Locking device for waste container end gate comprises elbowed rod, able to rotate from top locking position to bottom unlocked position, fixed to horizontal shaft and held by two casings

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LOCKING DEVICE FOR CONTAINER TAILGATE (S)

The field of the invention is that of storage containers for various materials, goods or waste.

More particularly, the invention relates to waste containers of the metallic type, mobile by means of rollers, the emptying of which is carried out by means of a collection dump truck by means of a lifting system integral with said truck.

More precisely still, the invention relates to a device for locking one or more tailgates of said container, intended to block access to the latter.

Container tailgate locking devices are already known. These locking devices can be classified into two categories:

devices that can be operated manually, and devices that can be operated automatically, in particular when the container is emptied by a collection tipper.

As regards the manually operable locking devices, mention may be made, by way of illustration, of document US Pat. No. 5,029,724. This document describes a locking mechanism for a container (1), comprising a bent rod in the shape of an inverted U (12, 22), attached to the side flanks (10) of the container (1), by means of a horizontal axis ( 14) allowing the bent U-shaped rod to pivot from a high position in which it condemns the opening of the ratchet (2) of the container (1), to a lower position in which the rag is free. This mechanism also has a U-shaped bent rod fixing system in the high position to prevent it from pivoting. This fixing system comprises a tab (16) fixed to a lateral side of the container, to which a chain (15) is attached by means of a padlock (20).

Such a mechanism has several drawbacks. The first is that the system for fixing the U-shaped rod by means of pins is very fragile. Indeed, the axes can be easily twisted if they are subjected to too great stresses. A second drawback is that it is necessary to fix the rod by means of the chain and the padlock to keep it in the high position. Finally, a last drawback is due to the fact that, when the container has two juxtaposed tailgates, it is possible to open the tailgate disposed on the side opposite to the fixing system, by pulling on the bucket in order to make it twist. This does not make it possible to ensure perfect inviolability of the container.

Another manually operable locking device is described in document GB 2 242 674. This device consists of an angle (42), arranged transversely on the front face (12) of the container (10), and mounted to pivot with respect to a horizontal axis (49) from a high position in which the angle block blocks the opening of one or two tailgates (21, 22) of the container to a low position in which the tailgate (s) is (are) ) free. This device further comprises a tab (50) arranged perpendicularly relative to the front face (12) of the container (10), this tab comprising a recess (51) in its center in order to allow the installation of a padlock. The angle iron (42) has a buttonhole (52) so as to allow the passage of the tab when it is maneuvered in the high position. The installation of the padlock at the level of the bracket prevents the angle from pivoting by locking it in position and therefore prevents the opening of the tailgate.

Like the device described above, this device has a major drawback, which is that it keeps it in the high position of the angle iron, and therefore the locking of the tailgate, can only be done using a padlock. This characteristic represents a tedious constraint for the user who is obliged to handle the padlock or any equivalent means employed instead, each time he wishes to have access to the dumpster.

The second type of container tailgate locking devices relates to those which can be operated both manually and automatically, in particular by gravity, when the container is emptied by a dump truck.

A first locking device is described in document US-A-5,599,050. This device maneuverable by gravity comprises a bent rod (14), which is positioned above one or more tailgates (16) of the container. This rod is secured by these ends (15) to an axis (20) which passes through a box (18), inside which is the mechanism which controls the rotation of the axis (20). The box (18) can be positioned in the center of the front face of the container, so that it alone supports the axis. According to a variant, the box (18) is placed on an edge of the front face of the container so that it supports the axis at one end, the other end of the axis being supported by a tab (23 ), attached to the front of the container. The bent rod (14) is manoeuvrable in rotation by means of the axis (20), from a high position in which it is condemned to open the tailgate, to a low position in which the tailgate is free. Inside the box (18) is a pendulum mechanism aimed at blocking the rotation of the axis. This mechanism consists of a bar (22) integral with the axis (20). In the locking position of the container, this bar (22) is blocked by a stop (24) mounted in rotation about an axis 26. The blocking of the bar (22) prevents any rotation of the axis (20) and therefore any pivoting of the rod (14). When the container is picked up by a dump truck, it is lifted and tilted to allow emptying. This inclination causes a pendular movement of the stop (24), which bears against the brake (30), causing the release of the bar (22) and therefore that of the axis (20). The rod (14) can then pivot towards the lower position to release the tailgate (16) and allow the container to be emptied. To allow access to the container, this device can also be operated manually. To this end, it has a lever (36) which can be operated in rotation around an axis (32) which extends outside the box (18). At the other end of the axis (32), is fixed a pusher (34), so that the pivoting of the lever (36) causes the pivoting of the pusher (34). The pusher (34) then comes to bear against the stop (24) and exerts on the latter a pressure making it possible to induce its pendular movement, causing the release of the bar (22).

