REFUSE COLLECTION AND COMPACTION DEVICES A first aspect of the present invention relates to the field of collection of refuse wherein refuse is collected in a collection container. The first aspect of the present invention pertains in particular to the collection of domestic refuse, e.g. in refuse bags, plastic domestic refuse, etc. In the field it is known to provide a subterranean refuse collection system with a container that is housed in a subterranean pit and can be lifted therefrom for discharge of collected refuse. Above the ground the system includes a refuse introduction housing, e.g. a column, having an introduction opening allowing a user to introduce refuse therein, e.g. domestic refuse. In known embodiments a refuse introduction device is provided in said housing, e.g. a drum type introduction device. This for example allows to control the use of the system, e.g. a user first has to identify himself in some electronic manner. It also may allow to control the dimension of the refuse that is introduced, e.g. limited to the size of a common domestic refuse bag, e.g. a 60 litre bag. In known refuse collection systems top loading refuse compacting devices are integrated which are mounted above or in the top of the refuse collection container. These compacting devices are operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has been dropped into the device via the refuse introduction housing and to compact the refuse that has been collected within the container. Examples of such top loading refuse compacting devices are shown in EP2664449, NL2008505, US6588330, CH564467, EP1916202, and EP2514586.

EP 1 508 535 discloses a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device according to the preamble of claim 1 that is adapted to be mounted above or in the top of a refuse collection container and which device is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container.

The known refuse collection systems are considered to be not fully satisfactory, e.g. in view of the efficiency of the loading and compacting of the refuse in the collection container.

In a first aspect, the present invention therefore provides a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is adapted to be mounted above or in the top of a refuse collection container and which device is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container, which device is embodied according to claim 1. Due to the claimed structure of the refuse distributor and compactor assembly the device can achieve an enhanced loading of refuse into the collection container by directing some of the refuse towards the left-hand side of the outlet and some to the right-hand side, e.g. switching every time after an amount of refuse, e.g. a refuse bag, has been introduced into the container. This allows the container to fill evenly and more efficiently. The chute function of the refuse distributor and compactor assembly allows to avoid that refuse becomes stuck in the device, e.g. as in a suitable embodiment the chute can be rather steeply inclined.

At the same time the claimed structure of the device allows to achieve an effective compaction of the refuse in the container as the compression forces can be suitably directed mostly downward with the top of the refuse staying in contact with the moving refuse distributor and compactor assembly. Of course the actual compaction will only be performed once the level of refuse in the collection container has risen sufficiently. Prior to that moment the refuse will simply drop from the outlet of the device into the collection container. The effective compaction does not necessarily mean that refuse is compacted to greater density than with known devices. The advantageous compaction can also be used to reduce energy consumption for a compaction cycle, the latter e.g. being advantageous for solar and/or battery power drive assemblies where energy efficiency is paramount. In an embodiment both the first and second compaction members are each embodied as a plate member, e.g. as sturdy metal plates, each having generally parallel opposed compaction faces.

In a preferred embodiment the compaction faces of the second compaction member are, seen in direction of the pivot axis and hinge axis, diverging towards the free end in a direction away from said hinge axis. For example the compaction faces of the second member are planar faces that are arranged in a V. For example the compaction faces of the second member include an angle between 60° and 100°, e.g. 90°. In an embodiment, e.g. with a diverging design of the faces of the second member, the compaction faces of the first compaction member are substantially parallel to one another, e.g. the first compaction member being embodied as a plate member, e.g. as a metal plate. In an embodiment, e.g. for handling of domestic refuse bags and similar dimension refuse, the distance between the horizontal pivot axis and the hinge axis, effectively the radial length of the first member, is between 25 and 32 centimetres. For example the distance between the horizontal pivot axis and the hinge axis is between 25 and 32 centimetres, and the distance between the hinge axis and the free end of the second compact member is between 24 and 30 centimetres, with the combination of said distances being between 49 and 62 centimetres. For example the distance between the horizontal pivot axis and the hinge axis is about the same as the distance between the hinge axis and the free end of the second compact member, with the combination of said distances being between 49 and 62 centimetres.

In an embodiment of the device, in said first and second positions, the face of second compaction member that is then facing down is at an angle between + 10° upward and - 40° downward relative to a horizontal imaginary plane through the hinge axis. This ultimate inclination of said face allows for the compaction force to be directed primarily downwards with the refuse that is engaged with the face, e.g. a refuse bag, having no or little opportunity to escape from underneath the compaction face.

In an embodiment of the device, with the compactor assembly in standstill at either the first or second position the then upward facing faces of the first and second compaction members have a relative angle between 0° and 30°. So in an embodiment with both faces being planar and having a 0° relative angle the joint faces from one planar chute that is at a suitable inclination, e.g. a rather steep inclination. In other exemplary embodiments there may e.g. be a slight angle between the faces and/or one of the faces not being planar, e.g. the face of the second member being curved and the face of the first member being planar.

In an embodiment of the device the frame, duct and pivot axis are embodied such that an imaginary plane from an upper edge of the adjacent head wall through the pivot axis has an angle relative to an imaginary vertical plane above and parallel to the pivot axis between 25° and 45°. If the first and second compaction members are arranged in said first and second position to extend generally along said plane a rather steeply inclined chute is obtained, e.g. avoiding refuse from becoming stuck and/or maintaining the speed of the dropped refuse thereby enhancing the even filling of the collection container. In an embodiment of the device, in the first and second positions, the free end of the upward facing face of the second compaction member is vertically aligned with the upper edge of the adjacent head wall. This avoids refuse becoming stuck onto said free end of the second compaction member.

In an embodiment the drive assembly comprises a linkage arm that is at one end thereof pivoted in a plane transverse to the horizontal pivot axis relative to the frame at an inner pivot point offset from the horizontal pivot axis and at another end pivoted to the second compaction member at an outer pivot point that is offset from the hinge axis. In a preferred embodiment two such linkage arms are provided each along a respective side wall of the duct. This design allows for a simple design of the drive assembly, e.g. allows to just drive one of the compaction members. For example one could drive a rotating shaft forming the horizontal pivot axis with the first compaction member being secured to said shaft. It is noted that also with such linkage arms the described pivotal motions of the first and second compaction members can be achieved. For example in addition to a drive motor that engages on and pivots the first member a further drive motor, e.g. hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or otherwise, can be arranged between the first and second member to cause the desired motion of the second member relative to the first member. In an embodiment, e.g. in combination with the mentioned one or two linkage arms, the drive motor comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders arranged along and to the outside of a side wall of the duct, preferably one pair along and to the outside of each side wall of the duct, and wherein said pair of hydraulic cylinders is jointly connected to the compactor assembly via a common connection member that extends through a slot in the side wall, wherein said hydraulic cylinders extend from said common connection member in generally opposed directions to spaced apart connectors for the cylinders on the frame. For example the common connection member is integral with the second compaction member.

In an embodiment the device comprises at each of the left-hand and right-hand side of the outlet one or more mobile, e.g. pivotal, refuse retention members, which are adapted to move between a retracted clearance position wherein refuse compacted by the compactor assembly is allowed to pass unhindered by said retention members and a retention position wherein said retention members retains compacted refuse as it strives to expand and enter the device via the inlet.

For example such retention members are spring biased to the retention position. For example one retention member is arranged along each side wall near the left-hand and right-hand side of the outlet and/or a retention member is arranged along a lower edge of the head wall.

A retention member may be provided with teeth or similar to achieve enhanced grip on the refuse.

