DE3831160A1 - COLLECTED CONTAINER WITH FLEXIBLE PIPING - Google Patents

Abstract

A waste collection container, which can be mounted in particular on vehicles, trailers or the like, having at least one at least partially flexible hose, through which waste can be sucked into the inside of the container by means of a blower, the hose being constructed as a suction arm stiffened in an articulated manner which can be provided with and/or connected to one or more actuating drives and which, on being actuated, can be positioned relative to the collection container. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates in particular to one Vehicles, trailers or the like. Container, with at least one at least partially flexible pipe through which by means of a blower Groupage is suckable into the interior of the container.

When cleaning the streets and especially landscaping, it is important to collect waste such as bottles, plastic bottles, paper cups, cans, etc. as efficiently as possible for transport to remove waste. The difficulty is that these pieces of waste are often widely scattered from one another, which leads to a particularly large expenditure of time when they are picked up. In parks, outdoor pools and the like. The like. Although numerous waste baskets are set up, which can be easily removed for emptying in refuse vehicles. However, this requires additional design effort for the trash baskets. In addition, their absorption capacity - due to the large amount of waste generated today - is quickly exhausted, so that within a short time the ground is littered with scattered waste parts within their reach.

A known mowing device (see that under No. 00 16 440 published European patent) has a container of the type mentioned in which a blower and whose drive device is housed. This works on an inlet connection breaking through the container wall, to the telescopic spring-loaded fastener a flexible pipe is connected. The Pipeline leads to an intake box, the groupage picks up and blows into the container via the blower. Should be far from each other with such a device  scattered waste collected in the container or emptying waste baskets is next to one Person to operate the vehicle at least one more additional person necessary, the flexible pipe with suction box in appropriate positions for picking up who brings pieces of waste.

The invention has for its object to provide a groupage To create containers, which a single operator an efficient as well as easy and convenient to do Collect widely dispersed waste, especially from enables private households.

The solution for a groupage container is the initially suggested features that the Pipeline designed as an articulated stiffened suction arm is provided with one or more actuators and / or connected and when actuated relative to Container is positionable.

The invention takes advantage of the facts take advantage of the fact that garbage containers, groupage Container u. Like. easily on a motor vehicle or a Trailers are designed to be attachable, so that in the sense of Invention of the driver by operating one or more Actuators, preferably from the driver's seat, the at least partially flexible pipeline to the individual, Position waste parts scattered from each other can. The positioning by pressing the Actuators can be controlled by targeted forward, Reverse, left and right driving with the vehicle be supplemented. With the measure according to the invention, the stiffen flexible pipe on the one hand and on the other hand, to largely maintain their flexibility,  it is developed into an articulated suction arm, which with increasing number of joints and / or the actuators the more precisely to a waste part can be placed.

A special realization of this inventive idea consists in holding the pipeline Swivel linkage with one or more articulated To provide lever sections, each by at least one against the container, the vehicle and / or an adjacent lever section supported actuator are pivotable. This from a plurality single, articulated lever arms formed Swivel linkage can be positioned with great flexibility. A particularly simple one and for realizing one of the Suitable for the side wall of the container, which can be cantilevered Construction of the swivel linkage is that this from a plurality of chain links one behind the other arranged, rod-shaped lever sections is formed, the first of which on the container, and the subsequent ones each at the end of the previous one facing away from the container Lever section are articulated.

To provide mechanical stability against heavy weight and / or to achieve sharp-edged waste has in Within the scope of the invention the pipeline the lever sections corresponding, stiffened sections; it is enough from if at least in the area of the hinge points of the Pipe linkage makes the pipeline flexible and flexible is trained. By providing stiffened Pipe sections can advantageously be the number of Reduce mounting elements, which for the attachment the pipeline on the swivel linkage are necessary. The Creation of the above, cantilevered suction arm is  adapted a further embodiment of the invention, after which flexible and rigid along the pipeline Alternate pipe sections arranged one behind the other. With this special invention training is for the Groupage container created a suction element, which mechanical stability and strength on the one hand and high On the other hand, flexibility and agility are combined and therefore particularly suitable for exact positioning is. This suction element is essentially based on that Lever sections formed pivot linkage attached to it attached, parallel pipeline and the Control elements for articulation.

