Lifting device for a waste collection container and waste collection container

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a lifting device (10) for lifting a waste collection container (50) to a charging opening of a waste compartment of a waste collection system (100), to a waste collection container (50) and to a waste collection system (100). The lifting device (10) comprises a base component (11), a receiving device (12) for receiving and holding a waste collection container (50), said receiving device (12) comprising at least one receiving tooth (13), said receiving device (12) being constructed for engaging an engagement frame (55) of a waste collection container (50), said receiving device (12) being arranged at the base component (11) or being an integral part of the base component (11), a clamping device (14), particularly a clamping plate, said clamping device (14) being constructed for clamping an engagement frame (55) of a waste collection container (50) between the at least one receiving device (12) and the clamping device (14). In order to provide a solution which is adapted for easily bringing a waste collection container (50) into a defined position at/on the lifting device (11), particularly automatically, and for securely lifting the waste collection container (50) once it has been attached to the lifting device (10) it is provided. that the receiving device (12) and/or the clamping device (14), as well as the engagement frame (55) comprises at least one adjustment device (18; 58) for adjusting an engagement frame (55) of a waste collection container (50) with regard to the lifting device (10), said adjustment device (18) being constructed for aligning the engagement frame (55) in a defined position with regard to the receiving device (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lifting device for a waste collection container according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a waste collection container according to the preamble of claim 10, as well as to a waste collection system.

[0002] Waste collection systems are well known in prior art. For example such waste collection systems are designed as waste collection vehicles. Generally, a waste collection system comprises at least one waste compartment for receiving and storing waste. For this purpose, the waste compartment comprises a charging opening. By use of a lifting device a waste collection container is lifted to the charging opening of the waste compartment such that waste being stored inside the waste collection container can be discharged from the waste collection container into the waste compartment. Such a lifting device which is generally known in prior art is depicted in Figure 1 and is described in more detail further below.

[0003] In recent years new types of waste collection vehicles have been developed which comprise more than one waste compartment. Each waste compartment serves to collect a different type of waste. In general, such waste collection vehicles are used in combination with specific waste collection containers. Those waste collection containers comprise a number of different waste chambers. In particular, such a waste collection container can comprise four different waste chambers. Each waste chamber serves to collect a different type of waste. When such a waste collection container is emptied, each waste chamber, in particular, is discharged into a different waste compartment of the waste collection system.

[0004] For this reason waste collection containers with more than one waste chamber have been developed, wherein at least one waste chamber, particularly two waste chambers, are inserted as so called additional waste containers into a main waste container.

[0005] In such a case the waste collection system preferably comprises at least two lifting devices, one lifting device being provided to lifting the main waste container, and at least one second lifting device being provided to lifting the additional waste containers. In this context it is already known in general prior art that the additional waste containers comprise an engagement frame, said engagement frame being constructed for being engaged by a lifting device.

[0006] For example it is already known in general prior art that a waste collection system comprises two lifting devices, one lifting device being adapted for lifting the main waste container and one lifting device being adapted for lifting an engagement frame to which one or two additional waste containers are attached.

[0007] During a lifting and discharging procedure of such a waste collection container, the main waste collection container is lifted by use of a first lifting system. This lifting system comprises a receiving device for the main waste collection container, said receiving device preferably being arranged as a receiving comb. The receiving device interacts with an engagement portion, in particular an engagement frame, of the main waste collection container.

[0008] At the same time the additional waste collection container(s) which is/are placed inside the main waste collection container are lifted by use of a second lifting device. The second lifting device comprises a receiving device, said receiving device being constructed for engaging an engagement frame to which the additional waste container(s) is/are attached.

[0009] Once all of the waste collection containers have been lifted by the lifting devices, the respective lifting device moves the waste collection container(s) being attached thereto to the designated waste compartment of the waste collection system.

[0010] In order to effect this lifting and discharging procedure it is essential that all waste collection containers are accurately positioned at/on the lifting device. At present the correct positioning has to be manually supported by the worker handling the lifting device of the waste collection system.

[0011] Furthermore, it is essential that the lifting device is capable of securely holding the waste collection container during the entire lifting and discharging procedure. In particular, with regard to the lifting device which serves to lift the auxiliary waste containers there is not much available space for arranging the different components of such a lifting device. Therefore, such components are, in comparison to the waste collection container to be handled, very small in size.

[0012] At present, the design of such a small lifting device does not support the engagement frame of the additional waste container(s) very well.

[0013] In view of the foregoing it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved lifting device for a waste collection container, said lifting device being adapted for easily bringing a waste collection container into a defined position at/on the lifting device, particularly automatically, and for securely holding and lifting the waste collection container once it has been attached to the lifting device. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved waste collection container, as well as an improved waste collection system.

[0014] In accordance with the present invention, this object is solved by the lifting device with the features according to independent claim 1, the waste collection container with the features according to independent claim 10 and the waste collection system with the features according to independent claim 15.

[0015] Additional features and details of the present invention become apparent from the dependent claims, from the description and from the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the lifting device according to the first aspect of the invention are, of course, also valid in connection with the waste collection container according to the second aspect of the invention and in connection with the waste collection system according to the third aspect of the present invention, and vice versa. Thus, in respect to the disclosure of one of the aspects of the invention, full reference is always made reciprocally to the disclosure of each other aspect of the invention.

[0016] It is a general approach of the present invention to provide an adjustment device which is constructed for adjusting the lifting device with an engagement frame of a waste collection container. It is the general function of the adjustment device to bring the engagement frame of a waste container, and therefore the waste collection container itself, into a defined position on/at the lifting device. By use of such an adjustment device, this can be achieved automatically, and therefore, a manual support is no longer required. Both components the lifting device and the waste collection container preferably comprise such an adjustment device. It is preferred that both adjustment devices interact with one another.

[0017] In the following, preferred embodiments of different adjustment devices are described which, however, represent alternative solutions to the same object.

[0018] Pursuant to the present invention the object is solved, according to a first aspect of the invention, by a lifting device for lifting a waste collection container to a charging opening of a waste compartment of a waste collection system, said lifting device comprising a base component, a receiving device for receiving and holding a waste collection container, said receiving device comprising at least one receiving tooth, said receiving device being constructed for engaging an engagement frame of a waste collection container, said receiving device being arranged at the base component or being an integral part of the base component, and a clamping device, particularly a clamping plate, said clamping device, in particular, being pivotably arranged with regard to the base component, said clamping device being constructed for clamping an engagement frame of a waste collection container between the at least one receiving device and the clamping device. The lifting device is characterized in that the receiving device and/or the clamping device comprises at least one adjustment device for adjusting an engagement frame of a waste collection container with regard to the lifting device, said adjustment device being constructed for aligning the engagement frame in a defined position with regard to the receiving device.

[0019] The first aspect of the present invention is directed to a lifting device. This lifting device has the function to lift a waste collection container, in particular a waste collection container according to the second aspect of the invention as described further below, to a charging opening of a waste compartment of a waste collection system, in particular a waste collection system according to the third aspect of the invention as described further below. The lifting device can be arranged at the waste collection system. In such a case the lifting device can be a stand-alone device which is attached to the waste collection system. According to a different embodiment, the lifting device can be an integral part of the waste collection system.

[0020] The lifting device according to the present invention comprises a number of different components.

[0021] As a first component the lifting device comprises a base component. For example the base component can be a profile member, a rod member, an arrangement of a number of levers or rods or profiles, and the like. The present invention is not limited to specific types of base components. In particular, the lifting device can be attached to a waste collection system via said base component.