The first aspect of the present invention also relates to a refuse collection system comprising:

- a collection container,

- a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device that is adapted to be mounted above or in the top of the refuse collection container and which device is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute said refuse over said container as well as to compact refuse collected with said container, which device is as described herein. In a preferred embodiment the system is a subterranean refuse collection system, and further comprises a pit in the ground, e.g. a concrete pit, wherein the collection container is adapted to be arranged in the pit and to be lifted from the pit for discharge of refuse. Further examples of such systems wherein the invention can be readily integrated are disclosed in DE29922397U1 , EP1008537, EP1 167241 , NL1006782, EP2657153, DE20214101191 , etc. In embodiments the collection container is not a shape retaining multi-use container but instead a flexible, possibly disposable, container, e.g. embodied as a massive plastic bag.

In an embodiment of the system the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device is mounted in the top of the refuse collection container, e.g. by means of bolts allowing for easy mounting and dismounting, e.g. for retro-fitting in existing collection containers, e.g. in subterranean containers.

In an embodiment the system further comprises a refuse introduction housing having an introduction opening allowing a user to introduce refuse therein, e.g. provided with an introduction device, e.g. a drum type introduction device, so that the refuse drops into the duct of the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device.

In an embodiment the system further comprises a control unit adapted to control the at least one drive motor, wherein the control unit is programmed, e.g. a PLC.

In an embodiment the control unit is embodied to maintain the compactor assembly in its first position until a sensor detects the continued presence of refuse within range of the compactor assembly at the right-hand side of the outlet, and when refuse is detected, move the compactor assembly into the second position thereby compacting the refuse and then maintain said second position until the sensor detects the continued presence of refuse within range of the compactor assembly at the left-hand side of the outlet, after which the control unit causes the compactor assembly to move the compactor assembly to the first position, thereby compacting the refuse within the collection container.

In a second aspect the present invention relates to the field of collector and compactor devices, in particular to the field of vertical compactor devices that compact refuse collected in an exchangeable bin open at the top.

Known vertical refuse collector and compactor devices generally comprise a housing with a refuse insertion opening. Refuse inserted through the refuse insertion opening is collected in an exchangeable bin, e.g. a wheeled bin, provided in the interior of the housing. Known vertical refuse collector and compactor devices further comprise a compactor unit adapted to press on the collected refuse to reduce its volume. The compactor unit generally comprises a press element, such as a plate, that during compaction moves from a higher position above or near the top of the bin to a lower position inside the bin, thereby pressing the collected refuse in the bin further down. The compactor unit furthermore generally comprises a frame attached to the housing and a hinged construction that connects the press element to the frame. Through compaction more refuse can be collected in a bin of a given size, thus reducing costs associated with emptying and/or replacing full bins.

WO2006073224 discloses a vertical refuse collector and compactor device comprising a housing to hold an exchangeable open topped bin, said housing having a front face with a refuse insertion opening, a rear face and a top face. The device further includes a compactor unit comprising a frame attached to said housing and two parallel spaced apart upper pivot links. The upper pivot links are at one end connected to the frame at a first pivot axis, said first pivot axis being a horizontal axis near the rear face of the housing. The compactor unit further comprises one front pivot link connected at a second pivot axis to said upper pivot links, said second pivot axis being at the end of the upper pivot link opposite the first pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis. The compactor unit further comprises a press element, connected to said front pivot link at the end thereof opposite the second pivot axis, and two parallel lower pivot links, substantially parallel to the two upper pivot links. The press element is formed as two horizontal rods at right angles to each other with foldable extension rods pivotally attached to the ends of each rod. Said two lower pivot links are at one end connected to the frame at a third pivot axis, said third pivot axis being below the first pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis. Said two lower pivot links are connected to front pivot link at a fourth pivot axis, said fourth pivot axis being at the ends of the lower pivot links opposite the first pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis. The compactor unit further comprises an actuator adapted to impart to the press element a vertical motion from an upper retracted position, in which the upper pivot links tilt toward the top of the housing, to a lower pressing position and vice versa for compacting refuse. The compactor unit further comprises a motor to drive said actuator.

Several drawbacks to the vertical refuse collector of WO2006073224 can be pointed out. As the press element hangs above the bin at a height only slightly above the top of the bin and at the same height as the refuse insertion opening, refuse that enters the housing through the refuse insertion opening can easily fall on top of the press element, which is unwanted as the refuse cannot be compacted properly and may lead to malfunction of the compactor. Moreover, the two horizontal rods of the press element only press upon a small portion of the upper layer of refuse collected the bin, thus realizing only little compaction. Lastly, the hinged construction disclosed in WO2006073224 may not be able to exert a large enough pressing force and thus may not allow the desired level of compaction of the refuse.

The object of the second aspect of the present invention is to provide a vertical refuse collection and compaction device that overcomes one or more of the abovementioned drawbacks. In particular, the present invention provides a refuse collection and compactor device in which refuse collection is not hindered by the presence of the compactor unit, while at the same time providing a compactor unit that allows to be economic of space. With economic of space it is meant that the addition of the compactor unit within a housing adapted to hold an exchangeable open topped bin, said housing having a front face with a refuse insertion opening, requires only a limited enlargement of the housing (approximately maximally 10-20 percent of the original volume of the housing). In particular the compaction unit does not require the height of the housing to be much increased compared to the height of the housing without compactor unit. This is e.g. advantageous in public areas where the device might otherwise be an undesirable obstacle.

The present invention provides in a second aspect a refuse collector and compactor device, said device comprising a housing and a compactor unit. Said housing is suitable to hold an exchangeable open topped bin. Said housing has a front face with a refuse insertion opening, a rear face and a top face. Said compactor unit comprises a frame attached to said housing. Said compactor unit moreover comprises one or more upper pivot links. Said one or more upper pivot links are at one end connected to the frame at a first pivot axis, said first pivot axis being a horizontal axis near the rear face of the housing. Said compactor unit moreover comprises one or more front pivot links. Said one or more front pivot links are connected at a second pivot axis to said one or more upper pivot links. Said second pivot axis is at the end of the upper pivot link opposite the first pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis.

Said compactor unit moreover comprises a press element that is connected to said one or more front pivot links at the ends thereof opposite the second pivot axis. Said compactor unit moreover comprises one or more lower pivot links. Said lower pivot links are provided substantially parallel to the one or more upper pivot links. Said one or more lower pivot links are at one end connected to the frame at a third pivot axis, which third pivot axis is below the first pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis. Said one or more lower pivot links are moreover connected to the one or more front pivot links at a fourth pivot axis. Said fourth pivot axis is at the end of the lower pivot link opposite the first pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis.

Said compactor unit moreover comprises an actuator. Said actuator is adapted to impart to the press element a vertical motion from an upper retracted position, in which the upper pivot links tilt toward the top of the housing, to a lower pressing position and vice versa for compacting refuse. Said compactor unit moreover comprises a motor to drive said actuator. The second aspect of the present invention achieves one or more of the abovementioned aims by further having as its press element a press plate connected to the front pivot links at a fifth pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis and by further comprising one or more rear pivot links, substantially parallel to the front pivot links. Said one or more rear pivot links are connected at one end to said press plate at a sixth pivot axis, said sixth pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis and displaced toward the rear face of the housing with respect to the fifth pivot axis. Said one or more rear pivot links are connected at a seventh pivot axis to said one or more lower pivot links or to said one or more upper pivot links, said seventh axis being at the end of the rear pivot link opposite the sixth pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis. Said one or more rear pivot links are adapted to impart to the press plate a motion from a tilted orientation in the retracted position, with the edge of the press plate closest to the front face of the housing elevated with respect to the edge near the rear face of the housing, to a substantially levelled orientation in the pressing position.

