HK1237301B - Disposal apparatus, disposal system and method for disposing of food leftovers - Google Patents

Description

Removal device, removal system and method for removing food waste

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a waste removal device/processing device, a waste removal system/processing system, and a method for removing food waste. These waste removal devices, waste removal systems, and methods are particularly useful in large or other kitchens where communal meals are provided, such as in restaurants, factory cafeterias, government offices, hospitals and nursing homes, schools, hotels, or other facilities where communal meals are provided. However, other areas of application are also possible. In particular, the present invention can be used in smaller communal kitchens, such as smaller restaurants.

Background Art

In many facilities used for collective dining, such as the aforementioned large kitchens, waste is generated not only when serving food but also when cleaning dishes. This waste is referred to below as "food waste." The present invention aims to remove this food waste. Food waste, which is usually in solid or liquid form, may particularly contain organic waste, but may also include other types of waste. The key requirements for its removal are, in particular, adequate hygiene, minimal labor costs for personnel, minimal overall costs, and minimal space requirements.

Various systems and methods for removing food waste are known from the prior art. The simplest variant is to collect food waste in buckets or other containers at the point of production; to transport these containers manually or automatically; to empty them into larger containers, in particular in cooling rooms; and to empty or remove the larger containers by means of a remover.

In an alternative embodiment, the food waste is deposited into a ditch at the point of generation, where it is then automatically transported with water through pipes to a central location, for example in the basement of a building. In this collection center, the food waste is usually dehydrated and then temporarily stored as a relatively dry substrate in containers, usually also in a cooling chamber, after which it is removed by a remover.

One or more workstations can be connected to the system at their loading station. In addition to dewatering, process steps for separating grease or crushing food waste can also be integrated into the process, and/or corresponding devices can be centrally located. The waste collector can, for example, incinerate, store, or feed the food waste to a biogas digester.

In another variant, food waste is deposited into a delivery station, where it is automatically vacuumed, piped to a crusher, and then temporarily stored as viscous material in a collection tank. This system generally does not require a cooling chamber, as it is usually hermetically sealed. The collection tank can be regularly emptied using a tanker, and the viscous material can be transported, for example, to a biogas digester. Multiple workstations can also be connected to the system via their delivery stations.

For example, EP 1 253 094 A1 describes a waste removal system for wet waste, particularly for use in large kitchens. Compressed air or negative pressure transports wet waste from a decentralized delivery station to a central unloading facility. A meshed receiving hopper is provided there, through which liquid flows outward to an external receiving area, where it is periodically drained. This ensures that by the time the wet waste is conveyed to further processing equipment, such as a shredder and dewatering press, the remaining wet waste has been largely dehydrated. The wet waste is then directed, for example, to a food waste silo.

Furthermore, garbage compactors for compacting garbage are known from the prior art. WO 2012/034917 A1, for example, describes a garbage compactor comprising at least one rigid conveying screw that is inclined and turns downward. The conveying screw is arranged in a funnel-shaped housing having an outlet opening at its lower end.

Furthermore, known from the prior art are crushing devices in which radially arranged chains rotate about an axis within a housing. DE 43 00 784 A1, for example, describes a method for crushing appliances to be disposed of, particularly refrigeration units and refrigerators, containing rigid foam or hard plastic, particularly for the radiation-free recovery of hydrofluorocarbons composed of polyurethane foam and other components. In this method, the rigid foam or hard plastic is crushed along with the remaining appliance components in a crushing device. This crushing takes place in a space sealed off from the surrounding environment. The crushing device operates downstream of a grinding system, where the crushing is achieved by moving the material to be crushed relative to one another. Essentially, the following method steps are performed: a) filling the crushing device with the material to be crushed; b) inertizing the interior of the crushing device; c) grinding the material to be crushed; d) evacuating the inert gas and gases formed during the grinding; and e) removing the crushed material. The crushing device can, for example, have a rotating chain.

In a similar manner, US Pat. No. 3,356,016 B describes a crushing device for scrap iron. The crushing device further comprises a rotating shredder unit and a hammer mill. The shredder unit can, for example, have a rotating chain.

DE 7539649 U1 describes a device for processing garbage, particularly for placement at locations where garbage is generated. The device comprises a receiving device for the garbage, a conveying and crushing device, and a control device. To receive the garbage, a garbage bin is arranged on a horizontal frame. The conveying device within the bin consists of at least one chain and a carrying element, which is driven by a gear on a drive shaft and a floating gear on a horizontally adjustable shaft. The crushing device consists of a fixed blade on the inside of the housing, at the output end of the chain, and a movable carrying element.

DE 295 14 167 U1 discloses a compactor for solid and pasty waste in liquid, comprising a housing with a rotating cutting element located therein, the cutting element being connected to a rotary drive. Examples of waste include food waste, food waste, and waste such as plastic parts and aluminum lids.

JP 2008-114 149 A discloses a device for removing food waste. It describes a cylindrical device in which water is added. The device includes a device for generating a circulating flow of the added water and a rotary crushing device comprising a rotating element and a fixed element. As a result, the food waste passes through the crushing device multiple times.

US 2010/0 276 526 A1 discloses a device for removing waste, comprising a crushing unit, a device for dehydrogenation, and a device for drying. The device is suitable for removing food waste. The crushing unit comprises rotating blades and a shredder with parallel rotating shafts.

However, the removal devices known from the prior art present a series of technical challenges in practice. Thus, the first of the above-mentioned variants - involving manual removal of food waste - is unhygienic and labor-intensive in practice, and requires personnel to empty and prepare the container.

Automated systems are relatively expensive and require more space. However, the space for the main components of the system can also be outside the actual working area. Disposal systems with water flushing pipes have the disadvantage that water is required for transportation and then has to be removed from the waste at the end of the process. Furthermore, such systems are relatively open, which can easily lead to the formation of odors that can spread throughout the working environment. Furthermore, the collection container usually has to be placed in a cooling room.

When transporting in pipelines by means of a vacuum, a closed system is usually required so that hygiene can be easily controlled and odors can be avoided. However, this is disadvantageous in that in practice a high expenditure on equipment and high operating costs may be required.

Furthermore, the increasing scarcity of resources, in particular the increasing staff shortage in smaller kitchens, and the limited space requirements are increasingly requiring hygienic, uncomplicated, and cost-effective disposal of organic waste. Many smaller kitchens use automatic disposal systems, but the often substantial investment required often prevents their use in smaller businesses.

Another technical challenge lies in the increasing use of high-quality biomass or substrates for energy generation. It is assumed that the use of biomass for biogas digesters and small-scale commercial operations will be economically viable in the future. Therefore, the disposal equipment must meet the requirements for the substrates used in these digesters.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a disposal device, a disposal system, and a method for disposing of food waste that at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods. In particular, a cost-effective and compact disposal device should be provided that can also be installed in relatively small installations and that allows the production of biomass for a biogas digester from food waste in a simple, low-maintenance, and cost-effective manner.

This object is achieved by a disposal device, a disposal system and a method for disposing of food waste having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments which can be realized individually or in any combination are given in the dependent claims.

The terms "with", "having", "including" or "comprising" or any variant thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner below. Accordingly, these terms may relate not only to situations in which no further features are present in addition to the features cited by these terms, but also to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expressions "A with B", "A has B", "A includes B" or "A comprises B" may relate not only to situations in which no further elements are present in A in addition to B (i.e., situations in which A consists only of B), but also to situations in which one or more further elements are present in A in addition to B, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

Furthermore, it is noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more" and their linguistic variations or similar terms are generally used only once, for example, when introducing a feature or element for the first time, in connection with one or more elements or features, and to indicate that the element or feature may be provided singly or in multiples. When the feature or element is subsequently mentioned again, the corresponding terms "at least one" or "one or more" are generally not used, without however restricting the possibility that the element or feature may be provided singly or in multiples.

Furthermore, the terms "preferably," "in particular," "for example," or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without thereby limiting the alternative embodiments. The features introduced by these terms are therefore optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims, and in particular the independent claims, by these features. Thus, the present invention—as understood by those skilled in the art—can also be implemented using other design solutions. Similarly, features introduced by the phrase "in one embodiment of the present invention" or "in an example of the present invention" are to be understood as optional features and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the alternative designs or the independent claims. Furthermore, the full range of possible combinations of the features introduced by these terms with other features should not be infringed by these introduced expressions, which may be optional or required features.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a device for removing food waste is provided. Within the scope of the present invention, food waste is generally understood to mean materials and objects that occur during the preparation or serving of food and beverages and/or that may remain as residues after the food or beverage is consumed. In particular, food waste may consist entirely of organic material or at least contain organic material. Food waste can, in principle, be in a solid or pasty form.

