JP2024100510A - Garbage storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a garbage storage device which can decrease a garbage volume and suppress malodor generation.

SOLUTION: A garbage storage device is assembled with: a treatment chamber to which garbages are supplied; a first storage chamber formed at a lower part of the treatment chamber and where garbages are stored; a fractionation part which is provided between the treatment chamber and the first storage chamber and separates the treatment chamber and the first storage chamber in a manner that garbages having a size larger than or equal to a regulation among garbages in the treatment chamber do not pass and garbages having a size smaller than the regulation can pass; a cooling dry part for cooling the air in the treatment chamber and drying garbages in the treatment chamber; and a compression section for giving a compressive force to garbages in the treatment chamber. After garbages in the treatment chamber are cooled and dried at the cooling dry part, at least a part of garbages in the treatment chamber is crushed to be smaller than or equal to the regulation by the compressive force of the compression section.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

This disclosure relates to a garbage collection device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a dryer for garbage, including food waste. The dryer extracts moisture from garbage by centrifuging the garbage in a dehydration tank. The dryer can reduce the volume of garbage by dehydrating and drying it.

Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 7-34987

However, the dryer described in Patent Document 1 dries the waste by blowing air on the waste after dehydration. This means that there is a risk that the smell of the waste will leak out around the dryer.

This disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a garbage collection device that can reduce the volume of garbage and suppress the generation of odor.

The garbage storage device according to the present disclosure includes a processing chamber into which garbage is input, a first storage chamber provided below the processing chamber in which garbage is stored, a separating section provided between the processing chamber and the first storage chamber, separating the processing chamber from the first storage chamber so as not to allow garbage of a specified size or larger to pass through and to allow garbage smaller than the specified size to pass through, a cooling and drying section that cools the air inside the processing chamber and dries the garbage present in the processing chamber, and a compression section that applies a compressive force to the garbage present in the processing chamber, and after the garbage present in the processing chamber is cooled and dried by the cooling and drying section, at least a portion of the garbage present in the processing chamber is crushed to a size smaller than the specified size by the compressive force of the compression section.

According to the present disclosure, the waste is cooled and dried. Among the dried and crushed waste, waste smaller than a specified size passes through the sorting section by gravity and moves to the first storage chamber. In the first storage chamber, the waste is stored in a pile. This reduces the volume of the waste and suppresses the generation of odor.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a kitchen sink equipped with a waste collection device according to a first embodiment. A diagram showing the temperature change achieved by the first cooling and drying process performed by the garbage collection apparatus in embodiment 1. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of the operation of the garbage collection device in embodiment 1. 11 is a diagram showing an example of temperature changes that make it difficult for moisture in food waste to dry in the waste collection device. FIG. A diagram showing the temperature change achieved by the second cooling and drying process performed by the garbage collection device in embodiment 2. A hardware configuration diagram of a controller of a garbage collection device in embodiment 1 or 2.

The embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Note that in each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of the parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a kitchen sink equipped with a waste collection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The sink 1000 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the kitchen of a residence (not shown). A user who cooks in the kitchen stands, for example, at the front of the page and faces the sink 1000. For example, a work table 1001 is provided on the right side of the sink as viewed from the page. The user processes ingredients inside the sink 1000. The user also processes ingredients on the work table 1001. At this time, mixed waste is generated in the kitchen, including food scraps and other food waste that contains a large amount of moisture. The user stores the mixed waste in the waste storage device 1.

For example, the waste collection device 1 is installed in a kitchen. The waste collection device 1 includes a processing box 2, a receiving box 3, an induction device 4, a cooling and drying section 5, and a controller 6. An example of the configuration and arrangement of the waste collection device 1 installed in a kitchen is described below.

The treatment box 2 is installed below the sink 1000.

The receiving box 3 is provided inside the sink 1000. The receiving box 3 is a box with at least one side open. For example, the top side of the receiving box 3 is open. The receiving box 3 is attached to the side of the sink 1000, etc., as a position where garbage generated inside the sink 1000 can be easily thrown in. The receiving box 3 may also be attached to the bottom surface of the sink 1000. The receiving box 3 may also be structured to be able to store water inside and to be able to drain the stored water into the sink 1000.

For example, the inductor 4 has a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the inductor 4 is connected to the bottom surface of the receiving box 3. The lower end of the inductor 4 is connected to the upper surface of the treatment box 2. The inductor 4 guides the waste put into the receiving box 3 to the treatment box 2. The inductor 4 has a size that allows the food waste and plastic packaging containers expected to be put in to pass through. A lid 4a may be provided on the end of the inductor 4 on the receiving box 3 side. Although not shown, the lid 4a may be openable and closable by an operating unit or the like provided on the side of the receiving box 3 or the like.

It is desirable that the treatment box 2 and the receiving box 3 are arranged in a position where they are connected in a straight line by the inductor 4. It is even more desirable that the treatment box 2 is arranged vertically below the receiving box 3. The treatment box 2 does not have to be arranged below the sink 1000, and may be arranged outside the kitchen. In that case, the inductor 4 may be extended beyond the length shown in FIG. 1 so as to connect the treatment box 2 and the receiving box 3.

