JP2003334518A - Organic substance treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an organic substance treatment apparatus capable of obtaining a stable measured value of high accuracy using an optical water content sensor. <P>SOLUTION: The organic substance treatment apparatus is equipped with a treatment tank 1 housing a carrier of microorganisms for decomposing an organic substance and decomposing the organic substance such as charged garbage and a water content detection means for detecting the water content of the housed organic substance in the treatment tank 1. The optical water content sensor 70 is used as the water content detection means and arranged so as to be positioned under the upper surface of the housed organic substance D in the treatment tank 1. Concretely, the water content sensor 70 is attached to the outer surface of the treatment tank 1. As the material on the side of the treatment tank 1 of a sensor surface 71, a material (reinforced glass 73) having infrared transmissivity of 30% or more, hard to change in color, having high hardness and strong against damage or deformation is employed. <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 an organic substance treating apparatus for decomposing and treating organic substances such as garbage by a microbial decomposition treatment method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of organic matter processing apparatus stores a carrier of microorganisms that decomposes organic matter (such as wood chips such as sawdust) in a treatment tank and puts in organic matter such as garbage. It is decomposed by a microorganism cultured on a carrier. In order to maintain the inside of the treatment tank in an environment suitable for the activation of microorganisms that decompose organic matter, the agitating means is used to periodically agitate and mix the microbial carrier in the treatment tank with organic matter such as garbage, and to ventilate. It is necessary to maintain the temperature and water content suitable for activating the microorganisms by heating the inside of the treatment tank by using the heating means while exhausting the exhaust air from the inside of the treatment tank by using the means to take in fresh air. is there.

To detect the water content, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 57458 (B09B 3/00), a heat-capacity type in which a heating resistor is brought into contact with an item stored in a treatment tank and the temperature rise is measured to detect the water content, For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-33572 (C05F 9/02), a pair of electrodes is brought into contact with an item contained in a treatment tank, and the electrical resistance between the electrodes is measured to determine the water content. An electric resistance type of detection is generally used.

However, the above-mentioned heat capacity type is easily affected by the temperature of the outside air and the contents, and its accuracy is unstable accordingly, and since the temperature rise due to heat conduction is measured, it takes several minutes per measurement. It takes several tens of minutes, and there is a problem in responsiveness. Further, in the case of the electric resistance type, the accuracy may decrease due to the influence of the electrolyte such as salt.

Therefore, the applicant of the present application has filed Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-3.
As disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 43070 (B09B 3/00), an optical type that can accurately measure the water content without contacting the stored items in the treatment tank is provided on the upper portion of the treatment tank. Propose to place.

This is to irradiate an object to be measured with an incandescent light source (a tungsten lamp that emits visible light, infrared light, etc.), and the intensity of the reflected light is measured in a broadband wavelength range (0.4 .About.1 .mu.m) and a wide wavelength range (1 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m) easily absorbed by water,
An element having sensitivity in these regions (a silicon photodiode or a pyroelectric element) is used for detection, and the amount of water is calculated based on the ratio.

In the visible light region, the transmittance of water is about 1.
Therefore, even if the water content changes, there is almost no change in the light detection amount of the silicon photodiode, but in the near infrared region, the degree of light absorption changes according to the change of the water content, The amount of light detected by the pyroelectric element changes according to the water content.

Although the above is the principle based on the change in the transmittance of water, it is applicable not only to the measurement of the transmission of the object but also to the case of the reflection measurement in which the reflected light from the object is received.

This is an application of the diffuse reflection method referred to in spectroscopic analysis. In addition to the light reflected by the surface, the reflected light from the object passes through the particles of the object and is reflected by the surface of the next particle. This is because there is incoming light (diffuse reflected light), and the absorption characteristics of the object are included in it.

The specific calculation of the water content is performed by the calculation formula shown in the above-mentioned publication, which is similar to that of a general two-wavelength infrared moisture meter. Thereby, the water content can be obtained from the outputs of the silicon photodiode and the pyroelectric element.
That is, in advance, after plotting the relationship between the logarithm of the signal intensity ratio of the silicon photodiode and the pyroelectric element and the known water content for each water content of the measurement object whose water content is known, this plot The point can be linearly approximated to obtain a calibration curve, the data of this calibration curve is stored, and the water content can be determined from the output of the optical water content sensor by referring to the data of the calibration curve.