In principle, the disposal of food waste can be understood as any type of treatment, including storage, preparation, storage, transportation, destruction, or conversion of food waste, or a combination of these treatments. Disposal can particularly include crushing, sealing, or separating food waste. Within the scope of the present invention, as will be explained in detail below, disposal can particularly include crushing. Here, crushing within the scope of the present invention is generally understood to mean reducing the size of food waste by appropriate processing, particularly mechanical processing. Thus, for example, food waste, particularly solid food waste, can in practice have a volume of several ^cm3 , for example, more than 5 ^cm3 or more than 10 ^cm3 . Within the scope of crushing, this volume can be reduced to, for example, less than 2 ^cm3 , particularly less than 1 ^cm3 , so that, for example, after crushing, only solid particles of food waste with a maximum size of 2 ^cm3 , particularly 1 ^cm3, remain. However, other types of crushing are also conceivable in principle.

The disposal device includes at least one crusher. A crusher is understood to be, in principle, any device that is configured to crush food waste according to the above definition. The crusher can be configured in particular to crush the food waste in such a way that the solid components of the food waste have a size of no more than 2 ^cm³ , preferably no more than 1 ^cm³ , after crushing. This crushing facilitates the transport and disposal of the crushed food waste in this manner, since, for example, the crushed food waste can be discharged via a pump, hose, or pipe, in contrast to larger pieces of uncomminuted food waste.

The crushing machine comprises at least one grinding chamber and at least one collecting chamber. The grinding chamber is connected to the collecting chamber via one or more openings. The openings can be arranged, in particular, so that crushed food waste can enter the collecting chamber through the openings, for example, through notches in the grinding chamber wall. Within the scope of the present invention, a grinding chamber is generally understood to mean any space in which crushing, in particular, food waste can be crushed. Within the scope of the present invention, a collecting chamber is generally understood to mean any space in which crushed food waste can be collected and/or temporarily stored. The grinding chamber can, for example, have a volume of 1 liter to 1000 liters, in particular 10 liters to 100 liters, and particularly preferably 20 liters to 80 liters, for example 40 liters. The collecting chamber can also, for example, have a volume of 1 liter to 1000 liters, in particular 10 liters to 100 liters, and particularly preferably 20 liters to 80 liters, for example 40 liters. However, it should be noted that other dimensions are also conceivable.

At least one crushing device is arranged in the crushing chamber, and the crushing device has at least one striking tool for crushing food waste. In principle, the crushing device can be understood as any device that, as a component of a crusher, can implement the actual crushing process according to the above definition of the term "crushing". The crushing device can especially include a crushing mechanism. Here, the striking tool for crushing food waste can in principle be understood as any tool within the scope of the present invention, which can crush food waste by mechanical action, in particular by striking. As will be explained in detail below, the striking tool can especially have a plurality of striking elements, which can be put into motion, for example rotated, and which can then partially transfer its kinetic energy to the food waste when it hits the food waste and can thus crush the food waste.

In addition, at least one mixing device for generating motion in the food waste is arranged in the grinding chamber. Therefore, a mixing device can be understood in principle as any device that is arranged to cause the food waste to move and/or mix. The mixing device can be arranged in particular to generate a continuous or discontinuous flow inside the food waste, in particular inside the food waste that is completely or partially crushed. Accordingly, as will be explained in detail below, the mixing device can be arranged completely or partially as a flow device. As mentioned above, the cleaning device includes at least one beating tool and at least one mixing device. The mixing device and the beating tool are both arranged inside the grinding chamber. Particularly preferably, the beating tool and the mixing device are configured to be separated from each other so that mixing can be achieved independently of crushing. The beating tool and the mixing device can be driven, for example, by one drive device or by multiple independent drive devices. Therefore, the movement of the mixing device can be coupled to the movement of the crushing device, in particular the beating tool, directly or by acceleration or deceleration, or can also be configured completely independently of its movement.

As mentioned above, the striking tool can in particular have a plurality of striking elements, also referred to as striking links. The striking tool can in particular have at least a plurality of striking links articulated to one another. The striking tool can in particular have at least one chain.

The striking tool can in particular have a chain connected to at least one drive shaft on each side. The drive shaft can in particular include one or more transmission shafts. The chain can extend, for example, radially outward from the drive shaft during rotation. The striking tool can in particular have two chains arranged on opposite sides and connected to the drive shaft. Alternatively or additionally, the chain and/or the striking tool can also be connected to the drive shaft in another manner, preferably in such a manner that an imbalance of the striking tool is prevented by corresponding compensation of the centrifugal forces that occur.

As already mentioned, the striking tool can in particular be rotated about at least one drive axis.

The comminution device can in particular have at least one drive shaft and at least one drive device, wherein the drive device is understood in principle to be any device that is arranged to drive the drive shaft, in particular to rotate it. The drive device can in particular be arranged to rotate the drive shaft at a speed of at least 500 rpm to 2000 rpm, and particularly preferably at 1000 rpm.

The drive device can, in particular, include at least one toothed belt drive and/or at least one belt drive. Alternatively or additionally, other types of drive devices, such as gear transmissions, can also be implemented. The drive device can, in particular, include a drive pulley, in particular a belt pulley, arranged outside the grinding chamber and connectable to the drive shaft. The drive device also includes at least one drive motor arranged outside the grinding chamber, which is connected to the drive shaft, for example, via at least one transmission. For example, the drive motor can be connected to the drive shaft via at least one toothed belt drive, at least one belt transmission, and/or at least one gear transmission to drive the drive shaft.

In particular, the drive shaft can extend through the grinding chamber wall of the grinding chamber. For example, at the point where the drive shaft extends through the grinding chamber wall, such as a thin plate, which forms the grinding chamber wall at this point, at least one indentation can be provided. This indentation can be sealed, for example, by at least one seal.

As described above, the crushing device and the mixing device can be driven, in particular, by a common drive device, for example, a common drive device having the at least one drive motor located outside the grinding chamber. The drive can be implemented in such a way that the movement of the crushing device is coupled to the movement of the mixing device and/or vice versa. The drive device can be implemented using the same transmission ratio or can also be implemented using a reduction or acceleration. Furthermore, the drive can be implemented in the same direction or in opposite directions. The striking tool and the mixing device can, for example, be arranged axially spaced apart from each other on a drive shaft driven, for example, by the drive device.

As described above, the mixing device is particularly configured to generate at least one primary flow in the food waste. The mixing device may particularly include at least one impeller, preferably at least two or at least three impellers. Thus, the mixing device may, for example, include at least one impeller. The impellers may particularly be rotatably arranged around a drive shaft, such as the aforementioned drive shaft.

In particular, the mixing device can be configured to generate motion in the food waste in the area of the opening, so that the crushed food waste is guided toward the opening by the motion and, for example, can pass through the opening into the collection chamber. This can always generate motion, for example, in such a way that, after the crushing, the completely or partially crushed food waste enters the area of the opening, i.e., for example, in the area from which the crushed food waste can pass through the opening. Furthermore, the mixing device can also be configured to generate a force and/or suction within the food waste, so that the crushed food waste is guided toward the opening by this force and/or suction.

The grinding chamber can be divided into one or more sub-chambers. Thus, for example, the grinding chamber can be divided into at least one charging chamber and at least one fine material chamber. The charging chamber can, in principle, be used to accommodate uncomminuted food waste, such that, for example, uncomminuted food waste can pass directly or indirectly into the charging chamber. The fine material chamber can, for example, be arranged to accommodate fully or partially crushed food waste. Thus, the division of the grinding chamber into at least one charging chamber and at least one fine material chamber can be achieved, for example, in such a way that uncomminuted food waste, for example, food waste above a maximum size or an equivalent size, cannot pass from the charging chamber into the fine material chamber. For this purpose, for example, one or more partitions can be provided, each having one or more correspondingly sized openings that at least minimize the passage of large, uncomminuted pieces of food waste into the fine material chamber. The at least one opening, and in particular a plurality of openings, connecting the grinding chamber to the collecting chamber can be arranged in the region of the fine material chamber, such that crushed food waste in the grinding chamber at least partially passes from the fine material chamber into the collecting chamber. However, one or more openings can also be arranged completely or partially in the region of the charging chamber, since small pieces or crushed food waste can already be present in the charging chamber, which can also pass directly from the charging chamber into the collecting chamber.

The above-mentioned crushing device, in particular the above-mentioned beating tool for crushing food waste, can be arranged in particular completely or partially in the charging chamber, so that the crushing is achieved completely or partially inside the charging chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the crushing device can also be arranged completely or partially between the charging chamber and the fine material chamber.

The mixing device is preferably arranged completely or partially in the fine material chamber. In this way, the aforementioned mixing and/or the creation of movement in the food waste can be achieved completely or partially in the fine material chamber. Thus, a flow can be generated in the fine material chamber, for example, along at least one opening, using the mixing device. However, the mixing device can also be arranged completely, partially, or additionally within the charging chamber.