In a preferred embodiment said one more rear pivot links are connected at the

abovementioned seventh pivot axis to said one or more lower pivot links. In a preferred embodiment the distance between the fourth pivot axis and the fifth pivot axis moreover equals the distance between the seventh and the sixth pivot axis, so that the tilt of the press plate is substantially equal to the tilt of the upper pivot links. The hinged construction according to the invention that comprises one or more upper pivot links, one or more lower pivot links, one or more front pivot links and one or more rear pivot links, interconnected and connected to the press plate as described above with the rear pivot links connected at the seventh pivot axis to said one or more lower pivot links results in a tilt of the press plate with a tilting angle with respect to the horizontal about an axis parallel to the first pivot axis. Said tilting angle of the press plate is in a fixed relation to the angle of the upper pivot links to the horizontal. For instance, in a preferred embodiment the distance between the fourth pivot axis and the fifth pivot axis equals the distance between the seventh and the sixth pivot axis, so that the angle of the press plate with respect to horizontal is equal to the angle of the upper pivot links to the horizontal. The distance between the fourth pivot axis and the fifth pivot axis may also be smaller or larger than the distance between the seventh and the sixth pivot axis, so that the press plate is for instance tilted upwards at its front edge when the one or more upper pivot links are oriented horizontally and becomes levelled when the upper pivot links are rotated further downwards. The same angle of the press plate and the upper pivot links is preferred as this leads to a most economic of space compactor unit in the retracted position.

In the pressing position the press plate is preferably substantially levelled to press upon a large part of the refuse contained in the collector unit. In the pressing position the angle between upper pivot links and front pivot links is large, e.g. 60-120 degrees.

In the retracted position the upper pivot links tilt toward the top of the housing and as the lower pivot links are parallel to the upper pivot links also the lower pivot links are tilted toward the top of the housing. In the retracted position the angle between the upper pivot links and the front pivot links is small, e.g. 0-30 degrees. The rear pivot links are parallel to the front pivot links and are thus at the same small angle to the front pivot links. The front and rear pivot links are thus substantially folded against the upper and lower pivot links. The press plate is in the preferred embodiment tilted at the same angle as the upper pivot links and the angle between the front pivot links and the press plate is therefore small, e.g. 0-30 degrees. In the retracted position the press plate seen from the front face of the housing, e.g. through the insertion opening, at least partially covers the hinged construction formed by the upper pivot links, lower pivot links, front pivot links and rear pivot links. From this viewpoint the press plate may also partially or entirely cover the actuator and motor. The folding of the hinged construction and the tilting of the press plate thus leads to an economic of size compactor unit in the retracted position. It also strongly reduces the chance that refuse inserted into the bin through the refuse insertion opening will get stuck on top of the press plate and/or in the hinged construction. Also, as the hinged construction may thus be hidden from view, it is unlikely that it will be tampered with.

The vertical refuse collector and compactor device is to be used with an exchangeable bin, possibly wheeled, e.g. two wheels at one lower corner, open at the top and placed in the housing. When the bin is empty or only partially filled the compactor unit is in the retracted position above the exchangeable bin. In order to detect the fill level in the bin a sensor is provided. Only when the bin is substantially filled with refuse the compactor unit moves from the retracted position to the pressing position. During the motion from the retracted position to the pressing position the press plate enters the exchangeable bin and moves downward down to a height that is preferably between 70 and 90 % of the height of the bin, thereby compacting the refuse. Subsequently the compactor moves back to the retracted position, in which it remains until the bin is substantially filled again.

The press plate exerts a force on the refuse in order to compact the refuse. If the bin contains a lot of refuse that has already been compacted several times the compactor unit may not be able to apply the force needed to reach its most extended position with the press plate substantially levelled. When in this situation the compactor unit reaches its maximum force it will retract into the retracted position. In a preferred embodiment the lower pivot links have a horizontal position in between a pair of parallel spaced apart upper pivot links.

In a preferred embodiment the lower pivot links comprise one or more recesses into which in the upper retracted position the fifth and sixth pivot axis insert.

In a preferred embodiment the upper pivot links comprise one or more recesses into which in the retracted position the fourth and seventh pivot axis insert.

These recesses allow the hinged construction and press plate to be folded together to a larger extent and thus to obtain a more economic of space arrangement in the retracted position. In these embodiments the one more rear pivot links are connected at the abovementioned seventh pivot axis to said one or more lower pivot links. In some embodiments the press plate is not an entirely flat plate, but is somewhat rounded around an axis parallel to the first axis to be able to apply a larger pressing force and/or to obtain a more economic of size retracted position. In this case the angle of the press plate with respect to horizontal referred to above is the angle between horizontal and the plane through the fifth and sixth pivot axis.

In an embodiment the actuator is connected at one end to the one or more lower pivot links and the one or more rear pivot links are connected at the seventh pivot axis to the one or more lower pivot links. The lower pivot links are used to transmit a pressing force from the actuator to the press plate, while front pivot links and upper pivot links provide stability to the hinged construction. The one or more rear pivot links may be rounded between their two pivot axis to be able to withstand a large pressing force. Other embodiments of the invention may distribute the forces differently over the pivot links. In other embodiments the actuator may be connected between the frame and a different part of the hinged construction, e.g. the upper pivot link or the rear pivot link, or between the frame and the press plate.

In a preferred embodiment the upper pivot links, the lower pivot links, the front pivot links and the rear pivot links each comprise a pair of pivot links spaced apart and parallel to each other. Optionally connection means such as connection rods interconnect the pair of pivot links to add stability to the hinged construction. These connection rods are preferably provided at ends of the upper pivot links, lower pivot links, front pivot links and rear pivot links, e.g. at the second pivot axis, the fourth pivot axis and/or the seventh pivot axis.

The frame of the compactor unit can be connected to a side face or to the top face of the housing. Preferably the frame is connected to the top face of the housing towards the rear face of the housing or to the rear face of the housing towards the top face. The frame may comprise one or more suspension elements extending downwards from the frame, at the ends of which the one or more upper pivot links and lower pivot links are connected. The actuator may be a linear actuator, e.g. a cylinder-with-piston, e.g. hydraulic, or a spindle, e.g. an electric motor screw spindle.

The actuator may at one end be connected to the frame and at the other end connected to the one or more pivot links or directly to the press plate, preferably to the one or more lower pivot links. In a preferred embodiment the motor is placed adjacent to and in front of the actuator, toward the front side of the housing, to achieve an economic of space retracted position.

The housing and compactor unit are preferably used with an exchangeable bin open at the top having a volume between 120-240 litres, but the same device with minor adjustments is expected to be useable with bins of larger or smaller volume. The length of the pivot links and the size of the press element can be adjusted so as to achieve good compaction. For example a bin with a volume of 120 litres has an opening at its top with a standard size of approximately 38 cm by 38 cm and the press plate for a bin of this volume has in a preferred embodiment a size of approximately 32 cm by 28 cm. Smaller or slightly larger press plate sizes are however also possible.

In a preferred embodiment the refuse collector and compactor device has a refuse insertion opening into which a lid with a handle is provided. In order to insert refuse into the device the lid is pulled or rotated outward from the housing using the handle. Refuse is then inserted, after which the lid is pivoted inwards again.

