EP4397601B1 - Waste collection bin partition wall - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to waste collection bins and more particularly to the separation walls which can be installed in such waste collection bins.

Waste collection bins typically comprise a tank forming a waste storage volume, said tank comprising a waste introduction opening which can be covered by a lid. At least one handle and wheels may be provided to facilitate gripping and moving the waste collection bin.

For the purpose of selective waste sorting, it is known to separate the storage volume into several compartments, for example into two compartments, in order to form several different waste storage volumes in a single bin. To do this, it is known to integrate a dividing wall into the tank, this dividing wall extending for example vertically from an opening of the waste collection bin to the bottom of the waste collection bin by dividing the initial storage volume into two compartments. This dividing wall can divide the storage volume into two compartments of equal or unequal volumes.

The dividing wall must create a certain seal between the two compartments created. Sealing means that there cannot be, inside the tank, any transfer of waste from one compartment to the other. To achieve this (and also to keep the dividing wall in the tank when emptying the waste collection bin), the dividing wall is preferably in contact with the internal faces of the side walls of the tank as well as the internal face of a bottom wall of the tank, by being fixed, permanently (for example by riveting) or removably (by screwing), to the tank. The dividing wall can be held in position by ribs, positioned at the bottom of the waste collection bin and/or on the side walls. The dividing wall can also be equipped with one or more peripheral sealing lips coming into contact with the walls of the tank in order to obtain the desired seal.

• la production d'une paroi de séparation dont le côté destiné à être en contact avec la paroi de fond est plat si la paroi de séparation n'est pas en contact avec la protubérance précitée (par exemple pour une séparation du volume de stockage en deux compartiments de volumes différents), et
• la production d'une paroi de séparation dont le côté destiné à être en contact avec la paroi de fond comprend un renfoncement dans lequel la protubérance précitée peut se loger dans le cas où la paroi de séparation est destinée à être en contact avec la protubérance (par exemple pour une séparation du volume de stockage en deux compartiments de volumes égaux).

The bottom of the tank is not always completely and perfectly flat. For example, and depending on the manufacturing process of the waste collection bin, it is It is possible for a hemispherical protrusion to extend into the waste storage volume from the center of the bottom wall. It is also possible for such a protrusion to be provided to improve the resistance of the bottom of the tank to external impacts. However, it is necessary for the separation of the different compartments to be complete to ensure the aforementioned seal. To do this, a separating wall can be designed to be placed in a particular tank. For example, and in the case of a flat bottom wall with a hemispherical protrusion in the center of the bottom wall, it is possible to provide:

• the production of a partition wall whose side intended to be in contact with the bottom wall is flat if the partition wall is not in contact with the aforementioned protuberance (for example for a separation of the storage volume into two compartments of different volumes), and
• the production of a partition wall, the side of which intended to be in contact with the bottom wall comprises a recess in which the aforementioned protuberance can be housed in the case where the partition wall is intended to be in contact with the protuberance (for example for a separation of the storage volume into two compartments of equal volumes).

However, such a solution leads to a specific design of the wall depending on the position it will take in the tank, and therefore to the management of several references of separation walls for the same tank, and this depending on the desired positioning of the separation wall.

It is also known to design a separation wall comprising, at the level of the side intended to be in contact with the bottom wall, one or more breakable zones in order to keep or remove these zones depending on the positioning of the separation wall in the tank, and therefore depending on the presence or absence of protuberances at the level of the contact surface between the separation wall and the bottom wall of the tank.

However, this solution has the disadvantage of limiting the possible reuse of the partition wall between two waste collection bins with different shaped bottom walls, or in the same collection bin but in a different position and not including the same positioning constraints. Indeed, the removal of the divisible zone(s) creates a space through which waste could be transferred from one compartment to another.

The examples above address an issue related to the shape of the bottom wall of a waste collection bin. Obviously, this issue can also be encountered in the event of variation, from one waste collection bin to another, in the shape of one or more side walls of the latter. The document US7464829B1 describes a partition wall of a waste collection bin configured to divide a storage volume of the collection bin into two compartments in accordance with the preamble of claim 1.

The invention aims in particular to provide a waste collection bin separation wall which can be used in different waste collection bins having different aforementioned positioning constraints, or in different positions in the same waste collection bin, each position having different aforementioned positioning constraints, and ensuring the aforementioned sealing.

