JP2003320346A - Garbage treatment machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a garbage treatment machine capable of accurately weighing the contents of a treatment tank without being affected by external force. <P>SOLUTION: The garbage treatment machine has an apparatus body cover 6 supported by a base frame 15, the treatment tank which is installed in the apparatus body cover 6, reduces the weight of charged garbage, and has an exhaust opening 25, a support plate 46 which is installed independently above the base frame 15 in the apparatus body cover 6 and supports the treatment tank 20, a plurality of load cells 50 formed between the support plate 46 and the base frame 15, and an exhaust pipeline 3 connected to the treatment tank 20 in a non-contact state so that the leading end thereof faces to the exhaust opening 25 of the treatment tank 20. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a food waste processing machine for reducing the amount of food waste that has been thrown in, and more particularly to a food waste processing machine having a function of detecting the weight of the contents of a processing tank.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the so-called food recycling method (20
(May 2001) was implemented, and among food-related businesses (for example, manufacturing, distribution, food service industry, etc.), businesses that discard more than 100 tons of food per year impose numerical targets and take measures. If it is markedly inadequate, it is said that it is possible to make recommendations, public announcements and orders. Against this background, homes, restaurants,
As a method for reducing the amount of food waste, such as leftover food, scraps of vegetables and fruits, and bones and shells of seafood, which are generated in food processors, for example, food waste treatment as described in JP-A-2000-334425. Many machines have already been proposed.

In the above-mentioned prior art, a processing box containing a processing medium (raw garbage processing material) in which microorganisms live is provided in a substantially box-shaped main body frame which constitutes the main body of the garbage processing machine, and by the decomposition action of the microorganisms, This is to decompose the food waste put into the treatment tank and reduce the amount. Further, a plurality of legs of the food waste disposer are provided below the main body frame, and a weight scale for detecting the weight of the main body is arranged on each leg. In addition, an example is also disclosed in which the processing tank is suspended and supported directly from the upper surface of the main body frame by a plurality of supporting portions in the main body frame. In this example, the weight scale is provided at each support portion that suspends and supports the processing tank. In the above-mentioned conventional technique, the total weight or the weight of the processing tank is measured based on the detection signals of the respective weighing scales thus provided, and the weight of garbage (processing amount) is calculated.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the weight scale is provided on the legs, when an external force acts on the body frame, the external force is directly detected by the weight scale. Will be affected. There is also an example of suspending and supporting the processing tank, but in this case as well, when an external force acts on the main body frame,
The strain generated in the body frame has a considerable influence on the weight detected by the scale.

As described above, in the arrangement of the weight scale as in the above-mentioned prior art, the external force acting on the body frame greatly affects the weight detected by the weight scale. Further, in the case of a relatively large-sized food waste disposal machine for business use, it is often installed outdoors. When installed outdoors, natural forces such as wind may act as external forces in addition to artificial forces. Further, in a relatively large garbage processing machine, the surface area for receiving the wind becomes large accordingly, and the weight detection structure as in the above-mentioned prior art has a great influence on the detected weight.

The present invention has been made in view of the above matters, and an object of the present invention is to provide a garbage disposal that can accurately measure the weight of the contents of a processing tank without being affected by external force. To provide.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] (1) In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a food waste processing machine for reducing the amount of food waste that is thrown in, and is supported by the base frame and the base frame. In addition, a main body cover having an input port for the garbage in the upper part, a garbage receiving opening, an intake opening, and an exhaust opening, the processing tank provided in the main body cover, the inside of the main body cover, A support plate that is independently provided above the base frame and supports the processing tank, at least one weight scale interposed between the support plate and the base frame, and a gap with respect to the exhaust opening. An exhaust pipe line that is provided so as to face the exhaust port while keeping it, and a flexible or expandable / contractible structure that connects the main body cover and the processing tank on the outer peripheral side of the exhaust pipe line so as to cover the exhaust port. And a sealing member having a.

In the present invention, the processing container is supported on an independently provided support plate in the internal space covered by the base frame and the main body cover.
A weight scale is provided between the support plate and the base frame. That is, the support plate is shaped so as to be mounted on the weight scale on the base frame.

Further, the treatment tank is related to the exhaust pipe line and the input port of the garbage, for example, in terms of the structure, but the exhaust pipe line is not directly connected to the treatment tank but faces the exhaust opening of the treatment tank. Is configured as follows. This prevents the processing tank from being fixed (restrained) to the main body cover. Further, similarly, the input port is also connected to the processing bath in a non-contact state so as to face the receiving opening of the processing bath, so that the processing bath is not constrained by the main body cover.
Alternatively, the insertion port itself may be formed of a flexible or stretchable member to connect the receiving opening and the main body cover.

With such a structure, in the present invention, even if an external force acts on the main body cover, the external force and the distortion of the main body cover due to the external force can be prevented from being transmitted to the processing tank. Therefore, without being affected by external force,
The weight of the contents of the processing tank can be accurately measured.

(2) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is, in a food waste processing machine for reducing the amount of food waste that is thrown in, a base frame and a base frame supported by the base frame and at the top. A main body cover having the raw garbage input port, a processing tank provided in the main body cover, which has the raw garbage receiving opening, an intake opening, and an exhaust opening,
A support plate that is independently provided above the base frame in the main body cover and supports the processing tank; at least one weight scale interposed between the support plate and the base frame; and the exhaust gas. A flexible or stretchable exhaust pipe line that connects the main body cover and the processing tank is provided so as to cover the opening.

In the present invention, the exhaust pipe line is formed of a flexible or stretchable member and connects the exhaust opening and the main body cover. This also prevents the processing tank from being fixed (restrained) to the main body cover. Therefore, even if an external force acts on the main body cover, it is possible to prevent the external force and the distortion of the main body cover due to the external force from being transmitted to the processing tank, and the contents of the processing tank can be accurately measured without being affected by the external force. Can be weighed.

