EQUIPMENT FOR THE COLLECTION AND DISCHARGE OF WASTE

Abstract

 An equipment (1) for the collection and discharge of waste, comprising:
- a vehicle (2) movable on wheels and having a load-bearing chassis (3);
- a counter-chassis (4) integrally associated with the chassis (3);
- at least a container (5) positionable on the counter-chassis (4) and comprising a tank (6) for the collection of waste and lifting and tilting means (7) for lifting and tilting the tank (6) interposed between the counter-chassis (4) and the tank itself;
- emptying means (14) for emptying inside the tank (6) bins (B) containing waste and placed on the ground;
wherein the equipment comprises at least a module (24, 26) having removable fixing means (22) to the counter-chassis (4) and supporting means (23) movable between a transport position, and wherein the module (24, 26) is supported by the counter-chassis (4), and a work position, wherein they are able to self-support the module itself.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a piece of equipment for the collection and discharge of waste, particularly for the differentiated collection of the same. Various types of equipment are known for the differentiated waste collection. For example, the patent EP 2432713 describes a piece of equipment for the differentiated waste collection comprising a vehicle movable on wheels having a bearing chassis able to support a multi-tank structure having first actuating means able to allow the self-support thereof with respect to the ground and second actuating means able to allow the rotation of each tank for emptying the same.

[0002] The equipment according to EP 2432713 then has a plurality of tanks with a predefined size and each having a relative upper opening through which the waste is introduced inside.

[0003] The known types of equipment also have emptying means for emptying, inside the tanks, the bins containing waste and placed along the road edge.

[0004] More in detail, the emptying means comprise, for each tank, a relative emptying device able to pick up, raise and rotate a bin so as to allow the introduction of the waste through the upper opening the tank itself is equipped with.

[0005] After many uses it is necessary, furthermore, to wash and sanitize the bins, and for this purpose special vehicles are used with washing means of the bins themselves.

[0006] This equipment of known type has some drawbacks.

[0007] In particular, the use of such equipment is not very versatile, since it does not adapt to any possible variations in the load requirements since the capacity of the relevant tanks is fixed and predefined nor it allows to wash the bins, which must therefore be processed using a separate and specially dedicated equipment. Another drawback of known types of equipment consists in the fact that they are constructively complex and expensive, also because they require the presence of an emptying device for each tank.

[0008] The main aim of the present invention is to provide a piece of equipment for the collection and discharge of waste, that is flexible to use, i.e. which allows to vary its load capacity and, in addition to the differentiated waste collection and transport, also to wash the bins that are emptied in turn.

[0009] Within this aim, one object of the present invention is to provide a load piece of equipment that is constructively simpler and less expensive than those of known type.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a piece of equipment for the collection and discharge of waste, which allows to overcome the mentioned drawbacks of the prior art within the ambit of a simple, rational, easy, effective to use and affordable solution.

[0011] The objects stated above are achieved by the present piece of equipment for the collection and discharge of waste according to claim 1.

[0012] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a piece of equipment for the collection and discharge of waste, illustrated by way of an indicative, but non-limiting, example in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a piece of equipment according to the invention without containers;

Figure 2 is an axonometric view of the equipment of Figure 1 with the containers for waste collection and the interchangeable modules;

Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the equipment of Figure 2, in a first work configuration;

Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the equipment of Figure 2, in a second work configuration;

Figure 5 is an axonometric view of the equipment of Figure 2, in a third work configuration;

Figure 6 is an axonometric view of the compacting means placed inside a tank. With particular reference to such figures, globally indicated with reference number 1 is a piece of equipment for the collection and discharge of waste.

[0013] The equipment 1 comprises a vehicle 2 movable on wheels and having a load-bearing chassis 3.

[0014] The equipment 1 also comprises a counter-chassis 4 associated with the chassis 3 and supporting at least a container 5 for the collection of waste, in turn comprising a relative tank 6 for the collection of waste and lifting and tilting means 7 of the tank itself. The lifting and tilting means 7 are interposed between the counter-chassis 4 and the relative tank 6.

[0015] Preferably, the equipment 1 comprises a plurality of containers 5 each having corresponding lifting and tilting means 7.