[0022] In addition, the lifting device comprises a receiving device. The present invention is not limited to specific types of receiving devices. It is the basic function of such a receiving device to receiving and holding a waste collection container. For this purpose, the receiving device comprises at least one receiving tooth. For example the receiving device can have the configuration of a receiving comb, said receiving comb comprising at least one comb tooth as a receiving tooth. In any case it is sufficient that the receiving device comprises one single receiving tooth. In a preferred embodiment the receiving device comprises two receiving teeth. Preferably the receiving tooth has a width in the range between 30mm and 80mm. In a preferred embodiment the receiving tooth has a width of 50mm. Preferably, the receiving tooth has a depth in the range between 20mm and 50mm. In a preferred embodiment the receiving tooth has a depth of 30mm.

[0023] The receiving device of the lifting device is constructed for engaging an engagement frame of a waste collection container. In use, the receiving device of the lifting device, in particular the at least one receiving tooth, is brought into contact with the waste collection container, particularly with the engagement frame of the waste collection container. With regard to the construction of the engagement frame, its arrangement at/on the waste collection container and its function, full reference is also made to the disclosure of the waste collection container according to the second aspect of the invention further below.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention the receiving device is arranged at or attached to the base component of the lifting device. According to a different embodiment, the receiving device is an integral part of the base component.

[0025] Furthermore, the lifting device comprises a clamping device. In particular the clamping device comprises two surfaces. A first, lower surface is directed to the receiving device of the lifting device. A second, upper surface is formed at the opposite side of the clamping device, said surface being directed away from the receiving device of the lifting device.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment the clamping device is a clamping plate. In particular, such a clamping plate has a length which runs parallel to the receiving device and which can be aligned in parallel to an engagement frame of a waste collection container which is engaged by the lifting device. In this case, the clamping plate has a width that is perpendicular to the clamping plate's length.

[0027] In any case the present invention is not limited to specific types of clamping devices. In general the clamping device is constructed for clamping an engagement frame of a waste collection container between the at least one receiving device, in particular the at least one receiving tooth, and the clamping device.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device is pivotably arranged with regard to the base component and with regard to the receiving device. In particular, the clamping device and the base component are pivotably connected to one another. In a preferred embodiment the clamping device is pivotably attached to the base component. This means that due to the pivotal connection the clamping device is allowed to move around a pivot axes in the direction of the receiving device.

[0029] Pursuant to the present invention, the receiving device and/or the clamping device comprises at least one adjustment device. The present invention is not limited to specific types of adjustment devices. Preferred embodiments of adjustment devices are described in more detail further below.

[0030] In particular, the adjustment device is a device that brings and/or puts and/or moves and/or guides the engagement frame of a waste collection container, and therefore the waste collection container itself, into a suitable, defined position at/on the lifting device, and, alternatively or in addition, which securely holds the engagement frame of the waste collection container in this defined position. In particular, it is a general function of the adjustment device to bring the engagement frame of a waste collection container, and therefore the waste collection container itself, into an exact position with regard to the lifting device and to securely hold the engagement frame of the waste collection system in this defined position. Alternatively or in addition, the adjustment device, in particular, is constructed for centring the engagement frame of the waste collection container with regard to the lifting device, which particularly means that a symmetry of the engagement frame of the waste collection container, and therefore of the waste collection container itself, is generated in relation to a specific point on/at the lifting device.

[0031] In particular the adjustment device is constructed for adjusting an engagement frame of a waste collection container with regard to the lifting device. In this context it is preferred that the adjustment device is constructed for aligning the engagement frame in a defined position with regard to the receiving device. This means that the adjustment device is constructed for placing and holding the engagement frame in a particular position in relation to the receiving device of the lifting device.

[0032] By use of the lifting device according to the first aspect of the invention a secure and easy positioning of the engagement frame of the waste collection container, and therefore of the waste collection container itself, at/on the receiving device of the lifting device can be achieved. In particular, the use of the adjustment device, and therefore the new design of the receiving device and/or the clamping device, adjusts the engagement frame of the waste collection container automatically.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment the lifting device can be used in combination with a waste collection system comprising more than one waste compartment and/or in combination with a waste collection container comprising a number of different waste chambers as described further above. In this context full reference is made to the disclosure of such a waste collection system and/or such a waste collection container as mentioned in the introduction of the present patent application further above and to the description thereof further below.

[0034] Preferably the lifting device of the present invention can be used for a side loading waste collection system, a front loading waste collection system or a rear loading waste collection system.

[0035] If a waste collection container comprising more than one waste chamber is used, as described further above and further below, wherein said waste collection container can comprise a main waste collection container and at least one additional waste collection container being inserted within the main waste collection container, the lifting device of the present invention can be used for lifting the main waste collection container and/or for lifting the at least one additional waste collection container.

[0036] In the following, preferred embodiments of different types of adjustment devices are described. Those embodiments can be used either as stand-alone solutions or in any combination. This means that the lifting device of the present invention comprises at least one adjustment device. In other preferred embodiments the lifting device can comprise two or more adjustment devices which can be constructed in different ways.

[0037] According to one preferred embodiment, the lifting device is characterized in that it is the clamping device which comprises an adjustment device. In this case the adjustment device preferably comprises at least one adjustment hook. The adjustment hook extends downwardly from the clamping device, particularly at a front end of the clamping device. In this embodiment the adjustment hook projects the clamping device, preferably the lower surface of the clamping device, in a downward direction. The adjustment hook of the adjustment device is adapted for engaging a corresponding adjustment cavity being provided in the engagement frame of a waste collection container. This is also described in more detail with regard to the waste collection container pursuant to the second aspect of the present invention further below. Preferably the adjustment hook has a length in the range between 30mm and 70mm. In a preferred embodiment the adjustment hook has a length of 40mm. The depth of immersion of the adjustment hook inside a corresponding adjustment cavity of an engagement frame is preferably in the range between 10mm and 30mm. In a preferred embodiment the depth of immersion is 18mm.

[0038] It is preferred that the receiving tooth of the receiving component and the adjustment hook are arranged spatially offset with regard to one another. In particular the spatial offset, which is the distance, particularly the distance of displacement, between the receiving hook and the adjustment hook, can have a value in the range between 30mm and 70mm. In a preferred embodiment the spatial offset has a value of 50mm.

[0039] According to a different preferred embodiment, the lifting device is characterized in that the clamping device comprises an adjustment device. In this embodiment, the adjustment device comprises at least one concave adjustment recess in a lower surface of the clamping device, said lower surface of the clamping devices being directed to the receiving tooth of the receiving device. In particular, a recess is a cavity or depression in the clamping device. A concave adjustment recess particularly means that the adjustment recess is curved in or hollowed inward the clamping device.

[0040] The adjustment recess of the adjustment device is adapted for engaging a corresponding adjustment buckling being provided in the engagement frame of a waste collection container. This is also described in more detail with regard to the waste collection container pursuant to the second aspect of the present invention further below.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment the clamping device is arranged as a clamping plate and the concave adjustment recess extends over the total length of the clamping plate.

[0042] It is further preferred that the receiving tooth of the receiving component and the concave adjustment recess are arranged spatially offset with regard to one another. In particular the spatial offset, which is preferably the distance between the centre point of the receiving hook and the vertex of the concave adjustment recess, can have a value in the range between 30mm and 70mm. In a preferred embodiment the spatial offset has a value of 40mm.

[0043] According to a different preferred embodiment the lifting device is characterized in that it is the receiving device which comprises an adjustment device. In this case the at least one receiving tooth of the receiving device comprises at least one adjustment bolt, preferably two adjustment bolts, said adjustment bolt(s) extending upwardly from the upper edge of the receiving tooth. The upper edge is this edge of the receiving tooth which comes or can come into contact with the engagement frame of a waste collection container during use of the lifting device. The adjustment bolt is adapted for interacting with a corresponding receiving bore of the engagement frame of a waste collection container. Preferably, the adjustment bolt extends through the entire receiving bore. This is also described in more detail with regard to the waste collection container pursuant to the second aspect of the present invention further below.