(3) In the above (1) or (2), it is preferable that the raw garbage input port is provided so as to face the receiving opening while maintaining a gap with respect to the receiving opening. A flexible or stretchable sealing body that connects the main body cover and the processing tank is provided on the outer peripheral side of the mouth so as to cover the receiving opening.

(4) In the above (1) or (2), and preferably, the food waste inlet is formed of a flexible or stretchable member, and connects the main body cover and the processing tank. is doing.

(5) Any one of (1) to (4) above
Further preferably, the food waste disposer is characterized in that the intake opening and the main body cover are connected to each other by an intake conduit having flexibility or elasticity.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of a food waste processing machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of an embodiment of a food waste disposer of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a side view seen from the right side in FIG. In these FIGS. 1 to 3, 1 is a processing machine main body for reducing the amount of food waste that has been thrown in, and 2 is a deodorizing unit for removing the odor contained in the exhaust gas from the processing machine main body 1. The processor body 1 and the deodorizing unit 2 are connected by an exhaust pipe line 3 (see FIG. 2). The exhaust pipe line 3 includes, for example, an exhaust hose 4 (see FIG.
And the joint 5 connected to both ends of this exhaust hose 4.
a and 5b (see FIG. 2). Further, the joints 5a and 5b are provided on the upper surfaces of the main body covers 6 and 7 of the processor main body 1 and the deodorizing unit 2, respectively. 8
Is a hose cover for protecting the exhaust hose 4.

The joints 5a and 5b are rotatably supported on the upper surfaces of the main body covers 6 and 7 of the processor body 1 and the deodorizing unit 2, respectively. As a result, in FIGS. 1 and 2, an example in which the deodorizing unit 2 is laid out on the left side (left side in FIG. 2) when facing the front of the processor main body 1, but the direction of the exhaust hose 4 is changed to, for example, the deodorizing unit. Two
Can be rearranged on the rear side (upper side in FIG. 2) of the processor body 1. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example in which the processor main body 1 and the deodorizing unit 2 are arranged with a gap therebetween, the exhaust hose 4 may be shortened and laid out so that they are substantially in contact with each other. Absent. At this time, a plurality of (four in this example) hanging pipes 9 are provided on the upper surfaces of the main body covers 6 and 7 of the processing machine main body 1 and the deodorizing unit 2, respectively. When the layout is changed or the installation / removal is performed, it is considered that the processor body 1 and the deodorizing unit 2 can be easily lifted by wires or the like.

Further, the main body cover 6 of the main body 1 of the processing machine has substantially the entire one side surface (in this example, the right side surface in FIG. 1) and substantially the central portion of the front surface (the surface on the front side in the direction orthogonal to the paper surface of FIG. 1). The open / close doors 6a and 6b are provided to allow for maintenance of built-in equipment and replacement of processing media (described later). Specifically, the opening / closing door 6a is a double-opening door and is mainly used at the time of maintenance of the control device 45, the driving device 36, and the like, which will be described later, and the opening / closing door 6b is a single-opening door and is mainly used. It is used when replacing the processing medium.

Further, opening / closing doors 7a and 7b are also provided on the left side and the upper side in FIG. 2 of the main body cover 7 of the deodorizing unit 2 for maintenance of built-in equipment and replacement work of a deodorizing medium (described later). Consideration is given. Both of the opening / closing doors 7a and 7b are double-opening doors, and in particular, the opening / closing door 7a
Is mainly used for maintenance of the exhaust fan 66 and replacement of deodorizing medium, which will be described later, and the opening / closing door 7b is mainly used for replacement of filters (first and second filters 64 and 65 described later, see FIG. 10 later). Is used.

Reference numeral 10 is a loading lid for opening and closing the raw garbage loading port 27 (see FIG. 5 below). The loading lid 10 is an upper portion of the front side (lower side in FIG. 2) of the main body cover 6 of the processing machine main body 1. It is provided in. Reference numeral 11 denotes an electric drive device that opens and closes the closing lid 10. The drive device 11 is fixed to the upper surface of the main body cover 6 and is directly connected to a spindle of the opening and closing lid 10 of the processor main body 1. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
The processor main body 1 is provided with a limit switch 12 (see FIG. 12 below) for detecting the open / closed state of the closing lid 10. Reference numeral 13 is an operation panel for performing operations, settings, recording, display, and the like related to driving. Although the position of the operation panel 13 is not particularly limited, in this example, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to visually check the opening and closing of the loading lid 10 and the state of the garbage thrown when the garbage is thrown. It is arranged on the right side of the front of the main body 1.

4 to 6 are views showing the internal structure of the processor main body 1 in detail. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are V- in FIG. 4, respectively. V cross section, VI-VI
It is a sectional side view by a section. 4 to 6, reference numeral 15 is a base frame of the processor main body 1, and the base frame 15 is grounded via a plurality of legs (five in this example) 16 provided on the lower portion, and the main body cover 6 is provided. I support you. Reference numeral 17 denotes an intake port for taking in outside air into the processor main body 1. The intake port 17 is provided at a position below one side surface (left side surface in FIG. 4) of the main body cover 6 in the longitudinal direction. 18 is an intake pipe line connected to the intake port 17,
The intake pipe line 18 is made of, for example, a flexible or stretchable member (for example, a flexible hose or the like), and is connected to a processing tank 20 described later in the main body cover 6. Although not shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the middle of the intake pipe line 18, as shown in FIG. 12 later, an air flow meter 19a for detecting the intake air flow rate and a temperature sensor 19b for detecting the intake air temperature. And are provided.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a processing tank in which the garbage reduction processing is performed. The processing tank 20 is disposed in the body cover 6 so as to be close to the side wall on one side in the longitudinal direction of the body cover 6 (left side in FIG. 4). , It is located a little closer to one side. Also,
The processing tank 20 is a roughly box-shaped member that stores a processing medium (for example, sawdust) mixed with microorganisms that decompose food waste. The lower portion of the processing tank 20 is formed in a substantially arc shape so as to follow the rotational trajectory of the stirring device 30 described later, and the processing tank 20 itself is almost entirely made of a heat insulating material (for example, urethane, etc.). (Not shown).