For example, the cooling and drying unit 5 and the controller 6 are attached to the treatment box 2. The cooling and drying unit 5 is realized by a cooling dryer that performs cooling and drying. The cooling and drying unit 5 changes the temperature and humidity of the air inside the treatment box 2. The controller 6 can control the entire equipment of the garbage collection device 1.

A processing chamber 7, a first storage chamber 8, and a second storage chamber 9 are formed inside the processing box body 2.

The treatment chamber 7 is an area in the upper part of the treatment box 2. The first storage chamber 8 is located below the treatment chamber 7. The treatment chamber 7 and the first storage chamber 8 are separated by a sieve 10. The second storage chamber 9 is adjacent to the treatment chamber 7. The second storage chamber 9 is separated from the treatment chamber 7 by an opening and closing wall 11. The second storage chamber 9 is adjacent to the first storage chamber 8 via a separation wall 12. For example, the upper part of the second storage chamber 9 is adjacent to the treatment chamber 7 in the horizontal direction. The lower part of the second storage chamber 9 is adjacent to the first storage chamber 8 in the horizontal direction. In this way, the inside of the treatment box 2 is divided into the treatment chamber 7, the first storage chamber 8, and the second storage chamber 9 by the sieve 10, the opening and closing wall 11, and the separation wall 12.

The sieve 10 has mesh of a specified size. As a separating section, the sieve 10 does not allow objects with dimensions equal to or larger than the specified size to pass through. The sieve 10 is capable of allowing objects with dimensions smaller than the specified size to pass through. For example, a dimension smaller than the specified size is one in which at least two of the length, width, and height are smaller than the specified size.

For example, the opening/closing wall 11 has a door that can be opened and closed. As an opening/closing section, the opening/closing wall 11 transitions between a form that allows an object to pass through and a form that does not allow an object to pass through. For example, when the door is in the open form, the opening/closing wall 11 allows an object to pass through. When the door is in the closed form, the opening/closing wall 11 does not allow an object to pass through.

The garbage collection device 1 has a compression section 13 and a moving section 14 inside the processing box body 2.

The compression unit 13 is provided inside the processing chamber 7. The compression unit 13 has a face 13a. For example, the compression unit 13 is attached to the upper surface of the processing chamber 7. In this case, the compression unit 13 moves the face 13a from the side of the upper surface of the processing chamber 7 toward the sieve 10. The compression unit 13 applies a compressive force to the garbage present above the sieve 10 by pressing the face 13a toward the sieve 10.

The moving unit 14 is provided on the inner surface of the processing chamber 7 opposite the side where the second storage chamber 9 is arranged. In other words, the moving unit 14 is provided on the inner surface of the processing chamber 7 opposite the opening and closing wall 11. The moving unit 14 has a moving body 14a. The moving unit 14 moves the moving body 14a in the direction of the second storage chamber 9 to move the garbage present above the sieve 10 in the direction of the second storage chamber 9.

Although not shown, the treatment box 2 has at least one side that can be opened. Waste present in the treatment chamber 7, first storage chamber 8, and second storage chamber 9 of the treatment box 2 can be removed from the openable side. Maintenance of the equipment inside the treatment box 2 can be performed from the openable side.

When a user cooks, mixed waste is generated inside the sink 1000 or on the work surface 1001. In addition to food waste, the mixed waste may include plastic packaging containers that were used to package food. For example, plastic packaging containers include plastic sheets, plastic trays, etc. The user puts the mixed waste into the receiving box 3 inside the sink 1000. The user does not need to move the food waste to the outside of the sink 1000 or the work surface 1001. Therefore, the user can easily throw away the food waste. In addition, water droplets spilling from the food waste, etc., can be prevented from falling outside the sink 1000 or the work surface 1001.

Mixed waste is temporarily stored inside the receiving box 3. At this time, the lid 4a is closed. This prevents food ingredients, tableware, etc. that have been mistakenly placed into the processing box 2 from moving, i.e., prevents items from being mistakenly placed into the processing box 2. Furthermore, some municipalities require users to lightly wash plastic packaging containers for recycling purposes. In this case, the plastic packaging containers may be washed by storing water inside the receiving box 3.

When the lid 4a is opened by the user, etc., the mixed waste passes through the inside of the induction device 4 and moves to the processing chamber 7. The mixed waste falls onto the sieve 10. The cooling and drying unit 5 is controlled by the controller 6 to control the temperature, humidity, and volume of air blown inside the processing chamber 7. The mixed waste is cooled and dried inside the processing chamber 7 by the cooling and drying process performed by the cooling and drying unit 5.

By cooling and drying, the food waste and plastic packaging containers in the mixed waste are easily separated. Generally, about 80% of the weight of food waste comes from moisture. When the moisture contained in the food waste is dried, the weight of the food waste is about 1/5. When dried, the volume of the food waste is about 1/5. When dried, the food waste is easily crushed. When the food waste is dried, it is cooled and frozen. When frozen, the cell membrane or cell wall of food waste that has cells is destroyed, and moisture is easily released from the cells wrapped in the cell membrane. When moisture in tiny gaps leaks or sublimes in a frozen state, cavities are generated inside the food waste. When frozen, the food waste is easily crushed due to the action of freezing and the action of the generation of internal cavities. For this reason, food waste that has been frozen and dried is easier to crush than food waste that has only been dried.

