JP2004223338A

JP2004223338A - Garbage disposer

Info

Publication number: JP2004223338A
Application number: JP2003011669A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Shinichiro Yano; 紳一郎矢野; Yasushi Nihata; 康二畠; Keisuke Yoshikawa; 啓介吉川; Etsuro Fujino; 悦郎藤野; Jun Saito; 潤斎藤
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-01-20
Filing date: 2003-01-20
Publication date: 2004-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-20
Also published as: JP4542313B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce an electric consumption while controlling a treatment tank so as to be suitable for the volume reduction of garbage by sensing whether or not garbage is cast into the tank in a good precision. <P>SOLUTION: The subject disposer is provided with a treatment tank temperature sensor 23 that senses the temperature of the contents in the treatment tank into which garbage is cast and an opening and closing sensor 21 that senses the opening or closing of a casting door provided on a casting port through which garbage is cast into the treatment tank. An operation control section 20 determines the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the temperatures detected with the sensor 23 in a determination period when the sensor 21 senses that the door is closed, determines the garbage to be cast into the tank when the difference exceeds a threshold value, and controls a motor 5 and a heater 7 so as to be operated in a promotion mode in which the volume reduction of the contents in the tank is promoted. The section 20 controls the motor 5 and the heater 7 so as to be operated in a keeping mode in which the tank is kept in a normal state after the determination that no garbage is cast. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、処理槽内に投入された生ごみの容積を低減する減容処理を行う生ごみ処理機に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来から、生ごみを減容処理することによって生ごみの廃棄を容易にする生ごみ処理機が提案されている。この種の生ごみ処理機には、微生物による発酵作用を利用して生ごみから水分を低減させるとともに残滓の容積を生ごみよりも大幅に低減させて減容するものや、生ごみの加熱により水分を除去して減容するものが種々提案されている。すなわち、生ごみを投入する処理槽内に微生物の付着した担体を投入するとともに、処理槽内での微生物の活性が高まるように処理槽内の状態を制御したり、処理槽内に投入された生ごみを加熱する条件を制御したりするものが種々提案されている（たとえば、特許文献１参照）。
【０００３】
生ごみ処理機に用いる微生物は主として好気性菌であり微生物の活性を高めるには空気との接触が必要であるから、処理槽には生ごみを攪拌する攪拌機が設けられる。また、この種の微生物には活性の高くなる温度範囲があるのに対して、この種の生ごみ処理機は一般に屋外に設置されるものであり処理槽内の温度は外気温によって変化するから、処理槽内の温度が微生物による生ごみの分解に適した温度に保たれるように、処理槽を加熱するためのヒータが設けられる。さらに、生ごみを分解した最終生成物は不快臭が少ないが、生ごみの分解中に生じるガスには窒素化合物や硫黄化合物が含まれており不快臭があるから、処理槽内からの排気経路には脱臭器と強制排気のための排気ファンとが設けられ、脱臭器には脱臭用の触媒を加熱するヒータが設けられる。さらに、生ごみの加熱によって減容処理を行うものであっても水分の蒸発を促進するために生ごみを撹拌する攪拌機が設けられる。
【０００４】
ところで、上述のように、生ごみ処理機では、攪拌機や排気ファンのための動力源を駆動したり、処理槽や脱臭器に設けた加熱源に通電して加熱するための電力が必要であり、動力源および加熱源による電力消費が生じる。つまり、動力源および加熱源を同条件で常時連続して運転すると、生ごみの減容処理を行わない期間でも動力源および加熱源において生ごみの減容処理を行う期間と同様の電力が消費されるから、不必要に多くの電力を消費することになる。
【０００５】
電力の消費を低減する技術として、生ごみの減容処理を行う条件で動力源および加熱源を駆動する期間と、動力源および加熱源への通電条件を生ごみの減容処理を行わないときの条件とする期間との２期間を設け、両期間を一定時間ごとに交互に設ける制御方法も考えられている。しかしながら、この方法では、処理槽内の生ごみの量と動力源および加熱源への通電条件とが一致しないから、生ごみが処理槽に投入されるタイミングと、生ごみの減容処理を行う条件で動力源および加熱源を駆動するタイミングとにずれが生じて、生ごみの減容処理が促進されない場合が生じる。
【０００６】
この問題を解決するために、処理槽に生ごみを投入する投入口に設けた投入扉の開閉を検出する開閉センサを設け、投入扉が開閉されたことが開閉センサにより検出されると生ごみが投入されたと判断し、生ごみが投入されたと判断した時点から生ごみを減容処理する条件で動力源および加熱源を一定時間駆動する構成が考えられる。この構成では、投入扉を単に開閉しただけで生ごみを投入しなくとも、生ごみを減容処理する条件で動力源および加熱源に通電するから、不必要に電力を消費する場合がある。
【０００７】
さらに、処理槽内の内容物の含水率を検出する含水率センサを設け、含水率センサにより検出した含水率が基準値より大きいときには生ごみが存在する条件で動力源および加熱源を駆動し、含水率が基準以下であれば処理槽内には減容処理すべき生ごみがほとんど存在しないと判断し、動力源および加熱源への通電条件を生ごみの減容処理を行わないときの条件とする技術も提案されている。
【０００８】
たとえば、特許文献１には、投入扉の開閉を検知する検知スイッチおよび処理槽の温度を検知する温度センサのほか、処理槽の空気の湿度から含水率を推定する湿度センサを設けた構成が記載されている。
【０００９】
【特許文献１】
特開平７−９６２６９号公報（第４−５頁、図１）
【００１０】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述のように処理槽の内容物に関する含水率を検出する技術を用いると、処理槽内の生ごみの存否を容易に判断することができるが、含水率を測定するためのセンサ（含水率センサ、湿度センサ）の検出精度にはばらつきが大きく、また比較的高価であるという問題を有している。
【００１１】
本発明は上記事由に鑑みて為されたものであり、その目的は、処理槽内に減容処理すべき生ごみが投入されたか否かを精度よく検出することによって処理槽内を生ごみの減容処理に適した状態に制御しながらも電力の消費を低減し、しかも比較的安価に提供することができる生ごみ処理機を提供することにある。
【００１２】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１の発明は、生ごみが投入され生ごみを減容処理する期間において生ごみを溜め置く処理槽と、処理槽を収納するとともに処理槽に生ごみを投入する投入口を開閉する投入扉を備えたハウジングと、処理槽の内容物を減容処理するための処理状態を制御する状態制御手段と、投入扉の開閉を検出する開閉センサと、処理槽の内容物の温度を検出する処理槽温度センサと、開閉センサにより投入扉の開閉が検出されると規定した判断期間の計時を開始し判断期間において処理槽温度センサにより検出される処理槽の内容物の温度に基づいて生ごみの投入の有無を判断する演算制御部とを備え、演算制御部では、生ごみが投入されたと判断すると減容処理を促進する促進モードで状態制御手段を運転し、生ごみが投入されていないと判断すると処理槽を規定状態に維持する維持モードで状態制御手段を運転することを特徴とする。
【００１３】
請求項２の発明では、請求項１の発明において、前記演算制御部は、前記投入扉が開状態から閉状態になったことを前記開閉センサが検出すると、前記判断期間における処理槽温度センサによる検出温度の最高温度と最低温度との温度差を求めるとともに、当該温度差が規定した閾値を越えると生ごみが前記処理槽に投入されたと判断し、前記状態制御手段を前記促進モードで運転することを特徴とする。
【００１４】
