The present invention relates to the field of refuse collector and compactor systems, in particular to the field of compactor devices that compact refuse collected in an exchangeable bin that is open at the top.

For example, WO2016/140573 discloses a refuse collector and compactor system comprising a refuse collector and compactor device and a top opening bin. The top opening bin comprises a bin bottom, one or more bin side walls, and a bin top opening, defining a refuse collection space of the bin. The refuse collector and compactor device comprises a housing that is configured to accommodate the top opening bin. The housing has a top, a lateral wall structure, and a bottom end configured to arrange the housing on a surface, e.g. on the ground at a public location. The housing has a refuse insertion opening and, in a lateral wall thereof, a bin opening that is configured to allow for removal of the bin from the housing and placing the bin in the housing in a lateral direction. The housing comprises a door to close the bin opening. The refuse collector and compactor device further comprises a compactor mechanism that is arranged within the housing and comprises a press element and a motorized actuator adapted to impart to the press element a pressing motion from an upper retracted position to a lower pressing position wherein the press element is introduced into the top opening bin so as to compact refuse that has been deposited in the bin via the refuse insertion opening, and adapted to impart to the press element a return motion from the lower pressing position to the upper retracted position so as to clear the top opening bin, e.g. for continued depositing of refuse into the bin via the refuse insertion opening.

The present invention aims to provide an improved refuse collector and compactor system. In particular the present invention aims to increase the effectiveness of the system, e.g. in order to reduce the frequency of emptying a full bin, e.g. allowing for reduction of the workload for a municipal waste collector company.

The present invention provides a refuse collector and compactor system according to the preamble of claim 1 , which is based on WO2016/140573, which is characterized in that the refuse collector and compactor device is provided with at least one refuse retaining member, and in that the top opening bin is provided, in a bin side wall thereof, with an introduction opening for said at least one refuse retaining member, wherein the system is embodied so that the at least one refuse retaining member enters into said refuse collection space of the bin via the introduction opening for said at least one refuse retaining member in order to arrive at an operable location of said at least one refuse retaining member within said refuse collection space of the bin, wherein the at least one refuse retaining member is configured to counteract an expansion of refuse that has been compacted by means of the compactor mechanism. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a refuse collection bag that is configured to be arranged within the top opening bin as a liner so that refuse is collected in the refuse collection bag. The refuse collection bag lines the bin accommodated in the bin reception space. Herein it is envisaged that the one or more one or more refuse retaining members in their operable location within the refuse collection space of the bin are to the outside of the refuse collection bag. The bag allows for easier handling of the collected refuse and avoids soiling of the bin and/or the device. Upon removal of a full bin from the bin reception space of the device, the one or more refuse retaining members effectively retract, or are retracted, from their operable location within the bin space so that the later removal of the full bag from the bin is not hindered by the one or more refuse retaining members and/or the bag is not damaged by the one or more refuse retaining members upon removing the full bag from the bin.

In an embodiment, the at least one refuse retaining member and the introduction opening in a side wall of the top opening bin for said at least one refuse retaining member are embodied such that, upon laterally placing the bin in the bin reception space, the refuse retaining member enters into the refuse collection space of the bin via the introduction opening for the at least one refuse retaining member to arrive at the operable location within the refuse collection space of the bin. This embodiment allows for a non-actuated, e.g. stationary mounted, embodiment of the at least one refuse retaining member.

The mere act of placing the bin in the housing of the device causes the at least one refuse retaining member to arrive at the operable location within the refuse collection space of the bin. For example, as will be explained in more detail, the introduction opening is a slot, e.g. a horizontal slot in the bin, e.g. in a side wall thereof.

In an embodiment, the at least one refuse retaining member is stationary mounted, preferably to the frame structure.

In an embodiment, the at least one refuse retaining member is stationary mounted, yet adjustable as to its position, e.g. height, relative to the bin reception space and/or the frame structure, e.g. in view of combining the device with different embodiments of bins and setting the refuse retaining member for the selected bin.

For example, the refuse retaining member is an elongated member that, in the operable position, extends, e.g. substantially horizontal, along a major portion of an associated side wall of the bin. For example, the refuse retaining member is an elongated plate, e.g. of metal.

