under the downward angle so that the debris (6) descends over the right or left surface (22r, 221), respectively

naar en in de container (2) glijdt, en zodat respectievelijk het linker of rechter oppervlak (221,slides towards and into the container (2), and so that the left or right surface (221,

22r) enig reeds in de container aanwezig afval neerwaarts aangrijpt direct onder het linker of rechter oppervlak (221, 22r), om daarmee het reeds aanwezige afval (6) te verdichten,22r) downwardly engages any waste already present in the container directly below the left or right surface (221, 22r), thereby compacting the waste already present (6),

- optioneel, het draaien van het hanteerelement (21) om de neerwaartse helling te vergroten, zodat respectievelijk het linker of rechter oppervlak (221, 22r) enig reeds in de container (2)- optionally, turning the handling element (21) to increase the downward slope, so that respectively the left or right surface (221, 22r) has some already in the container (2)

aanwezig afval neerwaarts aan te grijpen direct onder het linker of rechter oppervlak (221,grabbing existing debris down directly below the left or right surface (221,

22r), om daarmee het reeds aanwezige afval te verdichten, bijv. het reeds aanwezige afval verder te verdichten.22r), in order to thus compact the waste already present, e.g. to further compact the waste already present.