In a preferred embodiment the refuse collector and compactor device comprises an active or passive locking system to prevent simultaneous opening of the lid provided into the refuse insertion opening and operation of the press mechanism. The locking system thus prevents the compactor unit from leaving the retracted position when the lid is open, while preventing the lid from opening when the compactor unit has started its downwards motion from the retracted to the pressing position. In a preferred embodiment the press plate attains a tilted orientation in the retracted position with an angle upwards with respect to horizontal of between 10 and 80 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment the press plate attains a substantially levelled orientation in the pressing position with a tilt upwards or downwards with respect to horizontal of between 0 and 30 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment the refuse collector and compactor device comprises a shield system that shields the assembly of links of the device, or at least a part thereof, from contact with and/or interference by the refuse. The shield system may be embodied to shield these elements of the device from contact with refuse at the moment that said refuse is inserted via the refuse insertion opening into a bin that is placed in the housing. The shield system may also shield these elements of the device from contact with said refuse during the compaction thereof, that is, during the pressing motion of the device. Such contact may arise in the absence of a shield system e.g. when during compression an item of refuse near a side of the housing is pushed on top of the press plate. The contact of refuse with these elements of the device other than the press plate and, if provided, the shield system, is likely to be detrimental to the functioning and durability of the device, as such refuse may e.g. end up between the pivotal links, e.g. close to a pivot axis, and subsequently prevent proper execution of the pressing motion. The provision of a shield system is therefore

advantageous.

Said shield system may comprise a front plate provided to, e.g. secured onto and/or integrated with, the one or more front pivot links, e.g. at the front side thereof, e.g. with a bottom edge of the front plate substantially at the height of the fifth pivot axis and extending along said one or more front pivot links to an upper end of the front plate. Said upper end may for instance be provided substantially at the height of the fourth pivot axis. Said front plate preferably has a front plate width in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis between a left end and a right end that is equal to the width of the press plate, said press plate width being also in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis between a left and a right end. Said shield system may, e.g. in addition to said front plate, comprise two press plate side plates provided to the press plate at respectively the left and right side thereof. Said press plate side plates preferably are raised from the respective side of the press plate, e.g. extend in a side plane perpendicular to the front face of the housing and perpendicular to the top face of the housing.

Said shield system may also comprise two front side shield plates that are joined to the front plate at the respectively the left and right end thereof. Said front side shield plates generally extend in a side plane, e.g. substantially perpendicular to the front face of the housing and perpendicular to the top face of the housing.

Whereas the front plate shields the linkage assembly of the collector and compactor device from refuse at the front side of said device, said side plates shield these elements from refuse at the sides. In an embodiment comprising a shield system with a front plate, the fifth pivot axis is preferably provided at or near the front edge of the press plate. In an embodiment said shield system also comprises a bottom shield plate provided to said one or more front pivot links at a bottom end thereof. Said bottom plate extends along the lower end of the front pivot links from the front thereof substantially to the fifth pivot axis. In this way said bottom plate adjoins with its front end to the lower end of the front plate and adjoins with its rear end to the front edge of the press plate.

A plate member of the shield system may be formed by a closed surface plate, e.g. of steel, but may also be made of perforated plate material when desired or other non-closed surface members, e.g. a grating. The second aspect of the present invention also relates to a combination of a refuse collector and compactor device according to the present disclosure and an exchangeable bin, e.g. arranged within the housing.

The second aspect of the present invention also relates to a method for collecting and compacting refuse, wherein use is made of a refuse collector and compactor device according to the present disclosure.

The aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1-8B relate to the first aspect of the invention, Figs. 9-18 relate to the second aspect of the invention. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows in a side view an example of a refuse collection system comprising a subterranean refuse collection container provided with an example of a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device according to the invention and schematically an overhead refuse introduction housing having an introduction opening allowing a user to introduce refuse therein and provided with a drum type introduction device,

Fig. 2 shows the system of figure 1 in another side view,

Fig. 3 shows in top view the mounting of the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device according to the invention in the collection container of figure 1 ,

Figs. 4A, B show the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device of figure 1 in a first position,

Figs. 5A, B show the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device of figure 1 in an intermediate position,

Figs. 6A, B show the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device of figure 1 in a vertical intermediate position,

Figs. 7A, B show the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device of figure 1 in an further intermediate position, Figs. 8A, B show the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device of figure 1 in a second position,

Fig. 9 shows a side view of the refuse collector and compactor device according to the invention and an exchangeable bin,

Figs. 10-12 show the vertical motion and simultaneous change of tilting angle of the press plate of figure 9 from the retracted to the pressing position,

Fig. 10 shows a side view of the refuse collector and compactor device in the retracted position,

Fig. 1 1 shows a side view of the refuse collector and compactor device in a position in between the retracted and pressing position,

Fig. 12 shows a side view of the refuse collector and compactor device in the pressing position,

Fig. 13 shows a side view of the passive locking system of the refuse collector and compactor device according to the invention with the lid provided in the refuse insertion opening in the front face of the housing being partly opened,

Fig. 14 shows a side view of the passive locking system of the refuse collector and compactor device according to the invention with said lid being closed,

Fig. 15 shows the passive locking system of the refuse collector and compactor device according to the invention from a different viewpoint,

Fig. 16 shows a view of the refuse collector and compactor device with shield system according to the invention with the device in a retracted position,

Fig. 17 shows a view of the refuse collector and compactor device of figure 16 in an intermediate position in between the retracted position and the fully extended pressing position,

Fig. 18 shows another view of the refuse collector and compactor device as shown in figure 17.

With reference to the drawings embodiments and optional features of a refuse collection system comprising a subterranean refuse collection container provided with an example of a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device according to the first aspect of the invention will first be described.

The figures 1 - 3 illustrate a refuse collection system comprising subterranean refuse collection container 1 , e.g. to collect domestic refuse for example in refuse bags, and a top loading refuse distributing and compacting device 10 that is mounted in the top of the refuse collection container 1. As will be explained in detail below the device 10 is operable to receive refuse, e.g. a domestic refuse bag, that has dropped into the device and to distribute the refuse over the container as well as to compact refuse collected with the container 1. As will be appreciated by the skilled person the depicted container 1 , here with some of the side panelling and bottom outlet flap or flaps removed for clarity, may be arranged in a pit in the ground, e.g. a concrete pit, as is known in the art. The collection container 1 is adapted to be arranged in the pit and to be lifted from the pit for discharge of refuse, e.g. via one or more outlet flaps in the bottom of the container 1.

As schematically depicted, and as known in the field, the refuse collection system further comprises an overhead or above ground refuse introduction housing 5 having an introduction opening 6 allowing a user to introduce refuse therein. Here the housing is provided with an introduction device 7, e.g. a drum type introduction device, so that the refuse drops into the duct of the top loading refuse distributing and compacting device 1 as will be explained below. The housing 5 is depicted here to one side of the container 1 , but it is also known and possible to have the housing 5 centrally above the container 1.

The top loading refuse distributing and compacting device 10 comprises a frame 12 that is adapted to be mounted in the top of the refuse collection container 1 , e.g. bolted or otherwise releasably secured, e.g. to horizontal girders 2, 3 in the top of the container 1. For example, as shown here, said girders 2, 3 form a support structure for the housing 5 and/or a floor panel on which user of the system can stand and walk. A duct 14 is integrated with the frame 12. The duct has opposed side walls 15, 16 and opposed head walls 17, 18. In figures 4 - 8 most of side wall 15 has been removed for clarity.

The duct 14 has an entry opening 19 at a top thereof for entry of refuse dropped into the duct via overhead refuse insertion housing 5. For example the entry opening is about 50 x 50 centimetres. The duct 14 has an outlet at a bottom thereof allowing refuse to drop into the refuse collection container 1. As will be explained the outlet is formed by a left-hand side outlet and a right-hand side outlet.

The device 1 further has a refuse distributor and compactor assembly, which comprises a pivotal first compaction member 20 that is pivotally mounted to the frame 12 about a horizontal pivot axis 21 , which horizontal pivot axis 21 extends between the side walls 15, 16, beneath the entry opening 19 and intersecting the duct 14. The pivotal first compact member 20 has opposed compaction faces 23, 24.