[0011]

However, even if the optical water content sensor as described above is arranged on the upper part of the processing tank, the contents may be dried and dust may rise from the inside of the processing tank. , Dust adheres to the sensor surface of the optical moisture content sensor. If dust adheres to the sensor surface of the optical moisture content sensor, it becomes different from the state in which the data of the calibration curve is acquired, and it is not possible to obtain a highly accurate and stable measurement value.

Regarding the installation place for solving such a problem, it may be possible to install it on the lower outer surface side of the processing tank, but if it is installed as it is, hard garbage will be included in the garbage. If large or large garbage is thrown in, the processing tank may be damaged or deformed, resulting in a decrease in measurement accuracy or damage to the sensor.

Also, since the processing tank is large, the material is
In many cases, an inexpensive material such as polypropylene (PP) resin is adopted, and if the optical water content sensor is simply installed on the outer surface side as it is, sufficient accuracy cannot be obtained due to the transmittance. Therefore, it is conceivable to reduce the thickness, but there is a limit in strength in the plane portion.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and provides an organic substance treating apparatus capable of obtaining a highly accurate and stable measured value by using an optical moisture content sensor. That is the purpose.

[0015]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a treatment tank for accommodating a carrier for a microorganism that decomposes organic matter, and for decomposing organic matter such as food waste to be introduced. A water content detecting means for detecting the water content of the stored items in the treatment tank, and an optical water content sensor is used as the water content detecting means, and the water content sensor of the treatment tank is used. It is characterized in that it is arranged so as to be located below the upper surface of the stored item.

As a specific example, the water content sensor is attached to the outer surface side of the processing tank, and the material of the processing tank facing the water content sensor is one having infrared transmittance of 30% or more. It is a feature.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that a material whose color does not easily change is adopted as a material of the processing tank facing the water content sensor.

Further, as a material of the processing tank facing the water content sensor, a material having high hardness and strong against scratches and deformation is adopted.

Further, the water content sensor is attached to a corner of the processing tank or its vicinity.

The water content sensor is attached to the bottom of the processing tank or its vicinity.

Further, the water content sensor is attached to the outer surface side of the treatment tank, and the thickness of the treatment tank facing the water content sensor is made thinner than the others.

A heating element is provided near the water content sensor.

Further, the water content sensor is installed in a portion where the stored contents are easily moved by stirring by stirring means provided in the processing tank.

Specifically, the water content sensor is installed on the outer surface side of the processing tank located in the vicinity of the rotation locus of the stirring blades constituting the stirring means.

Further, the water content sensor is arranged in the vicinity of a heating element for keeping the temperature of the processing tank.

The treatment tank is formed of polypropylene resin.

[0027]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a structure of an organic substance processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from a side surface side.
Is a vertical cross-sectional view as seen from the back side, FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view as seen from the front side, FIG. 4 is a top view as seen with the lid and the like removed, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. is there.

In this organic matter treatment apparatus, a treatment tank 1 having a top opening for accommodating a carrier for microorganisms (wooden debris such as sawdust) and an organic matter such as garbage is put into an outer case 2. Is configured.

The processing tank 1 is an inexpensive polypropylene (PP) resin molded product, and is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section whose lower side when viewed from the front-rear direction forms an arc shape according to the rotation locus of a stirring blade described later. The upper end is folded back to the outside.

The outer case 2 has the lower case 3 on which the processing tank 1 is placed and which covers the upper opening near the upper case, and the lower edge on the inner surface side is closely placed on the upper edge of the opening of the processing tank 1, and the outer surface side is on the lower side. It comprises an upper case 4 fitted to the upper edge of the case 3.

The upper surface of the upper case 4 is opened corresponding to the upper surface opening 5 of the processing tank 1, and a charging port 6 for charging a microbial carrier, garbage, etc. is formed, and the charging port 6 has a hinge. A lid 7 that is configured to be openable and closable by the above is provided. The opening / closing operation of the lid 7 is detected by a lid switch (not shown).

A stirring shaft 10 having a plurality of stirring blades 9 made of stainless steel or the like standing upright is provided between the front and rear walls in the processing tank 1 so as to be rotatable in the forward and reverse directions. This stirring shaft 10
As shown in FIG. 1, both ends are supported by bearings 11, 11 formed on the front and rear walls of the processing tank 1, and a shaft end 12 on the rear wall side is provided on the rear surface side of the metal frame 1.
By being connected to an agitating motor (not shown) that is driven to rotate in the forward and reverse directions via a reduction drive mechanism 14 including gears and pulleys attached to 3, the rotation of the agitating motor is decelerated and transmitted. It is designed to be driven in forward and reverse rotation.