[0044] The present invention is not limited to specific configurations and/or shapes of the adjustment bolt. For example the adjustment bolt can have a cylindrical configuration or a configuration which differs from the cylindrical shape. In the latter case the adjustment bolt can have the shape of a pine, a cone, a pyramid, a frustum of a pyramid, a hump or the like. Preferably the adjustment bolt has a diameter in the range between 10mm and 30mm. In preferred embodiments the adjustment bolt has a diameter of 15mm or of 18mm.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment two adjustment bolts are used. Furthermore the receiving device comprises two receiving teeth, each receiving tooth comprising an adjustment bolt. Each adjustment bolt extends upwardly from the upper edge of a receiving tooth. The distance between those two adjustment bolts is preferably in the range between 100mm and 200mm. In a preferred embodiment the distance between those adjustment bolts is 140mm.

[0046] According to another preferred embodiment two adjustment bolts are used. However the receiving device comprises four receiving teeth. In particular two receiving teeth comprise an adjustment bolt which extends upwardly from the upper edge of this receiving tooth. In this embodiment, the distance between those two adjustment bolts is preferably in the range between 100mm and 200mm. In a preferred embodiment the distance between those adjustment bolts is 147mm. According to another version of this embodiment, four adjustment bolts can be provided each adjustment bolt extending from the upper edge of one of those four receiving teeth.

[0047] In the two embodiments as described before the width of the at least one receiving tooth is preferably in the range between 50mm and 120mm. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the receiving tooth is 85. The depth of the receiving tooth is preferably in the range between 20mm and 40mm. in a preferred embodiment the depth is 28mm. In the two embodiments as described before the receiving device which comprises the at least one receiving tooth, preferably two receiving teeth or four receiving teeth, has a width which is preferably in the range between 350mm and 550mm. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the receiving device is 440mm.

[0048] In the two embodiments as described before the receiving device, in particular, comprises at least one groove for centring the reception of the receiving device of the lifting device at/on/in an engagement frame of a waste collection container. The groove can have a tapered configuration. In particular the groove has a V-shaped configuration. It is preferred that the groove is provided between the receiving tooth. If two receiving teeth are used, the groove is provided between those two receiving teeth. If four receiving teeth are used two receiving teeth are provided to the left of the groove, and two receiving teeth are provided to the right of the receiving tooth. In particular the groove is provided in the middle of the receiving device. The groove is adapted for interacting with corresponding projection of an engagement frame of a waste collection container. In this context full reference is made to the description of the waste collection container pursuant to the second aspect of the invention as described further below.

[0049] In order to securely fasten the engagement frame of a waste collection container between the receiving tooth and the clamping device, the adjustment bolts extend through corresponding receiving bores. In order to further improve this fixation it is provided according to a preferred embodiment that the clamping device comprises at least one receiving cavity for receiving a free end of the at least one adjustment bolt.

[0050] Pursuant to yet another preferred embodiment it is the receiving device which comprises an adjustment device. The adjustment device of this embodiment is provided such that at least one receiving tooth, preferably at least two receiving teeth is/are arranged as an adjustment hump. In particular, a hump is a raised piece of the ground. For example a hump can be a round lump. When two humps are provided, some kind of a dip or sink or depression can be provided between both humps. In such a case the surface of the adjustment device which faces an engagement frame of a waste collection container, can have a wavelike shape, the humps forming the peaks of the wave and the dip or sink or depression forms the wave base. If such an adjustment device is used the engagement frame of the waste collection container to be lifted comprises a corresponding receiving portion which is in relation to the adjustment device. In particular this receiving portion has a configuration being opposite to the configuration of the adjustment device such that the receiving portion is capable of holding the adjustment device. This is also described in more detail with regard to the waste collection container pursuant to the second aspect of the present invention further below.

[0051] According to this embodiment the receiving device, comprising at least on receiving tooth, preferably to receiving teeth, has a length which is preferably in the range between 150mm and 350mm. In a preferred embodiment the length of the receiving device is 240mm. The depth or width of the receiving device can be in the range between 10mm and 30mm. In a preferred embodiment the depth is 15mm. If two humps are used, the distance between the peaks or vertices of both humps is preferably in the range between 15mm and 300mm. In a preferred embodiment the distance is 180mm.

[0052] Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention the object is solved by a waste collection container, said waste collection container comprising a container body for picking up waste, said container body comprising a container bottom, a container wall, a charging opening at the upper end of the container wall and an engagement frame extending at least partially outwards of the container body, said engagement frame being constructed for being engaged by a lifting device for lifting the waste collection container to a charging opening of a compartment of a waste collection system. The waste collection container is characterized in that the engagement frame comprises at least one adjustment device for adjusting the engagement frame of the waste collection container with regard to a lifting device, said adjustment device being constructed for aligning the engagement frame in a defined position with regard to the lifting device.

[0053] According to the second aspect of the invention a waste collection container is provided. The waste collection container is adapted for picking up waste. The present invention is not limited to specific types of waste collection containers or specific types of waste that can be picked up and stored inside said waste collection container. In a preferred embodiment the waste collection container comprises a number of different waste chambers as described further above and further below. In this context full reference is made to the disclosure of such a waste collection container as mentioned in the introduction of the present patent application further above as well as described further below.

[0054] The waste collection container comprises a container body for picking up waste. The container body comprises one or more waste chambers for picking up at least one type or fraction of waste. If different types of waste are to be collected, the waste container body can comprise two or more waste chambers, for example four waste chambers. Different waste chambers can be provided by using so called additional waste collection containers inside a main waste collection container, by use of partition walls and the like. The waste collection container can be a wheeled waste collection container.

[0055] The waste container body of the waste collection container comprises a container bottom. At least one container wall projects from said container bottom to an upper edge of said container body. This upper edge forms the upper end of said container wall. The container wall and the container bottom border or delimit a container internal space defining the space for picking up waste. At the upper edge of the container body which particularly is opposite to the container bottom, the container body comprises a charging opening for collecting waste. Preferably, this charging opening is bordered or delimited by the container wall. In such a case the charging opening preferably extends over the entire cross-section of the container body at the upper ending of the container body. The charging opening can be locked by a container lid.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment the waste collection container comprises one main waste collection body. This main collection body comprises one, two, three or four waste chambers. This can be achieved by use of one or more partition wall(s). One or two additional waste container(s) can be provided which is/are inserted inside the main waste collection container. The at least one additional waste container can be moved in and out from the main waste collection container.

[0057] The waste collection container is to be discharged into waste collection system. A preferred embodiment of such a waste collection system is described in more detail with regard to the third aspect of the present invention further below. Therefore, full reference is made to the disclosure of the waste collection system according to the present invention as described below.

[0058] For discharging the waste collection container at least one lifting device is provided. Preferably the lifting device is constructed pursuant to the first aspect of the present invention as described further above. Therefore, full reference is made to the disclosure of the lifting device according to the present invention as described above.

[0059] For bringing the waste collection container into contact with a corresponding lifting device, the waste collection container comprises an engagement frame. The engagement frame extends at least partially outwards of the container body, said engagement frame being constructed for being engaged by a lifting device for lifting the waste collection container to a charging opening of a compartment of a waste collection system. If the waste collection container comprises only one container body the engagement frame is preferably part of the container body. If the waste collection container comprises a main container body and at least one additional container body being provided inside the main container body, either the main container body as well as the additional container body/bodies can comprise an engagement frame. If more than one additional container body is used, two ore more additional containers can be supported by one single engagement frame. The engagement frame can be a stand-alone component that is attached to the container body. In another preferred embodiment the engagement frame can be an integral portion of the container body.