Reference numeral 21a denotes a temperature sensor (see FIG. 5) for detecting the temperature of the processing medium. This temperature sensor 21a is provided at a lower position on one longitudinal side surface of the processing tank 20 (left side surface in FIG. 4). There is. Although not shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the processing tank 20, as shown in FIG. 12 below, in addition to the temperature sensor 21a, a temperature sensor 21b for detecting the temperature of the processing tank 20 itself. A temperature sensor 21c for detecting the ambient temperature in the processing tank 20 is provided.

Further, the processing tank 20 is provided with a plurality of (four in this example) openings. One is an opening 22 for receiving raw garbage (see FIG. 5), one is a medium outlet 23 for replacing the treatment medium (see FIG. 4), and one is an intake opening 24 to the treatment tank 20 (see FIG. 5). ) One is an exhaust opening 25 (see FIG. 4) from the processing tank 20. The receiving opening 22 is provided substantially in the center in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 4) on the front side (front side in the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 4) of the upper portion of the processing tank 20. Further, the intake opening 24 is formed in an upper position on the other side wall (the right side wall in FIG. 4) of the processing tank 20 in the longitudinal direction. The tip of the intake pipe line 18 is connected to the intake opening 2
Connected to 4. The exhaust opening 25 is provided on the upper surface of the processing tank 20 at one position in the longitudinal direction (the left side in FIG. 4, that is, the side opposite to the intake opening 24).

The medium outlet 23 is provided at a substantially central position in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 4) on the lower side of the processing tank 20. 26 is an opening / closing door of the medium outlet 23 (see FIG. 5),
The opening / closing door 26 is attached to the outer wall of the processing tank 20, and when the processing medium is replaced, the above-mentioned opening / closing door 6b provided on the main body cover 6 and the opening / closing lid 26 are opened and used through the medium outlet 23. It is designed to eject the processing medium.

Here, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the VII portion in FIG. 5, and is a detailed view of the vicinity of the receiving opening 22. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 27 is a raw garbage inlet provided in the main body cover 6. The inlet 27 is a cylinder attached to the upper portion of the main body cover 6 at a position corresponding to the receiving opening 22 of the processing tank 20. The tip of the inlet 27 keeps a gap with the receiving opening 22 and is inserted through the receiving opening 22. The processing tank 20 is connected in a non-contact state so as to face the inside of the processing tank 20. Two
Reference numeral 8 denotes a sealing body made of a flexible or stretchable member, and the sealing body 28 includes a receiving opening 22 and an input port 27.
Surround the circumference of the
It is connected to the outer wall surface of the processing tank 20 and the inner wall surface of the main body cover 6 that face each other on the outer peripheral side. In this example, as an example, an expandable and contractible bellows-shaped tubular member is used for the sealing body 28.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 4, which is a detailed view of a portion near the exhaust opening 25. As shown in FIG. 8, the exhaust opening 25 is provided in the processing tank 20 so as to surround the tip portion of the joint 5a. In other words, the joint 5a is provided at a position corresponding to the exhaust opening 25 on the upper surface of the main body cover 6, and its tip faces the inside of the processing tank 20 through the exhaust opening 25 while maintaining a gap with the exhaust opening 25. Processing tank 2
0 is connected in a non-contact state. Reference numeral 29 denotes a sealing body made of a flexible or stretchable member, and this sealing body 29 is a joint 5 a of the exhaust opening 25 and the exhaust pipe line 3.
Surround the circumference of the
It is connected to the outer wall surface of the processing tank 20 and the inner wall surface of the main body cover 6 which are opposed to each other on the outer peripheral side. In this example,
As an example, a bellows-shaped tubular member that can expand and contract is used for this sealing body 29.

Returning to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, reference numeral 30 denotes a stirring device provided in the processing tank 20.
The food waste put in the container and the processing medium in the processing tank 20 are appropriately stirred. The stirring device 30 includes a rotary shaft 31 arranged substantially horizontally so as to be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 4) of the processing tank 20, and a plate-shaped mounting member 32 mounted on the rotary shaft 31. , And a stirring blade 33 fixed to the mounting member 32. The stirring blade 33 extends in the radial direction of the rotating shaft 31 with respect to the mounting member 32.
It is fastened by bolts 34 (see FIG. 5). Also,
The rotation locus of the tip end of the stirring blade 33 is the processing tank 20.
It is molded to a length that is close to the inner wall surface of the lower part.

Further, in order to prevent complication, one mounting member 32 and one stirring blade 33 are shown in FIG. 4, but in reality, a plurality of mounting members 32 and stirring blades 33 are arranged at substantially constant intervals in the axial direction with respect to the rotary shaft 31. A set of mounting members 32 and stirring blades 33 are provided. In addition, although not particularly limited, each stirring blade 3
3, the respective mounting angles are provided so as to be displaced in the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft 31, and the stirring blades 33 are provided radially with respect to the rotary shaft 31 when viewed from the axial direction of the rotary shaft 31 (that is, viewed in FIG. 5). It is preferable to do so. In addition, 35 is a bearing of the rotating shaft 31, and this bearing 35 is in the longitudinal direction of the processing tank 20 (see FIG.
It is provided on the outer wall part on both sides (in the left-right direction).

Reference numeral 36 denotes a shaft-orthogonal type drive device for rotationally driving the agitating device 30, and the drive device 36 is a main body cover 6
The other side in the longitudinal direction of the processing tank 20 (the right side in FIG. 4)
Is provided in the space of the main body cover 6 and is disposed so as to be close to the side wall on the other side (right side in FIG. 4) in the longitudinal direction of the main body cover 6.
The drive device 36 includes a drive unit 37 having a drive shaft (not shown) inside, a gear unit 38, and an output shaft 39. The output shaft 39 is configured to be substantially orthogonal to the drive shaft in the drive unit 36, and power transmission between the drive shaft and the output shaft 39 is performed by a bevel gear (not shown) in the gear unit 38, for example. It is supposed to be done. And
As shown in FIG. 4, in the drive unit 36, the axis of the drive shaft in the drive unit 37 is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotary shaft 31 (longitudinal direction of the processing tank 20, left-right direction in FIG. 4), and the output shaft The axis of 39 is the axial direction of the rotary shaft 31 (the longitudinal direction of the processing tank 20,
It is arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the horizontal direction in FIG.