For example, the refuse retaining member is an elongated member, e.g. a plate, e.g. a member having a length that is arranged substantially horizontal and a width that is arranged at an incline towards the center of the bin in said operable position. Herein it is envisaged, in an embodiment, that the refuse retaining member extends in operable position through a slot in a respective side wall of the bin, wherein the length of the elongated member is parallel to the slot. In an embodiment, the at least one refuse retaining member is a stationary member, that is stationary mounted, e.g. to the frame structure. This simple embodiment allows dispensing with any components that allow for mobility of the stationary refuse retaining member during its operation, e.g. hinges, springs, etc. In other embodiments such components may be present.

In an embodiment, the device comprises two refuse retaining members mounted at locations that are spaced from one another. Herein the bin has two introduction openings, each in a respective side wall of a pair of opposed side walls of the top opening bin and each configured to receive a respective one of the two refuse retaining members. Preferably, this is configured such that, upon laterally placing the bin in the bin reception space each refuse retaining member enters into the refuse collection space of the bin via the corresponding introduction opening for said at least one refuse retaining member to arrive at the operable location within said refuse collection space of the bin.

It will be appreciated that, for instance in case of a four sided side wall of the bin, one could provide two refuse retaining members so that they are operational along the left hand side and right hand side of the bin. It is also possible to arrange two refuse retaining members so that they are operational along the front side and back side of the bin. One could also envisage the provision of more than two refuse retaining members, e.g. three refuse retaining members operational along three sides of a four sided side wall type bin. In an embodiment one could envisage that a housing of the device has a door configured to close a bin handling opening of the housing, wherein a refuse retaining member is arranged on the door, said member arriving preferably in its operable location by the act of closing the door.

In an embodiment, an introduction opening in a side wall of the bin for the at least one refuse retaining member is embodied as an elongated slot, e.g. a horizontally arranged slot, in the side wall and extends in the lateral direction that corresponds to the direction of placing the bin in the housing and removal of the bin from the housing.

In an embodiment, the device comprises a housing configured to accommodate the top opening bin in the bin reception space that is located within the housing. The housing may be distinct from the frame structure, but also embodiments are envisaged wherein the frame structure and the housing are integrated, e.g. one or more parts of the housing being construed as members of the frame structure.

In an embodiment the housing is construed to form the frame structure.

The housing may include one or more panels, e.g. of metal and/or plastic, that may be secured to the frame structure.

In an embodiment, it is envisaged that devices just having a frame structure are manufactured, allowing for mating with various embodiments of housings, e.g. the housings have different shapes, e.g. in view of aesthetic requirements or otherwise. For example, a housing may be equipped with a solar panel in order to generate electrical power for the compactor mechanism and/or other functionalities of the device. In another embodiment it is envisaged that the device is to be used indoor, thereby obviating the need for solar power, and possibly the device being connected to the electrical mains to power the compactor mechanism and/or other functionalities of the device.

In an embodiment, a housing has a top and a bottom end, wherein the housing has a refuse insertion opening and a bin handling opening that is configured to allow for removal of the bin from the housing and placing the bin in the housing in said lateral direction.

Preferably, a housing of the device comprises a door configured to close a bin handling opening of the housing.

For example, the housing is configured to be arranged on a surface, e.g. on the ground at a public location.

In an embodiment, the bin is a wheeled bin, e.g. having two wheels arranged on an axis. This allows for easy transportation of the bin.

In an embodiment, the bin has a hinged cover configured to close the top opening of the bin. It is envisaged that the bin is placed in the housing of the device with the cover in opened position. Upon removal of a full bin one can the close the cover, e.g. whilst awaiting a truck for emptying the full bin and/or removal of a full bag from the bin.

In an embodiment, the bin has a refuse collection space with a volume between 80 and 250 litres, e.g. of 120 litres.

It will be appreciated that, in an embodiment, the bin may correspond to the norm NEN-EN 840- 1 :2012.

In an embodiment, the bin is configured to be lifted by a comb lifting device of a waste collection vehicle.