請求項３の発明は、請求項１または請求項２の発明において、前記処理槽温度センサは、前記処理槽の外側であって処理槽の内容物の温度を反映した温度が測定可能な部位に配置されることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
請求項４の発明では、請求項１または請求項２の発明において、前記状態制御手段は、前記処理槽の内容物を撹拌する撹拌羽根を有した撹拌軸を回転駆動するモータを備え、前記演算制御部は、前記判断期間においては処理槽の内容物を連続的に撹拌し、他の期間においては処理槽の内容物を間欠的に撹拌するように、モータを制御することを特徴とする。なお、他の期間とは、たとえば促進モードおよび維持モードの期間になる。
【００１６】
請求項５の発明では、請求項１または請求項２の発明において、前記演算制御部は、前記判断期間において前記投入扉の開閉が開閉センサにより検出されると、前記判断期間を延長することを特徴とする。
【００１７】
請求項６の発明では、請求項５の発明において、前記判断期間は前記投入扉が最後に閉じてから一定時間に設定されていることを特徴とする。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
まず、本実施形態において説明する生ごみ処理機の概略構成を説明する。図６に示すように、生ごみ処理機は戸外に設置されるハウジング１を備え、ハウジング１の上面には生ごみを投入するための投入口（図示せず）が開口し、投入口は投入扉２により覆われる。投入扉２の上縁はハウジング１に蝶着され、ハウジング１において投入扉２の蝶着部位付近には、投入扉２の開閉を検出する開閉センサ２１（図１参照）が配置される。開閉センサ２１は、マイクロスイッチのような機械式スイッチ、フォトインタラプタのような光学式スイッチ、リードスイッチと永久磁石との組合せのような磁気スイッチから選択して用いる。
【００１９】
ハウジング１の内部には、図７および図８に示すように、上面が開口した処理槽３が収納されている。処理槽３は、生ごみが投入され生ごみを発酵分解するとともに加熱して水分を除去することによって減容処理を行う期間において生ごみを溜め置く槽であり、上方に開放された断面Ｊ字状である受け板３ａの両側面を側板３ｂ（図７（ｂ）参照）で塞いだ形状に形成され、両側板３ｂ間において処理槽３内は２室に分割されている。処理槽３の中の一室は生ごみが投入される減容処理室１１であり、他室は減容処理後の内容物を減容処理室１１から排出するための排出室１２になる。減容処理室１１には生ごみだけではなく、生ごみを発酵分解させる微生物が付着した担体（以下では、「生ごみ処理材」という）も投入される。生ごみ処理材の担体としては、おがくず、木質細片などが用いられる。
【００２０】
処理槽３の両側板３ｂ間には撹拌軸４が回動自在に支承され、撹拌軸４には減容処理室１１と排出室１２との内部でそれぞれ回動する撹拌羽根４ａ，４ｂが設けられる。撹拌軸４は処理槽３の外部に設けた動力源としてのモータ５から回転力を受けて回動し、処理槽３に投入された生ごみおよび生ごみ処理材を撹拌羽根４ａ，４ｂによって撹拌する。つまり、モータ５を動力源として撹拌軸４と撹拌羽根４ａ，４ｂとにより攪拌機が構成される。このように、生ごみおよび生ごみ処理材を撹拌することにより処理槽３の内容物を曝気するとともに、水分の放出を促進する。撹拌軸４の回転方向はモータ５の回転方向によって正逆に切り換えられる。
【００２１】
減容処理室１１と排出室１２とを仕切る隔壁１３の上部にはオーバフロー用開口１３ａが貫設してあり、撹拌軸４を通常時に対して逆方向に回転させたときに、減容処理室１１の内容物がオーバフロー用開口１３ａを通って排出室１２に排出されるように撹拌羽根４ａとオーバフロー用開口１３ａとの位置関係を設定してある。減容処理室１１および排出室１２の底部の断面形状は、撹拌羽根４ａよりも若干大径の半円形状であり、減容処理室１１および排出室１２の底部に溜まった内容物を撹拌羽根４ａにより隅々まで撹拌できるようにしてある。
【００２２】
処理槽３において生ごみの減容処理を行うと、二酸化炭素、メタン、水などに加えて窒素化合物や硫黄化合物のような不快臭を伴う分解ガスが発生する。このような分解ガスおよび水蒸気を処理槽３から排出する経路として処理槽３の上部側方にはフィルタ１４が設けられている。減容処理室１１と排出室１２とは処理槽３の上部において連通しており、減容処理室１１および排出室１２で発生した分解ガスおよび水蒸気は、ともにフィルタ１４を通して処理槽３から排出される。フィルタ１４からの排気は酸化触媒型の脱臭器１５を通して熱交換器１６に導入される。熱交換器１６の出口側には排気ファン１７が接続され、排気ファン１７により吸引された排気は消音器１８を通して排気筒１９からハウジング１の外部に排出される。
【００２３】
フィルタ１４は処理槽３から塵埃が排出されないように設けられている。また、脱臭器１５は、導入された排気を２００〜４００℃に加熱するヒータと、高温に加熱された排気に接触して分解ガスの不快臭成分の酸化を促進することによって脱臭する白金触媒のような触媒とを内部に備える。
【００２４】
ところで、従来の技術として説明したように、処理槽３の中での減容処理には微生物の活性が高まるとともに水分を迅速に除去できるような環境が必要であり、内容物の曝気だけではなく加熱が必要である。従来構成では減容処理室１１の加熱のためにヒータを用いていたが、本実施形態では減容処理室１１の下部に熱交換器１６を密接させ、脱臭器１５から排出された高温の排気を熱交換器１６に導入することによって、熱交換器１６を通過する熱気と処理槽３の内容物との間で熱交換を行っている。
【００２５】
熱交換器１６は、処理槽３のうち減容処理室１１に対応する部位の下部外周面に沿った断面Ｊ字状に形成された中空箱状の本体部１６ａと、本体部１６ａの内部空間に蛇行した流路を形成する仕切板１６ｂとを備える。また、脱臭器１５の排気を熱交換器１６に導入するための導入管１６ｃおよび熱交換器１５からの排気を排気ファン１７に排出するための排出管１６ｄが設けられ、導入管１６ｃと排出管１６ｄとの間に蛇行した流路が形成されるのである。本体部１６ａは、減容処理室１１との接触面が減容処理室１１の底部の形状に沿う形状に形成されており、本体部１６ａの接触面と減容処理室１１の裏面とが面接触するから、熱交換の効率が高くなる。
【００２６】
上述のように、処理槽３からの排気経路には、フィルタ１４、脱臭器１５、熱交換器１６が設けられ、熱交換器１６の排気側に排気ファン１７が設けられている。したがって、排気ファン１７を作動させることにより、処理槽３から空気が吸飲され、処理槽３の内部の空気がフィルタ１４、脱臭器１５、熱交換器１６を通して排気ファン１７に吸入され、さらに消音器１８を通してハウジング１の外部に排気される。なお、図７および図８では、フィルタ１４と脱臭器１５との間、脱臭器１５と熱交換器１６の間、熱交換器１６と排気ファン１７との間をそれぞれ接続するダクトは図示を省略している。
【００２７】
処理槽３の外側面であって減容処理室１１の上部に対応する部位には、熱交換器１６に当接した形で吸気ダクト１９が配置され、吸気ダクト１９の一端部はハウジング１の内部に開放されて外気を取り込むことができるようになっている。吸気ダクト１９の他端部には減容処理室１１の内部に突出する吸気口１９ａが設けられ、吸気口１９ａは減容処理室１１の内部に開放されている。したがって、排気ファン１８を作動させ上述のように処理槽３の排気を行うと、ハウジング１の下部に設けた外気取入口（図示せず）から吸気ダクト１９および吸気口１９ａを通して減容処理室１１の内部に外気が取り込まれる。つまり、処理槽３の内容物に新鮮な空気を供給することができ、生ごみの減容処理に寄与する微生物の活性を高め、かつ水蒸気の排出を促すことができる。ここで、吸気ダクト１９は熱交換器１６に当接しているから、減容処理室１１に流入する外気は熱交換器１６との間で熱交換することになり、吸気ダクト１９を通して減容処理室１１に流入する空気が温められ、低温の外気が流入することによる減容処理室１１の内容物の温度低下を防止することができる。
【００２８】
上述したように、撹拌軸４は正逆に回転可能であり、撹拌軸４は生ごみの減容処理を行っている間には図７における時計方向に回転している。つまり、減容処理室１１の内容物の上面は、撹拌羽根４ａの回転によって左上がりに傾斜し、結果的に、内容物の上面がオーバフロー用開口１３ａに到達せず、排出室１２に内容物が投入されることがない。一方、撹拌軸４を逆方向に回転させると、減容処理室１１の内容物がオーバフロー用開口１３ａに達して排出室１２に投入されることになる。排出室１２の下部には排出口１２ａが形成されており、排出室１２に投入された内容物は、撹拌軸４が回転し撹拌羽根４ｂが回転することによって、排出口１２ａから処理槽３の外部に排出される。なお、ハウジング１内には図示しないトレイを設け、排出口１２ａから排出された内容物をトレイで受けている。トレイはハウジング１の前面に設けた排出扉６から出し入れすることができるようになっている。
【００２９】
ところで、上述のように、減容処理室１１の内容物は微生物の活性を高めるように加熱されているから、減容処理室１１に生ごみが投入されると内容物の温度が低下することになる。また、減容処理室１１に生ごみが投入された直後では生ごみの量に対して減容処理に寄与する微生物の数が少なくなる。このように、減容処理室１１の内容物の温度が低下したときには、内容物の温度の加熱を促進する必要があり、また生ごみの量に対して微生物の数が少なくなったときには、微生物の活性を高めるために内容物への空気の抱き込みを積極的に行うことが必要になる。つまり、減容処理室１１に生ごみを投入した直後のように減容処理に適する状態から大きく逸脱したときには、減容処理を促進するように加熱および撹拌を積極的に行うことが必要になる。一方、減容処理に適した状態が保たれている期間においては、減容処理室１１の内容物を保温すればよく、また処理槽３の内容物の曝気も低減させることができる。
【００３０】
減容処理室１１の温度は、本実施形態においては脱臭器１５に内蔵したヒータの発熱量を制御することによって調節することができる。また、減容処理室１１における内容物の撹拌はモータ５の制御によって間欠的に行えるようにしてあり、内容物に対する空気の抱き込み量は撹拌の頻度を制御することによって調節することができる。そこで、本実施形態では脱臭器１５に内蔵したヒータの発熱量と撹拌の間隔とを２段階に設定可能とし、ヒータの発熱量を大きくしかつモータ５による撹拌の頻度を大きくすることにより減容処理を促進する「促進モード」と、ヒータの発熱量を小さくしかつモータ５による撹拌の頻度を小さくして処理槽１１を規定状態（つまり、処理槽１１を規定した温度に保ち、処理槽１１の内容物を適時に撹拌する状態）に維持する「維持モード」との２種類の制御モードを設けている。ここに、促進モードでは、脱臭器１５に内蔵したヒータの近傍の温度がたとえば３００℃に保たれるようにヒータの通電量をフィードバック制御し、維持モードでは減容処理室１１の温度が一定に保たれるようにヒータの通電量を制御している。要するに、本実施形態では状態制御手段として、脱臭器１５のヒータとモータ５とを用いている。