The controller 6 detects that the specified cooling and drying conditions are satisfied. At this time, the controller 6 may detect that the cooling and drying conditions are satisfied based on the detection results of a detector (not shown) or the like. Any condition may be set as the cooling and drying conditions. For example, the cooling and drying conditions are satisfied when the time during which the cooling and drying process is performed exceeds a specified time, when the number of times the cooling and drying process is performed exceeds a specified number of times, when the humidity inside the processing chamber 7 falls below a specified value, when the amount of change per unit time in the surface temperature of the food waste in the mixed waste exceeds a specified value, when the surface temperature of the food waste in the mixed waste falls below a specified value, when the total weight of the mixed waste becomes equal to or less than a specified ratio of the weight before the cooling and drying process, and the like.

When the cooling and drying conditions are met, the compression unit 13 is controlled by the controller 6 to apply a compressive force to the mixed waste present in the processing chamber 7. Specifically, the compression unit 13 lowers the face 13a toward the sieve 10, and sandwiches the mixed waste between the sieve 10 and the face 13a. At this time, the opening and closing wall 11 is in a closed state. The compression unit 13 crushes the mixed waste by the compressive force.

The food waste, which is part of the mixed waste, is in a state that is easily crushed by the cooling and drying process. Also, since the food waste has cavities, it is easily crushed into small pieces. Furthermore, the volume of the food waste is reduced by the cooling and drying process. On the other hand, the plastic packaging containers of the mixed waste do not contain releasable moisture, etc., and therefore are not as easily crushed as the food waste, even if they undergo the cooling and drying process. For this reason, the food waste is the main part of the mixed waste that is crushed by the compression unit 13. At least a portion of the food waste contained in the mixed waste is crushed into pieces smaller than the specified size that can pass through the sieve 10. Since the volume is reduced by drying, it is expected that almost all of the food waste in the processing chamber 7 will be crushed into pieces smaller than the specified size.

Waste smaller than a specified size passes through the mesh of the sieve 10 and falls below the sieve 10. Below the sieve 10 is the first storage chamber 8. It is assumed that the waste that falls below the sieve 10 is food waste. In other words, the food waste from the mixed waste put into the processing chamber 7 is separated by the sieve 10, which is the separating section, and moved to the first storage chamber 8.

Of the mixed waste compressed or crushed by the compression unit 13, waste that is a specified size or larger does not pass through the mesh of the sieve 10 and remains in the processing chamber 7 above the sieve 10. Waste that is a specified size or larger is assumed to be plastic packaging containers among the mixed waste. In other words, plastic packaging containers among the mixed waste put into the processing chamber 7 are separated by the sieve 10, which is the separating unit, and are left in the processing chamber 7.

After the mixed waste is crushed by the compression unit 13, the opening and closing wall 11 opens under the control of the controller 6. Then, under the control of the controller 6, the moving unit 14 moves the waste present in the processing chamber 7, which is above the sieve 10, to the second storage chamber 9. Specifically, the moving unit 14 moves the moving body 14a in the direction of the second storage chamber 9. The waste present in the processing chamber 7 is pushed by the moving body 14a, passes through the opening and closing wall 11, and moves to the second storage chamber 9.

Then, the opening and closing wall 11 closes. When the processing box 2 receives other mixed waste, it performs the same operation to separate food waste and waste in plastic packaging containers from the mixed waste and store each type of waste.

In this way, the crushed food waste is stored in the first storage chamber 8. Since the food waste is crushed, it does not take up much space. In addition, since the moisture that causes odors is removed from the food waste, the odor of the food waste is suppressed. Furthermore, the cold air present in the processing chamber 7 reaches the first storage chamber 8 through the sieve 10. Therefore, the first storage chamber 8 is maintained at a low temperature without being cooled by a separate means. Therefore, the food waste inside the first storage chamber 8 is further dried. In addition, the odor from the food waste is suppressed. Since the processing chamber 7 and the first storage chamber 8 are separated by the sieve 10, the cost of electricity and the like for cooling the first storage chamber 8 can be suppressed. The first storage chamber 8 may be continuously cooled by a separate means.

In the second storage chamber 9, the plastic packaging container is stored after being compressed by the compression unit 13. Since the plastic packaging container is compressed by the compression unit 13, it has fewer cavities and a smaller volume than its original shape. Therefore, the plastic packaging container is not bulky.

The plastic packaging containers may be washed by pouring water, etc., while they are stored in the second storage chamber 9, not while they are stored in the receiving box 3.

Before the mixed waste is moved to the second storage chamber 9, the compression unit 13 may compress the mixed waste multiple times. In this case, a cooling and drying process may be further performed in between.

In addition, the cooling and drying process may be operated at a fixed refrigeration cycle even when mixed waste has not been put into the processing chamber 7. The cooling and drying process may be stopped after the sorting of the mixed waste is completed. After stopping, the waste collection device 1 may go into a standby state or be powered off.

Next, a first cooling and drying process, which is an example of the cooling and drying process, will be described.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the temperature change achieved in the first cooling and drying process performed by the waste collection apparatus in embodiment 1.

Figure 2 is a graph showing the time progression of each temperature during the first cooling and drying process. The horizontal axis is a certain time when the first cooling and drying process is being performed. The vertical axis is temperature [°C].