As mentioned above, the crushing machine may include at least one partitioning device, which is configured to separate the charging chamber and the fine material chamber from each other. Thus, the partitioning device can, for example, be configured to allow only food waste of a predetermined maximum size, such as a predetermined maximum diameter or an equivalent diameter, to pass through, thereby allowing only food waste of this predetermined maximum size to pass from the charging chamber into the fine material chamber. The partitioning device can, in particular, include at least one partitioning disk and/or at least one screen, hereinafter also referred to as a partitioning screen. A partitioning disk in this context can be understood as a disk that, together with at least one other element, such as a wall of the grinding chamber, forms at least one gap and/or intermediate chamber, the width of which, for example, limits the passage of crushed food waste. The width of the gap, such as an annular gap, formed between the partitioning disk and the wall of the grinding chamber (also referred to as the grinding chamber wall) can, for example, define the maximum size of food waste that can pass from the charging chamber into the fine material chamber. The partitioning disk can be stationary or movable, such as rotatable. However, other partitioning devices are generally also possible. The separating device can, in particular, comprise at least one separating disk according to the above definition, arranged between the beating tool and the mixing device. The beating tool, the mixing device, and the separating device can, for example, be arranged on a common drive shaft. The separating device, in particular the separating disk, can, for example, be arranged between the beating tool and the mixing device, such as an impeller.

As mentioned above, the charging chamber is arranged in such a way that the uncomminuted food waste can enter the charging chamber directly or indirectly. The charging chamber can, for example, have at least one charging opening through which the charging chamber can be filled with the uncomminuted food waste.

The fine material chamber can be arranged relative to the charging chamber in such a manner that the crushed food waste can move from the charging chamber into the fine material chamber due to its gravity. In particular, the crushed food waste can slide from the charging chamber into the fine material chamber due to its gravity, for example, through the aforementioned partitioning device. Thus, the fine material chamber can be arranged, for example, at least partially below the charging chamber. The grinding chamber can in particular have an axis, for example, an axis of symmetry, in particular a cylindrical axis, wherein the axis is inclined at an angle relative to the horizontal. This inclination can, for example, range from 5° to 70°, in particular from 10° to 45°. The grinding chamber can in particular have a circular, polygonal, or elliptical cross-section. The grinding chamber can in particular have a cylindrical or barrel-shaped shape. As described above, the grinding chamber can in particular have the shape of an inclined cylinder or cylindrical cross-section, or an inclined barrel-shaped shape, wherein the inclination is preferably configured in such a manner that the crushed food waste can sink and/or slide from the charging chamber into the fine material chamber due to its gravity. For this purpose, for example, at least one inclined sliding surface can be provided in the grinding chamber.

The bottom of the grinding chamber can be inclined, for example, at an angle relative to the horizontal, in particular at an angle of 5° to 70°, preferably at an angle of 10° to 45°. The inclination of the bottom relative to the horizontal ensures that the crushed food waste can slide from the charging chamber into the fine material chamber. Alternatively or additionally, for example, multiple inclinations can be implemented, such that the bottom of the grinding chamber can be designed completely or partially as a funnel and/or a slide.

As described above, the grinding chamber has one or more openings, through which the grinding chamber is connected to the collection chamber. Thus, the grinding chamber can, for example, have at least one grinding chamber wall, wherein one or more openings are arranged in the grinding chamber wall, allowing the crushed food waste to pass from the grinding chamber into the collection chamber. The openings can, in particular, form a screen. The grinding chamber wall can, in particular, be made entirely or partially of a metal material, such as sheet steel. Alternatively or additionally, other materials, such as plastics, can also be used.

Other possible configurations relate in particular to the at least one opening, i.e., one or more openings, through which the grinding chamber is connected to the collecting chamber. The one or more openings can, in particular, form at least one screen. The one or more openings can, in particular, have a diameter of 1 mm to 30 mm or an equivalent diameter, preferably a diameter of 3 mm to 15 mm or an equivalent diameter. In principle, other dimensions are also conceivable. The one or more openings can, in particular, have a circular cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more openings can also have other cross-sections, for example, polygonal and/or elliptical cross-sections.

At least one grinding chamber may, in particular, have at least one door for performing maintenance work. A door is generally understood here to mean at least one closable opening. The door may, for example, have at least one closure device selected from a flap, a removable cover, a slide, a cover, or other types of closure devices. At least one door may, in particular, have at least one seal, such as a circumferential rubber seal. The seal may, for example, prevent liquid food waste from escaping the grinding chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the seal may also be arranged to prevent gases and/or odors from escaping the grinding chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the collecting chamber may also have at least one door for performing maintenance work. For the definition of the term "door" and/or possible door designs, please refer to the description of the grinding chamber door. In particular, the door may also have at least one seal. The grinding chamber door and the collecting chamber door may be designed as separate doors or as a common door. For example, a common door may be provided that can be opened together to perform maintenance work in the grinding chamber and/or the collecting chamber.

The collection chamber may, in particular, have at least one opening for manual emptying. The at least one opening for manual emptying may, for example, be provided on the bottom of the collection chamber. The at least one opening may, for example, be closed by at least one closure member, such as at least one screw closure member. Other types of closure members may also be used.

Furthermore, the removal device may include at least one pump for pumping the crushed food waste out of the collection chamber. For example, at least one opening and/or at least one sleeve connected to or connectable to the pump may be provided in the collection chamber. The at least one pump for pumping the crushed food waste out of the collection chamber may, for example, be a component of the removal device.

The removal device may also include at least one filling level sensor for detecting at least one filling level of the crushed food waste in the collection chamber. In principle, at least one filling level sensor can be used, which can detect the filling level of the crushed food waste in the collection chamber based on one or more physical measurement principles. However, the filling level sensor may particularly include at least one float switch. The float switch may, for example, float on the food waste and be lifted along with it. The filling level sensor may typically be a digital filling level sensor or may also be configured to detect multiple filling levels in a stepless or multi-stage manner.

The removal device may also have at least one control device configured to fully or partially control the removal device. The control device may, in particular, be configured to control at least the crusher of the removal device. Alternatively or additionally, the control device may also be configured to, for example, control the aforementioned pump to pump the crushed food waste out of the collection chamber.

Thus, the control device may, for example, include at least one electronic control device and/or at least one data processing device configured to control one or more functions of the cleaning device. In principle, the term "control device" herein refers to any device configured to control one or more other devices of the cleaning device. The control device may, for example, include at least one data processing device configured to execute one or more program execution processes and/or configured to monitor one or more processes of the cleaning device. The control device may also include at least one user interface configured to allow a user to input information and/or commands and/or configured to output one or more information to the user. The user interface may, for example, include at least one operating element, such as an operating panel and/or a keyboard. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface may include at least one display. The control device may also include at least one electronic interface, such as at least one wired and/or at least one wireless interface. Information, data, and/or commands can be transmitted to the control device and/or from the control device to another device, such as another computer, via the at least one electronic interface.

In addition to controlling the at least one compactor, the control device may also be configured to control and/or monitor one or more further elements of the removal device. For example, at least one level sensor may transmit sensor data to the control device, for example wirelessly and/or via a wired connection. The control device may typically be configured to monitor the level in the collection chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the control device can, for example, again be arranged to control and/or monitor the pumping out of the mashed food waste from the collecting chamber.

If the control device is configured, for example, to monitor the fill level in the collection chamber, this monitoring may include, for example, issuing corresponding information and/or warnings to a user of the removal device. For example, the current fill level may be communicated to the user via at least one display and/or at least one other type of display device. Alternatively or additionally, one or more warning signals may be issued, for example, when the fill level exceeds a predetermined maximum fill level.

Other possible designs relate to the design of the collection chamber of the removal device. Thus, the bottom of the collection chamber can, for example, be inclined toward the collection point and/or collection area. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom can also fully or partially form a funnel. The collection point or collection area in the bottom of the collection chamber can also be, for example, a point from which the food waste can be drawn off, for example, by means of at least one of the aforementioned pumps for pumping the crushed food waste out of the collection chamber. Alternatively or additionally, at least one opening for manual emptying can be arranged at this collection point or collection area.

In particular, the collecting chamber can at least partially surround the grinding chamber. Thus, the cleaning device can, for example, include a housing that forms a grinding chamber and a collecting chamber, wherein the collecting chamber at least partially surrounds the grinding chamber. The collecting chamber can, for example, annularly surround the grinding chamber, so that an intermediate chamber is provided in the housing between the grinding chamber and the housing wall, which intermediate chamber forms the collecting chamber. However, other designs are generally possible.

