EP2428623B1 - Mobile waste collection unit and method for implementing said unit - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a mobile waste collection unit according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as to a method of implementing this unit.

The present invention relates to the technical field of waste management in urban areas. This management first involves a prior collection, or pre-collection. The latter refers to all transport and waste disposal operations, from their place of production, in particular housing, to the point of care of the public service, which generally provides the actual collection.

Prior art

We know a first type of pre-collection, operated via surface bins, which are emptied periodically by the public services. It has also been proposed to use lifting columns, each of which can replace several bins. These columns may be of the buried or semi-buried type, or may be on the surface. In general, a given column is dedicated to the reception of a specific type or fraction of waste, such as for example glass.

An additional solution, more particularly targeted by the invention, lies in the use of containers, of the buried or semi-buried type, which can be fixed or mobile, in particular being liftable. These containers are provided with an inlet flap opening into a waste reception volume, which may be fully or partially buried below the surface of the ground. The pre-collection thus produced has advantages since it is implemented in a fixed location, and makes it possible to increase the temporary storage capacity of the waste without taking too much of the surface.

In this type of implementation targeted by the invention, the aforementioned entrance door can be located at the same level of the ground surface, in particular the road. This hatch can however protrude slightly above this surface, with a height that can typically be up to one meter, in order to allow the deposit, that is to say the voluntary contribution of waste from residents and traders.

The actual collection of this waste, thus collected in the aforementioned containers, is carried out by suctioning the waste, after opening an exit hatch, which can be located directly on the road, which is distinct from the aforementioned entrance door. A mobile collection unit is then likely to position itself vertically to the exit hatch, in order to implement this collection of waste. For this purpose, various previous solutions have been proposed.

So, EP 0 957 048 discloses a mobile unit for vacuum collection of truck type waste, which comprises motor means, a cabin, and a box defining a waste receiving tank. These are collected by means of a suction assembly in the direction of the storage compartment, which comprises a horizontal section placed above the box, extended by a curved section, itself extended by a vertical telescopic section s' extending away from the side wall of the body. The vertical section is extended by a vertically telescopic section whose free end forms the suction nozzle. The curved section and the vertical section are movable laterally relative to the horizontal section so as to be able to move the suction nozzle away from the mobile unit. The collection position of the suction nozzle is thus obtained by combining the lateral translation of the vertical section and the vertical translation of the telescopic section.

In use, the truck is positioned near the escape hatch, then the suction assembly is deployed, so that the free end of the telescopic section is connected to the hatch. Once collection is complete, this end is disconnected, then the suction assembly returns to its original configuration.

This known solution, however, has certain disadvantages. Thus, during the collection operation, the truck occupies a significant hold on the road, which is inconvenient or even dangerous for pedestrians and passengers. automobiles. In addition, this collection is accompanied by significant noise pollution.

Furthermore, the suction assembly has significant dimensions, as well as a relatively complex structure. This is disadvantageous in terms of costs, both in terms of manufacturing and maintenance. The document EP 0 957 048 is considered to be the state of the art closest to the subject-matter of claim 7.

It is also known US 3,995,754 , a garbage collection truck, which has a flexible suction tube. The latter is deported to the front of the truck, being supported in different places.

We also know from FR 2 908 800 , a mobile unit for cleaning a sewer system. The latter uses a suction pipe, which is supported by a mobile arm both in rotation and in translation. This makes it possible to connect the pipe to the manholes, according to the different positions that they can adopt.

It is also known WO 01/11 155 , a truck for emptying septic tanks. The latter is equipped with a collection pipe, which can be moved relative to the truck body, so as to connect to the entrance of the pit to be treated.