A major drawback of this device is that the mechanism for controlling the rotation of the axis consists of parts which are subjected to numerous pressures. It follows that this mechanism will exhibit premature wear, ultimately causing the device to malfunction. Yet another drawback is due to the complexity of this mechanism, which generates a significant additional cost.

Another container locking device is described in US-A5,118,000. This device can be unlocked automatically when the container is lifted by a dump truck for emptying. This device comprises a bent rod (8) which is positioned above the tailgate (4) of the container (2). This rod pivots from a high position in which it blocks the opening of the tailgate to a low position, in which the tailgate is free, by means of arms (10) to which it is connected, the end of these arms being movable in rotation in a sleeve (12). This device further comprises a leg (30), bent at its upper end, disposed vertically along the lateral edge of the front face of the container and resting on the ground. This leg is movable in vertical translation inside the sleeves (26, 36). At the upper end of the leg, is fixed an arm 24, movable in rotation about an axis (20). This arm is integral with an arm (14) fixed to the rod 8 by means of a padlock (16). When lifting the container, the leg (30) performs a downward vertical translational movement. By this translational movement, the leg pulls on the rod (8) to which it is integral by means of the two arms (14) and (24). The rod pivots and releases the tailgate which can then be opened to allow emptying of the container. To allow opening of the tailgate, when the body is resting on the ground, the padlock (16) should be removed in order to separate the arms (14) and (24).

The first drawback of such a device is a certain fragility. Indeed, the linkage system allowing the unlocking of the tailgate is subjected to significant constraints when lifting the container. The fragility of this system means that it will deteriorate very quickly. Another drawback lies in the fact that the tailgate can only be locked by means of a padlock, which makes its use restrictive.

It emerges from this review of the prior art that the hatchback container market is still waiting for a tailgate locking device, which has on the one hand a certain inviolability, in order to prevent access to the container. to unauthorized persons, whether this container has one or two juxtaposed tailgates; on the other hand, which can make it possible to keep the tailgate (s) in the closed position without however requiring a device of the padlock type; then which must present guarantees of reliability and resistance to wear over time, with regard to the locking mechanism and finally the cost of manufacture and especially installation on existing containers is as low as possible .

One of the essential objectives of the present invention is therefore to provide a device for locking the tailgate of a metal container, which satisfies the specifications set out in the preceding paragraph, taken alone or in combination with one another.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a container locking device which can be easily fitted onto existing containers.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a locking device which is easily manipulated by everyone.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a locking device which keeps one or two container tailgates closed, when this container is maneuvered by a dump truck to perform its emptying by opening one or two other tailgates.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a locking device the operation of which can be blocked by means of a key device of the lock type or any equivalent means, practical and quick to use.

These objectives among others are achieved by the present invention which relates to a locking device in the closed position of at least one container tailgate mainly comprising:

- a locking member movable in rotation around a high locking position of the tailgate towards a low unlocking position, relative to an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the face of the container through which the opening of the (s) takes place tailgate (s);

- at least one retaining means of said locking member in the high position or in the low position, said device being characterized in that said locking member is made free from said retaining means by a translational movement along the axis of rotation of said locking member, from a rest position to a position allowing rotation of said locking member, prior to said rotational movement.

Advantageously, the locking member comprises an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said locking member and a rod, integral with one another.

According to a preferred variant of the locking device according to the invention, the latter further comprises a means for locking the translational movement of said locking member.

According to yet another advantageous variant, it further comprises a means for returning the locking member to the rest position.

This return means is also intended to maintain the locking member in the low position for unlocking the tailgate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining means consists of at least one housing arranged on the face of the container through which the opening of the tailgate (s) is made and traversed.

According to this same preferred embodiment, the locking means consists of a modular latch, integral with one of said housings, cooperating with a lug disposed on the axis of the locking member.

Completely advantageously, the modular latch essentially comprises:

• a body, of substantially cylindrical shape, • a stud, disposed inside said body, and • a cam, secured to the stud by means of a screw.

The pin and the cam are movable in rotation so that said cam cooperates with the lug in order to block the translational movement of the axis.

Secondly, the invention also relates to a container comprising at least one tailgate, characterized in that it is equipped with a locking device.