The vertical axis component of graph A, shown by a thin solid line, is the temperature of the air inside the processing chamber 7. The temperature of the air inside the processing chamber 7 is also referred to as the "temperature of the processing chamber 7." The vertical axis component of graph B, shown by a thick solid line, is the temperature of the composite waste. The vertical axis component of graph C, shown by a dashed line, is the temperature of the air surrounding the composite waste, as the temperature of the phase that contributes to the heat transfer between the air inside the processing chamber 7 and the composite waste. For example, the vertical axis component of graph C is the temperature of the air present in an area with a thickness of about 5 mm, which is a specified distance from the composite waste. The temperature of the air around the composite waste is also referred to as the "temperature of the ambient air."

When the first cooling and drying process is performed, the first temperature, temperature range, and control cycle are preset in the controller 6. The first temperature is a temperature sufficiently lower than the freezing point of the water contained in the food waste. For example, the first temperature is set to -15°C or lower. Various substances other than water are dissolved in the water contained in the food waste as impurities. Since these impurities cause a drop in the freezing point of water, the freezing point of the water contained in the food waste is generally often lower than 0°C. A temperature estimated in advance may be applied to the freezing point of the water contained in the food waste.

The temperature range is a continuous range from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature. The temperature range includes the first temperature. For example, the temperature range from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature is set to be 2°C or more. More preferably, the temperature range from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature is set to be 12°C or more. The control period is set to any time.

When the first cooling and drying process is performed, the temperature of the processing chamber 7 is periodically changed in a control cycle by the cooling and drying unit 5. At this time, the temperature of the processing chamber 7 changes between the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature of the temperature range. That is, as shown in graph B, the temperature of the processing chamber 7 first drops from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature. After the temperature of the processing chamber 7 reaches the lower limit temperature, it rises to the upper limit temperature. After the temperature of the processing chamber 7 reaches the upper limit temperature, it starts to drop to the lower limit temperature. The control cycle is the time of one cycle from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature and then to the upper limit temperature again. For example, the drop time during the control cycle from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature is set to be longer than the rise time during the rise from the lower limit temperature to the upper limit temperature. Note that the lower limit temperature may be maintained for a specified time after reaching the lower limit temperature from the upper limit temperature. Even in this case, the drop time from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature until the temperature starts to rise is set to be longer than the rise time.

In the first cooling and drying process, the temperature of the composite waste changes in response to the temperature of the processing chamber 7. At this time, as shown in graph A, the amount of change in the temperature of the composite waste is smaller than the amount of change in the temperature of the processing chamber 7. The temperature of the composite waste changes later than the change in temperature of the processing chamber 7. The temperature of the air surrounding the composite waste changes in response to the change in temperature of the processing chamber 7. The temperature of the surrounding air changes while exchanging heat with the composite waste, so it changes slightly later than the change in temperature of the processing chamber 7. Also, the amount of change in the temperature of the surrounding air is smaller than the amount of change in temperature of the processing chamber 7, but larger than the amount of change in temperature of the composite waste.

Because the temperature of the processing chamber 7, the temperature of the ambient air, and the temperature of the composite waste change in this way, the temperature of the ambient air and the temperature of the composite waste diverge at each time. Specifically, most of the time that the first cooling and drying process is being carried out, the temperature of the composite waste, especially the temperature of the food waste, is higher than the temperature of the ambient air. In this state, the vapor pressure of the moisture contained in the food waste is higher than the vapor pressure of the moisture contained in the ambient air. In other words, there is a large force that causes the water molecules contained in the food waste to turn into water vapor and be released into the ambient air. This action can occur both when solid ice is in contact with gaseous water vapor, and when liquid water is in contact with gaseous water vapor.

In the first cooling and drying process, the drying of the food waste is accelerated by the sublimation or evaporation caused by this action. The drying of the food waste is further accelerated by maintaining the temperature of the food waste higher than the temperature of the surrounding air for as long as possible. For this reason, the amount of moisture released from the food waste increases in proportion to the area of point region D between graphs B and C in Figure 2. In other words, the larger the area of point region D, the more the drying of the food waste is accelerated. Point region D is also called the moisture release region. The first temperature, temperature range, and control cycle are set so that the area of point region D increases.

When the temperature range from the upper limit to the lower limit is large, the cycle of temperature change is repeated, causing the cell membranes or cell walls contained in the food waste to repeatedly freeze and thaw. As a result, more cell membranes or cell walls are broken by freezing, etc., and the moisture contained in the food waste is more likely to flow out and be released. In order to dry more effectively, it is more preferable that the temperature range is large, for example, 12°C or more.

The cooling and drying section 5 may also blow air onto the composite waste in the first cooling and drying process. In this case, the air around the composite waste becomes inhomogeneous, and the temperature of the surrounding air approaches the temperature of the processing chamber 7. The humidity of the surrounding air approaches the humidity of the processing chamber 7. This can further promote drying of the food waste. Note that cooling and drying of the food waste can occur even if air is not blown onto the composite waste.

Next, the operation of the waste collection device 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining an outline of the operation of the garbage collection device in the first embodiment.

For example, the flowchart shown in Figure 3 starts when composite waste is placed into the processing chamber 7.

In step S1, the cooling and drying unit 5 performs the cooling and drying process by changing the temperature of the processing chamber 7.