It is also known US 4,019,219 , a mobile waste collection unit, for the suction of the waste present on the road and sidewalks. This unit comprises motor means, a cabin, and a box defining a storage compartment of collected waste. This unit further comprises means of suction of waste towards the storage compartment, these suction means comprising a rigid suction pipe member, telescopic, laterally movable along its main axis relative to the body between an advanced position collector, wherein the tubular suction member is adapted to suck the waste received in the container, and a withdrawn position. The end of the tubular suction member may also be provided with a telescopic sleeve movable vertically with respect to the tubular suction member. The document US 4,019,219 is considered to be the state of the art closest to the subject-matter of claim 1.

It is also known FR 2,667,334 , a mobile unit for collecting waste by suction, this mobile unit comprising motor means, a box delimiting a storage compartment for collected waste, means of suction of waste towards the storage compartment. The suction means comprise nozzles coupled to water spraying means facilitating the suction of the waste. These suction means comprise suction nozzles provided under the box downstream side brooms movable transversely so that it exceeds the footprint of the body. These suction means also comprise suction nozzles provided at the rear of the box, connected by pipes to the storage compartment. The suction nozzles are mounted movable, relative to the storage compartment, by means of arms, telescopic sleeves and joints to be movable so as to follow the contour of the ground, for example a sidewalk border beyond of the hold of the fund. The suction nozzles are also supported by rollers.

Finally, we know WO 2006/059 896 , a mobile waste recovery unit previously collected in underground containers. Each container is closed by a hatch provided with a chimney into which the waste is introduced for storage in the container. The hatch is coupled to a rack actuated by electric motor causing opening by tilting the hatch when it is electrically powered. Opening the hatch empties the container of its contents. The electric motor is connected to a power terminal in the form of a pole provided next to the hatch. The mobile unit is in the form of a truck provided with a storage compartment for collected waste and, under the body, an arm extendable laterally beyond the body of the box and whose end is provided with a connection plate coupled to the power supply of the truck. Thus, when the truck is near a container, the arm is deployed to bring the connection plate into contact with the power supply terminal in order to supply the electric motor and to open the hatch for that the container can be emptied.

The content of these other documents does not, however, provide a satisfactory solution to the problems inherent in the teaching of EP 0 957 048 .

We also know from US 4,062,085 , a mobile unit for waste collection by waste suction, this unit comprising motor means, a box delimiting a storage compartment for the collected waste and means for suctioning the waste towards the storage compartment coupled with means for water spraying to facilitate the aspiration of the waste. The suction means are provided with a rigid suction tubular member, inclined relative to the body, protruding towards the rear of the mobile unit relative to the footprint of the body. The tubular suction member is fixed and does not adapt to the terrain variations on which the mobile unit evolves. This mobile waste collection unit is therefore of limited effectiveness.

We also know from GB 1,262,023 , a mobile unit for collecting waste by suction of waste for example present on the roadway. This unit comprises motor means, a box delimiting a compartment for storing collected waste and means for extracting waste towards the storage compartment, these suction means comprise a rigid suction pipe member extending vertically under the box and provided with a shutter valve manually adjustable by means of a lever. This mobile collection unit has the same disadvantages as the previous one.

It is also known GB 852.853 a mobile unit for waste collection by waste suction, this mobile unit comprising motor means, a box delimiting a compartment for storing the collected waste, means for withdrawing the waste towards the storage compartment coupled to means for collecting the waste, sprinkling of water to facilitate the aspiration of the waste. These suction means comprise a tubular suction member whose inclined flexible part is extended by a rigid curved portion whose end is provided with a fixed suction nozzle kept at a distance from the ground by a roulette wheel. This mobile collection unit has the same disadvantages as the two previous ones.

It is also known DE 2,221,201 , a mobile waste collection unit comprising motor means, a box defining a storage compartment for the collected waste containing a water bath for fixing the waste in the storage compartment, and waste suction means in the direction of the storage compartment, these suction means comprising a curved suction suction member, fixed, protruding under the body. This mobile collection unit has the same disadvantages as the previous ones.