In general, the crusher can be arranged inside the housing of the cleaning device, in particular the outer housing. Thus, the crusher can have a crusher housing that encloses a grinding chamber and a collecting chamber and is in turn arranged inside the outer housing of the cleaning device. The housing or outer housing can, for example, have at least one inlet for inserting food waste, wherein the inlet can be connected to the grinding chamber. The inlet can, for example, include at least one feed hopper. The inlet can, for example, be connected to the grinding chamber via at least one channel and/or at least one pipe system. The inlet can, in particular, be arranged in a working surface of the housing, in particular in an upper working surface and particularly preferably in a flat working surface. The inlet can, for example, be arranged in a cover of the housing. The housing can also have a base frame and/or another type of support that supports the cleaning device.

As mentioned above, the cleaning device can be arranged in a particularly small construction space, so that the cleaning device can also be used in smaller kitchens. Thus, the housing can have a maximum height of 1.5 m, preferably a maximum height of 1.0 m, for example. Accordingly, the cleaning device can be designed, in particular, as a table module or sub-table module, so that the cleaning device has a maximum height of a typical work surface. However, in principle, any size of cleaning device is conceivable. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning device can be integrated into one or more larger cleaning systems, such as one or more of the cleaning systems described above in the prior art. Thus, the cleaning device can also be used, for example, as a component of the apparatus described in EP 1 253 094 A1. Other areas of application are also possible.

The housing of the cleaning device, i.e., the outer housing, can in particular have at least one door. For possible definitions of the term "door" and possible door designs, please refer to the above description. The door can in particular be designed so that the crusher can be reached by opening it. The door can in particular have at least one removable partition, such as a removable front panel. Alternatively or additionally, the door can also be a door with vertical hinges, such as a door arranged on the front side that can be opened using vertically oriented hinges. In principle, other door designs are also possible.

In another aspect of the present invention, a disposal system for food waste disposal is proposed. Within the scope of the present invention, a disposal system is understood to be an apparatus consisting of a plurality of components that are fixedly or reversibly connected to one another, and is used for food waste disposal. The components of the disposal system can be arranged spatially close to one another, for example, in the same room, but can also be arranged remote from one another, for example, at different locations and/or in different rooms.

The cleaning system comprises at least one cleaning device according to the present invention, for example according to one or more of the embodiments described above or further described below. Thus, the cleaning system may comprise one cleaning device, two cleaning devices or more than two cleaning devices.

The disposal system also includes at least one collection container connected or connectable to the disposal device for receiving the crushed food waste. The collection container may also be referred to as a waste container. Within the scope of the present invention, a collection container is generally understood to mean any container that is connected or connectable to at least one disposal device, for example, via at least one temporarily or permanently installed pipeline, and that is suitable for receiving the food waste crushed in the disposal device. The collection container may be configured, for example, in the form of a barrel and/or a box. The collection container may, for example, have at least one receiving chamber for receiving the food waste, which is completely or partially surrounded by at least one container wall. The container wall may, for example, be made completely or partially of at least one metal material and/or at least one plastic material. The collection container may also have at least one door and/or at least one closure, such as at least one lid and/or at least one sliding door. Furthermore, the collection container may, in particular, include at least one connector and/or at least one sleeve for a pipeline through which the crushed food waste can flow from at least one disposal device, particularly at least one collection chamber of at least one disposal device, into, for example, a pumped-in receiving chamber.

The collection container can be fixedly installed, for example, at a central collection location, such as in a courtyard or basement, or it can also be designed to be movable or transportable. In the latter case, the collection container can, for example, be temporarily arranged near the removal device, for example, temporarily connected to the removal device via at least one pipeline, wherein in this case, the crushed food waste is transferred from the removal device, for example, from the collection chamber of the removal device, into the collection container, for example, by a pumping process. Therefore, as described above, the removal device can, for example, include at least one pump for pumping the crushed food waste from the collection chamber of the removal device. The pump can be arranged to pump the crushed food waste from the collection chamber of the removal device into the collection container. Alternatively or additionally, at least one pump can also be included in the removal system, but this pump is not a component of the removal device, but rather is, for example, fully or partially a component of the collection container and/or is designed as a separate pump. Alternatively or additionally, the collection chamber of the removal device can also be emptied using a negative pressure device, which can, for example, be associated with the collection container. Accordingly, the disposal system may, for example, include at least one negative pressure device, i.e., a device configured to generate a negative pressure and utilize this negative pressure to transport the crushed food waste from the collection chamber of the disposal device to the collection container. The negative pressure device may, for example, be a component of the collection container or connected to the collection container. The collection container may typically be connected or connectable to at least one collection chamber of at least one disposal device, for example, via at least one pipeline. The pipeline may be permanently installed, reversibly installed, or even only temporarily installed.

The removal system can be designed in various ways and, in principle, can be flexibly adapted to various needs and circumstances. Thus, only a single removal device can be provided, which can be fixedly installed, for example, in the kitchen area and/or in the work area. Emptying the collection chamber into the collection container can be initiated at regular or irregular intervals, for example automatically based on information about the fill level in the collection chamber of the removal device provided by at least one fill level sensor, or by the user. As described above, for this purpose, the collection container can be fixedly installed and connected to the collection chamber, for example, via at least one line, or it can be temporarily connected to the collection chamber, for example, by temporarily arranging the collection container near the removal device.

Alternatively, the disposal system can also be designed as a larger disposal system having a plurality of disposal devices that are permanently or temporarily connected to one or more collection containers, for example, via a pipe system comprising one or more pipes. In this way, for example, even larger kitchens can be accommodated by the disposal system acting as a delivery station for food waste, which is crushed and subsequently transferred to at least one collection container.

The removal system may optionally include a system control device, which may be centrally or decentralized in design. The at least one optional control device of the at least one removal device may, for example, be a component of the system control device or may be configured to communicate with the system control device, for example, to exchange information and/or commands unidirectionally or bidirectionally. For possible configurations of the system control device, reference may be made in principle to the possible configurations of the optional control devices of the removal devices.

The removal device may also include at least one pump for pumping the crushed food waste out of the collection chamber. For example, at least one opening and/or at least one sleeve may be provided in the collection chamber, which is connected or connectable to the pump. The at least one pump for pumping the crushed food waste out of the collection chamber may, for example, be a component of the removal device.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for removing food waste is provided. The method includes the steps described in detail below, which can be performed, for example, in the order described. However, another order is generally possible. Furthermore, one or more of the method steps can be performed overlapping in time, simultaneously, or repeatedly.

The method comprises: filling at least one crushing machine with food waste. The crushing machine has at least one crushing chamber and at least one collecting chamber, wherein the crushing chamber is connected to the collecting chamber via one or more openings, for example via one or more screens. Filling the crushing chamber with food waste comprises: conveying the food waste into the crushing chamber. The method further comprises: crushing the food waste in the crushing chamber at least once by means of at least one striking tool. The method further comprises: generating a movement in the food waste in the crushing chamber at least once by means of at least one mixing device. In particular, the crushed food waste can be discharged continuously or discontinuously from the crushing chamber into the collecting chamber by means of the movement in the food waste generated in the crushing chamber by the mixing device.

For the definitions of possible design solutions and/or terms used within the scope of describing the method, reference can be made to the description of the cleaning device above and to the following embodiments. The method can be performed in particular when applying the cleaning device according to the present invention, for example, according to one or more of the above-described embodiments, and/or when applying one or more of the embodiments to be described in detail below. In addition, the method can be performed in particular when applying the cleaning system according to the present invention, for example, according to one or more of the above-described embodiments, and/or when applying one or more of the embodiments to be described in detail below. Accordingly, for the possible design solutions of the method, reference can be made to the description of the cleaning device and/or the cleaning system. However, in principle, other design solutions can also be considered.

The proposed disposal device and the proposed method for disposing of food waste offer numerous advantages over known disposal devices and methods. A particularly important advantage is that the construction space required for the disposal device and/or the system containing it can be kept very small. As mentioned above, the disposal device can also be used in smaller kitchens or other smaller facilities used for group meals. In particular, the disposal device can even be designed as an under-counter module. In principle, there is no need for access to a separate room, such as the actual kitchen or a basement beneath the device.

Furthermore, the disposal system can, in principle, be designed as a closed system. This makes it safer and less odor-prone in terms of hygiene. Food waste can be converted directly into a pumpable mash at the point of production, which can then be used without further processing, for example in a biogas digester.

Furthermore, only a small amount of water or other cleaning agents, or in principle no water or other cleaning agents, is required to operate the cleaning device. Therefore, such liquids do not need to be removed from the waste. Furthermore, no fresh water or waste water connections are required. Overall, the structural requirements and operating costs of the cleaning device can be significantly reduced.

Furthermore, the removal device according to the invention can be operated continuously or, alternatively, only discontinuously when there is a small accumulation of food waste.

In the cleaning device, for example in the delivery station of the cleaning device, only a small amount of components is required in principle. Thus, as mentioned above, the cleaning device can be compact, firm and functionally reliable as a whole. In addition, a small amount of components can be used to achieve a cost-effective structure.