【００３１】
上述した動作を可能とするために、本実施形態では、図１に示すように、プログラマブルコントローラを用いた演算制御部２０を設け、演算制御部２０によって、ハウジング１に設けた投入扉２の開閉を検出する開閉センサ２１、脱臭器１５におけるヒータ近傍の温度を検出する脱臭器温度センサ２２、減容処理室１１の温度を検出する処理槽温度センサ２３からの入力を監視し、撹拌用のモータ５、脱臭器１５に内蔵したヒータ７、排気ファン１８の動作を制御する構成を採用している。脱臭器温度センサ２２は、図８に示すように、脱臭器１５においてヒータの近傍部位の温度を検出するように配置される。また、処理槽温度センサ２３は、減容処理室１１と排出室１２との間を仕切る隔壁１３に取着することもできるが、隔壁１３に取付孔を設けたり配線を通したりすることになり、処理槽温度センサ２３の取付に手間がかかる。そこで、処理槽温度センサ２３を図７（ｂ）に示すように、減容処理室１１の側板３ｂの外側面に処理槽温度センサ２３を貼着するのが望ましい。この構成であれば、処理槽温度センサ２３には処理槽３の内容物が付着しないから、処理槽温度センサ２３が外れにくく、しかも減容処理室１１の内容物の温度が十分に反映され、減容処理室１１の内容物の温度を直接検出する場合に比較して遜色のない温度検出が可能である。さらに、処理槽温度センサ２３を取り付けるための取付孔を隔壁１３に形成する必要がなく、特別な加工が不要であって安価かつ容易に取り付けることができる。処理槽温度センサ２３は処理槽３の内容物の温度を反映する位置に貼着する必要あり、具体的には、たとえば、撹拌軸４から下向きに下ろした直線に対して後方に４５度傾斜した直線上であって受け板３ａの近傍となる減容処理室１１の下部に取り付けるのが望ましい。なお、処理槽温度センサ２３にはサーミスタを用いるのが望ましい。
【００３２】
次に、演算制御部２０の動作を図２に基づいて説明する。上述のように、促進モードは生ごみが投入された直後の制御モードであるから、促進モードとするか維持モードとするかの選択には、まず減容処理室１１に生ごみが投入されたか否かを判断する必要がある。生ごみを減容処理室１１に投入する際には、投入扉２を開閉するから、開閉センサ２１により投入扉２が開いた状態から閉じた状態が検出されたときに（Ｓ１）、生ごみが投入された可能性があるとみなし、投入扉２が閉じてから１２００ｓの判断期間Ｓにおいて生ごみが投入されたか否かの判断を行う。すなわち、演算処理部２０に内蔵したタイマをリセットし（ｉ＝０にし）、判断期間Ｓを１２００ｓにセットする（Ｓ２）。判断期間Ｓにおいては温度制御を維持モードと同様に行い減容処理室１１の撹拌は連続的に行う判断モードで運転する。また、上述したように減容処理室１１の内容物の温度変化が大きいときには減容処理に適した状態を大きく逸脱するから、判断期間Ｓにおいて処理槽温度センサ２３での検出温度の最高温度Ｔｍａｘと最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとの温度差を求め、この温度差を減容処理室１１の内容物の温度変化の大きさの指標に用いる。最高温度Ｔｍａｘおよび最低温度Ｔｍｉｎは、投入扉２が閉じた時点の検出温度Ｔｉ（ｉ＝０）を初期値とする（Ｓ３）。
【００３３】
ここで、判断期間Ｓには、生ごみが新たに投入される場合や、生ごみが投入されずに投入扉２の開閉のみが行われる場合もあるから、判断期間Ｓにおいて投入扉２が開いた状態から閉じた状態に移行したことが開閉センサ２１で検出されると（Ｓ４）、判断期間Ｓをさらに１２００ｓだけ延長する（Ｓ５）。つまり、ステップＳ４において投入扉２の閉じたことが検出された時点のタイマのカウント値ｉに１２００を加算した値を判断期間Ｓとする。
【００３４】
判断期間Ｓにおいては、処理槽温度センサ２３の検出温度Ｔｉを最高温度Ｔｍａｘおよび最低温度Ｔｍｉｎと比較し（Ｓ６，Ｓ７）、検出温度Ｔｉが最高温度Ｔｍａｘよりも高ければ、その時点の検出温度Ｔｉを新たに最高温度Ｔｍａｘとし（Ｓ８）、検出温度Ｔｉが最低温度Ｔｍｉｎよりも低ければ、その時点の検出温度Ｔｉを新たに最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとする（Ｓ９）。その後、タイマのカウント値ｉをインクリメントし（Ｓ１０）、タイマのカウント値ｉが判断期間Ｓに一致する判断期間Ｓの満了時点まで（Ｓ１１）上述の動作を繰り返す。
【００３５】
判断期間Ｓが満了した後、判断期間Ｓにおいて求めた最高温度Ｔｍａｘと最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとの温度差を求め（Ｓ１２）、温度差が規定した閾値（本実施形態では、１日に１５ｋｇの生ごみを減容処理する場合を想定し閾値を４℃に設定している）以上であれば、生ごみの投入による大きな温度変化が生じたと判断して促進モードに移行し（Ｓ１３）、温度差が４度未満であれば、生ごみは投入されていないものと判断して判断モードから維持モードに移行する（Ｓ１４）。
【００３６】
上述のように判断期間Ｓにおいて求めた最高温度Ｔｍａｘと最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとの温度差を閾値と比較する構成ではなく、投入扉２が閉じた時点の検出温度Ｔｉと判断期間Ｓの終了時点の検出温度Ｔｉとの温度差を閾値と比較することも考えられる。しかしながら、減容処理室１１は加熱されているから、判断期間Ｓが長くなると投入扉２が閉じた時点の検出温度Ｔｉと判断期間Ｓの終了時点の検出温度Ｔｉとの温度差が小さくなり、閾値による判断が難しくなる。
【００３７】
たとえば、検出温度Ｔｉが図３のように変化する場合を考える。図は減容処理室１１に生ごみが投入され投入扉２が閉じられた時点を開始時点としており、この時点での検出温度Ｔｉが最高温度Ｔｍａｘになっている。判断期間Ｓでは判断モードで運転され減容処理室１１は加熱されているから、判断期間Ｓの長さと生ごみの投入量との関係によっては判断期間Ｓの満了前に最低温度Ｔｍｉｎになることがある。つまり、判断期間Ｓの満了時点の検出温度Ｔｉ（＝Ｔｅ）は最低温度Ｔｉよりも高くなる。その結果、最高温度Ｔｍａｘと最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとの温度差よりも、判断期間Ｓの開始時点における検出温度Ｔｉ（＝Ｔｍａｘ）と満了時点における検出温度Ｔｉ（＝Ｔｅ）との温度差のほうが小さくなる（Ｔｍａｘ−Ｔｍｉｎ＞Ｔｍａｘ−Ｔｅ）。つまり、生ごみが投入されたことを判断するための閾値を図３に示すθに設定するとすれば、最高温度Ｔｍａｘと最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとの温度差では閾値θを越えるにもかかわらず、判断期間Ｓの開始時点における検出温度Ｔｉ（＝Ｔｍａｘ）と満了時点における検出温度Ｔｉ（＝Ｔｅ）との温度差では閾値θを越えないことになる。判断期間Ｓの開始時点における検出温度Ｔｉ（＝Ｔｍａｘ）と満了時点における検出温度Ｔｉ（＝Ｔｅ）との温度差を用いるでも、閾値θを小さくすれば生ごみが投入されたか否かの判断が可能になるものの、閾値θが小さくなるほど判断モードでの運転中の温度変化との区別が困難になる。しかも、閾値θの大きさは判断期間Ｓの長さに依存するから、閾値θの設定が難しいという問題も生じる。
【００３８】
これに対して本実施形態では、最高温度Ｔｍａｘと最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとの温度差を閾値θと比較する構成であるから、判断期間Ｓを比較的長く（つまり、検出温度Ｔｉが最低温度Ｔｍｉｎを通過して上昇する程度の長さに）設定しておけば、閾値θの設定には判断期間Ｓを考慮する必要がなく、閾値θの設定が容易になる上に、判断モードでの運転中の温度変化と生ごみの投入時の温度変化とを明確に区別できる程度の大きさの閾値θを設定することが可能になっている。つまり、投入扉２の開閉などによる温度変化で生ごみが投入されていないにもかかわらず生ごみの投入と誤検出することが防止され、また生ごみが投入されたときには判断期間Ｓでの温度変化によって生ごみの投入が不検出になることもない。
【００３９】
また、上述の構成では判断期間Ｓにおいて最高温度Ｔｍａｘと最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとの温度差を閾値θと比較しているが、処理槽温度センサ２３による検出温度Ｔｉを閾値と比較することも考えられる。しかしながら、判断期間Ｓにおいては判断モードで運転されており、減容処理室１１の温度は図４のようにほぼ一定に保たれているとはいうものの、実際には時間とともに変動しているから、温度が高い時点で生ごみが投入された場合と、温度が低い時点で生ごみが投入された場合とでは、生ごみの投入量が同じであるとしても、図４に線Ａで示すように温度が高い時点で生ごみが投入されると閾値温度Ｔｈを横切らず、図４に線Ｂで示すように温度が低い時点で生ごみが投入されると閾値温度Ｔｈを横切る場合が生じる。つまり、どの時点で生ごみを投入するかに応じて、生ごみの投入が検出される場合と検出されない場合とが生じる可能性がある。つまり、閾値温度Ｔｈが低く設定されると生ごみが投入されているにもかかわらず不検出になることがあり、閾値温度Ｔｈが高く設定されていると投入扉２の開閉などの温度変化で生ごみを投入したと誤検出を生じることがある。
【００４０】
これに対して、本実施形態は、最高温度Ｔｍａｘと最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとの温度差を閾値θと比較する構成を採用しているから、判断モードにおいて減容処理室１１の内容物の温度が高いか低いかにかかわらず、生ごみの投入に応じた温度低下を検出することができ、生ごみの投入に対する誤検出や不検出が生じにくくなる。
【００４１】