We also know from EP 1 306 321 , a facility for recovering and transporting buried waste containers comprising a mobile unit comprising a box provided with a collection storage compartment provided with an opening provided in the side wall of the box. This installation further comprises means for lifting and tilting containers formed of arms coupled together by pivot type joints. These lifting means are arranged to attach to the upper part of a buried container, lift the container along the wall of the box until the upper wall of the container is adjacent to the opening, and tilt the container so that the waste it contains tilt through the opening in the container.

It is also known WO 98/49 087 , a waste container handling arm.

It is also known US 5,042,515 , a protective device for high pressure pumping installation provided for example at the rear of a truck containing a water reserve. A pipe is provided wound on the back of the truck to be unrolled and engaged in a sleeve attached to the rear of the truck and sinking into the ground to the pressurized installation. The protective device comprises a transparent casing movable between a retracted position and a protective position in which it covers the uncoiled portion of the pipe separating the truck from the sheath.

It is also known EP 0 278 307 , a protection device for hydraulic or pneumatic loading / unloading means, for example waste in a truck. This protection device is designed to delimit an isolated loading / unloading area and thus protect the operator standing behind the truck from the noise and dust generated by loading / unloading, and to improve the safety of the truck. 'operator. The protection device comprises a support frame, adapted to be deployed at the rear of the truck and from which a shield extends downwards to isolate the loading / unloading area.

It is also known DE 101 19 882 , a mobile maintenance and pipeline maintenance unit coupled to a device for detecting the position of the mobile unit and measuring physical characteristics such as for example the height of fluid contained in these pipes, their dimensions.

It is also known EP 1 020 375 , a mobile waste collection unit comprising a clamp provided with a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a container and coupled to control means of the clamp for, after detecting the presence of the container, gripping it automatically.

The content of these other documents does not, however, provide a satisfactory solution to the problems inherent in the teaching of EP 0 957 048 .

Presentation of the invention

That being said, the invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

It aims in particular to propose a mobile unit which, while ensuring an efficient collection of waste, is the least inconvenient possible for the users of the road network. It also aims to provide such a mobile unit, which is robust and whose maintenance is convenient.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a mobile waste collection unit for a buried or semi-buried type container, comprising motor means, a cabin, and a box delimiting at least one compartment of storage of the collected waste, this unit further comprising means for suctioning the waste towards the or each storage compartment, these suction means comprising a rigid suction tubular member movable between an advanced collection position, in it is adapted to suck the waste received in the container, and a withdrawn position, characterized in that the tubular suction member is integrated in the footprint of the box of generally parallelepiped shape, this right-of-way being delimited by the sides of said body seen from above, both in its advanced and withdrawn position, and in that this tubular suction member can be moved between these two advanced and withdrawn positions by means of a single translational movement, substantially along its axis main vertical axis being orthogonal to the base of the cabin, said suction member being formed of several cylindrical barrels coaxi a first and a second rigid cylindrical barrels, said second cylindrical barrel being capable of being retracted into said first cylindrical barrel in said withdrawn position in which said first and second cylindrical barrels are entirely housed in said box, said second cylindrical barrel being able to be unfolded with respect to said first cylindrical barrel in said advanced position in which said first cylindrical barrel remains entirely housed in said box, the mobile unit comprising a single angled junction element between the suction member and the or each storage compartment removably connected to the suction member.

The idea underlying the invention is to provide a vacuum suction member not projecting laterally out of the body of the mobile unit, in its withdrawn position, or when moving to its active position . Under these conditions, the suction operation can be implemented, inducing a particularly restricted discomfort with regard to users circulating in the vicinity of the mobile unit.

In addition, the suction member can be moved by a single translational movement, which gives it a simple structure. This makes it possible in particular to get rid of complex joints, which can be found in the structures of the prior art presented above. Furthermore, the suction operation can be easily secured, for example by prohibiting any external access towards the suction member, in its active position.