[0016] The means 7 are able to move the relative tank 6 between a load position, in which it is arranged resting on the counter-chassis 4, and an unload position, in which it is raised and rotated with respect to the load position in such a way as to allow the outflow of the material contained in its interior.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the lifting and tilting means 7 comprise at least one articulated parallelogram.

[0018] Each tank 6 defines a relative containment volume 8 delimited by a bottom wall 6a, a front wall 6b and a rear wall 6c opposite to one another, a pair of side walls 6d and an upper wall 6e.

[0019] The front wall 6b and the rear wall 6c are accessible from the outside, while the side walls 6d are, with the tanks 6 in the load position, arranged facing to the side walls 6d of the contiguous tanks 6.

[0020] Advantageously, at least one of the tanks 6 comprises at least a first flap 9 for the introduction of material within the containment volume defined on the front wall 6b.

[0021] As visible from the figures, the first flap 9 is defined at the lower portion of the relative front wall 6b.

[0022] More particularly, the first flap 9 is of the tilting type.

[0023] Preferably, as shown in the figures, at least one tank 6 comprises at least a second flap 10 for the introduction of material within the relative containment volume 8 which is defined on the upper wall 6e of the tank itself.

[0024] The first flap 9 is therefore accessible to a user irrespective of his/her height, while the second flap 10 is accessible from above and is preferably designed for use by the operators of the sector.

[0025] Advantageously, at least one of the tanks 6 comprises opening means (not shown in the figures), manually operable by the user, of at least one of the first and the second flaps 9 and 10.

[0026] In the embodiment represented in the figures, each tank 6 has both the first and the second flaps 9 and 10.

[0027] Preferably, at least one of the tanks 6 also comprises a third flap 11 for the outflow of material contained within the relative containment volume 8 and defined on the rear wall 6c.

[0028] More in detail, the third flap 11 is defined at the lower portion of the rear wall 6c and, in the open position, it is arranged substantially parallel to the relative bottom wall 6a to define the extension thereof, so as to facilitate the conveying and direction of the material outwards.

[0029] Control means, e.g. of the fluid-operated type, of the third flap 11 are also provided.

[0030] Conveniently, the lifting and tilting means 7 are able to rotate the relative tank 6 downwards from the side of the third flap 11, so as to facilitate the outflow of the material contained within the same.

[0031] Advantageously, within at least one tank 6 are arranged compacting means 12 of the material which are placed inside the relative containment volume 8.

[0032] More particularly, the compacting means 12 comprise at least one compacting element 13 arranged within the relative containment volume 8 so as to split the latter into two chambers 8a, 8b, of which a first chamber 8a communicating with the first and/or with the second flap 9, 10 and a second chamber 8b communicating with the relative third flap 11.

[0033] Advantageously, the compacting element 13 has a first stretch 13a movable in translation close to/away from the relative bottom wall 6a and at least a second stretch 13b associated movable in rotation with the first stretch 13a so as to move the waste entering the first chamber 8a inside the second chamber 8b where they accumulate.

[0034] More particularly, the first stretch 13a is movable in a substantially vertical direction and the second stretch 13b is able to perform a stroke equal to an obtuse angle.

[0035] In this embodiment, the waste moved is compacted by accumulation within the second chamber 8b.

[0036] The equipment 1 also comprises emptying means 14 inside the tanks 6 of bins B containing waste and placed on the ground.

[0037] More particularly, the emptying means 14 are able to raise the bins B from the ground, carry them to a predefined height, and rotate them so as to allow the emptying thereof inside the tanks 6 through the relative second flaps 10.

[0038] The emptying means 14 comprise at least one emptying device 15 able to pick up and handle the bins B and guide means 16 associated with the counter-chassis 4 and extending along a sliding direction 17; the emptying device 15 is associated movable in translation with the guide means 16 along the sliding direction 17.

[0039] The emptying device 15 is therefore movable continuously along the guide means 16 so as to reach each tank 6.

[0040] Conveniently, the counter-chassis 4 has an elongated shape and the sliding direction 17 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the counter-chassis 4.

[0041] Preferably, the guide means 16 extend along at least one part of the longitudinal extension of the counter-chassis 4.

[0042] In the embodiment represented in the figures, the guide means 16 comprise a pair of bars arranged substantially horizontal and parallel to one another.