ところで、判断期間Ｓにおいて生ごみが１回だけ投入されるとは限らず、判断期間Ｓにおいて生ごみが２回以上に分けて投入される場合も考えられる。たとえば、図５（ｂ）に示すように、最初に３ｋｇの生ごみを投入し、１０分後に１２ｋｇの生ごみを投入するなどの場合が考えられる。ここで、上述の例では判断期間Ｓは１２００ｓ（つまり、２０分）であって、図５（ｃ）のように、判断期間Ｓを最初に投入扉２が開閉された時点から２０分間に設定していると、２回目の生ごみの投入からは判断期間Ｓが不足し、処理槽温度センサ２３による検出温度Ｔｉが判断期間Ｓ内で最低温度Ｔｍｉｎに到達しない場合が考えられる。つまり、上述のように判断期間Ｓの判断モードにおいて生ごみを２回投入するものとし、生ごみの１回目の投入量よりも２回目の投入量のほうが多く、しかも２回目の投入時には判断期間Ｓの半分がすでに経過しているとすれば、判断期間Ｓの満了時点で検出温度Ｔｉが低下している途中になることも考えられる。
【００４２】
これに対して、本実施形態では、図２のステップＳ４，Ｓ５に示すように、タイマの動作中の期間において投入扉２が開閉されたときに判断期間Ｓを延長する構成を採用しているから、図５（ｂ）のように判断期間Ｓの途中で生ごみが投入されると、図５（ｄ）のように最後に生ごみが投入された時点から、判断期間Ｓを最初から計時し直すことになる。つまり、図５（ａ）のように、最初に投入扉２が開閉された時点から１０分後に生ごみが投入されると（投入扉２が開閉されると）、この時点から判断期間Ｓを再び２０分間計時するのである。この例の場合では、判断期間Ｓは３０分になり、減容処理室１１の内容物が最低温度Ｔｍｉｎを通過して上昇するようになる。つまり、判断期間Ｓの計時中に生ごみが再度投入されたとしても、判断期間Ｓにおいて最高温度Ｔｍａｘと最低温度Ｔｍｉｎとを確実に検出することが可能になる。
【００４３】
【発明の効果】
請求項１の発明は、投入扉の開閉を検出する開閉センサと、処理槽の内容物の温度を検出する処理槽温度センサと、開閉センサにより投入扉の開閉が検出されると規定した判断期間の計時を開始し判断期間において処理槽温度センサにより検出される処理槽の内容物の温度に基づいて生ごみの投入の有無を判断する演算制御部とを備え、演算制御部では、生ごみが投入されたと判断すると減容処理を促進する促進モードで状態制御手段を運転し、生ごみが投入されていないと判断すると処理槽を規定状態に維持する維持モードで状態制御手段を運転するものであり、生ごみの投入直後において処理槽の内容物の温度が低下することを利用し、生ごみが投入されることによって内容物が減容処理に適した状態から逸脱すると、減容処理を促進するように促進モードで運転することができ、また生ごみが新たに投入されなければ処理槽の状態を維持モードで維持するから、生ごみが投入されたときにのみ電力の消費が増加するが、電力の消費が不必要に増加するのを防止することができる。しかも、投入扉の開閉と連動して生ごみの投入の有無を判断するのであって、生ごみの投入とは無関係な期間に促進モードと維持モードとの切換のための判定を行うことがない。しかも、生ごみの有無を湿度センサではなく温度センサによって判別するから、比較的安価に提供できる上に長寿命になる。
【００４４】
請求項２の発明は、判断期間において検出温度の最高温度と最低温度との温度差を求めるとともに、温度差が規定した閾値を越えると生ごみが処理槽に投入されたと判断するから、検出温度の推移のみで判断したり判断期間の開始時点と満了時点との温度差によって判断したりする場合に比較して誤検出や不検出の可能性が低減される。
【００４５】
請求項３の発明は、処理槽の外側であって処理槽の内容物の温度を反映した温度が測定可能な部位に処理槽温度センサを配置するから、処理槽温度センサに処理槽の内容物が直接接触せず、処理槽温度センサを簡易に取り付けることが可能になる。しかも、処理槽の内側に取り付ける場合に比較すると、処理槽温度センサを取り付けるための取付孔を形成する必要がなく取付が容易であり、しかも処理槽温度センサを接続する配線の引き回しも容易になる。
【００４６】
請求項４の発明は、判断期間において処理槽の内容物を連続的に撹拌し、促進モードや維持モードの期間のような他の期間においては処理槽の内容物を間欠的に撹拌するようにモータを制御するから、判断期間においてのみモータが連続運転され、他の期間における電力の消費を低減することができる。
【００４７】
請求項５の発明は、判断期間において投入扉の開閉が開閉センサにより検出されると判断期間を延長するから、生ごみが複数回に分けて投入されたとしても、検出温度の変化を検出するのに十分な時間が得られ、生ごみが投入されたか否かの判断を正確に行うことが可能になる。
【００４８】
請求項６の発明は、判断期間を投入扉が最後に閉じてから一定時間に設定しているから、生ごみの投入量とは無関係に最高温度と最低温度とを得るのに十分な長さの判断期間を得ることが可能になる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施形態を示すブロック図である。
【図２】同上の動作説明図である。
【図３】同上の動作説明図である。
【図４】比較例の動作説明図である。
【図５】本発明の実施形態を示す動作説明図である。
【図６】同上の外観図である。
【図７】（ａ）は同上の要部斜視図、（ｂ）は同上の要部斜視図である。
【図８】同上の要部斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１ハウジング
２投入扉
３処理槽
５モータ
７ヒータ
２０演算制御部
２１開閉センサ
２３処理槽温度センサ[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a garbage disposal machine that performs volume reduction processing for reducing the volume of garbage thrown into a treatment tank.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A garbage disposer that facilitates disposal of garbage by reducing the volume of garbage has been proposed. This type of garbage disposer uses the fermentation action of microorganisms to reduce water from garbage and significantly reduce the volume of the residue compared to garbage. Various proposals have been made to reduce the volume by removing water. That is, while the carrier with the microorganisms attached is introduced into the processing tank into which the garbage is introduced, the state in the processing tank is controlled so that the activity of the microorganisms in the processing tank is increased, or the state is introduced into the processing tank. Various proposals have been made to control conditions for heating garbage (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
Microorganisms used in the garbage disposer are mainly aerobic bacteria, and contact with air is required to enhance the activity of the microorganism. Therefore, a stirrer for stirring garbage is provided in the treatment tank. In addition, this kind of microorganism has a temperature range where the activity becomes high, whereas this kind of garbage disposer is generally installed outdoors and the temperature in the treatment tank changes depending on the outside air temperature. A heater for heating the processing tank is provided so that the temperature in the processing tank is maintained at a temperature suitable for decomposition of garbage by microorganisms. Furthermore, although the final product of decomposition of garbage has little unpleasant odor, the gas generated during the decomposition of garbage contains nitrogen compounds and sulfur compounds and has an unpleasant odor. Is provided with a deodorizer and an exhaust fan for forced exhaust, and the deodorizer is provided with a heater for heating a deodorizing catalyst. Further, a stirrer is provided to stir the garbage in order to promote the evaporation of water even if the volume is reduced by heating the garbage.