[0060] According to the invention, the engagement frame comprises at least one adjustment device for adjusting the engagement frame of the waste collection container with regard to a lifting device, said adjustment device being constructed for aligning the engagement frame in a defined position with regard to the lifting device.

[0061] In accordance with the disclosure of the lifting device as described further above, the adjustment device is, in particular, a device that brings and/or puts and/or moves and/or guides the engagement frame of the waste collection container, and therefore the waste collection container itself, into a suitable, defined position at/on a lifting device, and which, alternatively or in addition, securely holds the engagement frame of the waste collection container in this defined position. Therefore it is a preferred function of the adjustment device to bring the engagement frame of the waste collection container, and therefore the waste collection container itself, into an exact position with regard to a lifting device and to securely hold the engagement frame of the waste collection system in this defined position. Alternatively or in addition, the adjustment device, in particular, is constructed for centring the engagement frame of the waste collection container with regard to a lifting device, which particularly means that a symmetry of the engagement frame of the waste collection container, and therefore of the waste collection container itself, is generated in relation to a specific point on/at a lifting device.

[0062] In particular the adjustment device is constructed for adjusting the engagement frame of the waste collection container with regard to a lifting device. In this context it is preferred that the adjustment device is constructed for aligning the engagement frame in a defined position with regard to a receiving device of a lifting device. This means that the adjustment device is constructed for placing and holding the engagement frame in a particular position in relation to a lifting device.

[0063] In the following, preferred embodiments of different types of adjustment devices are described. These embodiments can be used either as stand-alone solutions or in any combination. This means that the engagement frame of the waste collection container comprises at least one adjustment device. In other preferred embodiments the engagement frame can comprise two or more adjustment devices which can be constructed in different ways.

[0064] The adjustment device of the engagement frame interacts with the adjustment device of the lifting device. In this context, when describing an embodiment of an adjustment device which is comprised by an engagement frame, always full reference is made as well to the disclosure of the corresponding adjustment device of the lifting device.

[0065] Pursuant to a preferred embodiment the adjustment device of the engagement frame comprises at least one adjustment cavity at an upper surface of the engagement frame, said adjustment cavity being constructed for receiving at least one adjustment hook of a lifting device as described further above. In general, a cavity is a small hole or depression within a solid body. The depth of the adjustment cavity of the engagement frame is preferably in the range between 10mm and 30mm. In a preferred embodiment the depth is 18mm.

[0066] It is preferred that the engagement frame of the waste collection container is constructed in such a way, that a receiving device of a lifting device, particularly at least one receiving tooth, comes in contact with a lower surface of the engagement frame, said lower surface being directed to the container bottom. The upper surface of the engagement frame, which is opposite to said lower surface, comprises the at least one adjustment cavity. When the engagement frame of the waste collection container and therefore the waste collection container itself, is lifted by a lifting device, the engagement frame is clamped between the receiving device of the lifting device and the clamping device as described further above, to which full reference is made. By use of the adjustment hook of the lifting device and the adjustment cavity of the waste collection container, the clamping device is brought into a defined contact position with regard to the engagement frame, since the adjustment hook is guided and moved to the adjustment cavity. Once the adjustment hook has immersed into the adjustment cavity, the engagement frame of the waste collection container, and therefore the waste collection container itself is securely fastened and fixed at/on the lifting device.

[0067] It is preferred that the receiving portion of the engagement frame of the waste collection container for receiving the receiving device of a lifting device, and the adjustment cavity for receiving an adjustment hook of a lifting device are arranged spatially offset with regard to one another. In particular the spatial offset, which is the distance, particularly the distance of displacement, between the receiving portion of the engagement frame and the adjustment cavity, can have a value in the range between 30mm and 70mm. In a preferred embodiment the spatial offset has a value of 50mm.

[0068] Pursuant to another preferred embodiment, the adjustment device of the engagement frame of the waste collection container comprises at least one convex adjustment buckling at an upper surface of the engagement frame, said convex adjustment buckling being constructed for interacting with a concave adjustment recess of a lifting device. A convex buckling generally means a projection or elevation which is curving out or bulging outward of a surface.

[0069] The convex adjustment buckling interacts with a concave adjustment recess in a lower surface of a clamping device of a lifting device, which is described further above and to which full reference is made at this point.

[0070] The concave adjustment recess of the adjustment device of a lifting device is adapted for engaging the convex adjustment buckling of the engagement frame of the waste collection container. By use of the concave adjustment recess of the lifting device and the convex adjustment buckling of the waste collection container, the clamping device of the lifting device is brought into a defined contact position with regard to the engagement frame, since the concave adjustment recess is lead to the convex adjustment buckling. Since the concave adjustment recess encases the convex adjustment buckling, the engagement frame of the waste collection container, and therefore the waste collection container itself is securely fastened and fixed at/on the lifting device.

[0071] It is preferred that the engagement frame of the waste collection container is constructed in such a way, that a receiving device of a lifting device, particularly at least one receiving tooth, comes in contact with a lower surface of the engagement frame, said lower surface being directed to the container bottom. The upper surface of the engagement frame, which is opposite to said lower surface, comprises the at least one convex adjustment buckling. When the engagement frame of the waste collection container and therefore the waste collection container itself, is lifted by a lifting device, the engagement frame is clamped between the receiving device of the lifting device and the clamping device as described further above, to which full reference is made.

[0072] The convex adjustment buckling can have a length which is smaller, equal or greater than the length of the concave adjustment recess.

[0073] It is preferred that the receiving portion of the engagement frame of the waste collection container for receiving the receiving device of a lifting device, and the convex adjustment buckling for receiving an concave adjustment recess of a lifting device are arranged spatially offset with regard to one another. In particular the spatial offset, which is the distance, particularly the distance of displacement, between the receiving portion of the engagement frame and the peak or vertex of the convex adjustment buckling can have a value in the range between 30mm and 70mm. In a preferred embodiment the spatial offset has a value of 40mm.

[0074] Pursuant to yet another preferred embodiment, the adjustment device of the engagement frame of the waste collection container comprises at least one receiving bore, preferably two receiving bores for receiving at least one adjustment bolt of a lifting device. The receiving bore is adapted to receiving an adjustment bolt which is part of a lifting device. In particular, such an adjustment bolt extends upwardly from the upper edge of the receiving tooth of a lifting device as described further above, to which full reference is made. In particular the engagement frame comprises two receiving bores for receiving two adjustment bolts.

[0075] The adjustment bolts of the lifting device are preferably located at the upper edge of a receiving tooth of the lifting device. The upper edge is this edge of the receiving tooth which comes or can come into contact with the engagement frame of a waste collection container during use of the lifting device.

[0076] The engagement frame comprises a receiving portion for receiving the upper edge of the at least one receiving tooth of the receiving device of the lifting device. In particular the receiving portion is a part of the lower surface of the engagement frame, said lower surface being directed to the container bottom. The receiving portion is adapted for interacting with the at least on receiving tooth of the receiving device of the lifting device. In particular the receiving portion is adapted for receiving two or four receiving teeth. The receiving portion particularly has a width that corresponds to the width of the receiving device of the lifting device.

[0077] Furthermore the engagement frame preferably comprises a projection which interacts with a corresponding groove of a receiving device of a lifting device as described further above with respect to the first aspect of the present invention to the disclosure of which full reference is mad. The projection can have a tapered configuration which fits into a tapered groove of the receiving device of the lifting device. In particular the projection has a V-shaped configuration. It is preferred that the projection is provided in the middle of the receiving portion of the engagement frame.