[0043] The emptying device 15 comprises at least a first portion 18 slidably associated with the guide means 16 and at least a second portion 19 hinged to the first portion 18 and having gripping means of the bins B, schematically represented in the figures by the reference number 19c.

[0044] More particularly, the second portion 19 is locked in translation to the first portion 18 along the sliding direction 17, whereas it can rotate with respect thereto between a rest position, in which it is moved close to the first portion itself, and a tilting position, in which it is rotated with respect to the rest position. As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, in the rest position of the second portion 19 the bin B is in a substantially vertical position, whereas in the tilting position the bin B is inclined so as to allow the outflow of its content. Preferably, the second portion 19 comprises a main framework 19a, which is hinged to the first portion 18, and a secondary framework 19b, which is associated movable in translation with the main framework 19a and supports the gripping means 19c.

[0045] The secondary framework 19b is then locked in rotation together with the main framework 19a with respect to the first portion 18, whereas it is movable in translation with respect to it.

[0046] More in detail, the secondary framework 19b is movable with respect to the main framework 19a between a lowered position, in which it allows the picking up and the release of the bins B, and a raised position, in which the bins B are raised from the ground and ready to be emptied.

[0047] As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, in the lowered position the secondary framework 19b protrudes from the main framework 19a, whereas in the raised position it is substantially contained within the main framework itself. Conveniently, the second portion 19 is rotated from the rest position towards the tilting one when its secondary framework 19b is located in the raised position. Preferably, in the raised position, the secondary framework 19b is arranged above the first flap 9, so as to allow free access by users.

[0048] Advantageously, the gripping means 19c are associated movable with the secondary framework 19b between a gripping position, in which they are moved away from the secondary framework itself to pick up/release the bins B, and a transport position, in which they are moved close with respect to the secondary framework 19b with respect to the gripping position.

[0049] More in detail, in the gripping position the gripping means 19c protrude outwards, with reference to the secondary framework 19b, with respect to the transport position.

[0050] In the embodiment represented in the figures, between the gripping means 19c and the secondary framework 19b at least a pair of levers 20 is interposed to define an articulated parallelogram.

[0051] According to the invention, the counter-chassis 4 comprises at least one module 24, 26 having removable fixing means 22 (schematically represented in the figures) to the counter-chassis 4 and supporting means 23 movable between a transport position, in which the module 24, 26 is supported by the counter-chassis 4, and a work position, in which they are able to self-support the module itself.

[0052] In the embodiment represented in the figures, the supporting means 23 are of the type of a plurality of supporting elements arranged below the module 24, 26 and hinged to it, where in the transport position they are raised, whereas in the work position they are lowered so as to self-support the module itself.

[0053] More particularly, the instant when the module 24, 26 is disposed on the ground with the supporting elements 23 in the work position, in order to execute the load operations on the counter-chassis 4, the vehicle 2 is below the module itself with its suspensions lowered, which are then raised so as to raise the module 24, 26 from the ground and disengage the supporting elements 23 which can be brought to the transport position.

[0054] Alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out in which the supporting means 23 comprise a plurality of fluid-operated actuators.

[0055] Advantageously, the module 24, 26 is selected from the group comprising a further tank 26 and a washing device 24 of the bins B.

[0056] Such a washing device 24 is also associated with the counter-chassis 4 by means of the fixing means 22 and can therefore be applied to or removed from the counter-chassis itself depending on the specific requirements.

[0057] More in detail, the washing device 24, of the type known to the expert in the field, comprises a supporting structure, associable in a removable manner with the counter-chassis 4 by means of the fixing means 22, which supports washing means of the bins B.

[0058] More in detail, the module 24, 26 is directly associated with the counter-chassis 4 by means of the fixing means 22, i.e. without the interposition of lifting and/or tilting means.

[0059] The counter-chassis 4 then has a first stretch 4a, along which are arranged the containers 5, and a second stretch 4b occupied by the module 24, 26. Conveniently, the guide means 16 extend only along the first stretch 4a.

[0060] It has in practice been observed that the described invention achieves the proposed objects and in particular the fact is underlined that the piece of equipment making the subject of the present invention is flexible to use allowing to adapt its components to the specific needs.

[0061] In particular, the ability to easily replace at least one module allows to choose whether to increase the load capacity of the equipment itself or to wash the bins without it being necessary to use a vehicle different from that used for the collection of waste.