[0004]
By the way, as described above, the garbage disposer requires electric power for driving a power source for a stirrer or an exhaust fan, or for supplying electricity to a heating source provided in a treatment tank or a deodorizer to heat the same. , Power consumption by the power source and the heating source. In other words, if the power source and the heating source are continuously operated under the same conditions, the same power is consumed during the period when the garbage is reduced in the power source and the heating source even during the period when the garbage is not reduced. Therefore, unnecessary power is consumed unnecessarily.
[0005]
As a technology to reduce power consumption, the period during which the power source and the heating source are driven under the condition that the volume of the garbage is reduced, and the conditions for energizing the power source and the heating source, when not performing the volume reduction of the garbage A control method is also considered in which two periods are provided, and the two periods are alternately provided at regular intervals. However, in this method, since the amount of garbage in the processing tank does not match the power supply condition to the power source and the heating source, the timing at which the garbage is put into the processing tank and the volume reduction of the garbage are performed. The timing of driving the power source and the heating source under the condition may be different from each other, and the process of reducing the volume of garbage may not be promoted.
[0006]
In order to solve this problem, an open / close sensor is provided for detecting the opening / closing of an input door provided at an input port for inputting garbage into the processing tank, and when the open / close sensor detects that the input door has been opened / closed, the garbage is removed. It is conceivable that the power source and the heating source are driven for a certain period of time under the condition that the volume of the garbage is reduced from the time when it is determined that the garbage is supplied and the garbage is determined to be supplied. In this configuration, power is supplied to the power source and the heating source under the condition of reducing the volume of the garbage even if the garbage is not merely introduced by simply opening and closing the input door, so that power may be consumed unnecessarily.
[0007]
Furthermore, a water content sensor for detecting the water content of the contents in the treatment tank is provided, and when the water content detected by the water content sensor is larger than the reference value, the power source and the heating source are driven under the condition that garbage is present, If the water content is below the standard, it is judged that there is almost no garbage to be reduced in the treatment tank, and the power supply and heating source should be energized under the conditions when the garbage is not reduced. Has also been proposed.
[0008]
For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a configuration in which a detection switch that detects opening and closing of an input door, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a processing tank, and a humidity sensor that estimates a water content from the humidity of air in the processing tank are provided. Have been.
[0009]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-96269 (page 4-5, FIG. 1)
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the use of the technology for detecting the water content of the contents of the processing tank makes it possible to easily determine the presence or absence of garbage in the processing tank. However, a sensor for measuring the water content (a water content sensor) , The humidity sensor) has a problem that the detection accuracy varies greatly and is relatively expensive.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to accurately detect whether or not garbage to be subjected to volume reduction processing has been put into the processing tank, thereby reducing the amount of garbage in the processing tank. It is an object of the present invention to provide a garbage disposer that can reduce power consumption while controlling to a state suitable for volume reduction processing and can be provided at relatively low cost.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a processing tank for storing garbage during a period in which garbage is thrown in and the garbage is reduced in volume, and an opening for opening and closing an input port for storing the processing tub and for throwing garbage into the processing tank. A housing with a door, state control means for controlling a processing state for reducing the volume of the contents of the processing tank, an open / close sensor for detecting the opening / closing of an input door, and detecting the temperature of the contents of the processing tank. The processing tank temperature sensor and the opening / closing sensor start timing of a determination period in which the opening / closing of the input door is detected. Based on the temperature of the contents of the processing tank detected by the processing tank temperature sensor during the determination period, An arithmetic control unit that determines whether or not the garbage is thrown in. When the arithmetic control unit determines that the garbage has been thrown in, the state control means is operated in a promotion mode that promotes a volume reduction process, and no garbage is thrown. Judge Wherein the operating state controlling means maintaining mode for maintaining the processing tank to the provisions state.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when the open / close sensor detects that the input door has been changed from the open state to the closed state, the arithmetic control unit uses the processing tank temperature sensor during the determination period. A temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature of the detected temperature is obtained, and when the temperature difference exceeds a specified threshold, it is determined that garbage is put into the processing tank, and the state control means is operated in the promotion mode. It is characterized by the following.
[0014]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the processing bath temperature sensor is provided at a portion outside the processing bath and capable of measuring a temperature reflecting the temperature of the contents of the processing bath. It is characterized by being arranged.
[0015]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect of the present invention, the state control means includes a motor that rotationally drives a stirring shaft having a stirring blade that stirs the contents of the processing tank, The control unit controls the motor so as to continuously stir the contents of the processing tank during the determination period and intermittently stir the contents of the processing tank during other periods. The other period is, for example, a period of the promotion mode and the maintenance mode.
[0016]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the arithmetic control unit extends the determination period when the opening / closing of the input door is detected by an open / close sensor during the determination period. Features.
[0017]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the determination period is set to a predetermined time since the closing door was last closed.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First, a schematic configuration of the garbage processing machine described in the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the garbage processing machine includes a housing 1 installed outdoors, and an input port (not shown) for inputting garbage is opened on an upper surface of the housing 1, and the input port is input. Covered by door 2. The upper edge of the input door 2 is hinged to the housing 1, and an opening / closing sensor 21 (see FIG. 1) that detects opening and closing of the input door 2 is disposed near the hinged portion of the input door 2 in the housing 1. The open / close sensor 21 is selected from a mechanical switch such as a micro switch, an optical switch such as a photo interrupter, and a magnetic switch such as a combination of a reed switch and a permanent magnet.
[0019]
Inside the housing 1, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a processing tank 3 having an open upper surface is housed. The treatment tank 3 is a tank for storing the garbage during a period in which the garbage is thrown in, the garbage is fermented and decomposed, heated, and the water is removed to perform the volume reduction processing. The receiving plate 3a is formed in a shape in which both side surfaces of the receiving plate 3a are closed by side plates 3b (see FIG. 7B), and the inside of the processing tank 3 is divided into two chambers between the both side plates 3b. One chamber in the processing tank 3 is a volume reduction processing chamber 11 into which garbage is put, and the other chamber is a discharge chamber 12 for discharging the contents after the volume reduction processing from the volume reduction processing chamber 11. Not only the garbage but also a carrier (hereinafter, referred to as a "garbage disposal material") to which microorganisms capable of fermenting and decomposing the garbage adhered is supplied into the volume reduction processing chamber 11. Sawdust, wood chips, and the like are used as the carrier of the garbage disposal material.