[0078] In this embodiment the adjustment bolt interacts with the corresponding receiving bore of the engagement frame of the waste collection container. Preferably, the adjustment bolt extends through the entire receiving bore. In this case the receiving bore of the engagement frame is a through boring. According to another embodiment the receiving bore can be some kind of a cavity that does not extend through the entire engagement frame such that the receiving bore is closed at its one end.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to specific configurations or shapes of the receiving bore. In any case the receiving bore should correspond to the configuration and shape of the adjustment bolt. Preferably the receiving bore has a diameter in the range between 10mm and 30mm. In one preferred embodiment the receiving bore has a diameter of 18mm. In another preferred embodiment the receiving bore has a diameter of 15mm. If two receiving bores are used the distance between those two receiving bores is preferably in the range between 100mm and 200mm. In one preferred embodiment the distance between those receiving bore is 140mm. In another preferred embodiment the distance between those receiving bore is 147mm. It is preferred that the engagement frame of the waste collection container is constructed in such a way, that a receiving device of a lifting device, particularly at least one receiving tooth, comes into contact with the receiving portion of a lower surface of the engagement frame, said lower surface being directed to the container bottom. The upper edge of at least one receiving tooth comprises the adjustment bolt. When the engagement frame of the waste collection container, which comprises the receiving bore(s) for receiving the adjustment bolt(s), and therefore the waste collection container itself, is lifted by a lifting device, the engagement frame is clamped between the receiving device of the lifting device and the clamping device as described further above, to which full reference is made. By use of the adjustment bolt(s) which extend through the receiving bore(s) of the engagement frame of the waste collection container, the receiving tooth and the clamping device are brought into a defined contact position with regard to the engagement frame, since the adjustment bolt(s) is/are lead and guided through the receiving bore(s) of the engagement frame. Once the adjustment bolt(s) has/have entered the receiving bore(s), the engagement frame of the waste collection container, and therefore the waste collection container itself is securely fastened and fixed at/on the lifting device. In order to further improve this fixation it is provided according to a preferred embodiment that the clamping device comprises at least one receiving cavity for receiving a free end of the at least one adjustment bolt.

[0080] In particular, the receiving tooth, the adjustment bore(s) and the clamping device of the lifting device can provide some kind of a lock device for the engagement frame of the waste collection container.

[0081] According to yet another preferred embodiment, the adjustment device of the engagement frame comprises at its lower surface at least one receiving cavity, preferably at least two receiving cavities, said receiving cavity being constructed for interacting with at least one adjustment hump of a lifting device as described further above to which full reference is made. In one embodiment, the receiving cavity is part of the engagement frame itself. According to another embodiment the receiving cavity is an independent component that is fixed to the engagement frame. Preferably the receiving cavity has a shape or configuration that corresponds to the shape and configuration of the adjustment hump. Preferably the receiving cavity is some kind of a dip or sink or depression.

[0082] The receiving cavity of the engagement frame corresponds to an adjustment device of a lifting device, wherein at least one receiving tooth, preferably at least two receiving tooth is/are arranged as an adjustment hump. When two adjustment humps are provided, some kind of a dip or sink or depression can be provided between both humps. Therefore, the corresponding receiving cavity of the engagement frame comprises one or two dips or sinks or depressions and, if two of them are used, a hump between them. In particular, a hump is a raised piece of the ground. For example a hump can be a round lump. In such a case the surface of the receiving cavity of the engagement frame which faces an adjustment device of a lifting device, can have a wavelike shape, the hump forming the peak of the wave and the dips or sinks or depressions forming the wave base. In particular this receiving cavity of the engagement frame has a configuration being opposite to the configuration of the adjustment device such that the receiving portion is capable of holding the adjustment device. If the receiving cavity comprises two dips or sinks or depressions, the distance between the two base points thereof is preferably in the range between 15mm and 300mm. Ina preferred embodiment the distance is 180mm.

[0083] It is preferred that the engagement frame of the waste collection container is constructed in such a way, that a receiving device of a lifting device, which comprises one or two adjustment humps, comes in contact with a lower surface of the engagement frame, said lower surface being directed to the container bottom. When the adjustment hump(s) of the lifting device come into contact with the corresponding receiving cavity/cavities of the engagement frame the humps are guided to the respective dips or skips or depressions. Furthermore the engagement frame is clamped between the receiving device of the lifting device and the clamping device as described further above, to which full reference is made.

[0084] Pursuant to another aspect of the present invention a waste collection system, particularly a waste collection vehicle, is provided, comprising at least one waste compartment for receiving waste, said waste compartment comprising at least one charging opening. The waste collection system is characterized in that the waste collection system comprises at least one lifting device according to the first aspect of the present invention for lifting at least one waste collection container to the at least one charging opening of the at least one compartment of a waste collection system, and that the waste collection system optionally comprises at least one waste collection container according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0085] Therefore, with regard to the waste collection system, full reference is made to the entire disclosure of the first and second aspects of the invention as described further above.

[0086] In particular, the waste collection system comprises more than one waste compartment. Each waste compartment serves to collect a different type of waste.

[0087] In this case the waste collection system can comprise one or more, preferably two, lifting devices. Furthermore the waste collection system can be used with regard to, or can comprise at least one specific waste collection container. Such a waste collection container can comprise a number of different waste chambers. In particular, such a waste collection container can comprise four different waste chambers. Each waste chamber serves to collect a different type of waste. When such a waste collection container is emptied, each waste chamber is particularly discharged into a different waste compartment of the waste collection system. For this reason waste collection containers with more than one waste chamber have been developed, wherein at least one waste chamber, particularly two waste chambers, are inserted as so called additional waste containers into a main waste container. In such a case the waste collection system preferably comprises at least two lifting devices, one lifting device being provided to lifting the main waste container, and at least one second lifting device being provided to lifting the additional waste containers. In this context it is already known in general prior art that the additional waste containers comprise an engagement frame, said engagement frame being constructed for being engaged by a lifting device. In such a case one lifting device can be adapted for lifting the main waste container and one lifting device can be adapted for lifting an engagement frame to which one or two additional waste containers are attached.

[0088] During the lifting and discharging procedure of such a waste collection container, the main waste collection container is lifted by use of a first lifting system. This lifting system comprises a receiving device for the main waste collection container, said receiving device preferably being arranged as a receiving comb. The receiving device interacts with an engagement frame of the main waste collection container.

[0089] At the same time the additional waste collection container(s) which is/are placed inside the main waste collection container are lifted by use of a second lifting device. The second lifting device comprises a receiving device said receiving device being constructed for engaging an engagement frame to which the additional waste container(s) is/are attached.

[0090] Once all of the waste collection containers have been lifted by the lifting devices, the respective lifting device moves the waste collection container(s) being attached thereto to the designated waste compartment of the waste collection system.

[0091] Due to the present invention it is now possible that the lifting and discharging procedure can be performed automatically. Furthermore, the waste collection container can be securely held during the entire lifting and discharging procedure since the lifting device supports the engagement frame of the waste collection container very well.

[0092] For a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of an example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1

depicts an embodiment which is known from the prior art;

Figures 2 and 3

depict a first embodiment of a waste collection system pursuant to the present invention;

Figures 4 and 5

depict a second embodiment of a waste collection system pursuant to the present invention;

Figures 6 to 8

depict a third embodiment of a waste collection system pursuant to the present invention;

Figures 9 to 11

depict a fourth embodiment of a waste collection system pursuant to the present invention; and

Figures 12 and 13

depict a fifth embodiment of a waste collection system pursuant to the present invention.

[0093] Figure 1 depicts a waste collection system 100 which is known in prior art. The waste collection system 100 comprises a lifting device 10 for lifting a waste collection container 50 to a charging opening (not shown) of a waste compartment (not shown) of the waste collection system 100.