A control board 20 on which a control section composed of a microcomputer is mounted is mounted above the deceleration drive mechanism 14, and each section of the apparatus is controlled by the control section mounted on the control board 20. To be done. Further, above the control board 20, there is provided an operation display section 21 for operating the apparatus, turning on / off the deodorizing operation, and displaying the status.

Sheet heaters 30 are attached to the front surface and the left and right side surfaces of the treatment tank 1, and the inside of the treatment tank 1 is filled with microorganisms by using a thermistor installed in the sheet heater 30 by the control section. Within a temperature range suitable for activation (about 40 ° C-
The temperature is controlled to be maintained at 60 ° C.

On the other hand, an exhaust hole 40 is formed in the inner rear wall of the upper case 4 located above the rear wall of the processing tank 1.
A ventilation fan 41 is attached to the downstream side (back side) of the exhaust hole 40 as shown in FIG.
2, a switching valve for switching between an exhaust passage 45 in which a heating catalyst type deodorizing device 44 using a heater 42 and a catalyst 43 shown in FIG. 2 is attached, and an exhaust passage 46 for directly discharging exhaust gas to the outside. 47 are provided.

The exhaust passage 46 for the direct exhaust is constructed so as to communicate with the exhaust port 48 which is opened on the rear side of the exterior case 2.

An intake port 50 for taking in outside air is formed on the bottom side of the lower case 3. The intake port 50
The outside air taken in from the inside passes through the gap between the outer case 2 and the processing tank 1, and is taken into the processing tank 1 through the outside air inlet 51 formed in the upper part of the processing tank 1.

A discharge port 60 for the processed material (compost) stored inside is formed by a drawer type shutter 61 so as to be openable and closable from the bottom of the processing tank 1 to the lower part of the front wall. A take-out guide 62 inclined forward is attached to the lower side of the discharge port 60, and by pulling out the shutter 61, the composted processed material can be taken out to the front side of the lower case 3 via the guide 62. You can do it. The take-out port 63 is normally closed by a take-out port cover 64 so that it cannot be seen.

In the present embodiment, the processing tank 1
An optical moisture content sensor 70 is attached to the outer surface of the corner 1a between the bottom and the rear wall in the vicinity of the rear wall. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 5, the water content sensor 70 is covered with a sensor case 72 except for the sensor surface 71 side facing the inside of the processing tank 1. Further, the processing surface 1 side of the sensor surface 71 is opened and the tempered glass 73 is fitted therein.
Sealing measures and strength measures are implemented by silicon injection. Then, a mounting piece 74 extending downward of the sensor case 72 is fixed to the processing tank 1 side by a screw 75 or the like, and a back surface side of the sensor case 72 is a metal frame 13 that supports the reduction drive mechanism 14 shown in FIG. It is supported.

In the above, the processing tank 1 on the sensor surface 71 is used.
As a material for the side, tempered glass 73, which is a material whose infrared transmittance is 30% or more necessary for accurately measuring the water content, is hard to change its color, and has high hardness and is resistant to scratches and deformation.
However, in addition to the tempered glass 73, glass, acrylic, or POM formed to meet these conditions is used.
(Polyacetal) resin or the like can also be adopted.
In addition, it is preferable to use a material having a contact angle of water as large as possible so that the stored item D in the processing tank 1 does not stick easily.

As the optical moisture content sensor 70, for example, a sensor including a tungsten lamp 70a, a silicon photodiode 70b, a pyroelectric element 70c, etc. as disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-343070. Can be used. In this case, in the mounted state as described above, the logarithm of the ratio of the signal intensities of the silicon photodiode 70b and the pyroelectric element 70c is known for each moisture content of the stored material D whose moisture content is known in advance as described above. After plotting the relationship with the water content, the plotted points are linearly approximated to obtain a calibration curve, the data of this calibration curve is stored, and the output of the optical moisture content sensor 70 is used to calculate the calibration curve. The water content can be determined by referring to the data.