Furthermore, all necessary components of the disposal device can be integrated into the disposal device in a space-saving manner, and the disposal device can be designed completely or partially as a delivery station. A single collection container, which can receive, for example, one or more days' worth of waste, can be located, for example, at a central location. This collection container can be connected to a collection chamber, for example, via a pipe system, wherein, for example, the aforementioned pump can be used to pump the crushed food waste from the collection chamber into the collection container or waste container.

Since individual removal devices in the form of separate delivery stations generally require little space, multiple such devices can be used, for example, in a kitchen. In principle, there is no need for the individual removal devices to be connected to one another in terms of control technology. Alternatively, however, multiple such removal devices can be connected to form a removal system.

By preparing the food waste as a comminuted and preferably pumpable material—also referred to as a substrate—smaller conduit cross-sections can also be used. Consequently, the pump and/or piping, which pumps the comminuted food waste from the collection chamber into a collection container or waste container, can be designed to be very small. For example, conduit cross-sections with a diameter of at most 75 mm or less, preferably at most 50 mm, can be used. Thus, the collection chamber can be connected, for example, to a conduit having a conduit cross-section of no more than 50 mm, e.g., according to a DN 50 mm. Small conduits can be installed virtually anywhere without any problems in terms of construction technology.

In summary, the present invention makes it possible to implement a compact and cost-effective waste disposal system. The disposal device is also suitable for smaller kitchens used for group meals. The disposal device can, in principle, be constructed in the lower part ( ) and flexibly installed at a work location, for example, in the dishwashing area and/or preparation area. The food waste can be crushed directly where it is generated and then transported to a collection tank, for example, via a hose or pipe. Thus, the collection chamber can be connected to a larger collection container, collection tank, or waste container via one or more pipes. The aforementioned pump can be configured for this transport.

The cleaning device may include the aforementioned crusher, which may include a housing and a crushing mechanism. Food waste may be conveyed to the crusher via a channel. The crushed material may be pumped out of the crusher, such as into a collection chamber, by means of a pump. Furthermore, as described above, a control device may be provided.

The actual grinding chamber can be provided in the housing of the crusher, in which the crushing mechanism can, for example, rotate. The housing of the crusher can, for example, be formed by a surrounding wall, also referred to above as the grinding chamber wall. This creates an additional space between the crushing chamber and the actual housing wall of the crusher, which can be used as a collection chamber as described above. The walls of the crushing chamber can be at least partially perforated, allowing liquid and/or particles below a certain size to pass from the crushing chamber into the intermediate chamber and/or the collection chamber. As described above, the entire crushing mechanism can be tilted rearward and installed in this manner in the crusher. In this way, the tilt of the crushing chamber ensures that the food waste is conveyed to the crushing device, in particular the crushing mechanism, particularly due to its own weight. However, the bottom of the crushing chamber can be designed to be tilted at least toward the crushing device, in particular the crushing mechanism. The bottom can also have a notch and, for example, be designed as a component of the crushing chamber wall or as a separate bottom. The bottom can thus form a sieve, for example, and can be designed, for example, in such a way that only sufficiently crushed material below a certain particle size can enter the collecting chamber below the bottom.

The crushing device, in particular the crushing mechanism, can be equipped with at least one, preferably two or more, flexible striking elements, such as chains. The striking tool can be fixed, for example, to a sleeve. The striking elements can be arranged in such a way that no imbalance occurs, thereby enabling the cleaning device to operate very quietly and with low vibration. The striking elements can preferably be made of a very stable material, such as hardened steel. However, other designs of the striking elements are generally possible.

As mentioned above, at least one partitioning device can also be provided in the grinding chamber. This can be implemented in a particularly simple manner by installing a partitioning disc directly after the crushing device. The partitioning disc can be simply arranged so that it forms a gap toward the grinding chamber wall, through which only sufficiently crushed material can flow backward into the fine material chamber. Alternatively or additionally, however, the partitioning disc can also have one or more notches and, accordingly, be designed, for example, entirely or partially, as a sieve disc. The sieve disc can also be connected to a drive shaft, such as a sleeve, and, for example, rotate with the crushing device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one partitioning device, such as the at least one sieve disc, can be installed in the grinding chamber so that it is stationary. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one partitioning device, such as the at least one sieve disc, can be installed so that it can rotate freely and, for example, have its own drive. The partitioning device, such as the sieve disc, can thus, for example, rotate at any speed in the direction of rotation of the grinding device or in the opposite direction.

A mixing device can be arranged after the dividing device, for example after the dividing disc, for example in the fine material chamber. The mixing device can be used to generate a flow, for example when the grinding mechanism rotates, which flow is realized for example via the sieve disc and/or the dividing device and/or in the case of a simple dividing disc, the flow reaches the back of the dividing disc, for example via an external gap. Therefore, the mixing device can generally be arranged in this embodiment or in other embodiments to generate a movement of food waste from the charging chamber through the dividing device into the fine material chamber. Since the crushed material flows to the back of the dividing device, the uncompressed material can be conveyed towards the crushing device, for example towards the beating device. This can improve the effect of the crusher. Therefore, the mixing device can be designed in particular as a flow device. This flow device can be realized, for example, by a plurality of blades on the back side of the dividing device, for example the dividing disc. Alternatively or additionally, however, the flow device can generally also have the shape of a propeller or other structure and does not have to be directly part of the dividing disc or connected to the dividing disc.

As mentioned above, the space formed behind the separator disc can also be referred to as a fine material chamber. This fine material chamber can be connected to the collection chamber via one or more openings, such as one or more notches. This collection chamber can be provided, for example, on the side and/or below the grinding chamber. Thus, fully crushed material can be collected in the collection chamber via the one or more openings.

As described, the above-mentioned elements of the beating tool and the mixing device and optionally the separating device can be arranged in particular on a common drive shaft, for example on a common shaft. As a result, the structure can be constructed very simply and cost-effectively.

The grinding mechanism, in particular the beating tool or at least the mixing device, which can be designed as a flow device, can be driven in the same direction of rotation or also in opposite directions of rotation. The latter makes it possible, in particular, to eliminate possible blockages in the separating devices, such as the sieve disc and/or the separating disc.

The crushing device, such as a crushing mechanism, can be driven, in particular, by at least one electric motor. In particular, at least one electric motor with at least one reduction gear in the form of at least one belt drive, such as at least one belt drive, can be used. Thus, the crushing device can have, in particular, at least one drive or at least one transmission, such as at least one belt drive specifically for driving the crushing mechanism. Overall, the removal device and the method for removing food waste can thus be designed in a very low-noise manner. Furthermore, this ensures overload protection, particularly when using belts, such as V-belts. In principle, other embodiments of the transmission are also conceivable, such as flat belt drives, wide toothed belt drives, toothed belt drives, metal belt drives, and gear drives. Combinations of these drives or transmissions are also conceivable. The rated speed of the crushing device, such as the crushing mechanism, is, for example, 1000 rpm. As mentioned above, however, other speeds are also possible.

Furthermore, at least one filling level sensor and/or another type of filling level detection device can be arranged in the collecting chamber, i.e., for example, in the crushing machine housing, outside the grinding chamber, and/or in an intermediate chamber between the grinding chamber wall and the crushing machine housing. For example, the filling level in the collecting chamber can be detected using the at least one filling level sensor. As described above, at least one float switch can be used in a particularly simple manner.

As mentioned above, at least one pump can be connected to the collection chamber, with which the mashed and/or pasty food waste can be pumped out of the removal device, which can also be designed as a delivery station. The pump can, in principle, be designed in any desired manner. In particular, the pump can comprise at least one vane pump. However, other pump types, such as hose pumps or eccentric screw pumps, can also be used.

The crusher can be arranged, for example, in a pivotable manner inside the housing of the cleaning device, i.e., inside the outer housing. This reduces noise and/or vibrations in the working environment. In this way, the cleaning device can also be adapted to the working environment in a simple, comfortable, and noise-free manner.

The entire structure of the cleaning device, in particular the delivery station, can also be designed so that all components are easily accessible, especially for maintenance. Thus, the crusher can, for example, have a housing with at least one door, which allows, for example, unimpeded access to the interior. The optional pump can also be designed and installed so that maintenance work can be easily performed when necessary. For example, the pump can be easily accessed by removing the front panel, rear partition, or side panels of the outer housing of the cleaning device.

Furthermore, as already mentioned, at least one opening can be provided on the bottom of the collecting chamber, through which the collecting chamber can also be emptied manually, for example.

To improve overall hygiene during operation interruptions and prevent the development of odors, the inlet opening can be cleaned, for example, with water and/or disinfectant. Furthermore, the inlet opening can be designed to be closable. Therefore, the cleaning device can include at least one closure element for closing the inlet opening. The closure element can, for example, include at least one fixed or reversibly lockable plug. Alternatively or additionally, other closure devices, such as flaps, slides, or other types of closure devices, can also be used.