The generic groupage containers are advantageously built so that they easily on vehicles, trailers and. Like. Are attachable. Furthermore, the suction arm according to the invention is expediently to a side wall of the container - fixed - in accordance with the longitudinal side of the vehicle. In order to increase the positioning accuracy and to be able to place the suction arm on the container or vehicle longitudinal side when not in use, it is provided in a development of the invention that the suction arm or the swivel linkage on the container and / or vehicle by at least one horizontal and at least one vertical axis are pivoted.

In suction mode it is important that especially the Intake opening of the pipeline precisely on the object to be collected can be aligned so this is safely grasped by the suction flow and transported away becomes. For this purpose is within the scope of the invention provided that the pipeline in the area of at least one Groupage feed opening in a stiff, am  Swivel linkage hinged section that ends by means of an actuator is pivotable. This will create a Intake nozzle created, by means of which especially very small groupage can be recorded.

A special embodiment of the invention, which enables sufficiently high positioning accuracy with moderate manufacturing and design effort, consists in the pivot linkage having a first lever arm articulated on the container or vehicle and a second lever arm articulated on its end facing away from it, on which the stiffening Pipe end is articulated, and that each pivot axis - including the horizontal and vertical pivot axes with respect to the articulation points located on the vehicle container - is assigned an actuator which pivots the articulated parts - including the vehicle or container / lever rod - relative to one another. This training greatly increases usability; In particular, the driver can extend the suction arm swiveled towards the container side wall behind the steering wheel by actuating the actuator, which is assigned to the suction arm articulation point on the container wall for realizing the vertical pivot axis, into the cantilevered operating position, for example.

There are many technological within the scope of the invention Possibilities for realizing the actuators (e.g. electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic). Especially the formation of the actuators is advantageous pneumatic actuating cylinder, the ends of each at one of two neighboring, articulated Attack the suction arm sections. The advantage of pneumatic Realization is that compressed air as a control  and drive medium can be used, which has relatively low weight. So surrendered pneumatic linear drives a lightweight design; moreover the pneumatic actuators are characterized by quick response and sufficient Positioning accuracy.

In order to relieve or to balance the force for the actuating cylinders, in a further development of this special design at least one or more spring elements are assigned to each of the particularly loaded actuating cylinders, the points of engagement of which correspond to those of the actuating cylinder. M. a. W., the spring elements are connected in effect to the movements of the actuators in parallel. Of the suction arm, in particular in the cantilevered embodiment - - Thus, the advantage obtained that the springs are stretched during its lowering and thus relieve the actuator cylinder from the total weight of the suction arm; When retracting or lifting the previously extended suction arm, the corresponding actuating movements of the cylinders are supported by the restoring force of the prestressed spring elements, and the actuating cylinders are thus relieved. Consequently, the spring elements allow the actuators to be dimensioned much smaller.

Another advantageous realization of the actuators is conceivable with electronic stepper motors.

General is on security and convenience at the Operation of technical facilities. To at the present application to the driver in particular an operation of the suction arm according to the invention behind the steering wheel as well as after its finished Actuation to enable opening of the driver's door is in  Development of the invention a relative to the container wall Positionable control device provided with which the individual actuators can be operated. According to a special embodiment of the invention, the Operating device operating lever, each one Actuator are assigned and in positions for the Entry, exit and standstill of the individual Actuators are positionable.

As a practical area for piping Diameters have proven to be between 150 mm and 180 mm. Larger pipe diameters can be due to the resulting Pressure losses at a disproportionately high cost Guide the suction fan. In order to clog and Block the pipeline due to bulky waste avoid and on the other hand the pipe diameter if possible To be able to keep it small is a further development of the invention a motor-driven rotating shredding, cutting, Chopper tool or the like provided, which in the area of Inlet opening of the suction arm or the pipeline arranged is. In special training this special The inventive idea is this shredding tool on the section forming the suction opening of the suction arm articulated that this tool by about 90 ° in front of the Feed opening is pivotable, with its axis of rotation runs diagonally to the feed direction and / or opposite the central longitudinal axis of the suction arm opening section radially is offset. A preferred drive for that Crushing, especially cutting tool is a Electric motor with which high speeds can be achieved can be bulky or easy to shred mechanically solid waste pieces are advantageous. In special training is to swivel the Crushing tool in the area in front of the  A separate actuator is provided for the feed opening if necessary with the steering wheel seat control of the vehicle can be operated. One is important asymmetrical arrangement of the shredding tool with its axis of rotation with respect to the opening diameter of the suction feed, so that the risk of entanglement of cut waste pieces around the cutting or Crushing tool around is largely avoided.

