JP3892170B2

JP3892170B2 - Garbage disposal equipment

Info

Publication number: JP3892170B2
Application number: JP09930599A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 洋城吉村; 孝紀望月; 義隆三木
Original assignee: Takagi Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Takagi Industrial Co Ltd
Priority date: 1999-04-06
Filing date: 1999-04-06
Publication date: 2007-03-14
Anticipated expiration: 2019-04-06
Also published as: JP2000292057A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、炊事場から出る野菜、魚介等の厨芥物に代表される生ごみを処理する生ごみ処理装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
厨芥物等の生ごみは、水分を多く含んでいるため、通常の焼却処理には不向きであり、一般に廃棄処理が厄介である。生ごみに含まれる多量の水分は、焼却効率を低下させるからである。生ごみの投棄は環境汚染の原因になる。また、生ごみの肥料等への転用もあるが、未処理の生ごみをそのまま肥料として使用することはできない。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来、生ごみの加熱処理が提案されているが、加熱によって生じた水蒸気の外気への放出は悪臭の原因となる。そこで、脱臭処理が必要となるが、この脱臭処理の方法には、従来、触媒方式、活性炭方式等の方法がある。触媒方式では、十分な脱臭効果を得るには、２００〜４００℃の高温に触媒を保持しなければならず、しかも、触媒を通過させる風速の高速化が必要であるため、加熱が厄介であり、家庭用等には不向きである。また、水蒸気には種々の臭いが混じっているため、活性炭方式では、脱臭効果が得られない場合がある。しかも、活性炭が臭い粒子を吸収するので、その飽和が脱臭効果を低下させ、定期的に交換する必要がある。また、その他の方式として、オゾン脱臭、白金脱臭、バイオ脱臭等が提案されているが、悪臭を完璧に取り除くことが困難である。
【０００４】
そこで、本発明は、加熱による乾燥処理を以て生ごみの廃棄処理の容易化、制御の効率化を実現した生ごみ処理装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の生ごみ処理装置は、生ごみ（４）を収容する容器（２）、生ごみを加熱する加熱手段（ヒータ１４）、加熱によって生じた水蒸気（３）を前記容器外に導いて水（凝縮水６０）を凝縮させた後、空気を前記容器に帰還させる分離手段（放熱器４６、気液分離室５６）、水蒸気から凝縮、分離させた前記水を前記容器内に作用する圧力に応じて前記容器外に排出する排出手段（排水管６２）、制御手段（ＣＰＵ７２）を備えて、加熱により生ごみから発生する水蒸気の循環冷却で空気と水とに分離、容器及び循環系統の減圧、容器の吸気温度と排気温度の差により前記加熱手段の制御等を通じて効率的な加熱制御とともに生ごみ処理の無臭化、生ごみの乾燥処理による減量化、生ごみの廃棄処理の容易化を実現している。
【０００６】
請求項１に係る本発明の生ごみ処理装置は、生ごみ（４）を収容する容器（２）と、この容器の開口部を開閉する蓋の開閉を検出する開閉検出手段（スイッチ１２）と、前記容器に収容されている前記生ごみを加熱する加熱手段（ヒータ１４）と、前記容器に設置された回転軸にスクレーパを取り付け、前記回転軸とともに回転する前記スクレーパにより、前記容器内の生ごみを攪拌する攪拌手段（スクレーパ２２、モータ２４）と、前記加熱手段の加熱によって前記容器内に生じた水蒸気から水を凝縮させて分離し、前記水蒸気を水と空気とにさせる分離手段（放熱器４６、気液分離室５６）と、この分離手段で得られた前記水を前記容器内に