The invention also allows for underground collection of waste, operated directly from the road. The access hatch to the container, which is then on the road, is capped by the mobile unit, which secures its opening during the emptying phase.

Finally, the invention allows remote type collection. Thus, the user can deposit the waste at the entrance of a container, remote from the road for security reasons. Then, this waste is moved underground, either within the same container or towards a different container. This waste is then collected from the road, by means of the unit according to the invention.

• l'organe d'aspiration est logé dans une chambre délimitée à l'intérieur de la caisse, le fond de cette chambre étant pourvue d'une ouverture permettant le passage de l'organe d'aspiration entre sa position retirée et sa position avancée.
• la chambre de réception de l'organe d'aspiration possède des parois latérales d'enceinte isolées, au moins sur le plan acoustique.
• elle comprend au moins un élément de levage et d'escamotage latéral d'une trappe, obturant un conteneur enterré ou semi-enterré.
• elle comprend au moins un organe de sécurité, propre à empêcher l'accès à l'organe d'aspiration, dans sa position avancée, et le cas échéant à l'élément de levage et d'escamotage latéral.
• l'organe de sécurité est une jupe mobile entre une position inactive, dans laquelle elle est placée au voisinage du fond de la caisse, et une position de sécurité dans laquelle elle s'étend vers le bas autour de l'organe d'aspiration, dans la position avancée de ce dernier, et le cas échéant autour de l'élément de levage et d'escamotage latéral.

The waste collection unit according to the invention may have the following particularities:

• the suction member is housed in a chamber defined inside the box, the bottom of this chamber being provided with an opening for the passage of the suction member between its withdrawn position and its advanced position.
• the receiving chamber of the suction member has insulated side walls of the enclosure, at least acoustically.
• it comprises at least one lifting element and lateral retraction of a hatch, closing a buried or semi-buried container.
• it comprises at least one safety member, able to prevent access to the suction member, in its advanced position, and if necessary to the lifting element and lateral retraction.
• the safety member is a movable skirt between an inactive position, in which it is placed in the vicinity of the bottom of the box, and a safety position in which it extends downwardly around the suction member, in the advanced position of the latter, and if necessary around the lifting element and lateral retraction.

Finally, the subject of the invention is a method of implementing the above mobile unit, in which the unit is moved in such a way as to position the integrated suction member in the floor area of the floor box. generally parallelepipedal shape to the right of a hatch closing a container, access to the interior volume of this container is released, the suction member is moved into its active position by means of a single global translational movement, along the main axis vertical orthogonal to the base of the cabin, so that it penetrates at least partially into the interior volume of the container, and sucks all or part of the waste received in this container, so as to direct them to a chosen compartment.

• on identifie la position de la trappe du ou de chaque conteneur au moyen d'un repère, notamment un fil enterré, et on génère des informations au niveau de la cabine, à partir de ce repère, afin d'aider le chauffeur de l'unité mobile à positionner l'organe d'aspiration au droit du ou de chaque conteneur.
• on positionne l'organe d'aspiration au droit de la trappe d'un conteneur, on actionne l'organe de sécurité de sorte qu'il forme un volume sensiblement fermé avec le sol et le fond de la caisse, on met en mouvement l'élément de levage et d'escamotage latéral de la trappe, à l'intérieur de ce volume fermé, de façon à accéder au volume intérieur du conteneur, et on déplace l'organe d'aspiration dans sa position active, à l'intérieur de ce volume fermé.

The method of implementation according to the invention may have the following particularities:

• identifying the position of the hatch of the or each container by means of a marker, including a buried wire, and information is generated at the cabin, from this marker, to help the driver of the mobile unit to position the suction member to the right of the or each container.
• positioning the suction member to the right of the hatch of a container, it actuates the safety member so that it forms a substantially closed volume with the floor and the bottom of the body, it sets in motion lifting element and lateral retraction of the hatch, inside this closed volume, so as to access the interior volume of the container, and the suction member is moved into its active position, inside of this closed volume.