Reference numeral 40 is a sprocket provided at the tip of the output shaft 39 of the drive unit 36, and 41 is a rotary shaft 31 of the agitator 30.
Is a sprocket provided at one end (right side in FIG. 4) in the longitudinal direction of the. Reference numeral 42 is a drive transmission chain wound around these sprockets 40 and 41. The driving force from the output shaft 39 is generated by the sprocket 40 and the drive transmission chain 4.
2, the rotating shaft 3 of the agitator 30 through the sprocket 41
1 is transmitted. Regarding this drive transmission structure, for example, the sprockets 40 and 41 may be replaced with pulleys, and these may be connected by a belt.

Reference numeral 45 denotes a control device for controlling the operation of each mechanism. The control device 45 is also provided in the space on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the processing tank 20 (right side in FIG. 4) in the main body cover 6 and is provided in the main body cover 6. It is arranged so as to be close to the side wall on the other side (right side in FIG. 4) in the longitudinal direction. As described above, the control device 45 and the drive device 36 are both provided on one side in the longitudinal direction (right side in FIG. 4) in the main body cover 6, and when the opening / closing door 6a (see FIG. 3) is opened. , Both are arranged so as to face the outside. The control device 45 is electrically connected to each driving (operating) device, each detector (sensor), the operation panel 13 and the like provided in the food waste processing machine.

Reference numeral 46 denotes a support plate that supports the processing tank 20, the drive device 36, and the control device 45. The support plate 46 is independently provided above the base frame 15. Each position of the processing tank 20, the driving device 36, and the control device 45 on the support plate 46 will be described in detail. First, the processing tank 20 is laid out so as to be closer to one side in the longitudinal direction of the support plate 46 (left side in FIG. 4). ing. Then, the drive device 36 and the control device 45 are arranged in a space on the support plate 46 created on the other side (right side in FIG. 4) of the processing tank 20. However, in this example, as shown in FIG. 6, the drive device 36 is arranged on the back side (right side in FIG. 6) and the control device 45 is arranged on the front side (left side in FIG. 6). In this layout, based on the set weights of the processing tank 20, the drive device 36, and the control device 45, the total weight balance is almost equal to the support plate 46.
It is desirable to consider it beforehand so that it will be located in the center of.

Reference numeral 50 is a load cell for obtaining the amount of garbage reduction, and the load cell 50 is provided near the four corners of the base frame 15 and the support plate 46. The detected weight of the load cell 50 is the total weight of the processing tank 20 and its contents (garbage and processing medium), the drive device 36, the control device 45, and the support plate 46 that supports them. Changes depending on the daily input and reduction of food waste. The load cell 50 outputs the detected weight (detection signal) that fluctuates from moment to moment to the control device 45, and the control device 45 calculates the weight change of the content of the processing tank 20 at any time based on this detection signal. It is supposed to do.

Reference numeral 51 is a water supply device for supplying water to the treatment medium (see FIG. 5).
The water supply device 51 includes a nozzle 52 provided in the treatment tank 20, a hose 53 that guides water such as tap water to the nozzle 52 (see FIG. 12 below), and the hose 53 in the middle. And a solenoid valve 54 (see FIG. 12 below) provided in the. The solenoid valve 54 is opened and closed by a command signal from the control device 45. That is, the control device 45
Based on the detected weight of the load cell 50, water is supplied when it is determined that the water content of the treatment medium is below the proper range, and water is cut off when it is determined that the water content is within the proper range (or returned). A command signal is output to the solenoid valve 54. The solenoid valve 54 can be manually operated by the operation panel 13. In addition,
A flow meter 55 is provided in the middle of the hose 53, as shown in FIG. 12, and the water supply amount is calculated by the control device 45 based on the detection signal from the flow meter 55.

Reference numeral 56 denotes a heating heater (see FIG. 5). The heating heater 56 is composed of, for example, a plate-shaped electric heater, and a plurality of heating heaters 56 are attached to the outer wall surface of the processing tank 20 on the lower outer peripheral side. The heater 56 is also ON / OFF controlled by the controller 45. That is, when the control device 45 determines that the temperature of the contents of the processing tank 20 is below the proper range based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor 21a, the heater 56 is in the ON state and is in the proper range. If it is determined (or returned to the proper range), the heater 56 is turned off. Further, when the control device 45 detects an excessive increase in the water content of the contents from the detection signal of the load cell 50, the heater 56 is operated so as to evaporate the water content and return the water content to the proper range. May be. Needless to say, the heater 56 is stopped when it is determined that the water content has returned to the proper range.

9 to 11 are views showing the internal structure of the deodorizing unit 2 in detail. FIG. 9 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are X in FIG. 9, respectively. −
It is sectional drawing by X cross section and XI-XI cross section. 9 to 11, reference numeral 60 denotes a base frame of the deodorizing unit 2, which is grounded and
The main body cover 7 is supported. Although not particularly shown, a heat insulating material (for example, urethane) is attached to the inner surface side of the main body cover 7.

Reference numeral 61 is a filter unit for removing dust in the exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas introduced into the deodorizing unit 2 from the processor main body 1 first flows into the filter unit 61 through the duct 62. The duct 62 is extended substantially vertically, and the upstream end (upper end in FIG. 10) is on the joint 5b, and the downstream end (lower end in FIG. 10) is the filter unit 61 (strictly speaking). Is the introductory part 6 described later
3a).

