EP0931005B1 - Container for polluted and/or contaminated materials - Google Patents

Abstract

Soiled and/or contaminated objects often have to be collected before they are specifically disposed of.According to the invention, in order to prevent blockages in toilets and sewers, a contactlessly operating container (1) is used which has a lid (2) which opens when a hand or an object approaches a proximity detector (50).The container (1) is suspendable from a supporting housing (12) accommodating the entire control means, the drive and the power supply.A preferred use of the device is the disposal of sanitary towels (14) which are immersed in a gel (15). The container (1) is periodically replaced by a clean container so that satisfactory hygiene conditions can also be maintained in frequently used toilet areas.

Description

The present invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1, and on their preferred use.

From US -A- 4,996,467 is a container for kitchen waste known, which has infrared sensors on its front side, that detect a potential user and control an electric stepper motor, which via a cable opens a flap attached to the top of the container. The stepper motor is designed for left and right rotation; he opens the hatch for a predetermined time, for example 30 s, and closes it with an electric one Change of direction. The cable is attacking a lever-like extension of the flap so that the Electric motor during the entire process that of the Flap generated torque must overcome and one accordingly high energy requirements.

The relatively high power required is therefore disadvantageous the stepper motor and its great energy requirement, which precludes battery operation and network-dependent Power supply required.

It is common knowledge that in public toilets, in hotels, but also in the private sector, objects in the toilets are thrown, which clog them, and often even obstruct the drainage in the sewer pipes.

The reason for these actionable consequences lies in the most cases in that at the location of the desired "disposal" no suitable containers are available and / or are uncomfortable to manipulate.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device create, which allows, dirty and / or contaminated Collect items and materials without having to the intended containers in their outer area, in particular their openings and closures Need to become.

The device should make do with minimal auxiliary energy, so that battery-powered versions can also be implemented are. In addition, it should, for example, if there is insufficient or missing supply voltage, can be operated manually.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

The subject of the invention prevents that dirty and / or contaminated objects the throw-in area of the Touch container, and that this by hand or by means Tools must be touched.

The one defined by the drive mechanism Opening angle of the flap also prevents throws that miss the container and pollute the environment.

The resulting provision caused by gravity the flap has a particularly energy-saving effect out. The drive mechanism via a cable pull only low friction losses and therefore required also little electrical energy.

If necessary, the flap can be opened without any damage of the drive, open by hand.

That is kinematically advantageous and very economical Design of the cable by means of a swivel lever.

Further developments of the subject matter of the invention are in dependent claims described.

The inclusion of gears according to claim 2 results in one slip-free power transmission.

The device according to claim 3 causes a deflection of the Swiveling movement, advantageously by 90 °, so that the resulting Rotary movement directly or indirectly on the insertion flap is transferable.

Particularly space-saving and inexpensive thanks to plastic die casting the embodiment according to claim 4 can be produced, which preferably in one piece - with the swivel lever and separately with the rocker arm - is realized.

The structure of claim 5 is particularly cheap; he allows a wall mounting of the device.

The embodiment according to claim 6 ensures a very easy exchange of containers.

According to claim 7, the power supply is only switched on when a container is ready for use.

An autonomous power supply - using batteries and / or via solar cells (photovoltaics) - secures the universal Use of the device also in places where there is no mains voltage is available.

A preferred one will be described below with reference to drawings Embodiment of the subject matter of the invention described.