[0062] Again, the provision of emptying means able to serve a plurality of tanks allows to optimize the components of the equipment making the subject of the present invention, by simplifying its manufacturing and reducing the investment costs.

Claims

1. Equipment (1) for the collection and discharge of waste, comprising:

- a vehicle (2) movable on wheels and having a load-bearing chassis (3);

- a counter-chassis (4) integrally associated with said chassis (3);

- at least a container (5) positionable on said counter-chassis (4) and comprising a tank (6) for the collection of waste and lifting and tilting means (7) for lifting and tilting said tank (6) interposed between said counter-chassis (4) and the tank itself;

- emptying means (14) for emptying inside said tank (6) bins (B) containing waste and placed on the ground;

characterized by the fact that it comprises at least a module (24, 26) having removable fixing means (22) to said counter-chassis (4) and supporting means (23) movable between a transport position, wherein said module (24, 26) is supported by said counter-chassis (4), and a work position, wherein they are able to self-support the module itself.

2. Equipment (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said module (24, 26) is selected from the group comprising: a further tank (26) and a washing device (24) of said bins (B).

3. Equipment (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that said counter-chassis (4) has a first stretch (4a) along which is arranged said at least one container (5) and at least a second stretch (4b) along which is arranged said module (24, 26).

4. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of said containers (5) each comprising corresponding lifting and tilting means (7).

5. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said tanks (6) define a containment volume (8) delimited by a bottom wall (6a), a front wall (6b) and a rear wall (6c) opposite to one another and accessible from the outside, a pair of side walls (6d) and at least an upper wall (6e), and characterized by the fact that at least one of said tanks (6) comprises at least a first flap (9) for the introduction of material within said containment volume (8) defined on said front wall (6b).

6. Equipment (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that said at least one tank (6) comprises at least a second flap (10) for the introduction of material within said containment volume (8) defined on said upper wall (6e).

7. Equipment (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that said at least one tank (6) comprises at least a third flap (11) for the outflow of material from said containment volume (8) and defined on said rear wall (6c).

8. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said emptying means (14) comprise at least an emptying device (15) able to pick up the bins (B) and guide means (16) associated with said counter-chassis (4) and extending along a sliding direction (17), said emptying device (15) being associated movable with said guide means (16) along said sliding direction (17).

9. Equipment (1) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that said counter-chassis (4) has an elongated shape and by the fact that said guide means (16) extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the counter-chassis itself.

10. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said guide means (16) extend along the first stretch (4a) of said counter-chassis (4).

11. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said emptying device (15) comprises at least a first portion (18) slidably associated with said guide means (16) along said sliding direction (17) and at least a second portion (19) hinged to said first portion (18), having gripping means (19c) of the bins (B) and movable in rotation with respect to the first portion itself between a rest position and a tilting position.

12. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second portion (19) comprises a main framework (19a), hinged to said first portion (18), and a secondary framework (19b) associated movable in translation with said main framework (19a) and supporting said gripping means (19c).

13. Equipment (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that said secondary framework (19b) is movable between a lowered position and a raised position and is arranged above said first flap (9) in said raised position.

14. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said gripping means (19c) are associated movable with said secondary framework (19b) between a gripping position, wherein they are moved away from the secondary framework itself to pick up/release the bins (B), and a transport position, wherein they are moved close with respect to said secondary framework (19b) with respect to the gripping position.

15. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that between said gripping means (19c) and said secondary framework (19b) are interposed a plurality of levers to define an articulated quadrilateral.

16. Equipment (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises compacting means (12) of the waste placed inside said tanks (6).

17. Equipment (1) according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that said compacting means (12) comprise a compacting element (13) arranged within the containment volume (8) defined by the relative tank (6) so as to split it into two chambers (8a, 8b), of which a first chamber (8a) communicating with said first and/or said second flap (9, 10) and a second chamber (8b) communicating with said third flap (11), and having a first stretch (13a) movable in translation close to/away from the corresponding bottom wall (6a) and at least a second stretch (13b) associated movable in rotation with said first stretch (13a), said second stretch (13b) being able to move the waste from said first chamber (8a) into said second chamber (8b).

18. Equipment (1) according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that said first stretch (13a) is movable substantially vertically within said containment volume (8).

Drawing