The waste to be collected falls primarily on the Floor surface. To eliminate it is Operate the suction arm to ensure that this to the one is not too far from the ground surface and secondly, don't get too close to the ground surface is located and even "stuck" there. This problem adopts a further development of the invention, after that on the outer wall of the suction arm in the area of the Feed opening at least one spacer wheel is attached, which with its fastener over the edge of the Feed nozzle protrudes. This will be advantageous Suction arm, possibly its swivel linkage and especially the actuators of the one that weighs on them (Own) weight largely exempted. The operator too needs to maintain the correct distance above the - mostly uneven - Earth's surface is not a special one To pay more attention. Is according to a special one Development of the invention, the spacer wheel with respect to Distance from the opening edge of the feed nozzle The operator can adjust the distance the intake opening of the suction arm depending on the weight of the Control the waste to be sucked in. To realize this (Height) adjustability can be another, possibly serve as a pneumatic actuator.  

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of Exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawing. Here demonstrate:

Figure 1 shows the container with suction arm in side view.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the operating device for the suction arm.

Fig. 3, the intake opening of the suction arm in suction position;

Figure 4 shows a part of the swivel linkage with actuator in an enlarged perspective view.

Fig. 5 shows the end of the suction arm attached to the container wall in a perspective view

Fig. 6 shows a special design of the intake opening of the suction arm.

According to the side view of FIG. 1, a container 1 is placed on the rear part of a commercial vehicle 2 . From the interior of the container 1 leads out a connecting piece 3 , to which a pipe 4 connects for sucking in groupage. The pipe 4 is composed of a plurality of individual sections, namely three flexible pipe sections 5 a , 5 b , 5 c and three stiffened pipe sections 6 a , 6 b , 6 c . The flexible and stiffened pipe sections are arranged alternately one behind the other, the pipe connecting with a flexible pipe section 5 a to the connecting piece 3 and ending in the region of its feed opening with a stiffened pipe section 6 c with the feed opening 7 . The pipeline 4 is suspended from a swivel linkage 8 and runs approximately parallel to it. The pivot linkage 8 has two lever arm sections 9 a , 9 b and three hinge points 10 a , 10 b , 10 c . The first lever arm 9 a is articulated by means of the first joint 10 a on a vertically extending rotary rod 11 about a first horizontal axis 13 a (cf. FIG. 5) so as to be pivotable upwards or downwards. The rotary rod 11 is mounted in a bracket web 12 projecting vertically from the side wall of the container (clearly visible in FIG. 5) so that it can rotate about a vertical axis 14 approximately parallel to the side wall of the container. The rotary drive 15 which generates the corresponding rotary movement is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

The from the first hinge point 10 a remote end of the first lever arm 9 a, b via the second pivot 10, which realizes a horizontal pivot axis 13 b, b connected with the end of the second lever arm. 9 Its end facing away from the second joint 10 b is articulated via the third joint 10 c to the outer wall of the third stiffened pipe section 6 c . The third joint 10 c also realizes a pivot axis 13 c running in the horizontal direction (cf. FIG. 3).

Referring to FIG. 1 access to the pivot rod 8 three actuators or actuators 16 a, 16 b, 16 c on. They each serve to actuate one of the three joints 10 a, 10 b and 10 c . According to the illustrated embodiment, they are implemented as pneumatic actuating cylinders. Finally, the container 1 near the articulation point 10 a , 11 , 12 of the swivel linkage 8 is provided with an operating device 17 . Both the suction arm 18 formed from the pipeline 4 , swivel linkage 8 and actuators 16 a , 16 b , 16 c and the operating device 17 are shown in FIG. 1 in the position suitable for transport, namely folded onto the side wall of the container 1 . They can be fastened to this with mounting means (not shown).