Fig. 1

eine Vorrichtung zur Deponie von Binden in einem Toilettenraum, in seitlicher, teilweiser Schnittdarstellung,

Fig. 2 bis Fig. 4

den Behälter aus Fig. 1, in ausgehängtem Zustand, in drei Ansichten, wobei

Fig. 4

den Behälter mit geöffneter Einwurfklappe darstellt,

Fig. 5

den Gehäuseträger nach Fig. 1, ohne Gehäusedeckel gezeichnet, mit seinem Antriebsmechanismus und der zugehörigen Steuerungselektronik mit Näherungsdetektor und

Fig. 6

ein vereinfachtes Blockschaltbild der Steuerung der Einwurfklappe.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a device for the disposal of sanitary napkins in a toilet room, in a lateral, partial sectional view,

2 to 4

the container of FIG. 1, in the unhooked state, in three views, wherein

Fig. 4

represents the container with the opening flap open,

Fig. 5

1, drawn without the housing cover, with its drive mechanism and the associated control electronics with proximity detector and

Fig. 6

a simplified block diagram of the control of the insertion flap.

In Fig. 1, 1 is an interchangeable container, the one flap 2 with a predominantly the decoration serving grip plate 3.

The container 1 is in a partially cut state shown; one can see on the flap 2 existing side wall 4, with the slipping of materials serving ribs 5. The insertion flap 2 around internal pegs 6, which are connected to a rhomboid Backdrop 7 are arranged. A can also be seen Rocker arm 8 with a cam 9 on the rear side the backdrop 7 is present. The rocker arm 8 is about an axis of rotation 11 pivotable, which is mounted in a support flange 10 is. A return spring 21 acts on the rocker arm 8.

For reasons of stability, the one described above is Double cam drive, i.e. symmetrical on both Narrow sides of the flap 2.

A denotes the "up" movement of the flap 2, likewise the swivel path of the rocker arm 8.

In the lower part of the container 1 is a deodorant gel 15 filled, in which thrown in via the insertion flap 2 Sanitary towels land.

Thanks to the secure closure of the flap 2 and the deodorant Gel, which with a common disinfectant (Camphor) is offset can also be a longer one Period no decomposition odors are released into the environment.

The container 1 is suspended in a housing support 12, which under its housing cover 12 'the entire drive mechanism with power supply and control.

The floor 16 and partially the wall 17 are visible here the toilet. In the wall 17 is a wall hook 18 with one Attachment 19 attached to the eye of the housing support 12 protrudes and carries it. In a storage area 20 of the housing cover 12 'there is a status display 51, which indicates the operational readiness of the device signals, below which a proximity detector 50 is embedded. To prevent unauthorized opening of the device it can be locked by a lock 13.

In Fig. 2 the container 1 is in its view from the front shown. The flap 2 and the lip-shaped handle plate 3. Below the container 1 bulges 20 are provided which allow the replaceable Container 1 - for example during its Exchange - to stand securely on the floor.

The top view FIG. 3 again shows the insertion flap 2, this time in their outer shape and the projecting grip plate 3, which if necessary enables convenient opening by hand, is aesthetically pleasing and as an additional weight to return to the closed state of the container 1 serves.

The side view Fig. 4 shows the container 1 in its open Condition A. You can also see the others here Design of the handle plate 3, the insertion flap 2 with their side walls 4 and reinforcing ribs 4 'and a backdrop 7 with its concealed pin 6, which serves as a fulcrum.

Fig. 5 shows all arranged on the housing support 12 Components. This carrier 12 is with its eyelet 18 a hook hung on a wall and with mounting holes 60 fixed on the wall. Also in one piece with Carrier tabs 59 are connected to the housing support 12, which hanging the container 1 described above serve. The presence of a container 1 is confirmed by a microswitch 33 attached here signals, whereby by the weight of the container 1 on the microswitch 33 existing key spring 33 'actuated and the device is switched electrically ready.

The whole thing is through a housing cover removed here 12 'protected, the reinforcement and edge strips 57 and Centering pins 62 positioned and by a locking part 61 is secured.

The electric motor provided for driving the insertion flap 2 22 is by means of clips 23 in the lower right corner the support plate 12 arranged. Its motor axis 24 carries a small roll 25 in which, in a not shown here Hole, a thin rope 26 - through a knot - is anchored. The electric motor 22 is fed via its Terminals 27, the current leads 28, 28 ' further terminals 27 'are guided, which on a Battery box 63 are arranged, and a terminal voltage of 6 V direct current.