[0094] The lifting device 10 comprises a base component 11, said base component 11 comprising an arrangement of profiles or rods. The lifting device 11 comprises a receiving device 12 for receiving and holding the waste collection container 50. For this purpose the receiving device 12, which is attached to the base component 11, comprises at least one receiving tooth 13. The receiving tooth 13 has a width of 50mm and a depth of 30mm.

[0095] Furthermore, the lifting device 10 comprises a clamping device 14, which is arranged as a clamping plate. The clamping device 14 is pivotably mounted to the base component 11. Due to the pivotal connection the clamping device 14 is allowed to move around a pivot axes15 in the direction of the receiving device 12. The clamping device 14 comprises a lower surface 16 which is directed to the receiving device 12. Opposite to this lower surface 16 the clamping device 14 comprises an upper surface 17.

[0096] The lifting device 10 is provided for lifting a waste collection container 50. The waste collection container 50 comprises a container body 51 for picking up waste. The container body comprises a container bottom (not shown), a container wall 52, and a charging opening 53 at the upper end 54 of the container wall 52. Furthermore, at the upper end 54, an engagement frame 55 is provided. This engagement frame 55 is constructed for being engaged by lifting device 10. The engagement frame 55 extends at least partially outwards of the container body 51. The container body 51 is attached to the engagement frame 55. The engagement frame 55 comprises a lower surface 56 which is directed to the container bottom. Opposite to this lower surface the engagement frame 55 comprises an upper surface 57.

[0097] During a lifting and discharging procedure the receiving device 12 of lifting device 10, in particular the at least one receiving tooth 13 thereof, comes into contact with the lower surface 56 of the engagement frame 55, When the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50 and therefore the waste collection container 50 itself, is lifted by lifting device 10, the engagement frame 55 is clamped between the receiving tooth 13 of the lifting device 10 and the clamping device 14.

[0098] In order to effect a lifting and discharging procedure it is essential that the waste collection container 50 is accurately positioned at/on the lifting device 10. At present the correct positioning has to be manually supported by the worker handling the lifting device of the waste collection system. Furthermore, it is essential that the lifting device 10 is capable of securely holding the waste collection container 50 during the entire discharging procedure. Unfortunately, there is often not much available space for arranging the different components of the lifting device 10. Therefore, such components are, in comparison to the waste collection container 50 to be handled, very small in size. At present, the design of such a small lifting device 10 does not support the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container very well.

[0099] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, the present invention provides improved solutions which are described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 13.

[0100] It is the general approach of the present invention that an adjustment device is provided, said adjustment device being constructed for aligning the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50 in a defined position with regard to the lifting device 10. This means that the adjustment device is constructed for placing and holding the engagement frame 55 in a particular position in relation to lifting device 10.

[0101] In the following, with regard to Figures 2 to 13, preferred embodiments of different types of adjustment devices are described. In all embodiments, both the lifting device 10 and the engagement frame 55 of waste collection container 50 comprise an adjustment device. The adjustment device of the engagement frame 55 interacts with the adjustment device of the lifting device 10.

[0102] All of the embodiments of the present invention as depicted in Figures 2 to 13 serve to lift a waste collection container 50 which is based on the waste collection container as described in Figure 1. Therefore, with regard to the construction of the respective waste collection containers 50, full reference is always made to the disclosure of Figure 1. Furthermore, the lifting devices 10 as depicted in Figures 2 to 13 are based on the construction of the lifting device as depicted in Figure 1. In this regard, full reference is always made to the description of Figure 1 as well.

[0103] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is depicted in Figures 2 and 3, the engagement frame 55 comprises an adjustment device 58. The adjustment device 58 comprises at least one adjustment cavity 59 at an upper surface 57 of the engagement frame 55, said adjustment cavity 59 being constructed for receiving and adjustment device 18 of the lifting device 10. In this embodiment the adjustment device 18 of the lifting device 10 is provided as an adjustment hook 19.The depth of the adjustment cavity 59 of the engagement frame 55 is 18mm.

[0104] The adjustment hook 19 of the lifting device 10 extends downwardly from the clamping device 14, particularly at a front end 20 of the clamping device 14. The adjustment hook 19 projects the lower surface 16 of the clamping device 14 in a downward direction. The adjustment hook 19 has a length of 40mm. The depth of immersion of the adjustment hook 19 inside a corresponding adjustment cavity 59 of the engagement frame 55 is 18mm.

[0105] It is preferred that the receiving tooth 13 of the receiving device 12 and the adjustment hook 19 are arranged spatially offset with regard to one another. The spatial offset - a - has a value of 50mm.

[0106] During a lifting procedure, the receiving tooth 13 of lifting device 10 comes into contact with the lower surface 56 of the engagement frame 55. The upper surface 57 of the engagement frame 55, which is opposite to said lower surface 56, comprises the adjustment cavity 59. When the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50, and therefore the waste collection container 50 itself, is lifted by lifting device 10, the engagement frame 55 is clamped between the receiving tooth 13 of the lifting device 10 and the clamping device 14. By use of the adjustment hook 19 of the lifting device 10 and the adjustment cavity 59 of the waste collection container 50, the clamping device 14 is brought into a defined contact position with regard to the engagement frame 55, since the adjustment hook 19 is lead and guided to the adjustment cavity 59. Once the adjustment hook 19 has immersed into the adjustment cavity 59, the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50, and therefore the waste collection container 50 itself is securely fastened and fixed at/on the lifting device 10.

[0107] Another embodiment of the present invention is described with regard to Figures 4 and 5.

[0108] According to this embodiment, the clamping device 14 of lifting device 10 comprises an adjustment device 18, said adjustment device 18 comprising at least one concave adjustment recess 21 in the lower surface 16 of clamping device 14. In particular the concave adjustment recess 21 is a cavity or depression in the clamping device which is curved in or hollowed inward the clamping device 14.

[0109] The adjustment recess 21 of the adjustment device 18 is adapted for engaging a corresponding adjustment buckling 60 being provided in the engagement frame 55 of waste collection container 50. In particular, as evident from Figure 5, the concave adjustment recess 21 extends over the total length of the clamping device 14.

[0110] It is further preferred that the receiving tooth 13 of the receiving device 12 and the concave adjustment recess 21 are arranged spatially offset with regard to one another. In particular the spatial offset has a value of 40mm. The overall thickness of the clamping device 14 in the area of the adjustment recess is preferably 20mm. The radius of curvature of the concave adjustment recess 21 is preferably 18mm.

[0111] The adjustment device 58 of the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50 comprises at least one convex adjustment buckling 60 at an upper surface 57 of the engagement frame 55, which interacts with the concave adjustment recess 21 of lifting device 10. The convex adjustment buckling 60 is a projection or elevation which is curving out or bulging outward of upper surface 57.

[0112] By use of the concave adjustment recess 21 of the lifting device 10 and the convex adjustment buckling 60 of the waste collection container 50, the clamping device 14 of the lifting device 10 is brought into a defined contact position with regard to the engagement frame 55, since the adjustment recess 21 is lead to the adjustment buckling 60. Since the concave adjustment recess 21 encases the convex adjustment buckling, 60 the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50, and therefore the waste collection container 50 itself is securely fastened and fixed at/on the lifting device 10.

[0113] During a lifting procedure, the receiving tooth 13 of lifting device 10 comes in contact with the lower surface 56 of the engagement frame 55. The upper surface 57 of the engagement frame 55 comprises the at least one convex adjustment buckling 60. When the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50 and therefore the waste collection container itself 50, is lifted by the lifting device 10, the engagement frame 55 is clamped between the receiving tooth 13 and the clamping device 14 of the lifting device.