In an embodiment, the device is provided with a mobile bin loader that is configured to receive the bin, e.g. the bin being received in a manner releasable from the bin loader, and wherein the bin loader is mobile between a loading and unloading position remote from the bin reception space and an operational position wherein the bin is arranged with the bin reception space. For example, the loader comprises a carrier onto which the bin is placed, the carrier being translatable between said positions, e.g. the carrier being wheeled or supported by a telescoping support. In an embodiment, the housing is provided with a lid, e.g. a tiltable lid, e.g. operable by hand and/or by a foot pedal, configured to close the refuse insertion opening. Preferably the device comprises a locking system that prevents opening of the lid when the press element of the compactor mechanism is not in the upper retracted position. For example, the locking system is mechanically linked to the compactor mechanism such that operation of the mechanism causes the locking of the lid.

In a practical embodiment, the frame structure has a left hand and a right hand upright frame member spaced from one another to receive the bin between them. Each of the left hand and right hand upright frame members is provided with a respective refuse retaining member. The bin has at least two introduction openings, each in a respective side wall of the top opening bin and each configured to receive a respective one of the two refuse retaining members, such that, upon laterally placing the bin in the housing between the left and right upright frame members each refuse retaining member enters into the refuse collection space of the bin via the corresponding introduction opening for said at least one refuse retaining member to arrive at the operable location within said refuse collection space of the bin. Preferably herein, the compactor mechanism is secured to top portions of the left hand and right hand upright frame members.

In an embodiment, the frame structure and /or housing has a floor onto which the bin is to be placed, e.g. in an embodiment the floor is being connected to the left hand and right hand upright frame members.

It is noted that the maximum force applied by the compacting mechanism, e.g. in conjunction with a 120 litres bin, may in an example be in the range between 200 kg and 500 kg in embodiments of the mechanism.

The system can be embodied for outdoor use, e.g. the device being arranged outdoor in a public space. The system is also applicable for indoor use, e.g. within a (fast-food) restaurant, e.g. in the public area and/or in the kitchen, in a hospital, or in any other institution.

The device, e.g. the compactor mechanism, may have one or more of the details discussed with reference to or in W2016/140573, e.g. the claim 1 thereof.

The present invention also relates to a refuse collector and compactor device according to claim 14.

The present invention also relates to a top opening bin configured to be placed in a housing of a refuse collector and compactor device according to claim 16.

The present invention also relates to a method for collecting and compacting refuse, wherein use is made of a refuse collector and compactor system, refuse collector device, and/or top opening bin as described herein. The invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

Figs. 1 a, b show the housing of a device of a system according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows a part of the housing of the device of figure 1 as well as the compactor mechanism in a lower pressing position, prior to placing a bin in the housing,

Fig. 3 shows the view of figure 2 and the bin prior to be bin being placed in the housing,

Fig. 4 shows the view of figure 2 with the bin placed in the housing,

Fig. 5 illustrates the introduction of the refuse retaining member into a slot in a side wall of the bin in the system of the figures 1 - 4,

Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the system wherein the device has a mobile bin loader.

Figures 1 a and 1 b illustrate an exemplary embodiment the housing 20 of a device 10 of a system according to the invention.

The device 10 is, for example, to be arranged in a public space, e.g. outdoors, where refuse is to be collected.

Figures 3 , 4, and 5 illustrate a top opening bin 1 . The bin 1 here has a four sided bottom 2, four side walls 3, 4, 5, 6 that extend upward from the sides of the bottom, and a bin top opening 7. The bin 1 is further provided with wheels 8, here two wheels 8 aligned on axis generally parallel to a side of the bottom 2. Also the bin 1 is provided with a hinged cover 9 allowing to open and close the bin top opening 7 thereof. For example, the bin body is made of plastic material.

The bin could also have a more circular cross-section.

Whilst the bin 1 is depicted without the presence of a refuse collection bag that is configured to be arranged within the top opening bin as a liner, the description presented here equally applies to such an arrangement. In fact, the provision of a refuse collection bag lining the bin is preferred, e.g. in view of avoiding soiling of the bin by the refuse.

The refuse collector and compactor device comprises housing 20 configured to accommodate the top opening bin 1 .

The device 10 has a frame structure, here comprising the left hand and right hand upright frame members 27, 28 spaced from one another to receive the bin 1 between them.

The housing has a top 21 , here equipped with a solar panel 21 a in order to generate electric power for the compactor mechanism and/or other functionalities. The housing 21 has a lateral wall structure, here a wall structure with a front, a back wall 22, a left hand side wall 23, and a right hand side wall 24. At the front the housing has a front door 25.

In another embodiment the lateral wall structure can be of circular horizontal cross-section or any other appropriate horizontal cross-section.