The other end of the rope 26 is knotted in a bore 30, which in a pivot lever 29 with a left-hand side Swivel axis 31 is present. In one piece with that Plastic-made levers 29 are gear segments 32 connected. These are part of a bevel gear and reach into other gear segments at an angle of 45 ° 32 'a with an axis of rotation 11 with side bearings 11 'are connected and carry a cam 9. Stored is the gearbox in the orthogonal plane to the housing support 12, in a support flange 10.

The counter bearing is designed in an analogous manner, with additional a return spring 21 on the right-hand cam 9 attacks.

All connection cables 56 are through cable fasteners 58 secured to a connector 55 led to a circuit board 52 is placed. In addition to the Block diagram of Fig. 6 shown electronic components are on circuit board 52, Fig. 5, the proximity detector 50 with its transmitter, the LED 53, and the Receiver, the photodiode 54, and the status display 51 to see.

The block diagram in FIG. 6 shows the electronic control the drive mechanism Fig. 5; all parts are commercially available and in a manner known per se to the specific Application matched.

A microcontroller 65 is controlled by a conventional clock generator 64. An output of the microcontroller 65 is used via an amplifier 68, a driver, to control an LED 53 which emits infrared radiation. This IR radiation is received by a photodiode 54 during operation. The output signal of the photodiode 54 is fed via an amplifier 69 to an input of a comparator 67; At the second input, a reference voltage U _{R is} connected, which is also led to a further comparator 66. The battery voltage U _B , which is taken from the battery box 63, is located at the second input of the comparator 66. Both outputs of the comparators 66 and 67 are led to the microcontroller 65.

At two further outputs of the microcontroller 65 a status indicator 51 connected, which two LED diodes has, the one, with gr. (= green) denotes the Ready signaled, while the second, with rt. (= red) indicates a possible business interruption displays.

Are located at further outputs of the microcontroller 65 a voltage regulator 70, each one switched as a driver Amplifiers 71 and 72, which have bridge resistors 73, 74 fed to one terminal of the electric motor 22 are. The second terminal of the electric motor 22 is on the one hand with the positive pole of the 6 contained in the battery box 63 Volt source connected and on the other hand to the only output of the voltage regulator 70 out.

The minus pole of the battery is on the common ground, here marked with E.

Another comparator 75 regulates the current of the electric motor 22 in that the one input is led between the output of the amplifier 72 and the bridge resistor 74 and the second input to the reference voltage U _R. The output of the comparator 75 is connected to a further input of the microcontroller 65.

The reference voltage U _R is generated in the microprocessor of the controller 65.

Is the radiation of the LED 53 by a hand and or reflected by an object on the photodiode 54, so the electric motor 22 starts rotating for 0.6 s; the Rope 26 is wound up, see FIG. 5.

As a result, the pivot lever 29 rotates downward; about the Transmission 32, 32 'is a transmission of the movement the axis of rotation 11, which the cams 9 from the housing support 12th moved away, i.e. removed from the wall 17, according to FIG. 1. This causes the cams 9 to press on the scenes 7 and thus open the flap 2 in direction A.

After 3 s the flap 2 falls, caused by your own weight, back to their rest position; the container 1 is closed.

The circuit arrangement is dimensioned and coordinated that repeated attempts to open during a Time intervals of 3 s are not effective, so that unauthorized persons Manipulations inside the container 1 at least difficult are.

A type PIC16C620-04P has been used as the microcontroller 65 (Trademark MICROCHIP, USA) as a voltage regulator 70 Type LM2936Z-5 (MICROCHIP) and as an electric motor 22 DC motor of the type RSS459H242 (trademark MARBUCHI, JP) proven.

The motor power is 5 W at a nominal speed of 700 rpm.

The device ensures a medium use with 25 drops a day, with four commercially available mono cells (1.5 V batteries), trouble-free operation during over a year.