Then, in step S2, the controller 6 determines whether the cooling and drying condition, that is, the cooling and drying process is completed, is satisfied. If the cooling and drying condition is not satisfied in step S2, the operation of step S1 is repeated.

If the cooling and drying conditions are met in step S2, the operation of step S3 is performed. In step S3, the compression unit 13 applies a compressive force to the composite waste. At this time, the compression unit 13 crushes the composite waste so that at least a portion of the composite waste is smaller than a specified size. The crushed food waste becomes smaller than the specified size and passes through the sieve 10 to move to the first storage chamber 8.

Then, in step S4, the opening and closing wall 11 opens the door so that the object can be moved from inside the processing chamber 7 to the second storage chamber 9.

Then, in step S5, the moving unit 14 moves the waste present inside the processing chamber 7, i.e., above the sieve 10, to the second storage chamber 9. The waste moved from inside the processing chamber 7 to the second storage chamber 9 is assumed to be waste in plastic packaging containers.

Then, in step S6, the opening and closing wall 11 closes the door.

After that, the garbage collection device 1 ends the operation of the flowchart.

Between steps S3 and S4, the controller 6 may perform an operation to determine whether the amount of food waste contained in the waste present inside the processing chamber 7 is less than a specified amount.

According to the embodiment 1 described above, the garbage storage device 1 has a processing chamber 7, a first storage chamber 8, a sorting section, a cooling and drying section 5, and a compression section 13. Garbage put into the processing chamber 7 is placed on the sorting section and remains in the processing chamber 7. The garbage in the processing chamber 7 is cooled and dried, so that the volume of the garbage decreases and it becomes easier to crush. The garbage in the processing chamber 7 is then crushed by applying a compressive force by the compression section 13. At least a part of the garbage becomes smaller than a specified size by being crushed. Since the first storage chamber 8 is located below the processing chamber 7 via the sorting section, garbage crushed to a size smaller than a specified size moves from the processing chamber 7 to the first storage chamber 8 by gravity. The small crushed garbage is stored in a pile inside the first storage chamber 8. The garbage piled up inside the first storage chamber 8 has a smaller volume than the shape before it is crushed. In addition, since it is cooled when it is dried, odor components are less likely to be released from the garbage, and the generation of odor from the garbage is suppressed. Therefore, the garbage collection device 1 can reduce the volume of garbage and suppress the generation of odor. In addition, because the odor components of the garbage are prevented from being released together with the moisture, the generation of odor is also suppressed in the first storage chamber 8. Furthermore, the garbage collection device 1 can reduce the weight of the garbage by drying it. As a result, the burden on the user who removes the garbage from the first storage chamber 8 can be reduced. In addition, the garbage collection device 1 can process the garbage with quieter noise than conventional dryers that apply hot air while stirring the garbage.

According to the first embodiment described above, the garbage collection device 1 and each of its functions may further include the following additional components:

The garbage is cooled and dried based on the first cooling and drying process. In the first cooling process, the temperature of the processing chamber 7 repeatedly changes between the upper and lower limits of a temperature range that includes the first temperature in a control cycle. Therefore, the garbage storage device 1 can create an environment in which the moisture contained in the garbage turns into water vapor and is released from the garbage, i.e., dry the garbage, simply by changing the temperature of the processing chamber 7 through cooling. At this time, there is no need to blow air directly on the garbage. As a result, the generation of odors can be suppressed.

The first temperature is lower than the freezing point of the moisture contained in the food waste. In this case, the moisture in the food waste is released into the air at a temperature lower than the freezing point or at a temperature close to the freezing point. On the other hand, odor components of the food waste are not easily released from the food waste. Therefore, the garbage storage device 1 can suppress the generation of odor. In particular, it is preferable that the first temperature is -15°C or lower and the temperature range is 2°C or higher. In this case, the effect of suppressing the generation of odor is greater. Furthermore, the garbage includes food waste and plastic packaging containers. The food waste is crushed by the compression unit 13 and moved to the first storage chamber 8. On the other hand, the plastic packaging containers remain inside the processing chamber 7 even after the compressive force is applied. Therefore, the garbage storage device 1 can separate the food waste and the plastic packaging containers. Furthermore, since the plastic packaging containers are compressed by the compression unit 13, the volume of the plastic packaging containers can be made smaller than that of those that are not processed.

The sorting section is also a sieve 10. The sieve 10 has mesh that allows objects smaller than a specified size to pass through. This allows the sorting section to easily separate the crushed garbage by gravity.

The garbage collection device 1 further includes a second storage chamber 9 and a moving unit 14. After the compressing force is applied by the compression unit 13, the moving unit 14 moves the garbage present in the processing chamber 7 to the second storage chamber 9. Therefore, the garbage collection device 1 can store garbage that is smaller than a specified size and has not been crushed in the second storage chamber 9. That is, the garbage collection device 1 can store garbage separately according to the size after crushing. In particular, when the garbage is divided into food waste and plastic packaging containers, the plastic packaging containers remain in the processing chamber 7. Therefore, the garbage collection device 1 can store the plastic packaging containers separately from the food waste. At this time, since the plastic packaging containers are compressed, the storage space is not compressed, and the user can easily carry the garbage out of the second storage chamber 9 without any burden.