[0114] The convex adjustment buckling 60 can have a length which is smaller, equal or greater than the length of the concave adjustment recess 21.

[0115] In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, the receiving device 12 of lifting device 10 comprises an adjustment device 18. The receiving device 12 comprises two receiving teeth 13. As an adjustment device 18, the receiving teeth 13 of the receiving device 12 comprise two adjustment bolts 22. Each receiving tooth 13 comprises one adjustment bolt 22. The adjustment bolts 22 extend upwardly from the upper edges 23 of the receiving teeth 13. The upper edges 23 are those edges of the receiving teeth 13 which come into contact with the engagement frame 55 of waste collection container 50 during use of the lifting device 10. The adjustment bolts 23 are adapted for interacting with corresponding receiving bores 61 of the engagement frame 55 of waste collection container 55, which act as adjustment devices 58 of the engagement frame 55. The adjustment bolts 22 extend through the receiving bores 61. In a preferred embodiment the adjustment bolts 22 have a diameter of 18mm, and the distance d between the adjustment bolts 22 is 140mm.

[0116] In the middle of the receiving device 12 and between the receiving teeth 13, the receiving device comprises a groove 26 which is adapted for centring the reception of the receiving device 12 of the lifting device 10 at/on/in an engagement frame 55 of a waste collection container 50. The groove 26 can have a tapered configuration. In particular the groove 26 has a V-shaped configuration.

[0117] During a lifting procedure the receiving device 12 of the lifting device 10, particularly the receiving teeth 13, come into contact with a lower surface 56 of the engagement frame 55. The upper edges 23 of the receiving teeth 13 provide the adjustment bolts 22. When the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50, which comprises the receiving bores 61 for receiving the adjustment bolts 22, and therefore the waste collection container 50 itself, is lifted by lifting device 10, the engagement frame 55 is clamped between the receiving teeth 13 of the lifting device 10 and the clamping device 14 as described further above. By use of the adjustment bolts 22 which extend through the receiving bores 61, the receiving teeth 13 and the clamping device 14 are brought into a defined contact position with regard to the engagement frame 55, since the adjustment bolts 22 are led and guided through the receiving bores 61. Once the adjustment bolts 22 have entered the receiving bores 61, the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50, and therefore the waste collection container 50 itself is securely fastened and fixed at/on the lifting device 10.

[0118] Figure 9 to 11 depict another alternative of the embodiment as described with respect to Figures 6 to 8. In this embodiment, the receiving device 12 of lifting device 10 comprises an adjustment device 18. The receiving device 12 comprises four receiving teeth 13. As an adjustment device 18, the receiving teeth 13 of the receiving device 12 comprise two adjustment bolts 22. Each receiving tooth 13 comprises one adjustment bolt 22. The adjustment bolts 22 extend upwardly from the upper edges 23 of the receiving teeth 13. The upper edges 23 are those edges of the receiving teeth 13 which come into contact with the engagement frame 55 of waste collection container 50 during use of the lifting device 10. The adjustment bolts 23 are adapted for interacting with corresponding receiving bores 61 of the engagement frame 55 of waste collection container 55, which act as adjustment devices 58 of the engagement frame 55. The adjustment bolts 22 extend through the receiving bores 61. In a preferred embodiment the adjustment bolts 22 have a diameter of 15mm, and the distance d between the adjustment bolts 22 is 147mm.

[0119] In the middle of the receiving device 12 and between the receiving teeth 13, the receiving device comprises a groove 26 which is adapted for centring the reception of the receiving device 12 of the lifting device 10 at/on/in an engagement frame 55 of a waste collection container 50. For this purpose the engagement frame 55 comprises a corresponding projection 65. The groove 26 and the projection 65 can have a tapered configuration. In particular the groove 26 and the projection 65 have a V-shaped configuration.

[0120] During a lifting procedure the receiving device 12 of the lifting device 10, particularly the four receiving teeth 13, come into contact with a lower surface 56 of the engagement frame 55. The upper edges 23 of two receiving teeth 13 provide the adjustment bolts 22. When the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50, which comprises the receiving bores 61 for receiving the adjustment bolts 22, and therefore the waste collection container 50 itself, is lifted by lifting device 10, the engagement frame 55 is clamped between the receiving teeth 13 of the lifting device 10 and the clamping device 14 as described further above. By use of the adjustment bolts 22 which extend through the receiving bores 61, the receiving teeth 13 and the clamping device 14 are brought into a defined contact position with regard to the engagement frame 55, since the adjustment bolts 22 are led and guided through the receiving bores 61. Once the adjustment bolts 22 have entered the receiving bores 61, the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50, and therefore the waste collection container 50 itself is securely fastened and fixed at/on the lifting device 10. In order to centre the reception of the receiving device 12 at/on the engagement frame 55 the groove 26 of the receiving device 12 interacts with the projection 65 of the engagement frame 55 such that the projection 65 fits into groove 26.

[0121] In Figures 12 and 13 yet another embodiment of the present invention is depicted. In this embodiment the receiving device 12 of lifting device 10 comprises an adjustment device 18. The adjustment device 18 of this embodiment is provided in a manner that two receiving teeth 13 are arranged as adjustment humps 24. For example, the humps 24 can be round lumps. Since two adjustment humps 24 are provided, some kind of depression 25 is provided between both humps 24. In such a case the surface of the adjustment device 18 which faces an engagement frame 55 of a waste collection container 50, can have a wavelike shape, the humps 24 forming the peaks of the wave and the depression 25 forming the wave base. If such an adjustment device 18 is used with the lifting device 10, the engagement frame 55 of the waste collection container 50 to be lifted comprises a corresponding receiving portion 62 as adjustment device 58 which is in relation to the adjustment device 18 of the lifting device 10. This receiving portion 62 has a configuration being opposite to the configuration of the adjustment device 18 of lifting device 10 such that the receiving portion 62 is capable of holding the adjustment device 18 of lifting device 10.

[0122] According to this embodiment the receiving device 12 of lifting device 10, which comprises receiving teeth 13, has a length which is preferably 240mm. The depth or width of the receiving device 12 is preferably 15mm. The distance between the peaks or vertices of both humps 24 is preferably 180mm.

[0123] The adjustment device 58 of the engagement frame 55 comprises at its lower surface two receiving cavities 63, said receiving cavities 63 being constructed for interacting with the adjustment humps 24 of lifting device 10. The receiving cavities 63 have a shape or configuration that corresponds to the shape and configuration of the adjustment humps 24. Preferably the receiving cavity 63 is some kind of a depression. Therefore, the receiving cavities 63 of the engagement frame comprise two depressions and a hump 64 between them.

[0124] During a lifting procedure, the receiving device 12 of lifting device 10, which comprises two adjustment humps 24, comes in contact with a lower surface 56 of the engagement frame 55. When the adjustment humps 24 of the lifting device 10 come into contact with the corresponding receiving cavities 63 of the engagement frame 55, the humps 24 are guided to the respective receiving cavities 63. Furthermore the engagement frame 55 is clamped between the receiving device 12 and the clamping device 14 of lifting device10.

[0125] The lifting device 10 of the present invention, which is described in accordance with the embodiments of Figures 2 to 13, is preferably used in connection with a waste collection system 100. In particular the waste collection system 100 can be a waste collection vehicle. The waste collection system 100 comprises at least on waste compartment for receiving and storing waste. In particular, the waste collection system comprises more than one waste compartment. Each waste compartment serves to collect a different type of waste.