• un corps principal,
• au moins un premier côté destiné à être en contact avec une paroi du bac de collecte de déchets, et
• au moins une lèvre d'étanchéité déformable élastiquement et s'étendant à partir du premier côté,

le premier côté comprenant au moins un renfoncement s'étendant dans le corps principal, la lèvre d'étanchéité comprenant une première zone s'étendant dans le renfoncement et en saillie du premier côté, la première zone de la lèvre d'étanchéité comprenant au moins une fente s'étendant depuis le premier côté jusqu'à une extrémité distale de la lèvre d'étanchéité.To this end, the invention relates to a separating wall for a waste collection bin configured to divide a storage volume of the collection bin into two compartments, the separating wall comprising:

• a main body,
• at least one first side intended to be in contact with a wall of the waste collection bin, and
• at least one elastically deformable sealing lip extending from the first side,

the first side comprising at least one recess extending into the main body, the sealing lip comprising a first area extending into the recess and projecting from the first side, the first area of the sealing lip comprising at least one slot extending from the first side to a distal end of the sealing lip.

Thus, a partition wall is obtained comprising both at least one recess in which a protrusion can be housed, and a sealing lip filling the space formed by this recess in the case where no protrusion is housed in the recess. Therefore, a single partition wall can be used between two different positions in the same waste collection bin, or between two different waste collection bins, even if these different uses lead to placing the partition wall in areas where the positioning constraints are not the same.

For example, and in the case where no protrusion is present, the sealing lip is placed in abutment against the wall of the tank located opposite the first side. If a protrusion is present, the latter will deform the sealing lip to fit into the recess (deformation facilitated by the presence of the slot). The sealing lip will follow the shape of the protrusion and thus guarantee the desired seal.

• la fente s'étend, à partir d'un point du premier côté, dans une direction perpendiculaire à une tangente au premier côté en ce point. Il s'agit d'une direction d'extension préférentielle de la fente assurant une capacité de déformation optimale ;
• au moins une fente est réalisée dans une seconde zone de la lèvre d'étanchéité. Cela permet d'augmenter les capacités de déformation de la lèvre d'étanchéité dans une zone autre que celle s'étendant dans le renfoncement ;
• la lèvre d'étanchéité est inclinée par rapport à un plan médian dans lequel s'étend la corps principal. Cette configuration participe à l'obtention d'une lèvre d'étanchéité suffisamment flexible pour qu'elle puisse épouser la former de la protubérance, tout en étant suffisamment rigide pour rester quasiment verticale dans l'air, et retrouver sa forme initiale lorsque la paroi de séparation est retirée du bac de collecte de déchets, ce qui permet de la positionner à un autre endroit tout en assurant la fonction d'étanchéité ;
• l'épaisseur de la lèvre d'étanchéité est comprise entre 0,5 et 1 millimètre. Là encore, cela participe à l'obtention d'une lèvre d'étanchéité suffisamment flexible pour qu'elle puisse épouser la former de la protubérance, tout en étant suffisamment rigide pour rester quasiment verticale dans l'air, et retrouver sa forme initiale lorsque la paroi de séparation est retirée du bac de collecte de déchets, ce qui permet de la positionner à un autre endroit tout en assurant la fonction d'étanchéité ;
• l'épaisseur de la lèvre d'étanchéité décroît depuis le premier côté jusqu'à une extrémité distale de la lèvre d'étanchéité. On obtient une extrémité distale plus facilement déformable et un ancrage robuste au corps principal ;
• la lèvre d'étanchéité est venue de moulage avec le corps principal. Il s'agit ici d'une manière simple d'obtenir la paroi de séparation ;
• le corps principal et la lèvre d'étanchéité sont réalisés en polyéthylène haute densité. Il s'agit d'un matériau classiquement utilisé pour concevoir des bacs de collecte de déchets, comprenant des propriétés mécaniques optimales et permettant d'obtenir une certaine élasticité de la lèvre d'étanchéité ; et
• le premier côté destiné à être en contact avec une paroi de fond du bac de collecte de déchets.

Depending on other optional features of the partition wall taken alone or in combination:

• the slot extends, from a point on the first side, in a direction perpendicular to a tangent to the first side at that point. This is a preferred direction of extension of the slot ensuring optimal deformation capacity;
• at least one slot is made in a second area of the sealing lip. This makes it possible to increase the deformation capacities of the sealing lip in an area other than that extending into the recess;
• the sealing lip is inclined relative to a median plane in which the main body extends. This configuration helps to obtain a sealing lip that is flexible enough to fit the shape of the protrusion, while being rigid enough to remain almost vertical in the air, and to return to its initial shape when the separating wall is removed from the waste collection bin, which allows it to be positioned in another location while still ensuring the sealing function;
• the thickness of the sealing lip is between 0.5 and 1 millimeter. Again, this helps to obtain a sealing lip that is flexible enough to fit the shape of the protrusion, while being rigid enough to remain almost vertical in the air, and return to its initial shape when the partition wall is removed from the waste collection bin, which allows it to be positioned elsewhere while still ensuring the sealing function;
• the thickness of the sealing lip decreases from the first side to a distal end of the sealing lip. A more easily deformable distal end and a robust anchoring to the main body are obtained;
• the sealing lip is molded with the main body. This is a simple way to obtain the partition wall;
• the main body and the sealing lip are made of high-density polyethylene. This is a material conventionally used to design waste collection bins, comprising optimal mechanical properties and allowing a certain elasticity of the sealing lip to be obtained; and
• the first side intended to be in contact with a bottom wall of the waste collection bin.