The waste collection device 1 further comprises a receiving box 3 and an inductor 4. The receiving box 3 is provided inside the kitchen sink 1000 and is connected to the treatment chamber 7 by the inductor 4. A user can directly throw waste generated in the sink 1000 or workbench 1001 into the treatment chamber 7 without taking the waste outside the sink 1000, etc. This prevents the kitchen, etc. from becoming dirty.

The processing chamber 7 and the first storage chamber 8 are provided under the sink 1000. The processing chamber 7 and the first storage chamber 8 are usually not visible to users, etc. This can reduce discomfort for users, etc.

The garbage collection device 1 in this embodiment has unique advantages compared to conventional garbage disposal machines based on other methods.

For example, conventional household food waste processors were unable to process plastic packaging containers. Furthermore, such food waste processors were not configured to have an inlet inside the sink due to reasons such as odors leaking into the surrounding area. As a result, users had to manually separate the food waste from the plastic packaging containers, and then carry the food waste to an inlet located away from the sink. With the waste storage device 1 of this embodiment, unlike conventional food waste processors, users can store the waste without separating the plastic packaging containers or carrying the waste outside the sink.

For example, in a typical garbage disposer, an inlet is provided in the kitchen sink of an apartment building. The garbage disposer crushes food waste into small pieces and sends it to a wastewater treatment facility. Such a garbage disposer can only be installed in an apartment building or the like that has a dedicated large-scale wastewater treatment facility installed nearby. In addition, certain restrictions are placed on the garbage that is put in. Plastic packaging containers are not separated. The noise made when the garbage is crushed is loud. The garbage storage device 1 of this embodiment is not restricted in installation depending on the presence or absence of large facilities nearby. When the garbage storage device 1 is used, there are few restrictions on the garbage that is put in. Plastic packaging containers are separated. The operating noise is quieter than that of a garbage disposer.

For example, there is a garbage disposal method in which food waste is cooled and dried using a commercial cooling and drying device. However, it is difficult to install such a cooling and drying device in a home. In addition, food waste must be separated from plastic packaging containers and the like before being put into the cooling and drying device. The garbage storage device 1 of this embodiment can be easily installed in a home.

The dimensions, shapes, and relative positional relationships such as vertical relationship of each component of the garbage collection device 1 in FIG. 1 are shown as an example of a usable garbage collection device 1 in principle. Each component of the garbage collection device 1 does not need to be limited to the dimensions shown in this embodiment. For example, the second storage chamber 9 may be located below the treatment chamber 7. In this case, the second storage chamber 9 may be adjacent to the treatment chamber 7 in the vertical direction and adjacent to the first storage chamber 8 in the horizontal direction. In this case, the treatment chamber 7 and the second storage chamber 9 do not need to be separated by the opening and closing wall 11.

The function of the cooling and drying unit does not have to be realized by the cooling and drying device alone. For example, the cooling and drying unit 5 may be realized by a cooler that cools the processing chamber 7, i.e., cools the composite waste. In this case, the composite waste is dried as the cooler cools it. The cooling and drying unit 5 may also be realized by a cooler and a dryer.

The compression unit 13 may vibrate the face 13a when moving the face 13a. In this case, the food waste can be easily crushed by the face 13a. The compression unit 13 may also have two or more faces, and crush the food waste by clamping the waste between the two or more faces.

In addition, operating sounds and crushing sounds are generated when the garbage collection device 1 performs a sorting process such as crushing. For this reason, a time period when no people are around may be set, and the garbage collection device 1 may perform a sorting process such as crushing during that time period. In addition, the garbage collection device 1 may estimate and set the time period when no people are around through learning.

An example of temperature change that makes it difficult for food waste to dry will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of temperature changes that make it difficult for moisture in food waste to dry in the waste storage device.

Each graph in Figure 4 represents the same temperature as each graph in Figure 2. In this example, the first temperature is set to a temperature close to the possible range of temperatures of the composite waste.

The temperature of the processing chamber 7 changes periodically between the upper and lower limit temperatures. However, because the first temperature is higher than that of the first cooling and drying process, there is almost no difference between the temperature of the ambient air and the temperature of the composite waste. That is, in FIG. 4, the point region D in FIG. 2 is hardly formed. In this case, moisture is not easily released from the food waste, and the food waste is not easily dried.

Embodiment 2.
5 is a diagram showing temperature changes achieved in the second cooling and drying process performed by the waste storage device in the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment. The description of these parts is omitted.

In the second embodiment, the cooling and drying unit 5 performs a second cooling and drying process as another example of the cooling and drying process. In the second embodiment, a heater (not shown) is attached to the sieve 10. The heater controls the surface temperature of the sieve 10 by applying heat to the sieve 10 under the control of the controller 6.

The second temperature and the third temperature are set in advance in the controller 6. The second temperature is a temperature equal to or higher than the freezing point of the moisture contained in the food waste. For example, the second temperature is equal to or higher than 0°C. The third temperature is a temperature lower than the freezing point of the moisture contained in the food waste. The third temperature is lower than the second temperature. For example, the third temperature is set to equal to or lower than -10°C.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the second cooling and drying process, the temperature of the process chamber 7 is maintained at approximately the third temperature. Also, the temperature of the surface of the sieve 10 is maintained at a specified second temperature by the heater.