作用する圧力に応じて前記容器外に排出する排出手段（排水管６２）と、前記分離手段から帰還させた前記空気を前記容器内に導く吸気口の近傍に設置され、前記容器に帰還する前記空気の温度を検出する第１の温度検出手段（温度センサ３５）と、前記容器に発生した前記水蒸気が前記容器の送気口から導入される送気室に設置され、前記容器から前記分離手段に導かれる前記空気の温度を検出する第２の温度検出手段（温度センサ４４）と、前記送気室に設置されて前記水蒸気を前記送気室に引き込み、前記分離手段に圧送し、前記分離手段から前記空気を前記容器に帰還させる循環用ファン（４０）と、前記開閉検出手段が前記蓋の閉じられたことを検出したことを条件に乾燥動作を開始して前記加熱手段、前記攪拌手段及び前記循環用ファンを動作させるとともに、加熱動作中、前記第１の温度検出手段の検出温度と、前記第２の温度検出手段の検出温度との温度差を監視し、前記温度差が所定温度以上に移行した場合に前記加熱手段及び前記攪拌手段の動作を停止させ、その動作停止から所定時間の経過後又は前記空気の温度が所定温度以下に低下した後、前記循環用ファンを停止させる制御手段（制御演算装置７０）とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【０００７】
このような構成とすれば、容器に収容された生ごみは加熱手段から加えられる熱により加熱される。その結果、生ごみは収縮するとともに、多量の水蒸気を発生する。この水蒸気が漏れると、悪臭の原因となる。そこで、この水蒸気を容器外に漏洩させることなく容器外に導き、冷却させることにより、水を凝縮させ、容器及び分離手段を含む循環系統を減圧させる。即ち、容器内の圧力が一定に維持される。水蒸気から凝縮した水は、容器内に作用する圧力に応じて前記容器外に排出手段を通して排出される。そして、前記容器から前記分離手段側に出る空気と前記容器に帰還される空気との温度差により前記加熱手段を停止から加熱温度等の制御をする。この結果、加熱による生ごみの熱収縮による乾燥とともに加熱処理の無臭化を図って生ごみ廃棄の容易化を実現している。
【０００８】
請求項２に係る本発明の生ごみ処理装置は、生ごみ（４）を収容する容器（２）と、この容器の開口部を開閉する蓋の開閉を検出する開閉検出手段（スイッチ１２）と、前記容器に収容されている前記生ごみを加熱する加熱手段（ヒータ１４）と、前記容器に設置された回転軸にスクレーパを取り付け、前記回転軸とともに回転する前記スクレーパにより、前記容器内の生ごみを攪拌する攪拌手段（スクレーパ２２、モータ２４）と、前記容器に生じた水蒸気を前記容器外に導き、前記水蒸気から分離された空気を前記容器に戻す循環路（３６）と、この循環路に導かれた前記水蒸気を冷却し、前記水蒸気から水を凝縮させて分離させる凝縮手段（放熱器４６、気液分離室５６）と、この凝縮手段で分離させた前記水を前記容器及び前記循環路に作用する圧力に応じて前記容器外に排出する排出手段（排水管６２）と、前記凝縮手段から前記空気を前記循環路より前記容器内に導く連結された吸気口の近傍に設置され、前記容器に帰還する前記空気の温度を検出する第１の温度検出手段（温度センサ３５）と、前記容器に発生した前記水蒸気が前記容器の送気口から導入される送気室に設置され、前記容器から前記凝縮手段に導かれる前記空気の温度を検出する第２の温度検出手段（温度センサ４４）と、前記送気室に設置されて前記水蒸気を前記送気室に引き込み、前記分離手段に圧送し、前記分離手段から前記空気を前記容器に帰還させる循環用ファン（４０）と、前記開閉検出手段が前記蓋の閉じられたことを検出したことを条件に乾燥動作を開始して前記加熱手段、前記攪拌手段及び前記循環用ファンを動作させるとともに、加熱動作中、前記第１の温度検出手段の検出温度と、前記第２の温度検出手段の検出温度との温度差を監視し、前記温度差が所定温度以上に移行した場合に前記加熱手段及び前記攪拌手段の動作を停止させ、その動作停止から所定時間の経過後又は前記空気の温度が所定温度以下に低下した後、前記循環用ファンを停止させる制御手段（制御演算装置７０）とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【０００９】