Now, in the above configuration, a fixed amount of the microbial carrier is put into the treatment tank 1 in advance at the start of use of the present apparatus. And when processing garbage, the lid 7
Then, the garbage is put into the processing tank 1 through the inlet 6 and the lid 7 is closed. When the lid 7 is closed, the lid switch detects this and the control unit mounted on the control board 20 controls the energization of the stirring motor, the planar heater 30, the ventilation fan 41, etc. based on the output of the lid switch. Start.

By controlling the energization of the agitating motor, the agitating shaft 10 on which the agitating blade 9 is erected regularly rotates in the forward and reverse directions to agitate and mix the carrier and the organic substance, and to energize the planar heater 30. Thus, the temperature in the treatment tank 1 is maintained in an optimum range for activating the microorganisms, and the organic matter is decomposed into carbon dioxide and water by the microorganisms cultivated on the carrier to be composted.

By controlling the energization of the ventilation fan 41, the exhaust passage 46 for directly exhausting the moist air in the processing tank 1 is provided.
Through the exhaust port 48 to prevent the inside of the processing tank 1 from being in a high humidity state, and at the bottom of the lower case 3 as the air in the processing tank 1 is discharged to the outside. Fresh outside air is taken into the exterior case 2 from the intake port 50, and outside air is taken into the processing tank 1 from the outside air inlet 51 formed in the upper part of the processing tank 1 to supply oxygen necessary for activating microorganisms.

On the other hand, when the odor of the exhaust gas discharged from the processing tank 1 directly becomes anxious, the operation display unit 21
Turn on the deodorizing button provided in. When the deodorizing button is turned on, the control unit switches the switching valve 47 so as to directly close the exhaust passage 46 for exhaust and open the exhaust passage 45 for deodorizing exhaust, and the exhaust from the processing tank 1 is exhaust with the deodorizing device 44. It flows into the passage 45. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the malodor from being discharged to the outside.

During the above-described operation, the control unit mounted on the control board 20 periodically detects the water content of the stored item D in the processing tank 1 by using the optical water content sensor 70.
By controlling the operating modes of the stirring motor, which also functions as the water content adjusting means, the sheet heater 30, and the ventilation fan 41, such as high, medium, and low, the water content suitable for activating the microorganisms is controlled. It

In the detection of the water content, since the optical water content sensor 70 is used in the present embodiment, it is not affected by temperature, salt content, etc. unlike the above-mentioned heat capacity type or electric resistance type. A highly accurate and stable water content can be detected with good responsiveness.

Further, since the water content sensor 70 is arranged on the outer surface side in the vicinity of the bottom of the processing tank 1, even if the stored material D in the processing tank 1 dries and rises to dust. Since the dust does not adhere to the sensor surface 71 and the like of the water content sensor 70, and the measurement can be performed without touching the stored item D, the water content sensor may be changed depending on the type of food waste put in. The 70 itself is not physically damaged by deformation, and there is no fear of detection error or damage due to deformation.

In addition, since it is arranged in the vicinity of the corner 1a of the processing tank 1, even if the food waste to be thrown in contains hard ones or large food waste is thrown in, it will be deformed more than the flat portion. Since it is difficult, it is possible to accurately detect the water content.

In particular, in this embodiment, as the material of the processing surface 1 side of the sensor surface 71, a tempered glass 73 having a high infrared transmittance, a color that is hard to change, a hardness and a scratch and a deformation is used. Therefore, discoloration, scratches, and deformation do not easily occur even after a lapse of time from the start of use, so that the infrared transmittance can be maintained in a high state. In addition, since the damage is less likely to occur, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the contact angle of water, so that the stored object D in the processing tank 1 sticks to the front side of the sensor surface 71, which causes a decrease in measurement accuracy. It is possible to prevent the formation of a solidified layer). Therefore, it is possible to obtain highly accurate and stable measured values over a long period of time.
Stable processing can be continued without maintenance.

Since the processing tank 1 itself is an inexpensive polypropylene (PP) resin molded product, the cost can be reduced at the time of mass production.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of another embodiment of the present invention as seen from the side surface side, FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view as seen from the rear surface side, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. It is a figure, and the same code as the above-mentioned embodiment shows the same or equivalent portion.

Although the basic structure is the same as that of the above-mentioned embodiment, in this embodiment, the optical water content sensor 70 is attached to the corner 1a between the bottom of the processing tank 1 and the rear wall.
The water content sensor 70, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG.
It is covered with a sensor case 72 except for the side of the sensor surface 71 facing the inside of the processing tank 1. In addition, the processing tank 1 side of the sensor surface 71 is formed by obliquely cutting the outer peripheral side of the corner portion 1a so that the infrared transmittance becomes 30% or more.
It is formed so that the thickness is thinner than the other portions. Then, a mounting piece 74 extending laterally from the sensor case 72
Is fixed to the processing tank 1 side with a screw 75 or the like.