In an embodiment two or more devices 10 are integrated in common housing adapted to receive a corresponding number of bins 1 .

A bottom end of the housing 21 is configured to arrange the housing on a surface, e.g. on the ground at a public location. The housing 20 is depicted in figures 1 a, b as placed on a foundation element 50, e.g. a block of concrete.

The housing has a refuse insertion opening 26 at the front. This insertion opening 26 here is part of the front door 25 of the housing 24.

The front door 25 serves also to open and close a bin handling opening at the front of the housing that is configured to allow for removal of the bin 1 from the housing and placing the bin 1 in the housing in a lateral direction. It will be appreciated that in embodiments the bin handling opening can also be arranged in another lateral wall of the housing, e.g. in the back wall 22.

The door 25 here is hinged about a vertical axis. The door 25 can be locked when closed.

The door 25 is provided with a lid 26a, here a tiltable lid configured to close the refuse insertion opening 26. Here the lid 26a is operable by hand and/or by a foot pedal 26b.

The device 10 further comprises a compactor mechanism 40 that is arranged within the housing 21 . This mechanism 40 comprises a press element 41 and a motorized actuator 42 adapted to impart to the press element a pressing motion from an upper retracted position to a lower pressing position wherein the press element is introduced into the top opening bin 1 so as to compact refuse that has been deposited in the bin via the refuse insertion opening 25, and adapted to impart to the press element a return motion from said a lower pressing position to said upper retracted position so as to clear the top opening bin, e.g. for continued depositing of refuse into the bin via the refuse insertion opening.

For example, the actuator 42 is an electrically operated linear spindle drive, e.g. powered by solar energy from panel 21 a, e.g. with the interposition of a battery of the device. As known in the art a sensor, e.g. a level sensor, may be provided to determine the volume of refuse in the bin, and a control can start a compaction cycle based on the sensor output. One can also envisage a timed operation of the compactor mechanism, e.g. every hour.

The compactor mechanism 40 may be embodied to sense the resistance offered by the refuse during compaction and a control mechanism may base thereon a compaction cycle, e.g. determine the actual lower pressing position of the press element for the respective cycle. The same sensing of compaction resistance may be used to determine when the bin is full.

The device 10 may, as known in the art, have a wireless communication device, e.g. to send data related to the operation of the device and/or the loading state of the bin, to some external receiver.

This may be done to have the bin emptied by a refuse collection company, etc.

In a very simple form the press element 41 may be a plunger, e.g. a plate that is moved linearly between the upper retracted position and any lower pressing position.

The mechanism 40 depicted here is based on the disclosure of WO2016/140573 and is not explained herein in any further detail.

It is noted that figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 all show the mechanism 40 in a position wherein the press element 41 is in a lower pressing position, not necessarily the lowermost pressing position that can be reached by the press element 41 . In order to place an empty bin 1 into the housing it is preferred for the press element 41 to be in the upper retracted position, so that the bin passes underneath the press element and so that the top opening of the bin (or of the bag lining the bin) is accessible for refuse that is introduced via the opening 25.

As shown best in figure 5 the device 10 has two refuse retaining members 30, 31 that are mounted to the frame structure at locations that are spaced from one another.

The bin 1 has two introduction openings 1 1 (only one visible), each opening 1 1 in a respective side wall of the top opening bin 1 and each configured to receive a respective one of the two refuse retaining members 30, 31 .

As indicated by arrow A in figure 5 the system is embodied such that, upon laterally placing the bin 1 via the opened front door, in the housing each refuse retaining member 30, 31 enters into the refuse collection space of the bin 1 via the corresponding introduction opening 1 1 for the refuse retaining member to arrive at the operable location within the refuse collection space of the bin, see figure 4.

The effect sought by provision of the refuse retaining member 30, 31 is to counter a spring back of the refuse after the compaction mechanism 40 has effected a compression cycle. Many types of refuse will then to expand as soon as compression has ended. By countering said effect by the members 30, 31 a notable increase of the refuse that can be stored in the bin 1 can be achieved. For instance, small containers for beverages, ice cream cups, etc. are quite resilient. By countering the immediate expansion of such a type of refuse the tendency to expand will over time reduce, allowing for increase load capacity of the bin.