As described above, the removal device - which can be designed as a delivery station - can in particular be a component of a removal system, which comprises at least one removal device. In addition, as also described above, the removal system can include at least one collecting container, which is fixedly or reversibly connected to at least one collecting chamber. The removal system can, for example, include at least one pipe system, which connects the collecting container to the at least one collecting chamber. In addition, the at least one pump can be configured to pump the crushed food waste from the collecting chamber into the collecting container regularly or at irregular intervals or as needed. Thus, the removal device can, for example, be arranged as a delivery station at the location where the food waste is generated, whereas the collecting container can, for example, be arranged at other locations in the building, for example in a basement and/or in a courtyard.

The proposed cleaning device also offers significant advantages over the aforementioned prior art. Therefore, DE 295 14 167 U1 also fails to describe the following features: a division into a grinding chamber and a collecting chamber, wherein a mixing device is arranged in the grinding chamber and is designed to generate movement in the food waste therein. This distinction allows the cleaning device's construction space to be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the crushing effect can be significantly improved while simultaneously reducing water usage. Instead, DE 295 14 167 U1 provides a fixed guide plate that acts as a striker plate and therefore always requires additional movement of the food waste, which is already present and deflected by the guide plate. Accordingly, the design described in DE 295 14 167 U1 always requires the additional supply of large amounts of water, which can be avoided within the scope of the proposed cleaning device.

The proposed device also has significant advantages over JP 2008-114 149 A, US 2010/0 276 526 A1, and DE 43 00 784 A1, as these documents do not disclose the aforementioned features of the proposed removal device. Consequently, JP 2008-114 149 A requires significant additional construction space for the "moving blades," which are not located in the grinding chamber and, accordingly, cannot be moved there. JP 2008-114 149 A also provides for the supply of water for transporting or crushing the food waste. However, this water supply has the disadvantage that the water must be removed from the waste at the end of the process, which is complex and even if this is possible in principle, the proposed solution can be handled without using water as a transport medium.

Although water supply is not mandatory in US 2010/0 276 526 A1, this comes at the expense of a complex conveying system in the form of a conveying screw. This, in turn, requires a significant amount of additional construction space. Furthermore, the conveying system is not located in the grinding chamber itself and does not induce movement there, so the food waste is not kept in motion within the grinding chamber itself. Consequently, the crushing effect of the device proposed here is inferior to that of the device described in US 2010/0 276 526 A1.

In summary, the following embodiments are particularly preferred within the scope of the present invention:

Embodiment 1: A device for removing food waste, comprising at least one masher, wherein the masher has at least one crushing chamber and at least one collecting chamber, wherein the crushing chamber is connected to the collecting chamber via one or more openings, wherein at least one crushing device is arranged in the crushing chamber, said crushing device having at least one striking tool for crushing the food waste, wherein at least one mixing device for generating movement in the food waste is additionally arranged in the crushing chamber.

Embodiment 2: The cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the crushing device includes a crushing mechanism.

Embodiment 3: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the striking tool is configured separately from the mixing device.

Embodiment 4: The cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the striking tool comprises at least a plurality of striking links articulatedly connected to one another.

Embodiment 5: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the striking tool has at least one chain.

Embodiment 6: The cleaning device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the striking tools each have a chain on one side that is connected to at least one drive shaft.

Embodiment 7: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the striking tool has two chains arranged on opposite sides and connected to a drive shaft.

Embodiment 8: The cleaning device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the striking tool rotates about a drive shaft.

Embodiment 9: A cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the crushing device has at least one drive shaft and at least one drive device, wherein the drive device is arranged to rotate the drive shaft, in particular at 500-2000 rpm, and particularly preferably at 1000 rpm.

Embodiment 10: The removing device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the drive device comprises a belt drive, in particular a belt drive.

Embodiment 11: The cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the drive device comprises a drive disk, in particular a belt pulley, arranged outside the grinding chamber and connected to the drive shaft.

Embodiment 12: The cleaning device according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the drive device further comprises at least one drive motor arranged outside the grinding chamber and connected to the drive shaft.

Embodiment 13: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding four embodiments, wherein the drive shaft passes through the grinding chamber wall of the grinding chamber.

Embodiment 14: The cleaning device of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pounding device and the mixing device are driven by a common drive device.

Embodiment 15: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the striking tool and the mixing device are arranged axially spaced apart from each other on the drive shaft.

Embodiment 16: The removal device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the mixing device is arranged to create a flow in the food waste.

Embodiment 17: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mixing device has at least one impeller, preferably at least two or at least three impellers.

Embodiment 18: The cleaning device of the preceding embodiment, wherein the vanes are arranged to rotate about a drive shaft.

Embodiment 19: The removal device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the mixing device is arranged to generate a movement in the food waste in the region of the opening, so that the crushed food waste is guided to the opening by the movement.

Embodiment 20: The cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the grinding chamber is divided into: at least one charging chamber for accommodating uncomminuted food waste; and at least one fine material chamber for accommodating fully or partially crushed food waste.

Embodiment 21: The cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the crushing device is arranged completely or partially in the charging chamber or between the charging chamber and the fine material chamber.

Embodiment 22: The removal device according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the mixing device is arranged completely or partially in the fine material chamber.

Embodiment 23: The removal device according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the crusher has at least one partitioning device for separating a charging chamber and a fine material chamber, wherein only food waste within a predetermined maximum size can pass through the partitioning device.

Embodiment 24: The removal device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the separation device is selected from the group consisting of a separation disk and a screen.

Embodiment 25: The cleaning device according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the striking tool, the mixing device and the separating device are arranged on a common drive shaft.

Embodiment 26: The removal device according to any one of the preceding six embodiments, wherein the loading chamber can be filled with uncomminuted food waste through at least one loading port.

Embodiment 27: The removal device according to any of the preceding seven embodiments, wherein the fine material chamber is arranged relative to the charging chamber such that the crushed food waste moves from the charging chamber into the fine material chamber due to its gravity.

Embodiment 28: The removal device of any of the preceding eight embodiments, wherein the fine material chamber is at least partially arranged below the charging chamber.

Embodiment 29: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding nine embodiments, wherein the grinding chamber has an axis, in particular a cylindrical axis, which is inclined at an angle relative to the horizontal.

Embodiment 30: The cleaning device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the inclination angle is 5° to 70°, in particular 10° to 45°.

Embodiment 31: The cleaning device according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the grinding chamber has a circular, polygonal, or elliptical cross-section.

Embodiment 32: The cleaning device according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the grinding chamber has a cylindrical shape or a barrel shape.

Embodiment 33: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the bottom of the grinding chamber is inclined at an angle relative to the horizontal, in particular at an angle of 5° to 70°, preferably at an angle of 10° to 45°.

Embodiment 34: The removal device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the grinding chamber has at least one grinding chamber wall, wherein one or more openings are arranged in the grinding chamber wall and enable the crushed food waste to pass from the grinding chamber into the collecting chamber.

Embodiment 35: The removal device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the one or more openings form at least one screen.

Embodiment 36: The clearing device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the one or more openings have a diameter of 3 mm to 15 mm, or an equivalent diameter.

Embodiment 37: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the grinding chamber has at least one door for performing maintenance work, in particular a door having at least one seal.

Embodiment 38: The removal device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the collecting chamber has at least one door for performing maintenance work, in particular a door having at least one seal.

Embodiment 39: The cleaning device according to the two preceding embodiments, wherein the door of the grinding chamber and the door of the collecting chamber are designed as a common door.

Embodiment 40: The removal device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the collection chamber has at least one opening for manual emptying.

Embodiment 41: The removal device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the removal device further comprises at least one pump for pumping the crushed food waste out of the collection chamber.

Embodiment 42: The removal device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the removal device further comprises at least one filling level sensor for detecting at least one filling level of the crushed food waste in the collecting chamber.

Embodiment 43: The purge device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the filling level sensor has at least one float switch.

Embodiment 44: The removal device according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the removal device comprises at least one control device, wherein the control device is controlled to fully or partially control the removal device.

Embodiment 45: The removal device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the control device is further arranged to monitor the filling level in the collecting chamber.

Embodiment 46: The removal device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the bottom of the collection chamber is inclined toward the collection point or area.

Embodiment 47: The removal device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the collection chamber at least partially surrounds the grinding chamber.

Embodiment 48: The cleaning device of any preceding embodiment, wherein the compactor is disposed inside a housing of the cleaning device.

Embodiment 49: The removal device according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the housing has at least one loading port for inputting food waste, wherein the loading port is connected to the grinding chamber.

Embodiment 50: The cleaning device according to the previous embodiment, wherein the loading port comprises a hopper.

Embodiment 51: The cleaning device according to any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the loading port is connected to the grinding chamber via at least one channel.