With the above-described structure, substantially the same operation and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and the mounting portion of the water content sensor 70 is the corner portion 1a. Since it becomes difficult, the water content can be detected more accurately.

Further, by thinning only the thickness of the sensor surface 71 on the side of the processing tank 1, a highly accurate measured value can be obtained without impairing the strength of the entire processing tank 1.

Further, as in the above embodiment, the sensor surface 7
Since there is no need to open the processing tank 1 side of 1 to attach a separate component, it is not necessary to take sealing measures and strength measures such as silicon injection, and the entire processing tank 1 can be molded with an inexpensive polypropylene (PP) resin. Further cost reduction can be achieved at the time of mass production.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of still another embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear side, FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view as seen from the side, and FIG. Top view seen,
FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of FIG. 9 described above, and the same reference numerals as those in the above-mentioned embodiment indicate the same or corresponding portions.

Although the basic structure is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, in this embodiment, the optical water content sensor 70 is provided at the corner 1a between the bottom of the processing tank 1 and the rear wall as shown in FIG. It is attached to the outer surface side near the bottom side and near the rotation locus of the stirring blade 9 on the rear wall side. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 12, the water content sensor 70 is covered with a sensor case 72 except for the sensor surface 71 side facing the inside of the processing tank 1. Further, the processing tank 1 on the sensor surface 71
The side is formed by horizontally cutting the outer circumference of the arcuate bottom portion, and is formed to have a thickness thinner than other portions so that the infrared transmittance becomes 30% or more. And
A screw 75 is attached to the mounting piece 74 extending on both sides of the sensor case 72.
It is fixed to the processing tank 1 side by the above.

With this structure, substantially the same operation and effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and since the mounting portion of the water content sensor 70 is the deepest bottom of the processing tank 1, the charging port 6 and the lid body are 7 is the most affected by the ambient light entering the processing tank 1 through the gap 7 and the gap is less likely to occur in the stored item D due to the weight of the stored item D. It becomes possible to measure. In addition,
Also in each of the above-described embodiments, since the water content sensor 70 is attached near the bottom, it is less likely to be affected by ambient light, and a gap or the like in the stored item D is less likely to occur, so that highly accurate and stable measurement can be performed. It will be possible.

Further, since the mounting portion of the water content sensor 70 is in the vicinity of the rotation locus of the stirring blade 9 and the storage item D is in a state in which it is easily moved by stirring, the immovable layer which causes a decrease in measurement accuracy. (Solidified layer) is less likely to occur, and in this respect also, highly accurate and stable measurement is possible.

When the stirring plate 9a as shown in FIG. 13 is attached to the stirring blade 9, the water content sensor 70 is attached to the vicinity of the rear wall of the corner portion 1a or to the corner portion 1a as in the above embodiments. However, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of still another embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side, and the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment indicate the same or corresponding portions.

In the present embodiment, a planar heater 31 as shown in FIG. 14 is provided as a heating element in the vicinity of the optical moisture content sensor 70 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. The planar heater 31 is similar to the planar heater 30 attached to the front surface or both side surfaces of the processing tank 1 described above, and the heater core wire 32, which is meanderingly wired as shown by a broken line, is attached to the aluminum sheet 33. It is covered with and attached to the outer surface of the tank.

With this configuration, the water generated by decomposition of food waste does not condense near the moisture content sensor 70, and thus the immobile layer (solidified layer) of the stored article D is not formed (condensation occurs). If so, it becomes difficult for the stored item D to move and a stationary layer is easily formed.) This makes it possible to measure a stable and highly accurate water content.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the same operation as that of the above embodiment can be achieved by providing a heating element in the vicinity of the water content sensor 70. The effect is obtained.

As a heating element constituting the heating means for keeping the temperature of the treatment tank 1, an optical moisture content sensor 70 is attached in the vicinity of the sheet heater 30 attached to the front surface or both side surfaces of the treatment tank 1. Even if it is, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment is obtained.

If a heating element such as the planar heaters 30 and 31 is provided on almost the entire processing tank 1 as described above, it is possible to prevent the immobile layer (solidified layer) generated at any one from spreading to the whole. It is more effective because it can be done.