[0020]
A stirring shaft 4 is rotatably supported between both side plates 3 b of the processing tank 3, and the stirring shaft 4 is provided with stirring blades 4 a and 4 b that rotate inside the volume reduction processing chamber 11 and the discharge chamber 12, respectively. Can be The stirring shaft 4 is rotated by receiving a rotational force from a motor 5 provided as a power source provided outside the processing tank 3, and the garbage and the garbage processing material put into the processing tank 3 are stirred by the stirring blades 4 a and 4 b. I do. That is, the stirrer is configured by the stirring shaft 4 and the stirring blades 4a and 4b using the motor 5 as a power source. In this way, the contents of the treatment tank 3 are aerated and the release of water is promoted by stirring the garbage and the garbage disposal material. The rotation direction of the stirring shaft 4 is switched between forward and reverse depending on the rotation direction of the motor 5.
[0021]
An overflow opening 13a is provided in the upper part of the partition wall 13 separating the volume reduction processing chamber 11 and the discharge chamber 12, and when the stirring shaft 4 is rotated in the opposite direction to the normal time, the volume reduction processing chamber is formed. The positional relationship between the stirring blade 4a and the overflow opening 13a is set so that the contents 11 are discharged into the discharge chamber 12 through the overflow opening 13a. The cross-sectional shape of the bottom of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 and the discharge chamber 12 is a semicircle slightly larger in diameter than the stirring blade 4a, and the contents accumulated at the bottoms of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 and the discharge chamber 12 are stirred. By 4a, it can be stirred to every corner.
[0022]
When the volume reduction of garbage is performed in the treatment tank 3, a decomposition gas with an unpleasant odor such as a nitrogen compound or a sulfur compound is generated in addition to carbon dioxide, methane, water, and the like. A filter 14 is provided on the upper side of the processing tank 3 as a path for discharging such a decomposition gas and water vapor from the processing tank 3. The volume reduction processing chamber 11 and the discharge chamber 12 communicate with each other at the upper part of the processing tank 3, and the decomposition gas and steam generated in the volume reduction processing chamber 11 and the discharge chamber 12 are both discharged from the processing tank 3 through the filter 14. You. The exhaust gas from the filter 14 is introduced into a heat exchanger 16 through an oxidation catalyst type deodorizer 15. An exhaust fan 17 is connected to the outlet side of the heat exchanger 16, and the exhaust air sucked by the exhaust fan 17 is exhausted from an exhaust pipe 19 to the outside of the housing 1 through a silencer 18.
[0023]
The filter 14 is provided so that dust is not discharged from the processing tank 3. The deodorizer 15 includes a heater for heating the introduced exhaust gas to 200 to 400 ° C., and a platinum catalyst for deodorizing by promoting the oxidation of the unpleasant odor component of the decomposition gas by contacting the exhaust gas heated to a high temperature. Such a catalyst is provided inside.
[0024]
By the way, as described as the prior art, the volume reduction treatment in the treatment tank 3 requires an environment in which the activity of microorganisms is increased and the water can be quickly removed, and not only the aeration of the contents but also the Heating is required. In the conventional configuration, a heater is used for heating the volume reduction processing chamber 11, but in the present embodiment, the heat exchanger 16 is closely attached to the lower part of the volume reduction processing chamber 11, and the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the deodorizer 15 is used. Is introduced into the heat exchanger 16 to perform heat exchange between the hot air passing through the heat exchanger 16 and the contents of the processing tank 3.
[0025]
The heat exchanger 16 includes a hollow box-shaped main body 16a formed in a J-shaped cross section along a lower outer peripheral surface of a portion corresponding to the volume reduction processing chamber 11 in the processing tank 3, and an internal space of the main body 16a. And a partition plate 16b that forms a meandering flow path. An introduction pipe 16c for introducing the exhaust gas from the deodorizer 15 to the heat exchanger 16 and a discharge pipe 16d for discharging the exhaust gas from the heat exchanger 15 to the exhaust fan 17 are provided. Thus, a meandering flow path is formed between the passage 16d. In the main body 16a, the contact surface with the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is formed in a shape following the shape of the bottom of the volume reduction processing chamber 11, and the contact surface of the main body 16a and the back surface of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 are in a plane. Because of the contact, the efficiency of heat exchange is increased.
[0026]
As described above, the filter 14, the deodorizer 15, and the heat exchanger 16 are provided in the exhaust path from the processing tank 3, and the exhaust fan 17 is provided on the exhaust side of the heat exchanger 16. Therefore, by operating the exhaust fan 17, air is sucked and drunk from the processing tank 3, and air inside the processing tank 3 is sucked into the exhaust fan 17 through the filter 14, the deodorizer 15, and the heat exchanger 16, and further silences. The gas is exhausted to the outside of the housing 1 through the vessel 18. 7 and 8, the ducts connecting the filter 14 and the deodorizer 15, the deodorizer 15 and the heat exchanger 16, and the ducts connecting the heat exchanger 16 and the exhaust fan 17 are omitted. are doing.
[0027]
An intake duct 19 is disposed on the outer surface of the treatment tank 3 and corresponding to the upper part of the volume reduction treatment chamber 11 in contact with the heat exchanger 16, and one end of the intake duct 19 is connected to the housing 1. It is open to the inside and can take in outside air. The other end of the intake duct 19 is provided with an intake port 19a projecting into the volume reduction processing chamber 11, and the intake port 19a is opened inside the volume reduction processing chamber 11. Therefore, when the exhaust fan 18 is operated and the processing tank 3 is exhausted as described above, the volume reduction processing chamber 11 passes through an intake duct 19 and an intake port 19a from an outside air intake (not shown) provided at a lower portion of the housing 1. The outside air is taken into the inside of. In other words, fresh air can be supplied to the contents of the processing tank 3, the activity of microorganisms contributing to the volume reduction processing of garbage can be increased, and the discharge of water vapor can be promoted. Here, since the intake duct 19 is in contact with the heat exchanger 16, the outside air flowing into the volume reduction processing chamber 11 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 16, and the volume reduction processing is performed through the intake duct 19. The air flowing into the chamber 11 is warmed, and the temperature of the contents of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 can be prevented from lowering due to the flow of low-temperature outside air.
[0028]
As described above, the stirring shaft 4 is rotatable in the forward and reverse directions, and the stirring shaft 4 is rotating clockwise in FIG. 7 during the process of reducing the volume of the garbage. In other words, the upper surface of the contents of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is inclined upward to the left by the rotation of the stirring blades 4a. As a result, the upper surface of the contents does not reach the overflow opening 13a, and Is not injected. On the other hand, when the stirring shaft 4 is rotated in the reverse direction, the contents of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 reach the overflow opening 13a and are charged into the discharge chamber 12. A discharge port 12a is formed at a lower portion of the discharge chamber 12, and the contents charged into the discharge chamber 12 are moved from the discharge port 12a to the processing tank 3 by the rotation of the stirring shaft 4 and the rotation of the stirring blades 4b. It is discharged outside. A tray (not shown) is provided in the housing 1, and the contents discharged from the discharge port 12a are received by the tray. The tray can be taken in and out through a discharge door 6 provided on the front surface of the housing 1.
[0029]
By the way, as described above, since the contents of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 are heated so as to enhance the activity of microorganisms, when garbage is put into the volume reduction processing chamber 11, the temperature of the contents may decrease. become. Immediately after the garbage is put into the volume reduction processing chamber 11, the number of microorganisms contributing to the volume reduction processing is reduced with respect to the amount of the garbage. As described above, when the temperature of the contents of the volume reduction treatment chamber 11 decreases, it is necessary to promote the heating of the contents, and when the number of microorganisms decreases with respect to the amount of garbage, It is necessary to positively embrace air in the contents in order to enhance the activity of the product. That is, when there is a large departure from the state suitable for volume reduction processing, such as immediately after putting garbage into the volume reduction processing chamber 11, it is necessary to actively perform heating and stirring to promote the volume reduction processing. . On the other hand, during the period in which the state suitable for the volume reduction processing is maintained, the contents of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 may be kept warm, and the aeration of the contents of the processing tank 3 may be reduced.