In any event, the invention will be better understood in the light of the detailed description which follows, by way of example, of a preferred embodiment of the device to which it relates, as well as of certain variant embodiments. This detailed description, which clearly highlights the advantages of the invention, is made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a general front view of a container comprising the locking device according to the invention, in the high locking position.

FIG. 2 represents a general front view of a container comprising the locking device according to the invention, in the low unlocking position.

FIG. 3 represents a side detail view of a locking device according to the invention.

FIG. 4 represents a front detail view of a first housing constituting the means for retaining the locking member in the high position.

FIG. 5 shows a detail view from above of the first housing constituting the means for retaining the locking member in the high position.

FIG. 6 shows a detail front view of a second housing constituting the means for retaining the locking member in the high position.

FIG. 7 is a detail view from above of the second housing constituting the means for retaining the locking member in the high position.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention described below, reference is made to a hatchback container, designated by the general reference 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, on which the designated locking device is disposed. by general reference 12. This container is preferably of the mobile waste container type, with a maximum capacity of 5000 liters, the emptying of which is carried out at the place of storage of the container by a collection bucket by means of lifting arms arranged on the collection bucket. However, this example is by no means exclusive of embodiments in which the device according to the invention would be associated with other types of container.

The mobile container 10 comprises a tank 14 with four faces, the general shape of which is that of a hopper, generally sealed in metal such as sheet steel or sheet aluminum. This tank rests on the ground on four castors with rubber tires. Two fixed casters 15a and 15b of larger diameter are arranged laterally on either side of the container. The other two rollers 16a and 16b, of smaller diameter and swivel, are arranged on the front face 17 of the container. The latter also comprises four tailgates, two of which (18a and 18b) are visible in Figures 1 and 2. These tailgates, placed two by two and back to back, are movable in rotation by means of hinges 19 in order to release the access to two loading zones by the face 17 and by the face opposite to the latter. For the sake of lightness and maneuverability, the tailgates are preferably made of plastic such as polyethylene. The container further comprises lateral gripping means 20, intended to allow it to be lifted and emptied, by means of articulated arms arranged at the rear of the collecting bucket for the waste which it contains. Finally, the container has on the face 17 and on the face opposite to the latter, a handle 22 intended to facilitate its operation.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the locking device 12 of the tailgates 18a and 18b is arranged on the front face 17. This locking device consists essentially of:

- a locking member 24 consisting of a bent rod,

- an axis 26 to which is secured said bent rod 24, substantially horizontal and parallel to the front face 17, one end of which is bent, and

- a means for retaining the bent rod, consisting of two housings 28 and 30.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the bent rod 24 is arranged in the high position, that is to say that it is placed vertically and comes to bear on the tailgates 18a and 18b, blocking the rotation of these. ci and therefore condemning access to the container. Rod 24, as shown in the preferred embodiment, is of substantially circular cross section. This rod is bent in several places and comprises a preferential gripping zone 24i intended for the manipulation of the locking device.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the rod 24 is secured to the pin 26 by these two curved ends 242. This joining is achieved by any suitable means. If the rod 24 and the shaft 26 are made of metal, they can advantageously be joined together by welding.

The axis 26 preferably has a round cross section. It passes through the cases and 30.

The rod 24 is blocked in the upper position by the housings 28 and 30, behind which it is positioned. Also, in order to release the rod 24, the user must drive the rod 24 and the axis 26 in horizontal translation, in accordance with the arrow I, from a rest position to a position in which the rod 24 is released from the housings. 28 and 30, so that the latter can perform a rotational movement by pivoting the axis 26.

The rod 24 is then found in the lower vertical position, as shown in FIG. 2, so that the tailgates 18a and 18b are made free.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the end 261 of the pin 26 has an elbow 31 and ends in a crushing 32. At this crushing 32, is provided a cavity 33. This cavity allows the fixing of. means for returning the axis 26 to the rest position, so that when the user releases the rod 24, the latter is automatically repositioned behind the housings 28 and 30, in accordance with the arrow II, shown in FIG. figure 1. This return means is preferably a spring 34, the second end of which is fixed to the housing 30.

The bent end of the axis 26 has the function of promoting the return of the rod 24 in the high position or in the low position, during its rotation. Indeed, when the rod is in the high position or in the low position, the force exerted by the spring 34 on the bent end of the axis 26 is such that it presses the latter against the wall of the container, preventing any parasitic movement. of the rod.