The filter unit 61 includes a duct portion 63 forming an exhaust flow path and a first filter 64 (see FIG. 10).
And a second filter 65 (see FIG. 10). The duct part 63 has an introduction part 63a for introducing the exhaust gas from the duct 62 in a substantially vertical downward direction, and a derivation part 63b for guiding the introduced exhaust gas in a substantially vertical upward direction, and has an internal shape that folds the exhaust gas. Is. Also, the first
The filter 64 is provided in the introduction portion 63a, and the second filter 65 is provided in the extraction portion 63b so as to be removable.
Then, the filter unit 61 itself includes the deodorizing unit 2 so that the first and second filters 64 and 65 can be easily replaced.
Inside, it is arranged at a lower position close to the base frame 60.

An exhaust fan 66 is provided on the downstream side of the filter unit 61, and a duct 67 is connected between the exhaust fan 66 and the lead-out portion 63b of the filter unit 61. The exhaust fan 66 forcibly sends the exhaust gas from which dust has been removed via the filter unit 61 to the downstream side. As a result, the intake air from the intake port 17 (see FIG. 4) of the processing machine main body 1 is also promoted, and it plays a role of promoting the supply and exhaust (ventilation) of the entire food waste processing machine. Reference numeral 68 denotes a drive device for the exhaust fan 66. The drive device 68 is composed of, for example, an electric motor or the like.

Reference numeral 70 denotes a deodorizing tank for deodorizing exhaust gas. The deodorizing tank 70 is a substantially box-shaped container supported on the base frame 60. A duct 71 connects the deodorization tank 70 and the exhaust fan 66. Further, inside the deodorization tank 70, a net 72 (FIG.
See)). This net 72 is, for example,
It uses a relatively fine-grained expanded metal or the like, and is provided with a deodorizing medium (shown by hatching in the deodorizing tank 70). Therefore, the space above the net 72 in the deodorizing tank 70 serves as a deodorizing medium accommodating portion. Like the processing medium, the deodorizing medium is mixed with microorganisms, and the exhaust gas introduced into the deodorizing tank 70 is decomposed and removed by the microorganisms when passing through the deodorizing medium, and then the net 72 is used.
It is designed to be led out to the outside of the deodorization tank 70 through the space below. After removing the used deodorizing medium,
It can be replenished in the processing tank 20 and reused as a processing medium.

74 is a deodorizing medium charging port (see FIG. 11), 7
Reference numeral 5 denotes a deodorizing medium discharge port (see FIG. 11). The deodorizing medium input port 74 is openably and closably provided at a position near the upper end of the side wall of the deodorizing tank 70 (the side wall on the front side in the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 11). On the other hand, the deodorizing medium discharge port 75 is openably and closably provided at a position near the net 72 (on the upper side of the net 72) on the side wall of the deodorizing tank 70 (the side wall on the front side in the direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIG. 11).

Reference numeral 76 denotes a filter (see FIG. 11). The filter 76 is provided in a space below the net 72 in the deodorizing tank 70 so as to be removable, and further divides the space below the net 72 into upper and lower parts. The filter 76 receives a part of the deodorizing medium falling from the mesh of the net 72, and the deodorizing medium thus received can be extracted together with the filter 76.

The space below the filter 76 is the bottom space of the deodorizing tank 70, and the water guiding portion 7 is inclined downward in one direction (leftward in FIG. 11) at the bottom of the deodorizing tank 70.
7 (see FIG. 11) are provided. When the water content of the deodorizing medium becomes high, excess water in the deodorizing medium may be dropped through the net 72. Such excess water passes through the filter 76, and the water conduit 77 causes the drain port 78 (see FIG. 11).
(See) and is drained. In addition,
Although not particularly shown, the drain water may be led to the outside of the deodorizing unit 2 by connecting a hose or the like to the drain port 78, or may be stored in a saucer. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which a drain port 78 is provided with a cock and the prepared container or the like is appropriately drained.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a water supply device (FIG. 1) for supplying water to the deodorizing medium.
1)), the water supply device 80 includes a plurality of (two in this example) nozzles 81 provided in the deodorizing tank 70, a hose 82 for guiding water such as tap water to the nozzles 81, and a hose 82 of the hose 82. It is composed of a solenoid valve 83 (see FIG. 12 below) provided on the way. The solenoid valve 83 is opened and closed by a command signal from the control device 45. In the present embodiment, as an example, the control device 45 outputs a command signal to the solenoid valve 54 so as to supply water at fixed time intervals at set time intervals. However, it is preferable that the solenoid valve 83 be manually operated by the operation panel 13. The amount of water supplied by the water supply device 80 is also calculated by the control device 45 from the detection signal of the flow meter 55 (see FIG. 12 below).

Reference numeral 85 denotes a temperature sensor (see FIG. 11) for detecting the temperature of the deodorizing medium. This temperature sensor 85 is provided on the side wall (left side wall in FIG. 11) of the deodorizing tank 70 where the deodorizing medium is accommodated. It is provided. This temperature sensor 8
The detection signal of No. 5 is output to the control device 45 (see FIG. 4), and the calculated deodorizing medium temperature is, for example, the operation panel 1 described above.
3 (see FIG. 1) can be monitored by a display unit (not shown, such as a liquid crystal touch panel).

Reference numeral 86 is a known sterilizing filter for sterilizing exhaust gas, and the sterilizing filter 86 is provided in a filter container 87. This filter container 87 and the deodorizing tank 7
The space between the net 72 and the filter 76 at the lower part of 0 is connected by a duct 88. Also, the filter container 8
The downstream side of 7 (upper side in FIG. 11) is connected to an exhaust stack 90 via a duct 89. That is, the exhaust gas that has passed through the sterilizing filter 86 and is cleaned is finally discharged to the atmosphere from the exhaust pipe 90 via the duct 89.

The configuration of the food waste disposing machine according to the present embodiment is as described above. However, when it is used for commercial purposes, for example, in a restaurant or a food processor, it depends on the amount of food waste to be processed. It is also envisioned that the garbage processor will be upsized. In this case, in the food waste disposer of the present embodiment, the position of the food waste input port 27 (see FIG. 5) becomes high, and when a relatively large amount of food waste is input, the load operation is burdened. May occur. Therefore, in consideration of the throwing property of the raw garbage, a reverse throwing device 95 for throwing the raw garbage may be separately provided as conceptually shown in FIG.