• une cuve délimitant un volume de stockage de déchets, et
• au moins une paroi de séparation selon l'invention scindant le volume de stockage de déchets en deux compartiments.

The invention also relates to a waste collection bin comprising:

• a tank delimiting a waste storage volume, and
• at least one dividing wall according to the invention dividing the waste storage volume into two compartments.

• Une paroi de la cuve comprend une protubérance s'étendant dans le renfoncement, la lèvre d'étanchéité épousant la forme de la protubérance ; et
• le renfoncement a une forme complémentaire de la forme de la protubérance.

Depending on other optional features of the waste collection bin taken alone or in combination:

• A wall of the tank includes a protrusion extending into the recess, the sealing lip conforming to the shape of the protrusion; and
• the recess has a shape complementary to the shape of the protrusion.

• Introduction d'une paraison en matière plastique dans le moulage,
• Insufflation d'air dans le moule afin de plaquer la paraison contre des parois du moule délimitant la cavité principale, une partie de la matière plastique remplissant la cavité périphérique.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a partition wall according to the invention using a mold comprising a main cavity allowing the molding of the main body and at least one peripheral cavity adjoining the main cavity, of a height less than that of the main cavity, and allowing the molding of the sealing lip, the method comprising the following steps:

• Introduction of a plastic parison into the molding,
• Blowing air into the mold in order to press the parison against the walls of the mold delimiting the main cavity, part of the plastic material filling the peripheral cavity.

Preferably, the slot is made during the molding of the sealing lip by flowing plastic material around a suitable shape of the mold. This avoids having to rework the partition wall to make the slot(s).

Brief description of the figures

• [Fig. 1] est une vue de côté d'une paroi de séparation selon l'invention,
• [Fig. 2] est une vue en perspective d'une partie inférieure de la paroi de séparation selon l'invention, et
• [Fig. 3] est une vue de côté de la zone du renfoncement et de la lèvre d'étanchéité de la paroi de séparation selon l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] is a side view of a partition wall according to the invention,
• [ Fig. 2 ] is a perspective view of a lower part of the partition wall according to the invention, and
• [ Fig. 3 ] is a side view of the area of the recess and the sealing lip of the partition wall according to the invention.

Detailed description

We now refer to the figure 1 illustrating a partition wall 2 of a waste collection bin.

The collection bin, not shown in the figures, is for example a standard bin. It comprises a tank defining a storage volume and comprising a waste introduction opening intended to be closed by a cover, of substantially square shape (this shape may vary, for example by being rectangular for large volume waste collection bins), on its upper end, in the vertical direction. In addition, the tank may comprise, on a contour delimiting the opening, a collar which makes it possible to mechanically reinforce the tank, in particular for lifting when emptying the collection bin. In addition, the collar may serve as a support for the contours of a cover. It may comprise reinforcing ribs. At least one handle is provided so as to allow an operator to easily grip the collection bin.

The collection bin may in particular comprise one or more wheels as well as a wheel axle. In addition, the tank is here essentially made of plastic, for example polyethylene, preferably partially or fully recycled, but may, according to a variant of the present embodiment, comprise another plastic material or metal. The tank may be produced by an injection molding process, it is in one piece.

The partition wall 2 is intended to be arranged in the waste collection bin in order to divide the storage volume into two watertight compartments (according to the definition above). The possible arrangements of the partition wall 2 (size of the compartments, inclination or not of the partition wall in the tank, etc.) as well as the possibilities for fixing the partition wall 2 to the waste collection bin are similar to those described above.

The partition wall comprises a main body 4. This main body 4 forms almost the entirety of the partition wall 2. It comprises a plurality of discontinuities 6 (a single discontinuity referenced on the Figures 1 and 2 ) allowing the wall to be stiffened separation 2. These discontinuities 6 form depressions on the external faces of the main body 4. Preferably, discontinuities 6 arranged opposite each other on opposite faces of the main body 4 join together, which makes it possible to stiffen the main body 4.