[0030]
In the present embodiment, the temperature of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 can be adjusted by controlling the amount of heat generated by a heater built in the deodorizer 15. Further, the contents in the volume reduction processing chamber 11 can be agitated intermittently by controlling the motor 5, and the amount of air entrapped in the contents can be adjusted by controlling the frequency of the agitation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the heat generation amount of the heater incorporated in the deodorizer 15 and the interval of stirring can be set in two stages, and the heat generation amount of the heater is increased and the frequency of stirring by the motor 5 is increased to reduce the volume. A “promoting mode” in which the processing is promoted, in which the amount of heat generated by the heater is reduced and the frequency of agitation by the motor 5 is reduced to keep the processing tank 11 in a specified state (that is, to maintain the processing tank 11 at a specified temperature, And a "maintenance mode" for maintaining the contents in a timely manner. Here, in the promotion mode, the amount of power supplied to the heater is feedback-controlled so that the temperature near the heater incorporated in the deodorizer 15 is maintained at, for example, 300 ° C. In the maintenance mode, the temperature of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is kept constant. The amount of current supplied to the heater is controlled so as to be maintained. In short, in the present embodiment, the heater of the deodorizer 15 and the motor 5 are used as the state control means.
[0031]
In order to enable the above-described operation, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an operation control unit 20 using a programmable controller is provided, and the operation control unit 20 opens and closes the closing door 2 provided on the housing 1. Monitoring the input from the opening / closing sensor 21 for detecting the temperature, the deodorizer temperature sensor 22 for detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the heater in the deodorizer 15, and the processing tank temperature sensor 23 for detecting the temperature of the volume reduction processing chamber 11; 5. A configuration for controlling the operation of the heater 7 and the exhaust fan 18 built in the deodorizer 15 is adopted. As shown in FIG. 8, the deodorizer temperature sensor 22 is disposed so as to detect the temperature of the deodorizer 15 in the vicinity of the heater. Further, the processing tank temperature sensor 23 can be attached to the partition wall 13 that separates the volume reduction processing chamber 11 and the discharge chamber 12, but the partition wall 13 is provided with a mounting hole or a wiring is passed therethrough. In addition, the installation of the processing tank temperature sensor 23 is troublesome. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7B, it is desirable that the processing tank temperature sensor 23 be attached to the outer surface of the side plate 3b of the volume reduction processing chamber 11. With this configuration, since the contents of the processing tank 3 do not adhere to the processing tank temperature sensor 23, the processing tank temperature sensor 23 is unlikely to come off, and the temperature of the contents of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is sufficiently reflected. Temperature detection comparable to the case of directly detecting the temperature of the contents of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is possible. Further, there is no need to form a mounting hole for mounting the processing bath temperature sensor 23 in the partition wall 13, and no special processing is required, and the mounting can be performed inexpensively and easily. The processing tank temperature sensor 23 needs to be attached to a position that reflects the temperature of the contents of the processing tank 3, and specifically, for example, is inclined 45 degrees backward with respect to a straight line that is lowered from the stirring shaft 4. It is desirable to attach it to the lower part of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 which is on a straight line and near the receiving plate 3a. It is desirable to use a thermistor for the processing tank temperature sensor 23.
[0032]
Next, the operation of the arithmetic and control unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the promotion mode is a control mode immediately after the garbage is put in. Therefore, to select the promotion mode or the maintenance mode, first, whether the garbage is put into the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is determined. It is necessary to determine whether or not. When the garbage is thrown into the volume reduction processing chamber 11, the throw-in door 2 is opened and closed. When the open / close sensor 21 detects that the throw-in door 2 is closed from the open state (S 1), the garbage is opened. It is determined that there is a possibility that garbage has been thrown in, and it is determined whether or not garbage has been thrown in a determination period S of 1200 s after the closing door 2 is closed. That is, the timer built in the arithmetic processing unit 20 is reset (i = 0), and the determination period S is set to 1200 s (S2). In the judgment period S, the temperature control is performed in the same manner as in the maintenance mode, and the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is operated in the judgment mode in which the stirring is continuously performed. Further, as described above, when the temperature change of the contents in the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is large, the state greatly deviates from the state suitable for the volume reduction processing. Therefore, the maximum temperature Tmax of the temperature detected by the processing tank temperature sensor 23 in the determination period S. The temperature difference between the temperature and the minimum temperature Tmin is determined, and this temperature difference is used as an index of the magnitude of the temperature change of the contents in the volume reduction processing chamber 11. As the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin, the detected temperature Ti (i = 0) at the time when the charging door 2 is closed is set as an initial value (S3).
[0033]
Here, in the determination period S, there is a case where garbage is newly thrown in or there is a case where only the opening and closing of the throwing door 2 is performed without throwing garbage. When the open / close sensor 21 detects that the state has shifted from the opened state to the closed state (S4), the determination period S is further extended by 1200 s (S5). That is, a value obtained by adding 1200 to the count value i of the timer at the time when the closing of the insertion door 2 is detected in step S4 is set as the determination period S.
[0034]
In the determination period S, the detected temperature Ti of the processing tank temperature sensor 23 is compared with the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin (S6, S7), and if the detected temperature Ti is higher than the maximum temperature Tmax, the detected temperature Ti at that time is determined. Is newly set as the maximum temperature Tmax (S8), and if the detected temperature Ti is lower than the minimum temperature Tmin, the detected temperature Ti at that time is newly set as the minimum temperature Tmin (S9). Thereafter, the count value i of the timer is incremented (S10), and the above operation is repeated until the end of the determination period S in which the count value i of the timer matches the determination period S (S11).
[0035]
After the judgment period S expires, a temperature difference between the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin obtained in the judgment period S is obtained (S12), and a threshold value defined by the temperature difference (in this embodiment, 15 kg of garbage per day in this embodiment) If the threshold is set to 4 ° C. assuming a case where volume reduction processing is performed, it is determined that a large temperature change has occurred due to the input of garbage, and the mode shifts to the promotion mode (S13), and the temperature difference is reduced. If it is less than 4 degrees, it is determined that no garbage has been thrown, and the mode shifts from the determination mode to the maintenance mode (S14).
[0036]
As described above, the temperature difference between the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin obtained in the determination period S is not compared with the threshold, but the detected temperature Ti when the closing door 2 is closed and the detection of the end time of the determination period S are detected. It is also conceivable to compare the temperature difference with the temperature Ti with a threshold. However, since the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is heated, the temperature difference between the detected temperature Ti at the time when the input door 2 is closed and the detected temperature Ti at the end of the determination period S becomes smaller when the determination period S becomes longer, Judgment by the threshold becomes difficult.
[0037]
For example, consider a case where the detected temperature Ti changes as shown in FIG. In the figure, the starting point is when the garbage is put into the volume reduction processing chamber 11 and the input door 2 is closed, and the detected temperature Ti at this point is the maximum temperature Tmax. In the judgment period S, the operation is performed in the judgment mode, and the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is heated. Therefore, depending on the relationship between the length of the judgment period S and the input amount of garbage, the minimum temperature Tmin may be reached before the end of the judgment period S. There is. That is, the detected temperature Ti (= Te) at the end of the determination period S becomes higher than the minimum temperature Ti. As a result, the temperature difference between the detected temperature Ti (= Tmax) at the start of the determination period S and the detected temperature Ti (= Te) at the end of the determination period S is smaller than the temperature difference between the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin. (Tmax-Tmin> Tmax-Te). That is, if the threshold for determining that the garbage has been thrown in is set to θ shown in FIG. 3, the determination period is exceeded even though the temperature difference between the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin exceeds the threshold θ. The temperature difference between the detected temperature Ti (= Tmax) at the start of S and the detected temperature Ti (= Te) at the end of S does not exceed the threshold θ. Even if the temperature difference between the detected temperature Ti (= Tmax) at the start of the determination period S and the detected temperature Ti (= Te) at the time of expiration is used, it is possible to determine whether or not garbage has been thrown in by reducing the threshold θ. Although it becomes possible, the smaller the threshold θ becomes, the more difficult it is to distinguish from a temperature change during operation in the determination mode. Moreover, since the size of the threshold θ depends on the length of the determination period S, there is a problem that it is difficult to set the threshold θ.
[0038]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the temperature difference between the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin is compared with the threshold θ, the determination period S is relatively long (that is, the detected temperature Ti passes through the minimum temperature Tmin). If the threshold value θ is set to a value that does not increase, the determination period S does not need to be taken into consideration in setting the threshold value θ. It is possible to set a threshold value θ of such a magnitude that the temperature change and the temperature change at the time of putting garbage can be clearly distinguished. In other words, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection that garbage has been thrown in even though garbage has not been thrown in due to a temperature change due to opening and closing of the throw-in door 2 and the like. The change does not make food waste undetectable.