The refuse distributor and compactor assembly further comprises a pivotal second compaction member 25, that is hinged to the first compaction member 20 about a hinge axis 26 that is parallel to the horizontal pivot axis 21 and spaced from this horizontal pivot axis 21. The pivotal second compaction member 25 has opposed compaction faces 27, 28 and a free end 29 remote from the hinge axis 21. As illustrated the compaction faces 23, 24 of the first compaction member 20 are

substantially parallel to one another. Here the first compaction member 20 is embodied as a sturdy metal plate. Here, as optional, one or more ribs are present on the compaction faces, e.g. to strengthen the member 20. The distance between the horizontal pivot axis 21 and the hinge axis 26 in the depicted example is 32 centimetres, and the distance between the hinge axis 26 and the free end of the second compact member 25 is 30 centimetres, so that the combination of said distances is 62 centimetres. These or similar dimensions are considered advantageous for handling domestic refuse in 60 litre refuse bags or similar sized refuse, e.g. the dimension being related to the dimensions of the device 7.

As can be seen the opposed compaction faces 27, 28 of the second compaction member 25 are, seen in direction of the pivot axis 21 and hinge axis 26, diverging towards the free end 29 in a direction away from the hinge axis 26. Here these compaction faces 27, 28 are planar faces that are arranged in a V, in this example these faces include an angle of about 90°.

As can be seen the free end of the compaction member is formed by a planar face 29, so that the outer contour of the compaction member here is triangular in transverse section. In another embodiment the free end may e.g. be curved to form a sector shaped transverse section. As explained the faces 27, 28 may also be curved if desired, e.g. inwardly convex.

The compaction member 25 may be formed as a tubular member with the faces 27, 28, and possibly also the free end face, formed by plates as shown here, e.g. with internal reinforcement ribs 30 inside the compaction member 25 to strengthen the plates. In other embodiment the compaction member 25 is formed by a structure of fingers or rods or the like, e.g. a series of plates arranged in transverse direction like the reinforcement ribs 30 with the side edges of the plates delimiting the opposed compaction faces 27, 28 and possibly the free end face.

The device 10 further comprises a drive assembly that is operably connected to the refuse distribution and compactor assembly and at least includes one drive motor. An embodiment will be explained further below.

The refuse distributor and compactor assembly is selectively movable by the drive assembly between and into a first position and a second position. Figures 4A, B here depict the first position and figures 8A, B depict the second position. The figures 5A, B, 6A, B, and 7A, B illustrate by way of example how the assembly and compaction members 20, 25 thereof move from the first position to the second position.

From the figures 4 - 8 it will be clear to the skilled person that the drive assembly is adapted to move the refuse distributor and compactor assembly into the first position (see figures 4A, B) - seen in direction of the pivot axis 21 and hinge axis 26 - by tilting the first compaction member 20 to the left to assume a first leftward inclination aieft relative to an imaginary vertical plane 35 above and parallel to the horizontal pivot axis 21 , and by tilting the second compaction member 25 to the left over a second leftward tilt angle βΐβίί that is greater than said first leftward inclination aieft .

The drive assembly is also adapted to move the refuse distributor and compactor assembly into the second position (see figure 8) - seen in direction of the pivot axis 21 and hinge axis 26 - by tilting the first compaction member 20 to the right to assume a first rightward inclination aright relative to the imaginary vertical plane 35 above and parallel to the horizontal pivot axis, and by tilting the second compaction member 25 to the right over a second rightward tilt angle right that is greater than said first rightward inclination aright.

As the second compaction member 25 has diverging compaction faces 27, 28 the second leftward and rightward tilt angles βΐβίί and right are here determined by a median plane 25a of the second member 25 between said faces 27, 28.

As can be seen, in the first position, the faces 23, 27 of the first and second compaction members that are then upwardly facing jointly form an inclined chute that guides refuse that is dropped into the duct 14 towards a right-hand side (at A) of the outlet of the device 10. In the second position the faces 24, 28 of the first and second compaction members that are then upwardly facing jointly form an inclined chute that guides refuse that is dropped into the duct towards a left-hand side (at B) of outlet of the device 10. During this first phase of depositing refuse into the collection container the level of refuse will be such that the device 10 cannot compact the refuse.

In an embodiment it is envisaged that a sensor 90 is arranged, which is embodied to detect the actual filling of the collection container, e.g. whether refuse has stacked up so far that the refuse has come into range of the compactor assembly.

This sensor 90 is connected to a control unit 80 that is adapted to control the at least one drive motor. So, once the collection container has been sufficiently filled with refuse the switching between the first and second positions will allow for the drive assembly to compact refuse by means of the refuse distributor and compactor assembly as it is moved by the drive assembly between said first and second positions. The skilled person will appreciate that the device 10 can alternatively be effectively operated without the need for any level sensing in the container, as the device 10 can be controlled to operate independent from any such level sensing, e.g. after each time refuse has been deposited. The latter can e.g. be monitored via a sensor, e.g. connected to an introduction device 7 for the refuse.

As is depicted here, in the first and second positions the face of second compaction member that is then facing down is at an angle between + 45° upward and - 40° downward relative to a horizontal imaginary plane through the hinge axis 26, e.g. preferably a downward angle, e.g. as here a downward angle of about -20°. As explained this enhances the grip on the refuse to be compacted and enhances the efficiency of the compaction process as the compaction force is generally in downward direction.

As is depicted here in the first and second positions the then upward facing faces of the first and second compaction members have a relative angle between 0° and 30 °, here substantially 0° so that a single planar chute surface is created by the joint faces. As depicted here it is envisaged that in the first and second positions the joint upward faces of the compaction members 20, 25 form a rather steep chute surface for refuse towards the respective side of the outlet of the duct, thereby avoiding refuse from becoming stuck and/or retarded when dropping through the duct. The latter enhances the distribution with the container. For example an imaginary plane from an upper edge of the adjacent head wall through the pivot axis 21 has an angle relative to an imaginary vertical plane above and parallel to the pivot axis between 25° and 45° and the joint faces generally extend between said axis 21 and the upper edge. As depicted here it is envisaged that in the first and second positions the free end of the then upward facing face of the second compaction member 25 is - seen in vertical projection - located below an upper edge of the adjacent head wall 17, 18. This avoids refuse from becoming stuck and/or retarded at said upper edge when dropping through the duct 14. As depicted here it is envisaged that, in an embodiment, the drive assembly comprises a linkage arm 40. Here it is shown that two arms 40 are provided, each along a respective side wall 15, 16 of the duct 14.

Each arm 40 is at one end thereof pivoted in a plane transverse to the horizontal pivot axis 21 relative to the frame at an inner pivot point 41 that is offset from the horizontal pivot axis 21 and at another end thereof pivoted to the second compaction member 25 at an outer pivot point 42 that is offset from the hinge axis 26. This linkage arm 40 is designed to cause the relative motion of the member 25 relative to the member 20, thereby allowing for a simple pivoting actuation of one of the members 20, 25 by means of one or more drive motors. It will be appreciated that many other mechanical linkages or kinematic mechanisms can be devised to cause the described relative motion of member 25 relative to member 20 without the need for provision of a drive motor between the two members 20, 25 to cause said relative motion. For example a mechanism with a gear transmission, e.g. with a pinion travelling over a rack, or with a belt or chain transmission can be envisaged. Or a mechanism involving one or more cables, e.g. steel cables. On the other hand it will also be possible to arrange a motor between the members 20, 25 in order to effect the described relative motion, and thereby dispense with a non-motorized kinematic linkage.