Brief description of the drawings

• La figure 1 est une vue schématique de côté, illustrant une unité mobile de collecte de déchets selon l'invention ;
• La figure 2 est une vue schématique de côté, illustrant cette unité mobile lors d'une opération de collecte ;
• La figure 3 est une vue de dessus, illustrant sous un autre angle l'opération de collecte de la figure 2 ;
• Les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues respectivement de côté et de dessus, à plus grande échelle, illustrant l'opération consistant à relever et escamoter une trappe, obturant un conteneur de déchets, qui doivent être collectés conformément à l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of various embodiments, given in a nonlimiting manner and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• The figure 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a mobile waste collection unit according to the invention;
• The figure 2 is a schematic side view, illustrating this mobile unit during a collection operation;
• The figure 3 is a view from above, illustrating from another angle the operation of collecting the figure 2 ;
• The Figures 4 and 5 are views respectively side and top, on a larger scale, illustrating the operation of raising and retracting a hatch, closing a waste container, which must be collected in accordance with the invention.

Description of the embodiments

The figure 1 illustrates a mobile garbage collection unit according to the invention, truck type, which comprises a cab 1 and a box 10, mounted on wheels 50. This truck is also equipped with a motor not shown, in a conventional manner .

The cabin 1, of usual structure, comprises control means 2, allowing the activation of the various equipment provided in the box 10 (see figure 3 ). In addition, this cabin 1 is provided with a computer 4, on the screen of which are visible information, particularly concerning the positioning of the shutter of each container to collect.

The box 10, of generally parallelepipedal shape, comprises first of all, in its rear part, two compartments 12 and 13. These are intended for the storage of two different types of waste, it being understood that provision can be made to use, either a single or more than two such compartments. Each of these is provided with an inlet, in communication with suction means as will be seen below, as well as an outlet for emptying. This output can, in particular, be defined by a rear lift door 12 ', 13' of these compartments 12, 13.

Immediately in front of these compartments, the box 10 delimits a chamber 14, the side walls 14 'are advantageously soundproof. This chamber 14 extends over the entire height of the box 10, but only over part of the width of the latter. This allows, among other things, to free space within the body 10, to allow the integration of other functional organs, not shown. This box 10 receives by elsewhere a suction member 16, or suction pipe, connected to one or more fan (s) not shown (s).

This suction pipe 16, which is telescopic, consists of several cylindrical barrels, of which only two 18 ₁ and 18 ₂ are shown. The latter are coaxial while having different diameters, so as to retract or unfold under the effect of motor means not shown, themselves actuated by the control means 2 equipping the cabin 1.

The various drums 18 ₁ , 18 ₂ constituting this suction pipe 16 are rigid, namely in particular that they can not be folded or twisted. Finally, the bottom 19 of the box 10 is hollowed with an opening 20, shown schematically, to allow the extension of the suction pipe 16 towards the ground.

It should be noted that, in its position removed from figure 1 , the suction pipe 16 is completely housed in the box 10, and in particular in the chamber 14. Thus, it does not protrude from the latter, nor laterally beyond the side walls 14 'or beyond from the bottom 19 of the box 10.

At its upper end, the suction pipe 16 is extended by a connecting element, made in the form of a bend 22 made of a relatively flexible material, different from that constituting the suction pipe 16. In addition, provision is made for a detachable connection, of any suitable known type, between the elbow 22 and the suction pipe 16. This makes it easy to replace the elbow 22, which thus forms a wear part, independently of the suction pipe 16.

As will be seen in more detail in the following, this bend 22 directs the waste, collected by the suction pipe 16, towards one or other of the compartments 12, 13. For this purpose, this elbow 22 is for example pivotally mounted about a vertical axis, so as to be able to selectively connect one or the other of the compartments 12, 13. As an example of embodiment, reference will be made in particular to that described in FIG. EP 0 661 224 .