即ち、請求項２に係る本願発明では、前記分離手段を水蒸気から水を分離させる凝縮手段、凝縮手段で前記水を凝縮させた後、空気のみを前記容器側に戻す循環路に具体化している。したがって、加熱手段による加熱によって生じた水蒸気が容器から凝縮手段に導かれ、冷却により水蒸気から水が凝縮される。この凝縮手段で前記水を分離させた空気を前記容器側に循環路を通して戻すことにより、循環、冷却させて容器内の圧力を一定に維持し、水蒸気から凝縮した水は、容器内に作用する圧力に応じて前記容器外に排出手段を通して排出される。そして、前記容器から前記帰還路に入る空気と前記帰還路から前記容器に入る空気の温度差により加熱停止ないし加熱温度等を制御している。この結果、加熱処理による生ごみの収縮化、即ち、乾燥とともに無臭化処理を可能にし、生ごみ廃棄の容易化を達成している。
【００１０】
請求項１又は２記載の生ごみ処理装置において、前記加熱手段はヒータで構成し、前記制御手段は、前記温度差が所定温度以上に移行したとき、前記ヒータの通電を停止させることを特徴とする。生ごみを加熱すると水分の蒸発により温度が生ごみの種類に関係なく平衡状態となるが、生ごみの乾燥が完了すると容器から出る空気温度が上昇する傾向がある。そこで、この温度を検出して所定温度に到達したときに生ごみの乾燥処理を停止すればよい。しかし、生ごみは油分含有量や含水量が異なり、また、外気温、容器への生ごみ投入量により、加熱乾燥時の温度がまちまちである。乾燥設定温度を高く設定すると、加熱熱量の不足により実際の加熱温度が乾燥設定温度まで到達しないで乾燥を終了する場合もある。そして、絶対的な温度上昇から乾燥終了を知ることは困難であり、容器の蓋を開いて乾燥状態を確認することは厄介であり、実用的ではない。また、加熱手段に発生させる熱量を高めることは可能であるが、熱ストレスにより加熱手段の寿命が低下し、短時間で加熱手段を構成する例えばヒータ線を断線に生じさせるおそれがある。そこで、生ごみの種類や加熱手段の能力に関係なく、容器の吸気側温度と排気側温度との差が所定温度以上に移行した場合、これを生ごみが乾燥状態に移行することで検知できるので、加熱手段の加熱動作を停止させることとした。
【００１１】
請求項１又は２記載の生ごみ処理装置において、前記排出手段は、屈曲した管体を備え、その管体の形状と重力とを以て前記水を滞留させ、前記分離手段又は前記循環路を通じて作用する圧力により、又は、水の滞留量が所定量を越えるとき、その水を排出させるトラップ（臭気トラップ６４）を備えてなることを特徴とする。即ち、排出手段側に導かれた水を悪臭防止に利用している。トラップに溜められた水は、重力作用で管路の屈曲部に溜められ、外部と循環路とを分離する機能を持つが、循環路側の圧力が高くなり、溜められている水の遮断機能を越えるとき、又は、滞留量が所定量を越えるとき、滞留している水が排出される。しかしながら、水はトラップ内で十分に冷却されるため、悪臭源になることはない。
【００１２】
請求項１又は２記載の生ごみ処理装置において、前記容器内に発生した水蒸気を強制的に前記分離手段又は前記循環路に導く圧送手段（循環用ファン４０、ファンモータ４２）を備えたことを特徴とする。即ち、圧送手段によって容器内の水蒸気を分離手段又は循環路に間断なく循環させることができ、その循環、冷却処理が行われる。
【００１３】
請求項１又は２記載の生ごみ処理装置において、前記攪拌手段は、前記容器に設置された回転軸に放射状に取り付けられた支持腕に前記スクレーパを取り付け、このスクレーパの最外周面を前記容器の底面部に僅かに離間させて設定し、モータ（２４）の回転を前記回転軸に受け、前記スクレーパを回転させて前記容器内の生ごみを攪拌する構成であることを特徴とする。即ち、この攪拌手段により容器内の生ごみが攪拌されて満遍なく生ごみが加熱される。
【００１４】
請求項１又は２記載の生ごみ処理装置において、前記加熱手段は、前記生ごみの加熱温度又は前記容器内温度に応じて制御されることを特徴とする。即ち、生ごみの加熱にフィードバック制御を活用している。このような制御によって生ごみの異常加熱が防止できる。
【００１５】
請求項１又は２記載の生ごみ処理装置において、前記加熱手段は、前記容器から出る水蒸気の温度が所定温度に到達したとき、前記加熱動作を停止させることを特徴とする。即ち、生ごみの加熱制御に循環空気温度を制御情報として活用し、生ごみの異常加熱を防止している。