In the second cooling and drying process, the composite waste is cooled by the air inside the processing chamber 7. When the temperature of the composite waste falls below the second temperature, heat is provided to the composite waste from the sieve 10. As shown in graph B, the temperature of the composite waste is kept in equilibrium by the heat taken away by the surrounding air and the heat provided by the sieve 10. That is, the temperature of the composite waste is in equilibrium between the second temperature and the third temperature. For example, the temperature of the composite waste is in equilibrium at about 0°C. As shown in graph C, the temperature of the surrounding air is in equilibrium between the temperature of the composite waste and the third temperature.

In this case, the temperature of the composite waste, especially the food waste, is always higher than the temperature of the surrounding air. Therefore, even if the temperature of the food waste is around 0°C, for example, the moisture in the food waste contained in the composite waste is released into the air. Depending on the set values of the second temperature and the third temperature, as shown in Figure 5, the total area of point region D becomes larger than the total area of point region D in embodiment 1. In other words, compared to embodiment 1, the drying of the food waste can be further promoted.

The cooling and drying section 5 may also blow air onto the composite waste during the second cooling and drying process.

In the second embodiment, after the second cooling and drying process is performed, a process may be performed to further lower the temperature of the composite waste and freeze the composite waste before the composite waste is compressed by the compression unit 13. This process may be achieved by performing at least one of the following operations: stopping the heating of the sieve 10 and raising the temperature of the sieve 10 above the second temperature; and lowering the temperature of the processing chamber 7 below the third temperature. In this case, the food waste is more easily crushed by the compression unit 13. In addition, because the food waste is frozen, odor generation from the food waste is suppressed.

According to the second embodiment described above, the waste is cooled and dried based on the second cooling and drying process. In the second cooling and drying process, the sieve 10 is maintained at the second temperature. The temperature of the processing chamber 7 is maintained at the third temperature. The third temperature is lower than the second temperature. In this case, a difference is created between the temperature of the waste and the temperature of the surrounding air. By simply maintaining the temperature of the sieve 10 and the temperature of the processing chamber 7, the waste storage device 1 can create an environment in which the moisture contained in the waste turns into water vapor and is released from the waste, i.e., the waste can be dried.

The second temperature is a temperature equal to or higher than the freezing point of the moisture contained in the food waste. The third temperature is a temperature lower than the freezing point of the moisture contained in the food waste. In particular, it is preferable that the second temperature is equal to or higher than 0°C, and the third temperature is equal to or lower than -10°C. In this case, the effect of suppressing the generation of odor is even greater.

The garbage further includes food waste and plastic packaging containers. The food waste is crushed by the compression unit 13 and moves to the first storage chamber 8. Meanwhile, the plastic packaging containers remain inside the processing chamber 7 even after the compressive force is applied. This allows the garbage storage device 1 to separate the food waste from the plastic packaging containers. In addition, because the plastic packaging containers are compressed by the compression unit 13, their volume can be made smaller than that of unprocessed containers.

The third temperature may be set to be higher than the first temperature. That is, in the second cooling and drying process, the temperature inside the processing chamber 7 is higher than the temperature inside the processing chamber 7 in the first cooling and drying process. This makes it possible to reduce the cost required for cooling the processing chamber 7.

Next, an example of hardware constituting the controller 6 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of a controller for a garbage collection device in accordance with the first or second embodiment.

Each function of the controller 6 can be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200.

When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, each function of the controller 6 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in at least one memory 100b. At least one processor 100a realizes each function of the controller 6 by reading and executing the program stored in the at least one memory 100b.

When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit is realized, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination of these. For example, each function of the controller 6 is realized by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the controller 6 is realized collectively by a processing circuit. For each function of the controller 6, some may be realized by the dedicated hardware 200, and the other parts may be realized by software or firmware. For example, the function of controlling the cooling and drying unit 5 may be realized by a processing circuit as the dedicated hardware 200, and functions other than the function of controlling the cooling and drying unit 5 may be realized by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

In this way, the processing circuitry realizes each function of the controller 6 through hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