This reversing and charging device 95 is, in general, for raising and lowering a container (container) 96 that has received food waste from the ground level to the charging height. When the container 96 is raised to the charging height. , Its container 96
Is turned over (inclined) above the loading lid 10 and the food waste in the container 96 is loaded into the processor body 1.
Of course, when throwing in the garbage, the throwing lid 10 is opened. When such a reversal charging device 95 is separately provided,
The raising / lowering and reversing operations of the container 96 and the opening / closing operation of the closing lid 10 may be interlocked with each other.
, The opening operation of the closing lid 10, the reversing operation of the container 96, etc. may be individually instructed.

Next, the operation of the food waste processor of this embodiment will be described below. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the food waste disposer according to the present embodiment, and parts corresponding to parts similar to those in the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 12, when performing garbage processing, first, a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 13, and the garbage to be subjected to fermentation decomposition processing is put into the processing tank 20. At this time, when the reversal charging device 95 is provided, the user first sets the container 96 containing the garbage in the reversal charging device 95. Then, when a predetermined operation is performed on the operation panel 13, the control device 45 causes the operations of the reversing loading device 95 and the opening / closing lid 10 to interlock with each other, and automatically loads the garbage in the container 96 into the processing tank 20. However, as described above, the reversal charging device 95
And the operation of the opening / closing lid 10, the posture and position of the container 96,
The operation panel 13 may be manually operated individually while visually checking the state of the opening / closing lid 10.

When the garbage is put in, the control device 45
A command signal is output to the drive device 36 to rotate the stirring device 30 for a fixed time. The detection of the input of garbage may be detection of opening / closing of the opening / closing lid 10 by the limit switch 12 or weight detection by the load cell 50. The introduced garbage is appropriately stirred with the treatment medium to ensure the frequency of contact with the microorganisms in the treatment medium, and the microorganisms reduce the weight (decomposition treatment).

In order to realize a good decomposition treatment of food waste during operation, it is necessary to maintain the habitat of the microorganism in a good state and activate the microorganism. Examples of the habitat environment of microorganisms include aeration of the treatment medium, temperature environment, and humidity environment. Therefore, the food waste disposer performs the following operations during operation.

First, in order to ensure the air permeability of the treatment medium, to make the water distribution in the treatment medium uniform, to supply fresh oxygen to the microorganisms, and to make the humidity environment uniform, the food waste and the treatment medium are Is appropriately stirred by the stirring device 30. The stirring operation of the stirring device 30 is controlled according to a program stored in the control device 45, for example.
Specifically, for example, stirring is performed at a rotation speed of about 1 to 3 rpm for about 1 to 2 minutes per hour. If necessary, the operation panel 13 appropriately drives the stirring device 30.

In order to maintain a suitable temperature environment,
The processing tank 20 is appropriately heated by the heater 56. The operation control of the heater is performed by the control device 45. For example, when it is determined that the processing medium temperature is below the proper range based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor 21a, the control device 45 turns on the heater 56. When it is in the proper range (or when it returns to the proper range), the control device 45
Turns off the heater 56.

In order to maintain a suitable humidity environment,
Water is appropriately supplied to the treatment medium by the water supply device 51 (see FIG. 5). The operation of the water supply device 51 is also performed by the control device 45. For example, the water content of the processing medium is estimated based on the detection signal of the load cell 50, and when it is determined that the estimated value is below the appropriate range, the solenoid valve 54 is opened to supply water to the processing medium. The amount of water supply is based on the detection signal of the flow meter 55
5 is calculated. In addition, when water is supplied, the control device 45 adjusts the water content of the treatment medium to be uniform.
A command signal is output to the drive device 36, and the stirrer 30 stirs the food waste and the processing medium for a certain period of time.

The inside of the processing tank 20 is ventilated in order to supply fresh oxygen to the microorganisms. That is, oxygen is supplied into the processing tank 20 by the intake air (outside air) introduced from the intake port 17 (see FIG. 4) through the intake pipe line 18, and the gas and the like generated by the decomposition process of the garbage are exhausted. The gas is exhausted to the outside of the processing tank 20 via the hose 4. This ventilation is exhaust fan 6
Promoted by 6. The rotation speed of the exhaust fan 66 is controlled by the controller 45 according to the weight detected by the load cell 50. As a result, a required amount of oxygen according to the amount to be processed is supplied into the processing tank 20. In addition, the intake pipe line 18
In accordance with the detection signal of the air flow meter 19a provided in the exhaust fan 6
It is also conceivable to control the rotation speed of No. 6.

Exhaust gas from the processing tank 20 is discharged from the deodorizing unit 2
Will be introduced to. The exhaust gas guided to the deodorizing unit 2 is first subjected to dust removal by the first and second filters 64 and 65 (see FIG. 10) of the filter unit 61 (see FIG. 10). After that, the exhaust gas from which the dust is removed is exhausted by the exhaust fan 66.
It is introduced into the deodorizing tank 70 via. When passing through the deodorizing tank 70, the odorous components contained in the exhaust gas are decomposed and removed by the microorganisms mixed in the deodorizing medium. The deodorized exhaust gas is sterilized through the sterilization filter 86 and then discharged into the atmosphere from the exhaust stack 90 (see FIG. 10).

In order to maintain the deodorizing performance of the deodorizing medium, it is necessary to maintain a suitable habitat for the microorganisms in the deodorizing medium. Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the deodorizing medium are controlled during operation. Specifically, the temperature of the deodorizing medium is calculated by the control device 45 based on the detection signal of the temperature sensor 85,
The user monitors it with the operation panel 13 or the like as necessary. In addition, the deodorizing medium is supplied with water by the water supply device 80 (see FIG. 11) at regular intervals. This water supply amount is calculated by the control device 45 based on the detection signal of the flow meter 55.