[0126] In this case the waste collection system 100 can comprise one or more, preferably two, lifting devices 10. Furthermore the waste collection system 100 can be used with regard to, or can comprise at least one specific waste collection container 50. Such a waste collection container 50 comprises a number of different waste chambers. In particular, such a waste collection container 50 can comprise four different waste chambers. Each waste chamber serves to collect a different type of waste. When such a waste collection container 50 is emptied, each waste chamber is particularly discharged into a different waste compartment of the waste collection system 100. For this reason waste collection containers 50 with more than one waste chamber have been developed, wherein at least one waste chamber, particularly two waste chambers, are inserted as so called additional waste containers into a main waste container.

[0127] In such a case the waste collection system 100 preferably comprises at least two lifting devices 10, one lifting device being provided to lifting the main waste container, and at least one second lifting device being provided to lifting the additional waste containers. In particular, the additional waste containers comprise an engagement frame, said engagement frame being constructed for being engaged by a lifting device. In such a case one lifting device can be adapted for lifting the main waste container and one lifting device can be adapted for lifting an engagement frame to which one or two additional waste containers are attached.

[0128] During the lifting and discharging procedure of such a waste collection container, the main waste collection container is lifted by use of a first lifting system. This lifting system comprises a receiving device for the main waste collection container. The receiving device interacts with an engagement frame of the main waste collection container.

[0129] At the same time the additional waste collection container(s) which is/are placed inside the main waste collection container is/are lifted by use of a second lifting device. The second lifting device comprises a receiving device said receiving device being constructed for engaging an engagement frame to which the additional waste container(s) is/are attached.

[0130] Once all of the waste collection containers have been lifted by the lifting devices, the respective lifting device moves the waste collection container(s) being attached thereto to the designated waste compartment of the waste collection system.

[0131] The lifting device as described in accordance with those embodiments according to Figures 2 to 13 is preferably adapted for being a lifting device for such additional waste containers. However such a lifting device can also be used as a lifting device for the main waste container into which those additional waste containers are inserted.

[0132] Due to the present invention it is now possible that the lifting and discharging procedure can be performed automatically. Furthermore, the waste collection container can be securely held during the entire discharging procedure since the lifting device supports the engagement frame of the waste collection container very well.

List of Reference Numerals

10	Lifting device
11	Base component
12	Receiving device
13	Receiving tooth
14	Clamping device
15	Pivot axes
16	Lower surface of the clamping device
17	Upper surface of the clamping device
18	Adjustment device
19	Adjustment hook
20	Front end of the clamping device
21	Concave adjustment recess
22	Adjustment bolt
23	Upper edge of the receiving tooth
24	Adjustment hump
25	Depression
26	Groove
50	Waste collection container
51	Container body
52	Container wall
53	Charging opening
54	Upper end of the container wall
55	Engagement frame
56	Lower surface of the engagement frame
57	Upper surface of the engagement frame
58	Adjustment device
59	Adjustment cavity
60	Convex adjustment buckling
61	Receiving bore
62	Receiving portion
63	Receiving cavity
64	Hump
65	Projection
100	Waste collection system
a	Spatial offset
b	Thickness
d	Distance

Claims

1. A lifting device (10) for lifting a waste collection container (50) to a charging opening of a waste compartment of a waste collection system (100), said lifting device (10) comprising a base component (11), a receiving device (12) for receiving and holding a waste collection container (50), said receiving device (12) comprising at least one receiving tooth (13), said receiving device (12) being constructed for engaging an engagement frame (55) of a waste collection container (50), said receiving device (12) being arranged at the base component (11) or being an integral part of the base component (11), a clamping device (14), particularly a clamping plate, said clamping device (14) being constructed for clamping an engagement frame (55) of a waste collection container (50) between the at least one receiving device (12) and the clamping device (14),characterized in that the receiving device (12) and/or the clamping device (14) comprises at least one adjustment device (18) for adjusting an engagement frame (55) of a waste collection container (50) with regard to the lifting device (10), said adjustment device (18) being constructed for aligning the engagement frame (55) in a defined position with regard to the receiving device (12).

2. The lifting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping device (14) comprises an adjustment device (18), that the adjustment device (18) comprises at least one adjustment hook (19), and that the adjustment hook (19) extends downwardly from the clamping device (14), particularly at a front end (20) of the clamping device (14).

3. The lifting device according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiving tooth (13) of the receiving device (12) and the adjustment hook (19) are arranged spatially offset with regard to one another.

4. The lifting device according to anyone of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping device (14) comprises an adjustment device (18) and that the adjustment device (18) comprises at least one concave adjustment recess (21) in a lower surface (16) of the clamping device (14), said lower surface (16) of the clamping device (14) being directed to the receiving tooth (13) of the receiving device (12).

5. The lifting device according to claim 4, characterized in that the clamping device (14) is arranged as a clamping plate and that the concave adjustment recess (21) extends over the total length of the clamping plate.

6. The lifting device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the receiving tooth (13) of the receiving device (12) and the concave adjustment recess (21) are arranged spatially offset with regard to one another.

7. The lifting device according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the receiving device (12) comprises an adjustment device (18) and that the receiving tooth (13) of the receiving device (12) comprises at least one adjustment bolt (22), preferably two adjustment bolts (22), said adjustment bolt(s) (22) extending upwardly from an upper edge (23) of the receiving tooth (13).

8. The lifting device according to claim 7, characterized in that the clamping device (14) comprises at least one receiving cavity for receiving a free end of the at least one adjustment bolt (22).

9. The lifting device according to anyone of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the receiving device (12) comprises an adjustment device (18) and that at least one receiving tooth (13), preferably at least two receiving teeth (13) is/are arranged as an adjustment hump (24).

10. A waste collection container (50) said waste collection container (50)
comprising a container body (51) for picking up waste, said container body (51) comprising a container bottom, a container wall (52), a charging opening (53) at the upper end (54) of the container wall (52) and an engagement frame (55) extending at least partially outwards of the container body (51), said engagement frame (55) being constructed for being engaged by a lifting device (10ß) for lifting the waste collection container (50) to a charging opening of a compartment of a waste collection system (100), characterized in that the engagement frame (55) comprises at least one adjustment device (58) for adjusting the engagement frame (55) of the waste collection container (50) with regard to a lifting device (10), said adjustment device (58) being constructed for aligning the engagement frame (55) in a defined position with regard to the lifting device (10).

11. The waste collection container according to claim 10, characterized in that the adjustment device (58) comprises at least one adjustment cavity (59) at an upper surface (57) of the engagement frame (55), said adjustment cavity (59) being constructed for receiving at least one adjustment hook (19) of a lifting device (10).

12. The waste collection container according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the adjustment device (58) comprises at least one convex adjustment buckling (60) at an upper surface (57) of the engagement frame (55), said adjustment buckling (60) being constructed for interacting with a concave adjustment recess (21) of a lifting device (10).

13. The waste collection container according to anyone of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that as the adjustment device (58) the engagement frame (55) comprises at least one receiving bore (61), preferably two receiving bores (61) for receiving at least one adjustment bolt (22) of a lifting device (10).

14. The waste collection container according to anyone of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that as the adjustment device (58) the engagement frame (55) comprises at its lower surface (56) at least one receiving cavity (63), preferably at least two receiving cavities (63), said receiving cavity (63) being constructed for interacting with at least one adjustment hump (24) of a lifting device (10).

15. A waste collection system (100), particularly a waste collection vehicle, comprising at least one waste compartment for receiving waste, said waste compartment comprising at least one charging opening, characterized in that the waste collection system (100) comprises at least on lifting device (10) according to anyone of claims 1 to 9 for lifting at least one waste collection container (50) to the at least one charging opening of the at least one compartment of the waste collection system (100), and that the waste collection system (100) optionally comprises at least one waste collection container (50) according to anyone of claims 10 to 14.

Drawing