Furthermore, it is advantageous for the junction between the bend 22 and each compartment 12 and 13 to be sealed. For this purpose, we can use also the solution proposed in EP 0 661 224 , or any equivalent system, for example using a quick connector and a collar.

According to a variant not shown, one can surround the telescopic suction pipe 16 by means of a coaxial peripheral pipe. These two pipes then define an annular chamber, which forms a specific air inlet towards the container, in order to suck the waste.

Outside the chamber 14, in this case in the front part of the body 10, the latter integrates an arm 24, movable both in translation along a vertical axis, and in rotation around it. This arm 24 is likely to pass through an orifice 25, shown schematically, which is formed in the bottom of the body 10. As shown in particular to Figures 4 and 5 the arm 24 is extended by a horizontal rod 26, itself terminated by a key 28, capable of cooperating with an access door to the waste container, as will be seen below.

Finally, there is provided a safety skirt 30, more particularly visible on the figure 2 . This security skirt 30, which is fixed on the bottom of the body 10, extends at the periphery of both the chamber 14 and the arm 22, seen from above. It is movable between a folded position, in which it is retracted near the bottom of the body 10, and an active position where it extends towards the ground.

For this purpose, this safety skirt 30 has any suitable structure. Thus, it is for example in the form of a bellows, or a set of vertically movable security panels.

We will now describe, with reference to Figures 2 to 4 , the implementation of the mobile unit described above.

With reference to the figure 2 several buried containers 100, 110, 120 and 130 are shown, each of which defines an internal volume 101, 111, 121 and 131, for the reception of waste which is, for example, of different natures. This internal volume 101, 111, 121 and 131 has an outlet, closed by a respective hatch 102, 112, 122 and 132. In the example shown, the latter is directly disposed in the street, so that a mobile unit conforms to the invention is likely to cap the hatch 102 to 132 selected by the driver, for the desired selective aspiration.

The example shows buried containers 100, 110, 120 and 130, namely whose outlet is flush with the ground 150, which is in this case formed by the surface of the road. The invention is also applicable to semi-buried containers, the output protrudes slightly above the ground, without however preventing the passage of the mobile unit above this outlet. The invention finds further application to a soil that is not necessarily formed by the road, but also by any suitable space roulable. For example, there are pedestrian spaces.

As shown in particular figure 3 , the different traps 102 to 132 are connected by a wire 140 shown in phantom, of known type, which allows the guiding of the mobile unit. For this purpose, this wire emits a visible signal by the driver on the screen of the computer, which allows him to position the chamber 14 to the right of a hatch 102 to 132 respectively.

Of course, other means of guidance can be provided, allowing the driver to position himself correctly. These include geo-positioning, or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

In view of the collection operation, the driver first places the mobile unit above the outlet of the first container 100 to empty, thanks to the guide means as explained above. This container 100 receives a first fraction of waste, such as glass or plastics. The driver then activates, advantageously, a signaling device of the beacon type.

Then, the driver deploys the safety skirt 30, so that the latter then rests against the ground, at the periphery of the hatch 102. This contributes to the formation of a closed volume V, delimited by the bottom 19 of the body 10, the floor 150 and this security skirt 30, which prevents access to organs set in motion during collection.

Then, the orifice 25 is released and the arm 24 is lowered, while the rod 26 which extends it is turned towards the hatch 102. The latter is then connected to the key 28 carried by the arm 24, so as to raise this hatch 102 above the ground surface (arrow f1 on the figure 4 ). The arm 24 is then pivoted about its main axis, according to the arrow f2, so that the hatch 102 is no longer at the exit of the container 100.

As a variant not shown, two complementary mutual recognition elements can be integrated respectively in the hatch 102 and in the key 28. This makes it possible to secure the opening of this hatch 102, which can therefore only be ensured by means of a specific key 28.