The food waste processor of this embodiment decomposes food waste as described above to reduce or eliminate it.

The operation and effect of this embodiment described above will be sequentially described below. (1) Improvement of Weight Detection Accuracy In the present embodiment, the processing tank 20 is arranged on the support plate 46 provided independently in the internal space covered by the base frame 15 and the main body cover 6. for that reason,
The processing tank 20 itself does not directly contact the body frame 6. However, the processing tank 20 is structurally
Exhaust pipe line 3, intake pipe line 18, charging port 27, stirring device 30
The drive device 36 of FIG. Therefore, if these are in contact with the main body frame 6, the processing tank 2
0 indirectly receives the restraint force from the main body frame.

The exhaust pipe 3 has a construction in which the joint 5a, which is a component of the exhaust pipe 3, faces the inside of the processing tank 20 through the exhaust opening 25 of the processing tank 20 while maintaining a gap with the exhaust opening 20. 20 is in a non-contact state. Similarly, the input port 27 also holds a gap with the receiving opening 22, and the receiving opening 2
The inside of the processing tank 20 is exposed through the
Not directly connected to 0. That is, the processing tank 20 is
Through the exhaust pipe line 3 and the inlet 27, the main body cover 6
Will not be bound by.

The intake pipe line 18 directly connects the intake port 17 of the main body cover 6 and the intake opening 24 of the processing tank 20, but the intake pipe line 18 itself is flexible or stretchable. Since it is formed of a member (for example, a flexible hose or the like), the processing tank 20 does not receive the binding force from the main body cover 6 even through the intake pipe line 18. In addition, the drive device 36 causes the sprocket 4 to
0, the drive transmission chain 42, the sprocket 41, and the rotating shaft 31 of the stirring device 30 are connected to the processing tank 20. However, the drive transmission chain 31 itself has flexibility, and the drive device 36 itself has the same support plate 46.
Since it is provided above, the engagement with the main body cover 6 via the drive device 36 does not occur.

As described above, the processing tank 20 is constructed so as not to receive any restraining force from the main body cover 6 and is mounted on the support plate 46 independently provided in the main body cover 6. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detected weight of the weighing scale (load cell 50) from being influenced by an external force applied to the main body cover 6 or a distortion of the main body cover 6 caused by the external force. Therefore, the weight of the contents of the processing tank 20 can be accurately measured without being affected by the external force applied to the main body cover 6.

(2) Prevention of Odor Leakage In the present embodiment, the exhaust pipe line 18 and the charging port 27 are not directly connected to the processing tank 20. That is, on the wall surface of the processing tank 20, between the exhaust pipe line 18 and the exhaust opening 25 facing this, the input port 27 and the receiving opening 22 facing this.
There is a slight gap between and. Therefore, if the gas is left as it is, the exhaust gas containing the odorous component (carbon dioxide gas, etc.) generated in the processing tank 20 may leak out of the processing tank 20.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the exhaust opening 25 portion, the processing tank is provided with both ends on the outer peripheral side of the exhaust pipe line 3 (strictly speaking, the joint 5a) so as to cover the exhaust opening 25 of the processing tank 20. 20 is provided with a sealing body 29 connected to the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the main body cover 6. On the other hand, the receiving opening 2
Similarly, in the second part, both ends are connected to the outer wall surface of the processing tank 20 and the inner wall surface of the main body cover 6 on the outer peripheral side of the charging port 27 so as to cover the receiving opening 22 of the processing tank 20.
8 is provided. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the exhaust containing the odorous component from leaking to the outside of the processing tank 20.

At this time, the sealing bodies 28 and 29 are the same as the processing tank 2
0 and the main body cover 6 are connected to each other, but since the main body covers 28 and 29 are flexible or stretchable, a new binding force from the main body cover 6 is not generated in the processing tank 20. It does not impair the above-mentioned essential effect (1).

In the present embodiment described above, the exhaust pipe line 3 and the inlet 27 are connected to the processing tank 20 in a non-contact state. However, the weight of the external force acting on the main body cover 6 is detected. It is not necessary to be limited to this configuration as long as it suppresses the influence on. That is, as in the case of the intake pipe line 18, if the exhaust pipe line 3 and the charging port 27 themselves are formed of a flexible or stretchable member, these exhaust pipe line and charging port are directly connected to the processing tank 20. You may. For example, if the input port 27 is provided with an expansion / contraction mechanism or a rubber tube or the like is used as the input port 27, even if an external force acts on the main body cover 6, the input port 27 itself absorbs the external force and the processing tank 20 is treated.
Can be prevented from being transmitted.

The same applies to the exhaust pipe line 3, but when the deodorizing device (deodorizing unit 2) is provided as a separate device from the processor body 1 as in the present embodiment, the exhaust pipe line 3
Is inevitably exposed outside the processor body 1. Therefore, if a significant external force acts on the exhaust pipe line 3, it cannot be said that the external force may be pulled by the exhaust pipe line 3 and reach the processing tank 20. Therefore, when the deodorizing device is a separate device as in the present embodiment, an exhaust pipe such as the hose cover 8 (see FIG. 1) is provided in the exhaust pipe line connecting the deodorizing device and the processor body 1. It is desirable to provide a road protection member.

Further, although the intake pipe line 18 is itself formed of a flexible or stretchable member in the present embodiment, the intake pipe line 18 is formed of a rigid material, and the treatment tank is Only the connecting portion of 20 with the intake opening 24 may be formed of a flexible or stretchable member. Further, similarly to the exhaust pipe line 3 and the like, the intake pipe line 18 may be connected to the processing tank 20 in a non-contact state, and the gap may be covered with the above-described sealing body. The same effect can be obtained with such a configuration.