【００１６】
請求項１又は２記載の生ごみ処理装置において、前記加熱手段の動作停止後の所定時間、前記容器内の空気を前記分離手段又は前記循環路に循環させることを特徴とする。即ち、空気循環により容器内の冷却を図る。
【００１７】
請求項１又は２記載の生ごみ処理装置において、前記加熱手段の動作停止後の循環する空気の温度が所定温度に低下するまで、前記容器内の空気を前記分離手段又は前記循環路に循環させることを特徴とする。即ち、空気循環により容器内の冷却を図っており、温度を制御情報に使用しているため、信頼性のある冷却処理が可能となる。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明を図面に示した実施形態を参照して詳細に説明する。
【００１９】
図１は、本発明の生ごみ処理装置の一実施形態を示している。
【００２０】
この生ごみ処理装置には、密閉される容器２が設けられ、この容器２に加熱処理すべき生ごみ４が収容される。容器２は、生ごみ４を加熱する釜であり、この実施形態では、容器２の底面は半円筒を成す湾曲面で形成されているが、半球形であってもよい。この容器２には、機械的な接触に対する耐磨耗性が高く、強度、高熱酸化、生ごみ４が持つ酸、アルカリに対する耐蝕材料としてステンレス、チタン等の金属材料やセラミックス等を用いることができる。この容器２には、生ごみ４の装填又は処理後のごみを取り出すための開口部６が形成されており、この開口部６を開閉する蓋８がヒンジ１０で開閉可能に設けられている。容器２は、蓋８によって密閉状態に保持される。また、容器２の開口部６の近傍には、蓋８の開閉を検出する開閉センサとしてスイッチ１２が設けられている。なお、蓋８を自動開閉する手段として自動開閉機構を設けてもよい。
【００２１】
容器２には、その外底面部側に容器２内の生ごみ４を加熱するヒータ１４が設置されている。このヒータ１４は、例えば、ニクロム線で構成される。このヒータ１４には温度センサ１６が併設されている。また、容器２には、生ごみ４を攪拌する攪拌手段が設けられている。即ち、容器２の中央には回転軸１８が取り付けられ、この回転軸１８には複数の支持腕２０が取り付けられ、この支持腕２０の先端部にスクレーパ２２が取り付けられている。各スクレーパ２２は、回転によって生ごみ４を掻き上げるとともに、容器２の内面への生ごみ４の付着を防止する羽であって、容器２の内壁面を損傷しない程度の金属材料で構成する。そのため、スクレーパ２２の最外周面は、容器２の内壁面より僅かに離間して回転するように設定されている。各スクレーパ２２を回転させる手段としてモータ２４が設けられ、このモータ２４にスプロケットホイール２６を取り付けるとともに、回転軸１８にスプロケットホイール２８を取り付け、各スプロケットホイール２６、２８には回転伝達手段としてチェーン３０が懸け回されている。したがって、モータ２４の正逆転回転が回転軸１８に伝達され、スクレーパ２２を矢印Ｎで示す任意の方向に所定時間毎に一定の角度回転や単位回転、或いは間欠回転等の様々な回転形態を以て回転させることができる。
【００２２】
容器２の上部には、容器２内で発生する水蒸気３を外部に導く送気口３２が形成されるとともに、処理後の空気を容器２内に導く吸気口３４が形成され、送気口３２と吸気口３４との間には循環路３６が形成されている。即ち、容器２と循環路３６とは一定の密閉空間を形成している。循環路３６の終端部、即ち、容器２の入口部の近傍には温度センサ３５が設置され、容器２の内部に入る空気の温度が検出される。
【００２３】
送気口３２には、吸気口３４より広い送気室３８が形成されており、この送気室３８には、圧送手段として循環用ファン４０が設置されている。この循環用ファン４０は、循環路３６外に設置されたファンモータ４２によって回転される。この循環用ファン４０の回転により、容器２内に発生した水蒸気３や空気が矢印ａ、ｂで示す方向に循環路３６に強制的に導かれる。送気室３８の壁面部には温度センサ４４が設けられ、送気室３８内に導かれる空気、即ち、水蒸気３等の温度を検出する。
【００２４】
循環路３６には、水蒸気３が持つ熱を放熱、冷却して水に凝縮させる凝縮手段、その凝縮水を分離する分離手段としての放熱器４６が設けられている。放熱器４６は、複数の管路４８と無数の放熱フィン５０とを備えており、この実施形態では空冷式である。そこで、強制的な冷却手段として冷却用ファン５２が設けられ、この冷却用ファン５２はファンモータ５４によって高速回転する。