The hatch 102 is thus retracted, in a position illustrated in dotted lines on the figure 4 . The suction pipe 16 is then lowered in the direction of the internal volume 101 of the container 100. For this purpose, the drums 18 ₁ , 18 ₂ constituting this suction pipe 16 are unfolded relative to each other, according to the arrow F1 to the figure 2 .

It will be noted that the passage between the folded position of the figure 1 and the active position of the figure 2 can operate, with a single global translation movement along the main axis A of the suction pipe 16. This main axis A is perpendicular to the ground surface 150, namely vertical in the figures.

It will be noted that this global movement of translation can be accompanied by a very slight possibility of rotation of the different drums 18 ₁ , 18 ₂ relative to each other along horizontal axes. Such a rotation, represented by the arrow F2 at the figure 2 , has a maximum value of a few degrees, typically less than 15 °. This allows the mobile unit to position itself on containers installed on a slope, or this unit to collect containers located on a road itself sloping.

We further define the right-of-way E of the box 10, seen from above, with reference to the figure 3 . This is the projection of the box 10 on the ground, along an axis perpendicular to it, in this case vertical. In these conditions this Rectangle E, which is rectangular in shape, is delimited by the four sides of the box 10.

According to the invention, the suction pipe 16 is included in this right-of-way E, both in its position removed from the figure 1 and in its active position the figure 2 . In particular, this suction pipe 16 does not project laterally out of this right-of-way E. Moreover, because of its vertical telescopic movement, the projection of the suction pipe 16 on the ground is substantially the same, whatever the position he adopts.

Once the suction pipe 16 is in its active position, its free end penetrating into the container 100, one proceeds to the actual collection, by suction of the waste. These are then directed, via the suction pipe 16 and the elbow 22 which extends, to the selected storage compartment, for example that 12.

When this collection is complete, the suction pipe 16 is folded so that it is again confined in the chamber 14. The hatch 102 is then replaced so that it closes the container 100, with reverse operations. those described with reference to Figures 4 and 5 . Finally, both the arm 24 and the security skirt 30 are wound up so that they find their position illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .

The driver then moves the mobile unit, thanks to the indications of the guide wire 140, so as to now have the chamber 14 to the right of a next container 110 to 130, receiving the same waste fraction as that collected previously from the first container 100. This second container 110 to 130 may be adjacent to that 100, such as 110 of the figure 2 . It may also belong to another series of containers, not shown in the figures and distant from those 100 to 130.

An additional operation of collecting the waste stored in this second container 110 to 130 is then carried out, in a manner analogous to what has been described above. Then, step by step, we empty all the containers 110 to 130 of the network, receiving this first waste fraction.

The junction bend 22 is then moved so that it communicates the suction pipe 16 with the other compartment 13. As mentioned above, the collection of the containers receiving a second waste fraction. At the end of these various operations, the storage compartments 12 and 13 are emptied, for example by raising their respective rear doors 12 'and 13'.

In the case where more than two different fractions of waste are to be collected throughout the network, a mobile unit having a corresponding number of compartments is provided. It is indeed advantageous not to mix, in the mobile unit, different fractions. Finally, it should be noted that the different fractions of waste may be either of the solid type or of the liquid type.

In the example described above, the different compartments are assigned to different fractions of waste. However, as an advantageous variant, it is possible to use a mobile unit having two compartments, such as Figures 1 to 3 , for the treatment of a single fraction of waste.

In this case, while the waste is being sucked towards one of the compartments, a simultaneous compaction phase is implemented in the other of these compartments. For this purpose, appropriate mechanical means are provided, in particular using a push-button system or the like.