To summarize the above explanation, possible configurations of the technology according to the present disclosure include the configurations listed below as appendices.
(Appendix 1)
a processing room into which the waste is put;
a first storage chamber provided below the treatment chamber and configured to store waste;
a separator provided between the treatment chamber and the first storage chamber, separating the treatment chamber and the first storage chamber so as not to allow waste of a size larger than a specified size to pass through the treatment chamber and so as to allow waste smaller than the specified size to pass through;
a cooling and drying section that cools the air inside the treatment chamber and dries the waste present in the treatment chamber;
a compression section that applies a compressive force to the waste present in the treatment chamber;
Equipped with
A garbage storage device in which, after the garbage present in the processing chamber is cooled and dried by the cooling and drying section, at least a portion of the garbage present in the processing chamber is crushed into pieces smaller than the specified size by the compression force of the compression section.
(Appendix 2)
The waste present in the treatment chamber is cooled and dried based on a first cooling and drying process;
A garbage collection device as described in Appendix 1, in which, during the first cooling and drying process, a control period is repeated in which the temperature inside the processing chamber drops from an upper limit temperature to a lower limit temperature of a temperature range including a specified first temperature, and then rises to the upper limit temperature.
(Appendix 3)
The waste present in the treatment chamber includes food waste and plastic packaging containers;
The waste collection device according to claim 2, wherein the first temperature is a temperature lower than the freezing point of moisture contained in the food waste.
(Appendix 4)
the first temperature is −15° C. or lower;
A garbage collection device as described in Appendix 3, wherein the temperature range from the upper limit temperature to the lower limit temperature is 2°C or more.
(Appendix 5)
The sorting unit is a sieve having mesh that allows objects smaller than the specified size to pass through,
The waste present in the treatment chamber is cooled and dried based on a second cooling and drying process;
A garbage collection device as described in Appendix 1, wherein in the second cooling and drying process, the sieve is maintained at a specified second temperature, and the temperature inside the processing chamber is maintained at a third temperature lower than the second temperature.
(Appendix 6)
The waste present in the treatment chamber includes food waste and plastic packaging containers;
The second temperature is a temperature equal to or higher than the freezing point of moisture contained in the food waste,
A waste collection device as described in Appendix 5, wherein the third temperature is a temperature lower than the freezing point of moisture contained in the food waste.
(Appendix 7)
the second temperature is equal to or greater than 0° C.;
The waste collection device of claim 6, wherein the third temperature is below -10°C.
(Appendix 8)
A garbage collection device described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4, wherein the sorting section is a sieve having mesh that allows objects smaller than the specified size to pass through.
(Appendix 9)
a second storage chamber adjacent to the processing chamber;
A moving unit that moves the waste present in the processing chamber to the second storage chamber;
Further comprising:
A garbage collection device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, wherein after at least a portion of the garbage present in the processing chamber is crushed by the compression section, the moving section moves the garbage present in the processing chamber to the second storage chamber.
(Appendix 10)
A receiving box provided inside the kitchen sink;
A guide provided between the receiving box and the treatment chamber for guiding the waste put into the receiving box to the inside of the treatment chamber;
10. The waste collection device of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:
(Appendix 11)
11. The waste collection device of claim 10, wherein the processing chamber and the first storage chamber are located under a sink.

1 Storage device, 2 Processing box, 3 Receiving box, 4 Inductor, 4a Lid, 5 Cooling and drying section, 6 Controller, 7 Processing chamber, 8 First storage chamber, 9 Second storage chamber, 10 Sieve, 11 Opening and closing wall, 12 Separation wall, 13 Compression section, 13a Face, 14 Moving section, 14a Moving body, 100a Processor, 100b Memory, 200 Hardware, 1000 Sink, 1001 Work table

Claims (11)

a processing room into which the waste is put;
a first storage chamber provided below the treatment chamber and configured to store waste;
a separator provided between the treatment chamber and the first storage chamber, separating the treatment chamber and the first storage chamber so as not to allow waste of a size larger than a specified size to pass through the treatment chamber and so as to allow waste smaller than the specified size to pass through;
a cooling and drying section that cools the air inside the treatment chamber and dries the waste present in the treatment chamber;
a compression section that applies a compressive force to the waste present in the treatment chamber;
Equipped with
A garbage storage device in which, after the garbage present in the processing chamber is cooled and dried by the cooling and drying section, at least a portion of the garbage present in the processing chamber is crushed into pieces smaller than the specified size by the compression force of the compression section. The waste present in the treatment chamber is cooled and dried based on a first cooling and drying process;
A garbage storage device as described in claim 1, wherein in the first cooling and drying process, a control period is repeated in which the temperature inside the processing chamber drops from an upper limit temperature to a lower limit temperature of a temperature range including a specified first temperature, and then rises to the upper limit temperature. The waste present in the treatment chamber includes food waste and plastic packaging containers;
3. The waste storage device according to claim 2, wherein the first temperature is a temperature lower than the freezing point of moisture contained in the food waste. the first temperature is −15° C. or lower;
4. The waste storage device according to claim 3, wherein the temperature range between the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature is 2[deg.] C. or more. The sorting unit is a sieve having mesh that allows objects smaller than the specified size to pass through,
The waste present in the treatment chamber is cooled and dried based on a second cooling and drying process;
2. The waste collection device of claim 1, wherein in the second cooling and drying process, the sieve is maintained at a specified second temperature, and the temperature inside the processing chamber is maintained at a third temperature lower than the second temperature. The waste present in the treatment chamber includes food waste and plastic packaging containers;
The second temperature is a temperature equal to or higher than the freezing point of moisture contained in the food waste,
6. The waste storage device according to claim 5, wherein the third temperature is a temperature lower than the freezing point of moisture contained in the food waste. the second temperature is equal to or greater than 0° C.;
7. The waste collection device of claim 6, wherein the third temperature is below -10°C. The garbage collection device according to claim 1, wherein the separating section is a sieve having mesh that allows objects smaller than the specified size to pass through. a second storage chamber adjacent to the processing chamber;
A moving unit that moves the waste present in the processing chamber to the second storage chamber;
Further comprising:
A garbage collection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein after at least a portion of the garbage present in the processing chamber is crushed by the compression section, the moving section moves the garbage present in the processing chamber to the second storage chamber. A receiving box provided inside the kitchen sink;
A guide provided between the receiving box and the treatment chamber for guiding the waste put into the receiving box to the inside of the treatment chamber;
9. A refuse collection device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: The waste collection device according to claim 10, wherein the processing chamber and the first storage chamber are provided under a sink.

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