As depicted here, it is envisaged that the drive assembly comprises a pair of hydraulic cylinders 51 , 52 arranged along and to the outside of each side wall 15, 16 of the duct 14. Each pair of hydraulic cylinders 51 , 52 is jointly connected to the compactor assembly via a common connection member 53 that extends through a slot 54 in the side wall.

The hydraulic cylinders 51 , 52 of each pair extend from the common connection member 53 in generally opposed directions to spaced apart connectors 55, 56 for the cylinders to connect to the frame 12.

It is depicted here that the common connection member 53 is connected to a shaft that coincides with the hinge axis between the first and second compaction members.

It will be appreciated that if desired the refuse distribution and compactor assembly can be halted in an intermediate position, e.g. in the central position depicted in figures 6A, B, in order to achieve a blocking of the duct, e.g. to avoid further filling with refuse. As depicted it is envisaged that the device comprises at each of the left-hand and right-hand side A, B of the outlet one or more mobile, e.g. pivotal, refuse retention members 60, 61 , 62, 63, 64, 65, which are adapted to move between a retracted clearance position (see e.g. members 60, 61 in figures 4A, B) wherein refuse compacted by the compactor assembly is allowed to pass unhindered by said retention members and a retention position (see e.g. member 60, 61 in figures 5A, B) wherein said retention members retains compacted refuse as it strives to expand and enter the device via the inlet. For example the retention members may be spring biased to the retention position, but this is not required as expanding refuse will move the retention members to said retention position. For example one retention member 60, 61 , 64, 65 is arranged along each side wall near the left-hand and right-hand side of the outlet and a retention member 63, 66 along a lower edge of the head wall.

As schematically depicted in figure 3 it is envisaged that the top loading device 10, e.g. on the frame 12 thereof, further comprises a hydraulic pump unit 70 with a pump 71 , an electric motor 72 and hydraulic fluid reservoir 73 as well as, if required, one or more valves. This unit 70 is suitably connected to the one or more hydraulic cylinders 51 , 52 of the drive assembly.

As schematically depicted in figure 3 it is envisaged that the top loading device 10, e.g. on the frame 12 thereof, further comprises an electronic control unit 80, e.g. connected to the hydraulic pump unit and/or to the introduction device, and/or a refuse sensor arrangement 90, to control operation of the drive assembly. For example, the control unit 80 is adapted to control the at least one drive motor, here unit 70, wherein the control unit is programmed, e.g. based on a PLC controller, to move the compactor assembly as outlined herein. In an embodiment the control unit 80 is linked to or contains a communication device, e.g. allowing to communicate to a central operating system the status of the device 10, the fill level of the container 1 , etc.

In an embodiment the sensor arrangement 90 is adapted to detect whether, at the side of the outlet via which refuse is actually deposited in the collection container, refuse is within range of the compactor assembly as the container has become filled so that refuse is stacked up to said location. The sensor 90 can perform said detection at each side of the outlet. For example the sensor 90 detects whether refuse is present between the sensor 90 and an opposed wall of the collection container. For example the sensing by sensor arrangement 90 can be triggered and timed in relation to a depositing of refuse in the collection container, which may be detected or signalled via device 7.

In an embodiment the control unit 80 is embodied to maintain the compactor assembly in its first position until the sensor 90 detects the continued presence, e.g. for a few seconds, of refuse within range of the compactor assembly at the right-hand side of the outlet, and when refuse is detected, move the compactor assembly into the second position thereby compacting the refuse and then maintain said second position until the sensor detects the continued presence of refuse within range of the compactor assembly at the left-hand side of the outlet, after which the control unit causes the compactor assembly to move the compactor assembly to the first position, thereby compacting the refuse within the collection container.

As is known in the art the device 10 may be provided with a sensor or control unit that senses or determines the force or power required for compaction, e.g. based on sensing power consumption of an electric motor and/or hydraulic pressure. This data may e.g. be used to determine to what degree the container 1 is filled and/or to determine that no more refuse may be introduced and emptying or replacement of the container 1 is required.

As schematically depicted in figure 2 it is envisaged that the top loading device 10, e.g. on the frame 12 thereof, further comprises one or more batteries 85, e.g. a main battery and one or more back-up batteries, for storage of electricity to power the drive assembly, e.g. the hydraulic pump unit 70 and/or of the control unit 80. Such storage is e.g. of relevance if the collection system is equipped with one or more solar panels to be autonomous and not connected to the electricity grid. One can also envisage such storage in case there is a connection to the grid or e.g. to a street light electricity supply.

In an embodiment wherein the container 1 is a subterranean container housed liftable in a pit, one can envisage transmission of electricity via an inductive coupling arrangement with one part thereof mounted in the pit and one part on the container 1 , thereby allowing to supply electricity to the top loading device 1 , e.g. to charge any battery associated with such a top loading device. This arrangement avoids the use of direct contact electrical connectors. The same inductive coupling can also be used in conjunction with known or other top loading compaction devices arranged within the top of a collection container, e.g. a subterranean collection container.

With reference to the drawings embodiments and optional features of vertical refuse collector and compactor device according to the second aspect of the invention will be described. The refuse collector and compactor device 101 comprises a housing 102 with a front face 1021 , a top face 1023 and a rear face 1024. The front face 1021 has a refuse insertion opening 1022 into which a lid 1025 with a handle 1026 is provided. An open topped bin 105 is provided in the housing 102. The compactor unit 103 comprises a frame 10301 attached to said housing 102. The frame may comprise one or more suspension elements 10301 1 , here two spaced apart parallel suspension elements, extending mainly downwards.

The compactor unit furthermore comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart upper pivot links 10302, each connected at one end to one of the suspension elements 103011 at a first pivot axis 10303. The first pivot axis 10303 is a horizontal axis near the rear face of the housing.

The compactor unit further comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart front pivot links 10304, each connected to one upper pivot link 10302 at a second pivot axis 10305 provided at the end of the upper pivot link 10302 opposite the first pivot axis 10303. The second pivot axis 10305 is parallel to the first axis 10303.

The compactor unit further comprises a rectangular or square press plate 10306 connected at a fifth axis 10312 to the pair of front pivot links 10304. The fifth axis is parallel to the first axis. The compactor unit further comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart lower pivot links 10307 parallel to the pair of upper pivot links 10302. Each lower pivot link is connected to one of the suspension elements at a third pivot axis 10308 provided below the first pivot axis 10303. The third pivot axis 10308 is parallel to the first pivot axis 10303.

The lower pivot links may have a horizontal position within the pair of upper pivot links as shown most clearly in figures 11-12.

Each lower pivot link 10307 is connected at its end opposite the third pivot axis 10308 to one of the front pivot links 10304 at a fourth axis 10309. The fourth axis 10309 is provided on the front pivot link 10304 between the second axis 10305 and the fifth axis 10312. The fourth axis 10309 is parallel to the first axis 10303.

The compactor unit 103 further comprises a pair of parallel spaced apart rear pivot links 10313, each connected at one end to one of the lower pivot links 10307 at a seventh axis 10315 provided on each of said lower pivot links 10307 between the fourth axis 10309 and the third axis 10308. The seventh axis 10315 is parallel to the first axis 10303.

Each rear pivot link 10313 is connected at its end opposite the seventh axis 10315 to the press plate at a sixth axis 10314. The sixth axis 10314 is parallel to the first axis 10303.