In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the garbage treating machine provided with the deodorizing device (deodorizing unit 2) separately from the treating machine main body 1 has been described as an example. The effect is to improve the weight detection accuracy by suppressing the influence of the external force, and is not limited to this. In other words, the deodorizer is not limited to the garbage disposer that is a separate device from the processor itself, but the garbage disposer that has an integrated structure with the deodorizer and the disposer, or a type of garbage disposer without a deodorizer However, the present invention is applicable. Similarly, the present invention can be applied to a food waste disposing device which does not include a water supply device for a medium, a stirring device for a medium, a heater for heating a medium container, and an exhaust fan. The present invention is also applied to a food waste disposer that employs equipment of a type different from that of the present embodiment, such as a water supply device for a medium, a stirring device for a medium, a heater for heating a medium container, and an exhaust fan. It is possible. Further, a plurality of load cells 50 (four in this example) are provided, but one may be sufficient if one is sufficient. In these cases, the same effect can be obtained.

Further, in the above description, the garbage processing machine for reducing the garbage by the decomposition action of microorganisms has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to heating or blowing hot air. It can also be applied to a food waste processing machine having a different processing method, such as a so-called dry type in which waste is dried to reduce the weight. Of course, it can be applied to both a relatively small one for home use and a relatively large one for business use. In short, as long as it does not deviate from the technical idea, the input garbage is reduced by some method, and the amount of garbage reduced (weight of garbage)
The present invention is applicable as long as it has a function of measuring the, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0072]

According to the present invention, the processing tank is disposed on the support plate provided independently in the internal space covered by the base frame and the main body cover. Since the exhaust pipe and the like which are related to the processing tank are provided so as to face the exhaust opening with respect to the processing tank, it is possible to eliminate the binding force of the main body cover to the processing tank. As a result, the weight of the contents of the processing tank can be accurately measured without being affected by the external force applied to the main body cover. Also, by forming the exhaust pipe line itself with a flexible or stretchable member and connecting it to the exhaust opening, the binding force from the main body cover to the processing tank can be eliminated, and the same effect can be obtained. To be Furthermore, the intake pipe, the inlet, and the like that are associated with the processing tank have the same configuration, so that further effects can be obtained.

Further, in the present invention, by providing the sealing body connected to the outer wall surface of the processing tank and the inner wall surface of the main body cover so as to cover the exhaust opening and the receiving opening of the processing tank, the odor leakage from the processing tank. Can be reliably prevented. At this time, by forming the sealing body with a flexible or stretchable member, it is possible to prevent the processing tank from being constrained by the main body cover through these sealing bodies, and to improve the accuracy of the detected weight. It is also possible to prevent damage.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of an embodiment of a food waste disposer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view showing the overall structure of an embodiment of a food waste disposer of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the overall structure of an embodiment of the food waste disposer of the present invention, as viewed from the right side in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2, showing in detail the internal structure of the processor main body that constitutes an embodiment of the food waste processor of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. 4, showing in detail the internal structure of the main body of the processing machine that constitutes an embodiment of the garbage disposal of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 4, showing in detail the internal structure of the main body of the processing machine that constitutes an embodiment of the garbage disposal of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a VII portion in FIG. 5, which is a detailed view of a portion near a receiving opening of a processing tank provided in an embodiment of the garbage disposal of the present invention.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.
It is a detailed view of the exhaust opening vicinity part of the processing tank with which one embodiment of the garbage disposal of the present invention was equipped.

9 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG.
It is a figure showing in detail the internal structure of the deodorizing unit which constitutes one embodiment of the garbage disposal of the present invention.

10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 9, which is a diagram showing in detail the internal structure of a deodorizing unit that constitutes an embodiment of the food waste disposer of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 9, showing in detail the internal structure of the deodorizing unit that constitutes an embodiment of the food waste disposer of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an embodiment of the food waste disposer of the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 exhaust pipe 6 Body cover 15 base frame 18 Intake line 20 treatment tanks 22 Reception opening 24 Intake opening 25 Exhaust opening 27 slot 28 Sealed body 29 Sealed body 46 Support plate 50 load cell (weighing scale)

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yoshihiko Takishita             Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.             Ceremony Company Tsuchiura Factory (72) Inventor Shinya Okumura             Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.             Ceremony Company Tsuchiura Factory (72) Inventor Atsushi Kitaguchi             Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.             Ceremony Company Tsuchiura Factory F-term (reference) 4D004 AA03 BA04 CA18 CA22 CA42                       CA48 CB04 CB28 CC08 DA01                       DA02 DA06 DA11

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A food waste processing machine for reducing the amount of food waste that has been thrown in, a base frame, a main body cover that is supported by the base frame, and has an input port for the food waste at the top, A processing tank having a dust receiving opening, an intake opening, and an exhaust opening and provided inside the main body cover; and a support plate that is independently provided above the base frame in the main body cover and supports the processing tank. At least one weight scale interposed between the support plate and the base frame, an exhaust pipe line provided to face the exhaust opening while maintaining a gap with respect to the exhaust opening, and the exhaust opening And a flexible or stretchable sealing body that connects the main body cover and the processing tank on the outer peripheral side of the exhaust pipe so as to cover the food waste processing machine. . 2. A food waste processor for reducing the amount of food waste that has been thrown in, a base frame, a main body cover that is supported by the base frame, and has an input port for the food waste at the top, A processing tank having a dust receiving opening, an intake opening, and an exhaust opening and provided inside the main body cover; and a support plate that is independently provided above the base frame in the main body cover and supports the processing tank. An exhaust gas having flexibility or elasticity that connects the main body cover and the processing tank so as to cover the exhaust opening, and at least one weight scale interposed between the support plate and the base frame. A food waste disposer characterized by having a pipeline. 3. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein the food waste input port is provided so as to face the receiving opening while maintaining a gap with respect to the receiving opening. A food waste disposer comprising a flexible or stretchable sealing body that connects the main body cover and the processing tank so as to cover the receiving opening. 4. The food waste disposer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the food waste input port is formed of a flexible or stretchable member, and the main body cover and the processing tank are connected to each other. A garbage processor that is characterized by 5. The food waste disposer according to claim 1, wherein the intake opening and the main body cover are connected by a flexible or stretchable intake conduit. A garbage processor that does.