【００２５】
放熱器４６の出口部には、凝縮水と空気とを分離する手段として気液分離室５６が設けられている。この気液分離室５６には、分離された空気５８を容器２の吸気口３４に導く循環路３６が連結されるとともに、分離された凝縮水６０を循環路３６から外部に排出する排出手段としての排水管６２が連結されている。
【００２６】
この排水管６２には、臭気止めとして管路を屈曲させて形成した臭気トラップ６４が設けられている。即ち、臭気トラップ６４は、排水管６２の一部又は他の管路で形成され、下に凸を成す半円状の屈曲部６６と、上に凸を成す半円状の屈曲部６８を上下方向に所定間隔を設けて形成したものである。気液分離室５６からの凝縮水６０は、重力によって屈曲部６６側に屈曲部６８を越えない程度の所定量を滞留させることにより、循環路３６に作用する圧力に応じて臭気止めを構成している。したがって、凝縮水６０は、臭気トラップ６４を通して矢印ｃ方向に排出される。
【００２７】
次に、図２は、生ごみ処理の制御装置を示している。制御演算装置７０は、プログラムを実行して所定の制御を行うＣＰＵ７２、動作プログラム、データを記憶するＲＯＭ７４、演算における一時記憶を行うためのＲＡＭ７６、Ａ／Ｄ変換器７８、入力インターフェイス８０、出力インターフェイス８２等を備えている。Ａ／Ｄ変換器７８には電圧増幅器等から構成される検出回路８４が接続され、温度センサ１６、３５、４４の検出信号がこの検出回路８４を通して加えられる。入力インターフェイス８０には、電圧増幅器等から構成される検出回路８６が接続され、スイッチ１２及び運転スイッチ８８の開閉信号がこの検出回路８６を通して加えられる。運転スイッチ８８は生ごみ処理動作を開始させるスイッチである。また、出力インターフェイス８２には駆動回路９０を介してヒータ１４、モータ２４、ファンモータ４２、５４及び表示器９２が接続されている。表示器９２はＬＥＤ、ＬＣＤ、蛍光表示器等からなる視覚的表示器、スピーカ、ブザー等の聴覚的表示器で構成することができ、必要な表示や警報を視覚的又は聴覚的に表示し、使用者に告知することができる。
【００２８】
次に、図３に示す動作フローチャートに従って動作を説明する。
【００２９】
ステップＳ１は、生ごみ処理の前段階処理及び運転開始を示している。容器２の蓋８を開いて処理すべき生ごみ４を入れ、運転スイッチ８８を投入する。蓋８の開閉は、スイッチ１２によって検出される。この検出信号は、検出回路８６を通して入力インターフェイス８０から、閉情報又は開情報としてＣＰＵ７２に加えられる。蓋８が閉じられたことをスイッチ１２が検知すると、ステップＳ２に移行する。
【００３０】
ステップＳ２では、運転スイッチ８８の投入及び蓋８の閉成を条件として乾燥処理に入る。即ち、ステップＳ２では、ヒータ１４の駆動及びその温度制御が開始され、モータ２４及びファンモータ４２、５４が動作を開始し、容器２内に発生する水蒸気３の循環及び放熱が開始される。このとき、モータ２４の回転によりスクレーパ２２が回動し、容器２内の生ごみ４の攪拌とともに容器２底面に付着する生ごみ４を掻き取る。
【００３１】
このような動作が連続的に行われると、容器２及び循環路３６内の空気温度が平衡状態となり、生ごみ４から水蒸気３の発生が活発になる。即ち、水蒸気３は、循環用ファン４０によって放熱器４６に導かれて放熱、冷却され、水蒸気３は凝縮し、空気５８と凝縮水６０とに分離、生成される。即ち、生ごみ４の加熱により、水蒸気３の熱量をＱ₀とし、放熱器４６で放熱される熱量をＱ₁とすると、容器２には、両者の差である熱量（Ｑ₀−Ｑ₁）が帰還される。そして、凝縮水６０は臭気トラップ６４に滞留し、容器２側と外気に通ずる排水管６２とを遮断する。この結果、外気への臭気発散が防止される。
【００３２】
ステップＳ３では、平衡状態であった空気温度が上昇に転じ、この空気温度が所定温度を越えたか否か、容器２の吸気側温度と送気（排気）側温度との温度差が所定温度以上に移行したとき、生ごみ４の水分が蒸発したものと判定し（乾燥処理の完了）、ステップＳ４に移行する。
【００３３】