The compactor unit 103 further comprises a cylinder-with-piston 10310 comprising a cylinder 10310a and a piston 10310b. The cylinder 10310a is connected to the frame 10301 , while the piston 10310b is connected at an axis 103101 on the lower pivot links 10307 at a position thereof between the seventh axis 10315 and the third axis 10308. The axis 103101 is parallel to the first axis 10303.

The compactor unit 103 further comprises a motor 10311 to drive said actuator. The motor 10311 is connected to the frame 10301 and provided in front of the cylinder 10310a.

The press plate 10306 and the hinged construction, formed by the upper pivot links 10302, lower pivot links 10307, front pivot links 10304 and rear pivot links 10313, are shown in figure 9 in substantially the pressing position with the hinged construction at an extension close to the maximum extension it is adapted to attain and with the press plate 10306 substantially levelled. The upper pivot links 10302 and the lower pivot links 10307 contain recesses 10316 into which in the retracted position the pivotal connections at the fourth 10309, fifth 10312, sixth 10314 and seventh 10315 pivot axis insert. In the shown embodiment the rear pivot links 10313 have a curved shape along the longitudinal direction.

Connection rods 10317, shown in figures 9-12, interconnect the pair of parallel upper pivot links and the pair of front pivot links at the second pivot axis 10305, the pair of parallel lower pivot links and the pair of front pivot links at the fourth pivot axis 10309 and the pair of parallel lower pivot links and the pair of rear pivot links at the seventh pivot axis 10315.

With reference to figures 10-12 the vertical motion and simultaneous change of tilting angle of the press plate from the retracted to the pressing position will be described.

Figure 10 shows the compactor unit in the retracted position. The upper pivot links 10302 are tilted toward the top of the housing and the angle between upper pivot links and front pivot links is small, e.g. approximately 10 degrees. The press plate is tilted at an angle with respect to the horizontal that is substantially the same as the angle of the upper pivot links with respect to the horizontal. The piston 10310b is also retracted.

As will be apparent from figures 11 and especially 12 in the shown embodiment the distance between the fourth pivot axis 10309 and the fifth pivot axis 10312 equals the distance between the seventh 10315 and the sixth pivot 10314 axis, so that the angle of the press plate with respect to horizontal equals the angle of the upper pivot links to the horizontal.

In figure 11 a stroke of the piston 10310b of the cylinder-with-piston 10310 has moved to upper pivot links 10302, lower pivot links 10307, front pivot links 10304 and rear pivot links 10313 to a partially unfolded position in between the retracted position of figure 10 and the pressing position of figure 12.

In figure 12 the stroke of the piston 10310b of the cylinder-with-piston 10310 has moved the upper pivot links 10302, lower pivot links 10307, front pivot links 10304 and rear pivot links 10313 to its maximally unfolded position, the pressing position. The angle between the upper pivot links and the front pivot links is large, e.g. approximately 90 degrees. In this position the press plate is expected to be in contact with refuse and is expected to be pushing the refuse downwards.

In the shown embodiment the upper pivot links 10302 and the lower pivot links 10307 are substantially levelled, while the front pivot links 10304 and rear pivot links 10313 extend substantially in the vertical direction. The press plate 10306 is substantially parallel to the upper pivot links 10302 and lower pivot links 10307 and thus also substantially levelled. The piston 10310b of the cylinder-with-piston 10310 is at its maximum extension. With reference to figures 13-15 an embodiment of the passive locking system 104 will now be described.

The lid 1025 provided in the front face 1021 of the housing 102 comprises a front face 10251 at the position of the refuse insertion opening 1022 and two side faces 10252. In order to insert refuse to the device the lid 1025 is pulled or rotated outwards from the housing using the handle 1026. Refuse is then inserted, after which the lid 1025 is pushed inwards again.

The passive locking system 104 comprises a cap 1040 that partially covers in the retracted position the upper ends of the one or more upper pivot links and front pivot links at the site of the second pivot axis 10305. The cap 1040 covers the upper pivot links and front pivot links at the site of the second pivot axis at the top and sides. The cap 1040 comprises a front face 1042, into which recesses 1041 , shown in figure 15, are provided at the outer ends. The side faces 10252 of the lid 1025 can partly insert into said recesses 1041.

When the lid 1025 is closed the cap 1040 is located above the lid and is not in contact with the lid 1040 as shown in figure 13.

When the lid 1025 is opened the side faces of the lid 10252 move forward and partly insert into the recesses 1041 in the front face 1042 of the cap as shown in figure 14. The downward motion of the pressing unit requires the upper pivot links 10302 to perform a rotation that in the initial stage of this downward movement moves the upper end of the upper pivot links near the second pivot axis 10305 toward the front face 1021 of the housing 102. The cap 1040 surrounding the upper pivot links 10302 should therefore move forward together with the pivot links, e.g. by a pivotable and/or extendable connection of the cap 1040 to the frame 10301. When the lid 1025 is opened the motion of the cap 1040 in this forward direction is however prevented, as the side faces 10252 of the lid 1025 press against the front face 1042 of the cap 1040. Therefore the upper pivot links 10302 cannot perform the required rotation and the compactor unit is locked in the storage position.

When the lid is completely closed the compactor unit can start its movement from the storage to the pressing position by pushing the cap 1040 that surrounds the upper end of the upper pivot links closer toward the front face 1021 of the housing 102. When trying to open the lid after the cap 1040 has moved forward the side faces 10252 of the lid 1025 come into contact with the front face 1042 of the cap 1040, thereby preventing further outward movement of the lid 1025. In this way the cap 1040 prevents the lid 1025 from being opened when the compactor unit is not in the storage position. With reference to figures 16-18 an embodiment of the refuse collector and compactor device provided with a shield system 106 will now be described. In general the structure and operation of the device is the same as described above and will not be discussed again. As explained the shield system serves as a mechanical shield that prevents refuse from reaching the assembly of links and related pivots of the device, e.g. as someone deposits refuse into the device via the opening thereof. The shield system enhances the operational reliability of the device.

The shield system 106 comprises a front plate 1061 that is provided to the pair of spaced apart parallel front pivot links 10304, here provided to the front side of the pair of spaced apart parallel front pivot links 10304. Said front plate 1061 here interconnects the pair of front pivot links 10304.

The front plate 1061 extends laterally over a width substantially equal to the width of the press plate. The width of both the front plate 1061 and the press plate here correspond to a dimension parallel to the first pivot axis 10303. The press plate and front plate each extend along said direction parallel to the first pivot axis 10303 between a left end and a right end.

The front plate 1061 has a bottom end that is provided substantially at the height of the fifth pivot axis 10312 and extends along said one or more front pivot links 10304 to an upper end, e.g. said upper end being substantially at the height of the fourth pivot axis 10309. Said front 1061 thus extends along at least a portion of the front pivot links 10304, and possibly extends along the full length of the front pivot links 10304 between the height of the second pivot axis 10305 and the height of the fifth pivot axis 10312. The shield system 106 moreover comprises side plates 1062 provided to the left end and the right end of the press plate. Said side plates 1062 here each extend in a side plane perpendicular to the front face of the housing and perpendicular to the top face of the housing. Moreover, the front plate 1061 is joined to front side shield plates 1063 which are provided to the left end and the right end of the front plate. Similarly to the press plate side plates 1062 said front side shield plates 1063 here each extend in a side plane perpendicular to the front face of the housing and perpendicular to the top face of the housing.

The front side shield plates 1063 are here provided at the extreme left and right end of said front plate 1061 , while the press plate side plates 1062, while also provided substantially at the left and right end of said press plate 10306, are provided slightly inwards with respect to the front side shield plates 1063, so that front side shield plate 1063 and press plate side plate 1062 are slightly offset, thereby allowing these adjacent press plate side plates 1062 and front side shield plates 1063 to overlap when viewed from the side. Said overlap avoids a gap between said shielding plates from arising in the retracted position, in the pressing position or in any position intermediate these position.