According to FIG. 2, the operating device 17 , which is arranged on the side wall of the container so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis 20, is pivoted by approximately 180 ° with respect to the position shown in FIG. 1. In this position, the sitting behind the steering operator of the vehicle 2 can handle of the vehicle cabin 19 from the operating device 17 for operating the suction arm 18th The control device 17 has four control levers 21 a , 21 b , 21 c , 21 d , which are seated on a pivot rod 23 articulated on the side wall of the container 1 . The pivot rod 23 is rotatably mounted about the vertical pivot axis 20 already mentioned. The operating levers 21 a , 21 b , 21 c , 21 d are each assigned to one of the linear actuators 16 a , 16 b , 16 c or the rotary drive 15 and can be brought into three functional positions, namely for holding and the two directions of movement of the drives. The commands set by means of the control lever 21 are transmitted via the control lines 22 to the individual drives 15 , 16 mentioned .

According to FIG. 3, the suction arm 18 , which is in the suction position, is immersed in a waste paper basket 24 in order to convey pieces of waste into the interior of the container 1 . For this purpose, by means of the actuator 16 6 c the attached stiffened pipe section c on the second lever arm hingedly 9 b 10 c is formed at which the intake opening 7, is brought into the appropriate position. The pivoting about the horizontal axis 13 c of the stiffened pipe section 6 c causing actuator 16 c is supported at one end on the second lever arm 9 b and engages with its other end on the stiffened pipe section 6 c which represents the suction nozzle.

According to Fig. 4 of the second hinge 10 b moving actuator 16 b with its one end against the first lever arm 9 a supported and engages with its other end on the second lever arm 9 of b. As a result, the two lever arm sections 9 a , 9 b can be pivoted relative to one another about the axis 13 b extending through the joint 10 b .

In Fig. 5 the attachment of the suction arm 18 to the container 1 is shown enlarged. The actuator 16 a , which is supported against an extension 25 which continues the rotary rod 11 , actuates the first joint 10 a , in which the first lever arm 9 a is pivotally mounted about the horizontal axis 13 a . For this purpose, the end of the actuator (pneumatic cylinder) facing away from the attachment 25 engages the first lever arm 9 a (cf. also FIG. 1). The rotary drive 15 serves to pivot the suction arm 18 about the vertical axis 14 . This is essentially formed from a toothed ring 26 surrounding the rotary rod 11 and a driven pinion 27 which engages with it. An electric servomotor 28, for example, is used to drive the pinion 27 . This can be operated by means of the operating lever 21 d of the operating device 17 (see FIG. 2).

According to Fig. 1, 3, 4 and 5 are the first two actuators 16 a, 16 b respectively a spring element 29 a and b, respectively assigned to 29, whose points of application correspond to those of the associated actuator. M. a. W., the spring elements 29 a , 29 b are arranged spatially-structurally and in terms of effect parallel to the associated actuators 16 a , 16 b and perform relief and compensation functions with respect to the actuators. Thus, the first spring element 29 a , with its end adjacent to the first articulation point 10 a, is suspended from the shoulder 25 of the rotary rod 11 , while its opposite end is fastened to the first lever arm 9 a . Accordingly, one end of the second spring element 29 b is suspended from a second extension 30 , which is rigidly connected to the first lever arm 9 a . Its opposite end is attached to the second lever arm 9 b . The same applies analogously to the attachment of the first two actuators 16 a , 16 b , their rear support and front points of attack being articulated in each case.

Referring to FIG. 6, the suction arm 18 is provided in the region of its insertion opening 7 with a shredding motor 31 according to a particular variant, which is preferably operated at high speeds. Comminution knives 32 rotate at the appropriate speed, and in the process crush or shred sucked-in pieces of waste. This comminution device 31 , 32 is designed to be pivotable at an angle of 90 ° in front of the feed opening 7 , as indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 6. This pivoting can be brought about, for example, by means of a further (not shown) pneumatic actuating cylinder. Thus sucked collected spill is not thrown off by the crushing blade 32 from the feed opening 7, this variant of the invention in a further embodiment of a c of the stiffened pipe section 6 being set, the feed opening 7 broadening funnel 33, and a collected spill-down device 34 is provided, which on the housing of crusher motor 31 is molded.