The main body 4 is preferably made of high-density polyethylene. This is a material conventionally used to design waste collection bins, comprising optimal mechanical properties. As described below, the main body 4 can be made by blow molding. Therefore, it forms a hollow body.

The main body 4 comprises four sides, three of which are intended to be in contact with internal faces of walls of the tank, in order to effect the separation of the storage volume. In the example which will be described subsequently, an embodiment of the invention is described relating to a particular structure of a first side 8 of the separation wall 2 intended to be in contact with a bottom wall of the waste collection bin. However, this particular structure could be put in place, alternatively or in addition to the example illustrated, on one or more sides of the separation wall 2 intended to be in contact with another wall of the waste collection bin.

The first side 8 comprises at least one recess 10 extending into the main body 4. This recess 10 therefore corresponds to a local deformation of the partition wall 2 at the level of the first side 8. In the illustrated example, the recess 10 has an arcuate shape. This shape is particularly suitable for interaction with a hemispherical protuberance extending from an internal face of the bottom wall of a waste collection bin. Other recess shapes may be envisaged, advantageously a shape complementary to that of the protuberance.

The partition wall 2 comprises at least one elastically deformable sealing lip 12 extending from the first side 8. The illustrated example shows the presence of three sealing lips: a first sealing lip 12 (hereinafter called “sealing lip 12”) extending from the first side 8, but also two second sealing lips 12' and 12" extending from sides of the partition wall 2 intended to be in contact with side walls of the waste collection bin. It would also be possible for the same sealing lip to extend over several sides of the partition wall 2.

Advantageously, the sealing lip 12 is molded integrally with the main body 4. This is a simple way of obtaining the separating wall 2. For example, the sealing lip 12 can be made of high-density polyethylene, just like the main body 4. Regarding the sealing lip 12, the use of high-density polyethylene contributes to obtaining a certain elasticity of the sealing lip 12.

Alternatively, the sealing lip 12 could be attached to the main body 4 after molding the latter, for example by gluing, or even be overmolded onto the main body 4. This makes it possible to choose a specific material for the sealing lip 12 and different from that of the main body 4.

The sealing lip 12 comprises a first zone 14 extending into the recess 10 and projecting from the first side 8, the first zone 14 of the sealing lip 12 comprising at least one slot 16 (only referenced in the figures 2 And 3 ) extending from the first side 8 to a distal end 18 (i.e. furthest from the first side) of the sealing lip 12.

In the example illustrated, the sealing lip 12 comprises three slots 16, one slot 16 extending into the first zone 14 and two other slots 16 extending on either side of the first zone 14. This configuration makes it possible to optimize the deformability of the first zone 14 of the sealing lip 12 extending into the recess 10.

Advantageously, the slot 16 extends from a point on the first side 8 in a direction perpendicular to a tangent to the first side at this point. This is a preferred direction of extension of the slot 16 ensuring optimal deformation capacity. In the example illustrated, the three slots 16 extend in this direction.

It is possible for at least one slot to be made in a second zone 20 of the sealing lip 12. This makes it possible to increase the deformation capacities of the sealing lip 12 in a zone other than this extending into the recess if this proves preferential.

Preferably, the sealing lip 12 is inclined relative to a median plane in which the main body 4 extends. This configuration contributes to obtaining a sealing lip 12 that is sufficiently flexible so that it can conform to the shape of the protuberance, while being sufficiently rigid to remain almost vertical in the air, and regain its initial shape when the partition wall 2 is removed from the waste collection bin, which allows it to be positioned in another location while ensuring the desired sealing function.

Advantageously, the thickness of the lip 12 is between 0.5 and 1 millimeter. Here again, this contributes to obtaining a sealing lip 12 that is sufficiently flexible so that it can conform to the shape of the protrusion, while being sufficiently rigid to remain almost vertical in the air as explained above. For example, it is possible for the thickness of the sealing lip 12 to decrease from the first side 8 to a distal end 18 of the sealing lip 12. This results in a more easily deformable distal end 18 and a robust anchoring to the main body 4.

With regard to a particular method of manufacturing the partition wall 2 according to the invention, the latter can be implemented using a mold comprising a main cavity allowing the molding of the main body 4 and at least one peripheral cavity adjoining the main cavity, of a height less than that of the main cavity, and allowing the molding of the sealing lip 12. There can be several peripheral cavities for the molding of several sealing lips (for example 12, 12' and 12"), or even a single peripheral cavity for molding a peripheral lip present continuously on several sides of the partition wall 2.