In the embodiment of figures 16-18 the fifth pivot axis 10312 is provided at the edge of the press plate 10306 that is closest to the front face of the housing. In such an embodiment the shield system 106 may also comprise a bottom plate 1064 that serves to avoid the occurrence of a gap between the front plate 1061 and the press plate 10306. Said bottom plate 1064 is provided to said one or more front pivot links 10304 at a bottom end thereof and extends along the lower end of the front pivot links 10304 from the front thereof substantially to the fifth pivot axis 10312. In this way the bottom plate 1064 adjoins with its front end to the lower end of the front plate 1061 and adjoins with its rear end to the front edge of the press plate 10306.

The front plate 1061 and bottom plate 1064, optionally also the front plate side plates 1063, may be joined to form an integral structure.

In the embodiment of figures 16-18 the press plate 10306 comprises a rearmost section of which the tilt is, as in previous embodiments, equal to the tilt of the upper pivot links 10302. The press plate 10306 moreover comprises a section forward of said rearmost section with a slightly more downward orientation, followed by a section having a more upward orientation. Said sections allow for a more compact collector and compactor device in the retracted position. The overall tilt of the press plate 10306 in the embodiment of figures 16-18 is however still substantially equal to the tilt of the upper pivot links 10302.

The second aspect of the invention can be summarized according to one or more of the following clauses:

1. A refuse collector and compactor device comprising: - a housing to hold an exchangeable open topped bin, said housing having a front face with a refuse insertion opening, a rear face and a top face,

- a compactor unit comprising:

- a frame attached to said housing,

- one or more upper pivot links, said one or more upper pivot links at one end connected to the frame at first pivot axis, said first pivot axis being a horizontal axis near the rear face of the housing,

- one or more front pivot links, said one or more front pivot links connected at a second pivot axis to said one or more upper pivot links, said second pivot axis being at the end of the upper pivot link opposite the first pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis,

- a press element connected to said one or more front pivot links at the ends thereof opposite the second pivot axis,

- one or more lower pivot links, substantially parallel to the one or more upper pivot links, said one or more lower pivot links at one end connected to the frame at a third pivot axis, said third pivot axis being below the first pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis, said one or more lower pivot links connected to the one or more front pivot links at a fourth pivot axis, said fourth pivot axis being at the end of the lower pivot link opposite the first pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis,

- an actuator adapted to impart to the press element a vertical motion from an upper retracted position, in which the upper pivot links tilt toward the top of the housing, to a lower pressing position and vice versa for compacting refuse,

- a motor to drive said actuator,

characterized in that

- the press element is a press plate connected to the front pivot links at a fifth pivot axis, said fifth pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis,

- the compactor unit further comprises one or more rear pivot links, substantially parallel to the front pivot links, said one or more rear pivot links connected at one end to said press plate at a sixth pivot axis, said sixth pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis and offset toward the rear face of the housing with respect to the fifth pivot axis, said one or more rear pivot links connected at a seventh pivot axis to said one or more lower pivot links or to said one or more upper pivot links, said seventh axis being at the end of the rear pivot link opposite the sixth pivot axis and parallel to the first pivot axis, said one or more rear pivot links adapted to impart to the press plate a motion from a tilted orientation in the upper retracted position, with the edge of the press plate closest to the front face of the housing elevated with respect to the edge near the rear face of the housing, to a substantially levelled orientation in the lower pressing position. 2. A refuse compactor device according to clause 1 , wherein said one or more rear pivot links is connected at a seventh pivot axis to said one or more lower pivot links and the distance between the fourth pivot axis and the fifth pivot axis equals the distance between the seventh and the sixth pivot axis, so that the tilt of the press plate is substantially equal to the tilt of the upper pivot links.

3. A refuse collector and compactor device according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the lower pivot links have a horizontal position in between a pair of parallel spaced apart upper pivot links.

4. A refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein said one or more rear pivot links is connected at a seventh pivot axis to said one or more lower pivot links and said lower pivot links comprise one or more recesses into which in the upper retracted position the fifth and sixth pivot axis insert and/or wherein said upper pivot links comprise one or more recesses into which in the retracted position the fourth and seventh pivot axis insert.

5. A refuse collector and compactor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one, e.g. all, of the upper pivot links, front pivot links, lower pivot links and rear pivot links is a pair of spaced apart parallel pivot links.

6. A refuse collector and compactor according to clause 5, wherein the upper pivot links, front pivot links, lower pivot links and rear pivot links are a pair of spaced apart parallel pivot links and one or more of the pairs of upper pivot links, lower pivot links, front pivot links and rear pivot links are interconnected by connection means, e.g. connection rods, preferably placed at the second pivot axis, the fourth pivot axis and/or the seventh pivot axis.

7. A refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein said press plate has a press plate width in a direction parallel to the first pivot axis between a left end and a right end of said press plate and wherein said refuse collector and compactor device further comprises a shield system comprising a front plate, wherein said front plate is provided to said one or more front pivot links, e.g. provided to said one or more front pivot links at the front side thereof, wherein the front plate has a front plate width in a direction substantially parallel to the first pivot axis between a left end and a right end of said front plate that is preferably substantially equal to the press plate width, wherein said front plate has a bottom end substantially at the height of the fifth pivot axis and extends along said one or more front pivot links to an upper end, e.g. said upper end being substantially at the height of the fourth pivot axis.

8. A refuse collector and compactor according to clause 7, wherein the shield system further comprises two press plate side plates provided to the press plate at respectively the left and right side thereof, each press plate side plate preferably extending in a side plane perpendicular to the front face of the housing and perpendicular to the top face of the housing, and wherein the shield system further comprises two front side shield plates joined to the front plate at or near respectively the left and right end thereof, each front side shield plate preferably extending in a side plane perpendicular to the front face and perpendicular to the top face of the housing.

9. A refuse collector and compactor according to clause 7 or 8, wherein said fifth pivot axis is provided substantially at the front edge of the press plate and wherein the shield system further comprises a bottom plate, said bottom plate provided to said one or more front pivot links at a bottom end thereof and extending along the lower end of the front pivot links from the front thereof substantially to the fifth pivot axis, so that said bottom plate adjoins with its front end to the lower end of the front plate and adjoins with its rear end to the front edge of the press plate.

10. A refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the frame is connected to the top face of the housing.

1 1. A refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the actuator is a linear actuator, preferably a cylinder-with-piston, at one end connected to the frame and at the other end connected to one or more of the pivot links or directly to the press plate, preferably to the one or more lower pivot links.

12. A refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the motor is placed adjacent to the linear actuator and toward the front face of the housing.

13. A refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clauses further comprising a lid provided in the refuse insertion opening and a passive locking system that prevents opening of the lid when the compactor unit is not in the retracted position.

14. A refuse collector and compactor device according to clause 13, wherein said passive locking system also prevents motion of the compactor unit when the lid is opened.

15. A refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing has a door, e.g. in the front face, to allow an exchangeable open topped wheeled bin to be driven into the housing.

16. A refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the press plate attains a tilted orientation in the retracted position with an angle upwards with respect to horizontal of between 10 and 80 degrees, preferably between 30 and 60 degrees.

17. A refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clause, wherein the press plate attains a substantially levelled orientation in the pressing position with a tilt upwards or downwards with respect to horizontal of between 0 and 30 degrees.

18. In combination a refuse collector and compactor device according to any of the preceding clauses and an exchangeable bin, e.g. arranged within the housing.