Claims (17)

1. In particular on vehicles, trailers or the like. Attachable groupage container, with at least one at least partially flexible pipeline through which groupage can be sucked into the container interior by means of a blower, characterized in that the line ( 4 ) as articulated ( 10 a , 10 b , 10 c ) stiffened suction arm ( 8 ) is formed, which is provided with one or more actuators ( 15 , 16 a , 16 b , 16 c ) and / or connected and can be positioned relative to the container ( 1 ) when actuated . 2. Container according to claim 1, characterized by a pipe ( 4 ) holding swivel linkage ( 8 ) with one or more articulated lever sections ( 9 a , 9 b ), each of which by at least one against the container ( 1 ), the vehicle ( 2nd ) and / or an adjacent lever section ( 9 a , 9 b ) supported actuator ( 15 , 16 ) are pivotable. 3. A container according to claim 2, characterized in that the swivel linkage ( 8 ) is formed from a plurality of chain-like rod-shaped lever sections ( 9 a , 9 b ) one behind the other, of which the first on the container ( 1 ) and the subsequent ones on the container ( 1 ) opposite end of the preceding lever section ( 9 a , 9 b ) are articulated. 4. Container according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the pipeline has the lever sections ( 9 ) corresponding, stiffened sections ( 6 a , 6 b , 6 c ) and especially in the region of the articulation points ( 10 a , 10 b , 10 c ) the swivel linkage ( 8 ) is flexible and flexible. 5. Container according to claim 3 and 4, characterized by alternately arranged one behind the other flexible and rigid pipe sections ( 5 , 6 ). 6. A container according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the pipeline in the area at least once groupage feed opening ( 7 ) in a rigid, on the pivot linkage ( 8 ) at least one articulated ( 10 c ) section ( 6 c ) ends, which means at least one actuator ( 16 c ) is pivotable. 7. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction arm ( 18 ) or the pivot linkage ( 8 ) on the container ( 1 ) and / or vehicle ( 2 ) about at least one horizontal ( 13 a ) and at least one vertical axis ( 14 ) are pivoted. 8. A container according to claim 5 to 7, characterized in that the pivot linkage ( 8 ) a first on the container ( 1 ) or vehicle ( 2 ) articulated lever arm ( 9 a ) and an articulated at its end, second lever arm ( 9 b ) has, on which the stiffened pipe end ( 6 c ) is articulated, and that each pivot axis ( 13 a , 13 b , 13 c , 14 ) is assigned an actuator ( 16 a , 16 b , 16 c , 15 ) which is articulated connected parts pivoted relative to each other. 9. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuators ( 15 , 16 ) are designed as hydraulic, electrical and / or preferably pneumatic actuating cylinders ( 16 a , 16 b , 16 c ), each with one end to each attack one of two adjacent, articulated ( 10 ) suction arm sections ( 9 a , 9 b ). 10. Container according to claim 9, characterized by the movements of the actuators ( 16 a , 16 b ) parallel-connected spring elements ( 29 a , 29 b ). 11. Container according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by by means of electric motors, especially stepper motors, realized drives. 12. A container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an operating device ( 17 ), which can be positioned relative to the container wall, for actuating the individual actuators ( 15 , 16 ). 13. A container according to claim 12, characterized in that the operating device ( 17 ) each has an actuator ( 15 , 16 a , 16 b ) associated actuating lever ( 21 a , 21 b , 21 c , 21 d ), which in positions for retraction , Extend and standstill of the actuators ( 15 , 16 ) are movable. 14. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a preferably electrically driven, rotating comminution, cutting tool ( 31 , 32 ) or the like, which is arranged in the region of the feed opening ( 7 ). 15. A container according to claim 14, characterized in that the shredding tool ( 31 ) on the feed opening ( 7 ) of the suction arm ( 18 ) forming section ( 6 c ) is articulated such that the shredding tool ( 31 , 32 ) by about 90 ° the feed opening (7), if necessary by means of an actuator is pivotable with its rotation axis inclined to the feed direction runs and / or to the central longitudinal axis of the suction arm aperture section (6c, 7) is radially offset. 16. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one on the outer wall of the suction arm ( 18 ) in the region of its feed openings ( 7 ) attached spacer wheel ( 35 ) which protrudes with its fastening element ( 36 ) over the opening edge, if necessary, adjustable in height. 17. A container according to claim 14 or 15, characterized by a funnel extension ( 33 ) adjoining the feed opening ( 7 ) and a groupage hold-down ( 34 ) molded onto the comminution tool ( 31 , 32 ).