The first step in the manufacturing process involves inserting a plastic parison, such as high-density polyethylene, into the open mold and then closing the mold. The parison, brought to a molten state, may, for example, be tubular in shape.

After closing the mold, air is blown into the mold, for example by a blow nozzle, in order to press the parison against the walls of the mold delimiting the main cavity. This allows the formation of the partition wall 2 as a hollow body which is lighter than a solid wall. The air blown molding process makes it possible to obtain a partition wall 2 whose main body 4 is of a thickness greater than other processes for obtaining a hollow wall. A partition wall 2 is therefore obtained having a rigid main body 4 and an elastically deformable sealing lip 12, and this in a single step, as explained in the rest of the process).

The blown air forces part of the plastic material to fill the peripheral cavity(ies), in order to form the sealing lip(s).

Preferably, the slot(s) 16 are produced during the molding of the sealing lip 12 by means of a suitable shape of the mold around which the plastic material flows. The size of the slot(s) 16 therefore depends on the shape of the mold and the size of the portion(s) around which the plastic material flows. Alternatively to the presence of particular shapes in the mold, it is possible to produce the slot(s) 16 by cutting the sealing lip 12 after molding.

It is possible that the peripheral cavity(ies) make it possible to form a peripheral strip that does not have the desired shape of the desired sealing lip(s). In this case, and after molding, it is possible to cut this peripheral strip to form the sealing lip 12. This may be an automatic cutting using a knife. It is an elongated element, placed around the peripheral strip and making it possible to delimit the sealing lip 12, which then allows easier cutting.

List of references

• 2: dividing wall
• 4: main body
• 6: depressions
• 8: first side
• 10: recess
• 12, 12', 12" : sealing lips
• 14: first zone of the sealing lip
• 16: slits
• 18: distal end of the sealing lip
• 20: second zone of the sealing lip

Claims (15)

1. Partition wall (2) of a waste collection bin, configured to divide a storage volume of the collection bin into two compartments, the partition wall (2) comprising:

   - a main body (4),

   - at least one first side (8) intended to be in contact with a wall of the waste collection bin, the partition wall is characterized in that

   - at least one elastically deformable sealing lip (12) extending from the first side (8),
   the first side (8) comprising at least one recess (10) extending into the main body (4), the sealing lip (12) comprising a first region (14) extending into the recess (10) and projecting from the first side (8), the first region (14) of the sealing lip (12) comprising at least one slot (16) extending from the first side (8) to a distal end (18) of the sealing lip (12).
2. Partition wall (2) according to claim 1, wherein the slot (16) extends from a point on the first side (8) in a direction perpendicular to a tangent to the first side at that point.
3. Partition wall (2) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein at least one slot (16) is formed in a second region (20) of the sealing lip (12).
4. Partition wall (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing lip (16) is inclined with respect to a median plane in which the main body (4) extends.
5. Partition wall (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the sealing lip (12) is between 0.5 and 1 millimeter.
6. Partition wall (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness of the sealing lip (12) decreases from the first side (8) to a distal end (18) of the sealing lip (12).
7. Partition wall (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing lip (12) is integrally molded with the main body (4).
8. Partition wall (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (4) and the sealing lip (12) are made of high-density polyethylene.
9. Partition wall (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (10) corresponds to a local deformation of the partition wall (2) at the first side (8) and has a circular arc shape.
10. Partition wall (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (4) forms virtually the entire partition wall (2) and comprises a plurality of discontinuities (6) for stiffening the partition wall (2), and these discontinuities (6) form depressions on the outer faces of the main body (4).
11. Waste collection bin comprising:

    - a tank delimiting a waste storage volume, and

    - at least one partition wall (12) according to any of the preceding claims dividing the waste storage volume into two compartments.
12. Waste collection bin according to claim 11, wherein one wall of the tank comprises a protrusion extending into the recess (10), the sealing lip (12) matching the shape of the protrusion.
13. Waste collection bin according to either of claims 11 and 12, wherein the recess (10) has a shape complementary to the shape of the protrusion.
14. Method for producing a partition wall (2) according to any of claims 1 to 11 using a mold comprising a main cavity for molding the main body (4) and at least one peripheral cavity adjoining the main cavity, of a height less than that of the main cavity, and for molding the sealing lip (12), the method comprising the following steps

    - introducing a parison made of plastics material into the mold,

    - blowing air into the mold to press the parison against mold walls delimiting the main cavity, with part of the plastics material filling the peripheral cavity.
15. Production method according to claim 14, wherein the slot (16) is formed during molding of the sealing lip (12) by flowing plastics material around a suitable mold shape.