[0039]
Further, in the above-described configuration, the temperature difference between the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin is compared with the threshold value θ in the determination period S, but the temperature Ti detected by the processing tank temperature sensor 23 may be compared with the threshold value. However, in the determination period S, the operation is performed in the determination mode, and although the temperature of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is kept substantially constant as shown in FIG. 4, it actually fluctuates with time. When the amount of garbage is the same between the case where garbage is introduced at a high temperature and the case where garbage is introduced at a low temperature, as shown by the line A in FIG. When the garbage is thrown in at a high temperature, it does not cross the threshold temperature Th, and when garbage is thrown in at a low temperature as shown by the line B in FIG. That is, depending on at what point in time the garbage is introduced, there is a possibility that the introduction of the garbage may or may not be detected. In other words, if the threshold temperature Th is set low, garbage may not be detected even though garbage is being thrown in, and if the threshold temperature Th is set high, temperature changes such as opening and closing of the throw-in door 2 may occur. False detection may occur when garbage is thrown.
[0040]
In contrast, the present embodiment employs a configuration in which the temperature difference between the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin is compared with the threshold θ, so that the temperature of the contents in the volume reduction processing chamber 11 is high in the determination mode. Irrespective of whether the temperature is low or not, it is possible to detect a temperature drop corresponding to the input of the garbage, and it is difficult to cause erroneous detection or non-detection of the input of the garbage.
[0041]
By the way, the garbage is not always thrown in once in the judgment period S, and the garbage may be thrown in two or more times in the judgment period S. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, a case is considered in which 3 kg of garbage is introduced first, and 12 kg of garbage is introduced 10 minutes later. Here, in the above example, the determination period S is 1200 s (that is, 20 minutes), and as shown in FIG. 5C, the determination period S is set to 20 minutes from the time when the throw-in door 2 is first opened and closed. In this case, it is conceivable that the determination period S is insufficient from the second garbage injection, and the temperature Ti detected by the processing tank temperature sensor 23 does not reach the minimum temperature Tmin within the determination period S. That is, as described above, in the determination mode of the determination period S, the garbage is to be thrown in twice, and the amount of the second garbage is larger than the first amount of the garbage. Assuming that half of S has already elapsed, it is conceivable that the detection temperature Ti is in the middle of being lowered at the end of the determination period S.
[0042]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in steps S4 and S5 in FIG. 2, a configuration is adopted in which the determination period S is extended when the closing door 2 is opened and closed during the period in which the timer is operating. Therefore, when the garbage is put in the middle of the judgment period S as shown in FIG. 5B, the judgment period S is counted from the beginning from the time when the garbage is put last as shown in FIG. I will do it again. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, when garbage is thrown in 10 minutes after the throw-in door 2 is first opened and closed (when the throw-in door 2 is opened and closed), the determination period S is set from this time. It is timed again for 20 minutes. In the case of this example, the determination period S is 30 minutes, and the content of the volume reduction processing chamber 11 rises after passing the minimum temperature Tmin. In other words, even if garbage is thrown in again during the counting of the determination period S, it is possible to reliably detect the maximum temperature Tmax and the minimum temperature Tmin in the determination period S.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, an opening / closing sensor for detecting opening / closing of an input door, a processing tank temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the contents of the processing tank, and a determination period in which opening / closing of the input door are detected by the opening / closing sensor. And an arithmetic control unit that determines whether or not to insert garbage based on the temperature of the contents of the processing tank detected by the processing tank temperature sensor during the determination period. When it is determined that the waste has been inserted, the state control means is operated in the promotion mode for promoting the volume reduction processing, and when it is determined that the garbage is not introduced, the state control means is operated in the maintenance mode in which the processing tank is maintained in the specified state. Yes, utilizing the fact that the temperature of the contents of the processing tank drops immediately after the input of garbage, and if the contents deviate from the state suitable for volume reduction processing by the input of garbage, promote the volume reduction processing You As described above, it is possible to operate in the promotion mode, and since the state of the processing tank is maintained in the maintenance mode unless new garbage is input, power consumption increases only when garbage is input, Unnecessary increase in power consumption can be prevented. Moreover, the presence / absence of garbage is determined in conjunction with the opening / closing of the garbage door, and the determination for switching between the promotion mode and the maintenance mode is not performed during a period irrelevant to the introduction of garbage. . In addition, since the presence or absence of garbage is determined by a temperature sensor instead of a humidity sensor, it can be provided relatively inexpensively and has a long life.
[0044]
According to the invention of claim 2, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature of the detected temperature is determined in the determination period, and when the temperature difference exceeds a specified threshold value, it is determined that the garbage is put into the processing tank. , And the possibility of erroneous detection or non-detection is reduced as compared with the case where the determination is made only based on the transition of the determination period or based on the temperature difference between the start time and the expiration time of the determination period.
[0045]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the processing tank temperature sensor is disposed outside the processing tank and at a location where the temperature reflecting the temperature of the contents of the processing tank can be measured, the contents of the processing tank are provided in the processing tank temperature sensor. Are not in direct contact, and the processing tank temperature sensor can be easily attached. In addition, compared to the case where the processing tank temperature sensor is mounted, there is no need to form a mounting hole for mounting the processing tank temperature sensor, and the mounting is easy, and the wiring for connecting the processing tank temperature sensor is also easily routed. .
[0046]
The invention of claim 4 is such that the contents of the processing tank are continuously stirred during the judgment period, and the contents of the processing tank are intermittently stirred during other periods such as the promotion mode and the maintenance mode. Since the motor is controlled, the motor is continuously operated only in the determination period, and power consumption in other periods can be reduced.
[0047]
The invention of claim 5 extends the determination period when the opening / closing of the throw-in door is detected by the open / close sensor during the determination period, so that even if garbage is thrown in a plurality of times, a change in the detected temperature is detected. And it is possible to accurately determine whether or not garbage has been introduced.
[0048]
According to the invention of claim 6, since the judgment period is set to a fixed time since the closing door was last closed, it is long enough to obtain the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature irrespective of the amount of garbage input. Can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory view of the above.
FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory diagram of the above.
FIG. 4 is an operation explanatory diagram of a comparative example.
FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory diagram showing the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an external view of the above.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a main part of the above, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a main part of the same.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main part of the above.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Housing
2 Input door
3 treatment tank
5 Motor
7 heater
20 Operation control unit
21 Open / close sensor
23 Processing tank temperature sensor

Claims

A processing tank for storing the garbage during a period in which the garbage is thrown in and reducing the volume of the garbage; a housing having an input door for storing the processing tank and opening and closing an input port for charging the garbage into the processing tank; State control means for controlling the processing state for reducing the volume of the contents of the processing tank, an open / close sensor for detecting the opening / closing of the charging door, a processing tank temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the contents of the processing tank, and opening / closing The timing of a determination period in which it is determined that the opening and closing of the input door is detected by the sensor is started, and the presence or absence of garbage is determined based on the temperature of the contents of the processing tank detected by the processing tank temperature sensor during the determination period. An arithmetic control unit is provided.The arithmetic control unit operates the state control means in a promotion mode that promotes volume reduction processing when it is determined that garbage has been input, and defines a processing tank when it determines that garbage is not input. Condition Garbage disposal, characterized in that the operating state control unit in maintenance mode to maintain.

When the open / close sensor detects that the input door has changed from the open state to the closed state, the arithmetic control unit obtains a temperature difference between a maximum temperature and a minimum temperature detected by the processing tank temperature sensor during the determination period. 2. The garbage processing machine according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature difference exceeds a specified threshold value, it is determined that garbage has been put into the processing tank, and the state control means is operated in the promotion mode. .

The raw material processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing tank temperature sensor is disposed outside the processing tank and at a location where a temperature reflecting the temperature of the contents of the processing tank can be measured. Waste treatment machine.

The state control unit includes a motor that rotationally drives a stirring shaft having a stirring blade that stirs the contents of the processing tank, and the arithmetic control unit continuously converts the contents of the processing tank during the determination period. The garbage processing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the motor is controlled so as to stir and intermittently stir the contents of the processing tank during other periods.

The garbage processing machine according to claim 1, wherein the arithmetic control unit extends the determination period when the opening / closing of the input door is detected by an opening / closing sensor during the determination period.

The garbage disposal machine according to claim 5, wherein the determination period is set to a predetermined time since the closing door was last closed.