Claims (9)

1. Mobile waste collection unit for container (100, 110, 120, 130) buried or semi-buried type, this unit comprising motor means, a cabin (1), and a box (10) defining at least a storage compartment (12, 13) of collected waste, this unit further comprising waste suction means (16) in the direction of the or each storage compartment (12, 13), this suction means having a rigid and tubular suction member (16) movable between an advanced position for collecting, wherein it is adapted to suck the waste received in the container (100, 110, 120, 130), and a retracted position, this rigid and tubular suction member (16) can be moved between these two advanced and retracted positions on a single translational movement (arrow F1), substantially along its main vertical axis (A), said axis (A) being orthogonal to the base of said cabin (1), said rigid suction member (16) being formed of a plurality of coaxial cylindrical drums (18₁, 18₂) in which a first and a second cylindrical drums (18₁, 18₂) are rigid, said second cylindrical drum (18₂) being capable of being retracted into said first cylindrical drum (18₁) in said retracted position, characterized in that the tubular suction member (16) is integrated into the floor grip (E) of said box (10) of generally parallelepiped shape, the grip (E) being defined by the sides of said box (10) seen from above, both in its advanced and retracted position, in said retracted position said first and second cylindrical drums (18₁, 18₂) are completely housed in said box (10), said second cylindrical drum (18₂) being capable of being unfolded relative to said first cylindrical drum (18₁) in said advanced position wherein said first cylindrical drum (18₁) remains fully housed in said box (10), said second cylindrical drum (18₂) unfolded relative to said first cylindrical drum (18₁) in said advanced position is designed to penetrate at least partially into the interior volume of said container (100, 110, 120, 130), said mobile unit comprising a single junction crank member (22) between said suction member (16) and the or each storage compartment (12, 13) releasably connected to the suction member (16).
2. A mobile unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction member (16) is housed in a chamber (14) defined within the box (10), the bottom (19) of this chamber (14) being provided with an opening (20) allowing the passage of the suction member (16) between its retracted position and its advanced position.
3. A mobile unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the chamber (14) for receiving the suction member (16) has isolated enclosure with side walls (14'), at least acoustically.
4. A mobile unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one lifting and lateral retraction element (24) of a flap (102, 112, 122, 132), closing a buried or semi-buried container (100, 110, 120, 130).
5. A mobile unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one safety member (30) adapted to prevent access to the suction member (16) in its advanced position, and optionally to the lifting and lateral retraction element (24).
6. A mobile unit according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the safety member is a skirt (30) movable between an inactive position wherein it is positioned adjacent to the bottom (19) of the box (10), and a secured position wherein it extends downwardly around the suction member (16) in the advanced position thereof, and optionally around the lifting and lateral retraction element (24).
7. A method of implementation of the mobile unit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following step: moving the unit so as to position the suction member (16) integrated in said floor grip (E) of said box (10) of generally parallelepiped shape in line with a flap (102, 112, 122, 132) closing a container (100, 110, 120, 130), liberating the access to the interior volume (101, 111, 121, 131) of this container (100, 110, 120, 130), moving the suction member (16) in its operative position by means of a single global translational motion, along said main axis (A) orthogonal vertical at the base of said cabin (1), so that it penetrates at least partially into the interior volume of the container (100, 110, 120, 130), and sucking part or all of the waste received in the container (16) so as to direct them to a selected compartment (12, 13).
8. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that the position of the flap (102, 112, 122, 132) of the or each container (100, 110, 120, 130) is identified by means of a marker, including a buried wire (140), and the cabin's (1) information are generated, from this marker, to assist the mobile unit driver to position the suction member (16) to the right of the or each container (100, 110, 120, 130).
9. A method according to claim 7 or 8 for the implementation of the mobile unit according to claim 5 taken in combination with claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the suction member (16) is positioned to the right of the flap (102, 112, 122, 132) of a container (100, 110, 120, 130), the safety member (30) is operated so that it forms a substantially closed volume (V) with the ground (150) and the bottom of the box (10), the lifting and retraction side element (24) of the flap (102, 112, 122, 132) starts to move within this closed volume in order to access the internal volume of the container (100, 110, 120, 130), and the suction member (16) is moved in its operative position, within this closed volume (V).

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