Embodiment 52: The removal device according to any of the three preceding embodiments, wherein the inlet opening is arranged in a working surface of the housing, in particular in an upper working surface and particularly preferably in a flat working surface.

Embodiment 53: The cleaning device of any of the preceding five embodiments, wherein the housing has a chassis.

Embodiment 54: The removal device according to any of the preceding six embodiments, wherein the housing has a height of maximum 1.5 m, preferably maximum 1.0 m.

Embodiment 55: The cleaning device according to any of the preceding seven embodiments, wherein the housing has at least one door, in particular at least one door with vertical hinges and/or at least one removable partition, wherein the crusher can be reached by opening the door.

Embodiment 56: A removal system for removing food waste, comprising at least one removal device according to any of the preceding embodiments, and further comprising at least one collecting container connected or connectable to the removal device for receiving crushed food waste.

Embodiment 57: The removal system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the collecting container is connected or connectable to a collecting chamber of a removal device via at least one conduit.

Embodiment 58: A method for removing food waste, comprising: filling at least one masher with food waste, wherein the masher has at least one crushing chamber and at least one collecting chamber, wherein the crushing chamber is connected to the collecting chamber via one or more openings, the filling comprising conveying the food waste to the crushing chamber, wherein the method further comprises: crushing the food waste in the crushing chamber by means of at least one striking tool, wherein the method further comprises: generating movement in the food waste in the crushing chamber at least once by means of at least one mixing device.

Embodiment 59: The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the method comprises using a removal device according to any of the preceding embodiments involving a removal device.

Embodiment 60: The method of any of the two preceding embodiments, wherein the crushed food waste is conveyed continuously or discontinuously from the grinding chamber to the collecting chamber by movement in the food waste.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details and features of the invention are given in the following description of preferred embodiments, in particular in connection with the dependent claims. The individual features can be implemented individually or in multiple combinations. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. The embodiments are schematically illustrated in the drawings. The same reference numerals in the various figures designate identical or functionally identical elements, or elements corresponding to one another in terms of their function. The following are shown:

FIG1 shows an overall perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the present invention;

FIG2 shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device according to FIG1 ;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the cleaning device with the front bezel removed; and

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the removal device according to FIG. 1 with the upper cover removed and a schematic embodiment of a removal system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In Figures 1 to 4, a possible embodiment of a removal device 110 for removing food waste according to the present invention is shown in different views and diagrams. The removal device 110 can also be called a delivery station (Aufgabestation) or is designed and/or used as a delivery station. In this case, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the removal device 110, Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the removal device 110 along the section line A-A in Figure 3, Figure 3 shows a front view of the removal device 110, in which the front baffle is removed, and Figure 4 shows a top view of the removal device 110 when the upper cover is removed. Reference is made to these figures in the subsequent description. In addition, as schematically shown in Figure 4, the removal device 110 can be a component of the removal system described in more detail below.

In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the cleaning device 110 preferably first includes an outer housing 112, which is preferably constructed in multiple parts. For example, as can be seen in FIG1 , the outer housing includes, for example, a front baffle 114, side baffles 116, an upper cover 118 (also referred to as a working surface), and optionally a support 120. In addition, as can be seen in FIG2 , the outer housing 112 can have a back baffle 122. Baffles 114, 116, and 122 and the upper cover 118 can each be fixedly mounted, but can also be constructed in a manner that is individually removable. In particular, the front baffle 114 can be constructed in a removable manner so that the components in the inner chamber of the outer housing 114 can be reached by removing the front baffle.

A crusher 124 is housed within the housing. The crusher 124 can be mounted within the housing 112, for example, via a corresponding suspension structure (not shown in the drawings), which provides, for example, a vibration damping effect. The crusher 124 comprises a crusher housing 126 and is divided into a crushing chamber 128 and a collecting chamber 130. As shown in FIG3 , the crushing chamber 128 is completely or partially surrounded by the collecting chamber 130. The crushing chamber 128 is formed by at least one crushing chamber wall 132, which forms a crushing chamber housing 134 as part of the crusher housing 126. The collecting chamber 130 is essentially formed by at least one collecting chamber wall 136, which forms a collecting chamber housing 138. The crushing chamber 128 and the collecting chamber 130 can be opened forward toward the front panel 114 and closed by a common door 140, as can be seen in particular in FIG2 and FIG4 . The door 140 can, in particular, include a seal 142. By opening the door 140 , for example by removing it, the collection chamber 130 and/or the grinding chamber 128 and the devices and/or food waste management located therein can be accessed.

Furthermore, the crusher 124 has at least one crushing device 144, also referred to as a crushing mechanism, within the crushing chamber 128. The crushing device 144 includes at least one striking tool 146, in particular a striking tool 146 having a plurality of articulated striking links 148. The at least one striking tool 146 can, in particular, include one or more chains 150. Accordingly, the crushing device 144 can, in particular, be designed as a chain crushing mechanism.

In the illustrated embodiment, the striking tool 146 is connected to at least one drive shaft 154, which can also be referred to as a transmission shaft, via at least one sleeve 152. As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the drive shaft 154 projects from the grinding chamber 128 on the rear side of the grinding chamber housing 134, for example via a shaft seal 156 or via another type of guide structure.

In addition to the crushing device 144, at least one mixing device 158 is also arranged in the grinding chamber 128. The mixing device 158 may, for example, have a plurality of blades 160 and/or propellers. The blades 160 may, for example, be connected directly or indirectly to the drive shaft 158. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the blades 160 are connected to the drive shaft 154, for example, via a separating disk 162, which is a component of the separating device 164. Thus, the blades 160 may, for example, be arranged on the side of the separating disk 162 facing away from the crushing device 144, so that the separating disk 162 is located between the beating tool 146 and the mixing device 158. Alternatively, the blades 160 may also be directly connected to the drive shaft 154 or arranged completely separate from the crushing device 144. The mixing device 158 is generally configured to induce a movement, for example a flow, within the food waste contained in the grinding chamber 128.

The grinding chamber 128 is divided into a charging chamber 166 and a fine material chamber 168 by a partition 164. The charging chamber 166 can be filled with food waste via a charging opening 170 (which can also be referred to as a charging opening 172) arranged in the upper cover part 118 and a channel 174 (which can be, for example, completely or partially funnel-shaped). The channel 174 can, for example, open into an opening 176 at the upper end of the grinding chamber 128.

The crushing device 144 is driven by at least one drive device 178 via the drive shaft 154. The drive device 178 can include, for example, a drive motor 180 and a belt drive, for example with at least one belt 182. The belt 182 can drive, for example, a drive disc 184, which is connected to the drive shaft 154.

As can be seen, for example, in Figures 2 and 3 , the grinding chamber 128 can be designed, in particular, such that the food waste slides from the charging chamber 166 into the fine material chamber 168 during or after grinding, either due to its own weight and/or due to the movement or flow generated by the mixing device 158. For this purpose, the bottom 186 of the grinding chamber 128 can be inclined, for example, so that the food waste can slide from the charging chamber 166 into the fine material chamber 168. The bottom 168 can have an inclination angle α relative to the horizontal, which in this embodiment can be, for example, 10° to 45°, or 30°. Other designs are also possible. As in the illustrated embodiment, the grinding chamber 128 can, for example, be designed in a similar manner to be essentially cylindrical, with a cylinder axis 188 that is also inclined, for example, at an angle α relative to the horizontal.

In the illustrated embodiment, the grinding chamber 128 is connected to the collecting chamber 130 via a plurality of openings 190 in the grinding chamber wall 132. The grinding chamber wall 132 can, for example, be designed completely or partially as a screen. In this way, the crushed food waste can pass from the grinding chamber 128 into the collecting chamber 130 with a maximum diameter and/or an equivalent diameter, which can be specified by the openings 190.

In the collecting chamber 130, whose bottom 192 can be inclined towards the collecting area 194, at least one opening 196 for manual emptying can be provided, for example in the collecting area 194. This opening can be closed, for example, by at least one closure 198, for example a screw closure.

Furthermore, the disposal device 110 can have at least one pump 200 for pumping the comminuted food waste out of the collection chamber 130. This pump 200, which can be seen in particular in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , can, for example, draw food waste from the collection chamber 130 via at least one suction pipe 202, which preferably in turn opens into the collection area 194, and convey it, for example, via a line 204 to a collection container 205 or waste container, shown in FIG. 4 . This collection container 205 or waste container can, for example, be connected temporarily or permanently to the disposal device 110. This collection container 205, for example, can form a disposal system 207 together with the at least one disposal device 110, as also shown in FIG. 4 .

Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the removal device 110 includes at least one fill level sensor 206, in particular at least one float switch 208. This fill level sensor 206 can, for example, monitor the fill level in the collection chamber 130 and transmit corresponding fill level information to a control device 210 of the removal device 110. This control device 210, which can be provided independently of the fill level sensor 206, can, for example, be arranged in a front panel 214 and/or can include at least one operating element 212 accessible from the front panel 114. The control device 210 can, in particular, be configured to control the crushing device 144, for example, by correspondingly controlling the drive motor 180. Furthermore, the control device 210 can, for example, be configured to monitor the fill level in the collection chamber 130 and/or to control the pumping of food waste from the collection chamber 130 by means of the pump 200.

When the cleaning device is in operation, the drive shaft 154 drives the crushing device 144. The striking links 148 of the striking tool 146 are preferably arranged so that no imbalance occurs during rotation. The striking links 148—also called striking elements—are preferably made of a highly durable material, such as hardened steel. The food waste is crushed by means of the striking tool 146. The separator 164 allows the crushed food waste to pass from the charging chamber 166 into the fine material chamber 168. This entry can be achieved, for example, through a circumferential gap 214 between the separator disk 162 and the grinding chamber wall 132, through which the fully crushed material can flow into the fine material chamber 168. Alternatively or additionally, the separator disk 162 can also have one or more notches and, for example, form a sieve disk. The sieve disk can also be connected to the sleeve 152 and/or the drive shaft 154, for example, and thus rotate with the crushing mechanism. Alternatively, the sieve disc can also be arranged in the grinding chamber 128 in such a way that it is stationary during the operation of the crushing device 144. Alternatively or additionally, the separating disc 162, for example a sieve disc, can be installed in such a way that it can rotate freely, has its own drive and can thus rotate, for example, at any desired speed or even in the opposite direction of rotation of the crushing device 144.

A mixing device 158 is provided downstream of the separating device 164, for example, the separating disk 162. When the crushing device 144 rotates, the mixing device 158 can, for example, generate a flow that can cause the crushed material to flow out into the fine material chamber 168 via the separating device 164 (for example, the sieve disk and/or the slits 214). This allows, for example, uncomminuted ground material to be conveyed toward the crushing device, which can improve the effect of the crushing device 144. As described above, the mixing device 158, which can also be referred to as a flow device, can be implemented, for example, by a plurality of blades on the back side of the separating disk 162. However, the mixing device can also have the shape of a propeller or another design and, in principle, does not have to be directly part of or connected to the separating disk 162.

As described above, the grinding chamber 128, and in particular the fine material chamber 168 therein, is connected to the collecting chamber 130 via a plurality of openings 190, which can be designed, for example, as notches. The collecting chamber 130 can be located, for example, at the side and/or below the grinding chamber 128 and can be designed, for example, as an intermediate chamber between the grinding chamber 128 and the outer housing 112. Furthermore, the collecting chamber 130 can completely or partially surround the grinding chamber. The crushed material can be collected in the collecting chamber 130.

Preferably, the elements of the crushing device 144 and the mixing device 158 are arranged, as described above, on at least one common drive shaft 154, such as a shaft. This significantly simplifies and makes the design of the cleaning device 110 more cost-effective. The crushing mechanism of the crushing device 144 and the mixing device 158 can be driven in the same direction of rotation or in different directions of rotation. Operation can also be achieved with regular or demand-controlled reverse directions of rotation. This latter design particularly eliminates blockages in the gap 114 and/or in the sieve disc.

The drive motor 180 can be designed, for example, entirely or partially as an electric motor. The drive device 178 can, for example, have a speed reducer in the form of a belt drive with a belt 182 and a drive disc 184. This results in low noise levels and overload protection. The rated speed of the crushing device 144, i.e., the crushing mechanism, is, for example, 1000 rpm.

The pump 200 described above can be designed as a vane pump, for example. Alternatively or additionally, however, one or more other pump types, such as a hose pump and/or an eccentric screw pump/screw pump, can also be used.

The entire crusher 124 can be suspended, for example, in a pivoting manner within the basic structure of the cleaning device 110. As already mentioned, this significantly reduces noise and vibrations in the operating environment of the cleaning device 110. Furthermore, the entire structure of the cleaning device 110 can be designed so that all components are easily accessible, for example, for maintenance. This can be achieved, for example, by means of the at least one door 140 and/or by means of partially removable panels 114, 116, and 122. This allows easy and unimpeded access to the interior of the cleaning device 110. The pump 200 can also be installed and inserted, for example, in the following manner, making maintenance work simple to perform when necessary.

As mentioned above, the cleaning device 110 can, in particular, have a loading port 170. To improve hygiene and prevent the development of odors during operation interruptions, the loading port 170 and/or the passage 174 can be regularly cleaned, for example, with clean water and/or another cleaning liquid. Furthermore, the loading port 170 can be closed, for example, by means of a closure, such as at least one lockable plug, which is not shown in the figures.

Reference Signs List

110 Cleaning Device

112 external shell

114 front bezel

116 side guard

118 Upper cover

120 bracket

122 back baffle

124 Crusher

126 crusher housing

128 Crushing Room

130 Collection Room

132 Crushing the Chamber Wall

134 Crushing chamber shell

136 Collection chamber wall

138 Collection chamber shell

140 Common Door

142 seals

144 Crushing device

146 striking tools

148 Hitting Chain Links

150 Chain

152 sleeve

154 drive shaft

156 Shaft seal

158 Mixing device

160 blades

162 Separator Plate

164 Separator

166 Charging Room

168 Fine Material Chamber

170 loading port

172 loading port

174 channels

176 Opening

178 drive unit

180 drive motor

182 belt

184 driver disk

186 bottom

188 cylindrical axis

190 Opening

192 bottom

194 Collection Area

196 Opening

198 closures

200 pumps

202 Suction tube

204 pipeline

205 Collection Container

206 Material Level Sensor

207 Clear System

208 float switch

210 Control Device

212 operating elements

214 Gap

Claims (18)

1. A cleaning device (110) for removing food waste, the cleaning device comprising at least one shredder (124), wherein the shredder (124) has at least one grinding chamber (128) and at least one collection chamber (130), wherein the grinding chamber (128) is connected to the collection chamber (130) through one or more openings (190), wherein at least one shredding device (144) is arranged in the grinding chamber (128), the shredding device having at least one striking tool (146) for shredding food waste, wherein additionally at least one mixing device (158) for generating motion in the food waste is arranged in the grinding chamber (128), the striking tool (146) having at least a plurality of striking links (148) hinged to each other. 2. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the striking tool (146) has at least one chain (150). 3. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the crushing device (144) and the mixing device (158) are driven by a common driving device (178). 4. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the striking tool (146) and the mixing device (158) are arranged axially spaced apart from each other on the drive shaft (154). 5. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the mixing device (158) is arranged to generate flow in the food waste. 6. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the crushing chamber (128) is divided into: at least one loading chamber (166) for containing uncrushed food waste; and at least one fine material chamber (168) for containing food waste that is completely or partially crushed. 7. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 6, wherein the crushing device (144) is arranged wholly or partially in the loading chamber (166) or between the loading chamber (166) and the fine material chamber (168). 8. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 6, wherein the mixing device (158) is arranged wholly or partially in the fine material chamber (168). 9. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 6, wherein the shredder (124) has at least one separating device (164) for separating the loading chamber (166) and the fine material chamber (168), wherein only food waste within a predetermined maximum size can pass through the separating device (164). 10. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 9, wherein the separating device (164) is selected from the separating disc (162) and the screen. 11. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 9, wherein the striking tool (146), the mixing device (158) and the separating device (164) are placed on a common drive shaft (154). 12. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 6, wherein the fine material chamber (168) is arranged relative to the loading chamber (166) such that the crushed food waste moves from the loading chamber (166) into the fine material chamber (168) due to its gravity. 13. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the bottom of the crushing chamber (128) is inclined at an angle relative to the horizontal line. 14. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one pump (200) for pumping the crushed food waste out of the collection chamber (130). 15. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device (110) further comprises at least one level sensor (206) for detecting at least one level of the crushed food waste in the collection chamber (130). 16. The cleaning device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the collection chamber (130) at least partially surrounds the crushing chamber (128). 17. A removal system (207) for removing food waste, the removal system comprising at least one removal device (110) according to claim 1, and further comprising at least one collection container (205) connected to or connectable to the removal device (110) for receiving crushed food waste. 18. A method for removing food waste, the method comprising: feeding food waste into at least one shredder (124), wherein the shredder (124) has at least one crushing chamber (128) and at least one collection chamber (130), wherein the crushing chamber (128) is connected to the collection chamber (130) through one or more openings (190), the feeding comprising conveying the food waste into the crushing chamber (128), wherein the method further comprises: crushing the food waste in the crushing chamber (128) by means of at least one striking tool (146), the striking tool (146) having at least a plurality of striking links (148) articulated to each other, wherein the method further comprises: generating movement in the food waste at least once in the crushing chamber (128) by means of at least one mixing device (158).