When the planar heater 30 or 31 is provided near the optical moisture content sensor 70, the planar heater 30 or 3 is provided.
There is a fear that infrared rays from the treatment tank 1 and the storage D heated by 1 are detected as noise by the optical moisture content sensor 70, but as a countermeasure for this, when measuring the moisture content at regular intervals, the surface condition is measured. If the heater 30 or 31 is OFF, measurement is performed. If the heater is ON, wait until the planar heater 30 or 31 is OFF, or perform measurement after a certain period of time after turning OFF. Good. Alternatively, the planar heater 30 or 3 is used at the time of measurement with respect to the measured water content value.
Correct water content can be obtained by correcting the water content data using the correction data depending on whether 1 is ON or OFF.

Further, as described above, in the case where the heating catalyst type deodorizing device 44 is provided, the heater 42 for heating the catalyst is controlled at a high temperature of about 300 ° C. when the heater 42 for heating the catalyst is turned on. Since the heat radiation is transmitted from the outer wall of the processing tank 1 into the processing tank 1, it has a great influence on the temperature of the processing tank 1 and the contents D. Therefore, similar to the above, the processing tank 1 and the stored items D
There is a fear that infrared rays from the optical moisture content sensor 70 may be detected as noise by the optical moisture content sensor 70. As a countermeasure against this, when the moisture content is measured at regular intervals, the heater 42 for heating the catalyst is turned on.
If it is FF, the measurement is performed. If it is ON, the heater 42 turns off.
The measurement may be performed after waiting until it becomes FF, or the measurement may be performed after a certain period of time after being turned off. Alternatively, an accurate water content can be obtained by correcting the water content data using the correction data depending on whether the heater 42 for heating the catalyst is ON or OFF at the time of measurement with respect to the measured water content value. You can

[0071]

As described above, according to the present invention, a treatment tank for accommodating a carrier for a microorganism that decomposes organic matter, for decomposing and treating organic matter such as food waste to be introduced, and a water content of the contained matter in the treatment tank. With a water content detection means for detecting the water content, an optical water content sensor is used as the water content detection means, so that the water content sensor is located below the upper surface of the storage container of the processing tank. By arranging it, it is not affected by temperature and salt content unlike the heat capacity type and electric resistance type, and even if the contents in the processing tank dry and fly up as dust. Since dust does not adhere to the sensor surface of the moisture content sensor, it is possible to obtain highly accurate and stable measurement values.

As a specific example, the moisture content sensor is attached to the outer surface side of the treatment tank, and the material of the treatment tank facing the moisture content sensor is one having infrared transmittance of 30% or more. Even if it is attached to the outer surface side of the treatment tank, infrared rays can pass therethrough, and the water content in the treatment tank can be accurately measured. In addition, since it does not come into contact with the items stored in the processing tank, the moisture content sensor itself is not physically damaged, such as deformed, depending on the type of food waste that is thrown in. There is no fear of reaching.

Further, by adopting a material whose color does not easily change as the material of the processing tank facing the water content sensor, discoloration does not easily occur even after a lapse of time from the start of use, so that the infrared transmittance is improved. It is possible to suppress deterioration due to discoloration.

Further, by adopting a material having high hardness and high resistance to scratches and deformation as the material of the treatment tank facing the water content sensor, scratches and deformation are less likely to occur even after a lapse of time from the start of use. It is possible to prevent the transmittance of infrared rays from decreasing due to scratches or deformation. Also, since scratches are less likely to occur, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the contact angle of water, so that the contents stored in the processing tank cling to the front side of the sensor surface, which causes a decrease in measurement accuracy. Can be prevented.

Further, by mounting the water content sensor at the corner of the processing tank or in the vicinity thereof, even if the food waste to be thrown in includes hard ones or a large amount of food waste is thrown in, the water content sensor will be better than the flat portion. Since it does not easily deform, it is possible to detect a stable and highly accurate water content.

Further, by mounting the water content sensor at the bottom of the processing tank or in the vicinity thereof, it becomes difficult to be influenced by ambient light entering the processing tank through the gap between the inlet and the lid, and the stored items are prevented. Since a gap or the like is less likely to occur in the stored item due to its own weight, highly accurate and stable measurement can be performed.