The housing 30 is shown in detail in Figures 4 and 5. According to this embodiment, this housing is obtained by multiple folding of a metal sheet 31 which may, for example, be made of galvanized sheet steel. As can be seen in FIG. 4, this housing has a return 30i, obtained by folding. The latter's role is to block the rotation of the rod 24 and consequently of the axis 26, when the latter is in the high position or in the low position.

According to a variant of the invention, this housing can also be obtained from, for example, a portion of profile with a generally L-shaped cross section.

The housing 30 is preferably fixed to the face 17 of the container by means of a screw 36 and a nut 37, placed inside the container. To this end, a cavity is made in the housing 30 and in the wall 17 of the container to allow the passage of the screw 36.

A variant of the invention consists in fixing the housing 30 to the face 17 of the container by any other suitable means and in particular by welding.

As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the axis 26 passes through the housing 30 right through. To this end, openings have been made in the housing 30. In order to facilitate the guiding of the axis in the housing, a guide element 38 is placed in the opening made in the vicinity of the return 30μ This guide element is in plastic material, such as Ertalon®.

The housing 30 comprises a second return 302 disposed perpendicularly to the face 17 of the container. This return has a cavity 39 for fixing the second end of the spring 34.

The housing 28 is shown in Figures 6 and 7. According to the housing 30, the housing 28 is obtained by multiple folding of a metal foil 40. The housing further comprises an upper face 41 and a lower face 42, intended for block access to the interior of the housing.

In accordance with the housing 30, the housing 28 comprises a return 281, obtained by folding, intended to block the rod 24 in the high position or in the low position, when the axis 26 is in the rest position.

According to a variant of the invention, the housing 28 can also be obtained from a section of section with a generally L-shaped cross section.

As can be seen in Figure 6, the pin 26 passes through the housing 28. To this end, cavities are made in the side walls of the housing. A guide element 43 is threaded into the cavity made in the transverse wall of the housing 28 located in the vicinity of the return 28]. The role of this guide element is identical to that placed on the housing 28 and cooperates with the latter, in order to optimize the translational and rotational movements of the axis 26.

The housing 28 is secured to the face 17 of the container by means of a bolt, comprising a screw 44 and a nut 45. To this end, a cavity is made in the housing 28 and the wall 17 of the container to allow the passage of screw 44.

A variant of the invention consists in fixing the housing 28 to the face 17 of the container by any other suitable means and in particular by welding.

The housing 28 also contains a means for blocking the translation of the axis 26. This blocking means is in the form of a modular latch. As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, this modular latch consists of a body 46, of substantially cylindrical shape, one end of which has a flange. This body is secured to the wall of the housing 28, formed by the metal sheet 40. To this end, a circular cavity has been made in the wall of the housing 28, the diameter of this cavity being substantially equivalent to the external diameter of the body 46 so that the body is threaded into the housing through this cavity until it quits. 'it bears against the wall of the housing by means of its collar. The body 46 is secured to the wall of the housing 28 by any suitable means such as screwing or welding. The end of the body opposite the flange comprises a wall with an orifice whose diameter is substantially less than the internal diameter of the body 46. A stud 48 is placed inside the body resting against this wall. This stud is of substantially cylindrical shape and has a projecting portion with a triangular cross section acting as a three-sided lock and intended to cooperate with a key. The stud 48 is secured to a cam 50 by means of a screw 52. The axis 26 carries a lug 54 of which it is integral, in particular by welding. This lug cooperates with the cam 50 movable in rotation about an axis substantially parallel to the median longitudinal axis of the body 46 and of the stud 48.

In order to unlock the pin 26 and allow its translation, the user pushes a key into the body 46 of the modular latch by its free end and plugs the latter into the lock formed by the projecting part of the pin 48.

The setting in rotation of the key then causes the setting in rotation of the pin 48 and therefore of the cam 50, causing the release of the lug 54 and therefore the release of the pin 26 which can then be moved in translation by the user to release the rod 24 from the housings 28 and 30 and thus allow the unlocking of the tailgates 18a and 18b.

The main function of such a means for blocking the translation of the axis 26 is to prevent an unauthorized person from opening the tailgates and accessing the interior of the container.

However, its function in no way is to block the rod 24 in the high or low position, a function played by the housings 28 and 30.

Thus, it is possible to envisage a variant of the locking device devoid of translational movement locking means. Such a simplified variant can be envisaged in a use in which access to the container does not need to be blocked.

Another variant consists in replacing the bent end 31 of the shaft 26 by a piece of flat metal rod, which is secured to the shaft by any suitable means and in particular by welding. In accordance with the embodiment described, this rod has a cavity intended to allow the fixing of the end of the spring 34.