The containers are used in practice, depending on their intensity use regularly, in shorter or longer periods Intervals exchanged, their content disposed of centrally, the Container cleaned and reused. It has shown, that only a minimal amount of gel is necessary because there is a vapor atmosphere in the interior of the container trains all hygienic requirements becomes.

Of course, the subject of the invention is not on restricted use in toilet rooms; he let with little changes for use in chemical laboratories, Adapt operating rooms and research facilities.

For example, the container with chemical resistant and / or radiation absorbing materials and the The flap must be provided with suitable seals. The The flap can be pressed against the edge of the container easy to adjust by choosing the handle plate. Likewise the deodorant gel can be replaced by other substances, such as disinfectants, absorber or moderator materials.

Label list

1

Container (replaceable)

2nd

Insertion flap (swiveling)

3rd

Grip plate (weight)

4th

Sidewall

4 '

Reinforcement rib on 4

5

Ribs (slide)

6

Pivot (fulcrum)

7

Scenery (side)

8th

rocker arm

9

cam

10th

Support flanges

11

Axis of rotation

11 '

Side bearing

12th

Housing support with drive and control

12 '

Housing cover

13

Lock

14

Soiled materials (cloths)

15

Deodorant gel

16

Floor (washroom, toilet)

17th

wall

18th

Wall hook - eyelet

19th

Attachment

20th

Storage areas

21

Return spring

22

Electric motor (direct current)

23

Assembly bracket

24th

Motor axis

25th

Roll on 24

26

Rope

27, 27 '

Terminals

28, 28 '

Power supply (cable)

29

Swivel lever

30th

Hole (for rope fastening)

31

Swivel axis

32, 32 '

Gear / gear segments (bevel gears)

33

Microswitch

33 '

Stylus spring of 33

50

Proximity detector

51

Status display (standby)

52

Circuit board

53

LED (IR)

54

Photodiode (receiver)

55

Connector

56

Connection cable

57

Reinforcement and edge strips

58

Cable fasteners

59

Carrier tabs

60

Mounting holes

61

Locking part to 13

62

Centering pins for 12 '

63

Power supply / battery box (6V source)

64

Clock generator

65

Micro controller

66, 67

Comparators

68

Amplifier (LED driver)

69

amplifier

70

Voltage regulator

71, 72

Amplifier (driver)

73, 74

Bridge resistances

75

Comparator (motor current)

A

"Open" movement / open state

E

Common ground (minus pole)

U _B

Battery voltage

U _R

Reference voltage

Claims (9)

1. A device for the disposal of soiled and/or contaminated materials, comprising a container closable by a pivotable lid and having a drive mechanism for temporarily opening the lid, wherein a proximity detector is provided in the vicinity of the lid and actuates an electric motor which opens the lid via a cable pull, wherein the cable, wound onto a pulley mounted on the spindle of the electric motor, unwinds, characterised in that the lid (2) is operated by a rocker arm (8), in that the rocker arm is pivoted into its rest position by the intrinsic weight of the lid (2, 3) and closes the lid (2), and in that one end of the cable (26) engages a pivoted lever (29) deflecting the rocker arm (8) via a transmission (32, 32').
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the transmission (32, 32') comprises two gearwheels.
3. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the gearwheels are gearwheel segments (32, 32') and are formed in part as bevel gears.
4. A device according to claim 3, characterised in that the gearwheel segments (32, 32') are each frictionally connected to the pivoted lever (29) and the rocker arm (8).
5. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the drive mechanism and the proximity detector are mounted on a common supporting housing (12).
6. A device according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one carrying tab (59), from which the container (1) is suspendable, is provided on the supporting housing (12).
7. A device according to claim 6, characterised in that a microswitch (33) is provided in the region of one carrying tab (59) and switches on the power supply when the container (1) has been mounted.
8. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that it has a self-contained power supply (63).
9. Use of the device according to any one of the preceding claims in toilet areas for the disposal of materials impeding drainage in toilets and/or sewers.

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