Furthermore, by mounting the water content sensor on the outer surface side of the processing tank and making the thickness of the processing tank facing the water content sensor thinner than the other, the accuracy of the processing tank is not impaired. A high measurement value of is obtained.

By providing a heating element in the vicinity of the water content sensor, moisture generated by decomposition of food waste does not condense in the vicinity of the water content sensor, so that the immovable layer of the stored items is not formed. A highly accurate and stable water content can be measured.

Further, a portion where the stored contents are easily moved by the stirring of the water content sensor by the stirring means provided in the processing tank, specifically, the rotation of the stirring blade constituting the stirring means of the water content sensor. By installing on the outer surface side of the processing tank located near the locus, a stationary layer that causes a decrease in measurement accuracy is less likely to occur, and highly accurate and stable measurement can be performed.

Also, by disposing the water content sensor in the vicinity of the heating element for keeping the temperature of the processing tank, moisture generated by decomposition of food waste does not condense in the vicinity of the water content sensor. The immobile layer is no longer formed,
Highly accurate and stable water content can be measured.

By molding the processing tank with polypropylene resin, the cost can be reduced at the time of mass production by the inexpensive polypropylene resin molding.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an organic matter processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from a side surface side.

FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view as seen from the back side.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view as seen from the front side.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the same with the lid and the like removed.

5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of another embodiment of the present invention as seen from the side surface side.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view as seen from the back side.

8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of still another embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side.

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view seen from the side.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the same with the lid and the like removed.

FIG. 12 is also an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 9 described above.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the stirring blade.

FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of still another embodiment of the present invention as seen from the back side.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 processing tank 1a Corner part 2 exterior case 6 input port 7 Lid 9 stirring blades 10 stirring shaft 20 control board 21 Operation display section 30,31 planar heater 41 Ventilation fan 51 Outside air intake 70 Water content sensor 70a tungsten lamp 70b Silicon photodiode 70c Pyroelectric element 71 Sensor surface 72 sensor case 73 Tempered glass D storage

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Munezuka             2-5-3 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture             Within Yo Denki Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toshihiro Tamura             2-5-3 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture             Within Yo Denki Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kozo Akamatsu             2-5-3 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture             Within Yo Denki Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kenji Watanabe             2-5-3 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture             Within Yo Denki Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Iijima             2-5-3 Keihan Hondori, Moriguchi City, Osaka Prefecture             Within Yo Denki Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2G059 AA01 BB08 CC09 EE01 EE02                       EE11 HH01 HH02 KK03 NN07                       PP03                 4D004 AA03 CA15 CA19 CA22 CA48                       CB04 CB28 CB32 CC08 CC09                       DA01 DA03 DA09 DA20

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A treatment tank for accommodating a carrier for a microorganism that decomposes organic matter, for decomposing and treating organic matter such as food waste, and a water content detection for detecting the water content of the contained matter in the treatment tank. And an optical water content sensor as the water content detection means, the water content sensor is arranged so as to be located below the upper surface of the storage object of the processing tank. Processing equipment. 2. The water content sensor is attached to the outer surface side of the processing tank, and the material of the processing tank facing the water content sensor is one having infrared transmittance of 30% or more. The organic matter processing apparatus according to claim 1. 3. The organic substance processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a material whose color does not easily change is used as a material of the processing tank facing the water content sensor. 4. The organic substance processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a material having high hardness and high resistance to scratches and deformation is adopted as a material of the processing tank facing the water content sensor. 5. The organic substance treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water content sensor is attached to a corner portion of a treatment tank or its vicinity. 6. The organic substance treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water content sensor is attached to the bottom of the treatment tank or its vicinity. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the water content sensor is attached to the outer surface side of the treatment tank, and the thickness of the treatment tank facing the water content sensor is thinner than the others. The organic substance processing apparatus as described in 1. 8. The organic substance treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heating element provided near the water content sensor. 9. The water content sensor according to claim 1, wherein the water content sensor is installed at a portion where stored items are easily moved by stirring by a stirring means provided in a processing tank. The organic substance processing apparatus described. 10. The organic matter treatment apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the water content sensor is installed on the outer surface side of the treatment tank located in the vicinity of the rotation locus of the stirring blades constituting the stirring means. 11. The organic substance treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the water content sensor is arranged in the vicinity of a heating element for keeping heat in the treatment tank. 12. The organic substance processing apparatus according to claim 2, 5 or 7, wherein the processing tank is formed of polypropylene resin.