As explained, and as can be understood from figure 5, the refuse retaining member 30, 31 do not interfere with the emptying of a full bin, e.g. by removal of a full bag from the bin. As one opens the door and removes the bin 1 , the refuse retaining member 30, 31 are effectively retracted out of the bin 1 automatically.

It is illustrated that each refuse retaining member 30, 31 is a stationary member that is stationary mounted to the frame structure. In an alternative design, the member 30, 31 is mobile, e.g. spring mounted to the frame structure. In yet another embodiment each member 30, 31 is mounted to the frame structure in a mobile manner and an associated actuator mechanism is provided to move the member 30, 31 between a retracted position and the operable position.

In more detail, as in a preferred embodiment, each introduction opening 1 1 in the bin 1 is embodied as an elongated slot, as more preferred a horizontally arranged slot, in the side wall. The slot extends in the lateral direction of placing the bin in the housing, as indicated by arrow A.

Each slot here is L-shaped with a short leg of the L being arranged in the wall 6 facing the back of the housing 21 when the bin is placed in the housing. Here the wall 6 is opposite the cover 9 hanging along wall 3 in opened state of the cover. The longer leg of the L extends in the respective wall facing the left hand or right hand side of the housing.

Illustrated here is an embodiment of the refuse retaining members 30, 31 as an elongated plate member fixed stationary in the housing 21. It is shown that the members 30, 31 have a length. Here the members are arranged with their length substantially horizontal and generally aligned with the lateral direction, arrow A.

The members 30, 31 are each at an incline seen in a perpendicular direction or in direction of the width of the plate in this embodiment. The incline is directed downwards towards the center of the bin 1 in the operable position. This downward inclination enhances the retention effect on the refuse in the bin, or bag lining the bin. The shape and/or inclination of the plate may be chosen depending on the refuse to be handled.

It is noted that the actual location and/or shape and/or orientation of the refuse retaining members 30, 31 , of the introduction openings 11 in the bin, and/or the stroke of the compactor mechanism 40 may be optimized in view of the type of refuse that is to be handled by the system. For example, instead of a plate 30, 31 a rod shaped refuse retaining member may be provided for, e.g. having a circular or oval cross-section. This may, for instance, bring along that the introduction opening 1 1 is not a slot 1 1 in walls 4, 5 but an opening for each member 30, 31 in the wall 6.

Also the refuse retaining members 30, 31 may be embodied with one or more teeth or the like, for example a wavy or undulating edge, to enhance grip on the refuse. Of course, in case a refuse bag lining the bin 1 is employed, the members 30, 31 should preferably not damage the bag.

In general experimentation with different types of refuse may teach an optimized embodiment of the components involved in the retention of the refuse.

In more detail it is illustrated that the housing 21 has outer panelling supported by the frame structure comprising the left and right upright frame members 27, 28 spaced from one another to receive the bin 1 between them. The compactor mechanism 40 is secured to top portions of the left and right upright frame members 27, 28.

The frame structure has a floor 29 onto which the bin 1 is to be placed. The floor is connected to the left and right upright frame members 27, 28 to obtain a closed loop load absorbing frame of the housing, e.g. in view of the compaction forces possibly being quite substantial.

Each of the left and right upright frame members 27, 28 is provided with a respective refuse retaining member 30, 31 . For example each member 30, 31 is secured onto the frame by releasable fasteners, e.g. bolts.

It will be appreciated that another frame structure may also be possible in conjunction with the present inventive system, e.g. the refuse retaining members 30, 31 being cantilevered from a frame member along or integral with the wall of the housing opposite the bin handling opening of the housing.

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment wherein the device 10 is provided with a mobile bin loader 50 that is configured to receive the bin T. In this illustration the bin loader 50 comprises a translatable carrier 51 on which the bin T is to be placed, or possibly fixed. The carrier 51 , in this embodiment, is movable on wheels 52, e.g. over rails 53.

Generally, the bin loader, here the carrier 51 thereof, is mobile between a loading and unloading position remote from the bin reception space, the left-hand position shown in figure 6, and an operational position wherein the bin T is arranged with the bin reception space, the right hand position shown in figure 6. The provision of a bin loader may enhance the accuracy of the relative position of the bin in respect of the members 30, 31 . This may for example allow for the slots in the bin to be narrower, so less play relative to the members 30,31 .