ステップＳ４では、乾燥処理の終了としてヒータ１４の通電を停止し、ステップＳ５に移行する。ステップＳ５は、容器２内の冷却処理ルーチンである。即ち、ファンモータ４２、５４の回転動作を継続し、空気５８の循環を通して容器２内の空気温度を低下させる。この空気循環は、所定時間だけ行うか、又は、空気温度が所定温度に低下するまで行う。この結果、空気温度が低下することにより、容器２及び循環路３６で構成される密閉空間内の圧力を減少させることができ、蓋８の開成時に水蒸気の漏出を抑制できる。
【００３４】
そして、ステップＳ５では、容器２内の空気温度が所定温度まで低下したか否かを判定し、空気温度が所定温度に低下するまで、ファンモータ４２、５４の回転動作を継続し、空気温度が所定温度まで低下したとき、ステップＳ６に移行する。
【００３５】
ステップＳ６では、空気温度の低下に基づき、モータ２４及びファンモータ４２、５４の動作を停止した後、ステップＳ７に移行し、生ごみ４の乾燥処理及び取出し可能状態になったことを表示器９２により報知する。
【００３６】
使用者は、容器２の蓋８を開いて乾燥処理されたごみを取り出し、廃棄することができる。この場合、運転スイッチ８８の投入状態に関係なく、蓋８が開かれると、その開情報がＣＰＵ７２に加えられ、回転動作や加熱動作の総てが停止状態に保持され、高度な安全対策が施されている。
【００３７】
次に、図４は、ヒータ１４の温度、容器２の吸気側温度Ｔ１、送気側温度Ｔ２の推移を示し、横軸は時間ｔ（分）、縦軸は温度Ｔ（℃）である。吸気側温度Ｔ１は温度センサ３５の検出温度、Ｔ２は温度センサ４４の検出温度であり、ΔＴ１、ΔＴ２はその変動範囲、ΔＴＯは吸気側温度Ｔ１と送気側温度Ｔ２との温度差を示している。
【００３８】
区間ｔ_A（＝ｔ₀〜ｔ₁）は、ヒータ１４の加熱で生ごみ４中の水分が沸点に到達する前の容器２内の空気温度の温度上昇を示し、この区間ｔ_Aでは、水蒸気３の発生開始による膨張圧力が増大し、その圧力により、凝縮水６０及び空気５８の一部が排水管６２を通じて外部に排出される。このとき、悪臭を放つことはない。放熱器４６で放熱されて凝縮水６０が分離された空気５８は循環路３６を通じて容器２内に帰還され、容器２内の空気と混合される。
【００３９】
区間ｔ_B（＝ｔ₁〜ｔ₂）は、生ごみ４中の水分が沸点に到達し、空気温度が平衡状態になる。このとき、水蒸気３の加熱による膨張と冷却による収縮とが行われ、即ち、水蒸気３の発生及びその凝縮が連続的に進行し、外気圧と内圧とが略等しい状態となる。凝縮水６０は、再び臭気トラップ６４に滞留して排気管６２を遮断する。この結果、水蒸気３の発生が活発な温度領域では、その水蒸気３が容器２内に封じ込められ、外部への漏洩が抑制される。この結果、水蒸気３の放出により周囲環境を害することはない。
【００４０】
そして、生ごみ４中の水分が蒸発すると、容器２の始め、吸気側温度Ｔ１は水分蒸発によって上昇を始め、送気側温度Ｔ２は循環路３６の水分量の低下により放熱器４６側による放熱効率が増加して減少する傾向を呈し、吸気側温度Ｔ１と送気側温度Ｔ２との温度差ΔＴＯは拡大し、時点ｔ₂で最高値となる。そこで、この温度差ΔＴＯを検出し、例えば、所定温度ΔＴｅを基準にし、この所定温度ΔＴｅ以上に上昇したとき、生ごみ４の乾燥終了と判断し、ヒータ１４の通電を停止する。そして、温度センサ４４によって温度を検知することにより、空気温度が所定温度に低下したとき、ファンモータ４２、５４の駆動を停止させるようにすればよい。
【００４１】
ところで、生ごみ４の容器２内の平衡温度は、生ごみの種類、含水率、外気温、投入量によって変化することが確認されており、生ごみ４や環境条件等と容器２内の平衡温度との関係は表１の通りである。
【００４２】
【表１】

【００４３】
このため、乾燥終了を単純な温度上昇のみで検知することは生ごみ４の形態や環境条件によって変化するため、その検知が厄介である。また、これらの影響を回避するため、ヒータ１４の設定温度を高くすると、ヒータ１４の熱容量不足により加熱停止温度まで上昇しないことが予想され、また、ヒータ１４の熱容量を高くするためにヒータ密度を密にすると、熱ストレスによりヒータの寿命が短くなるおそれがある。
【００４４】
なお、実施形態では、温度センサ３５、４４から検出される温度によってヒータ１４の加熱停止について説明したが、これら両温度センサ３５、４４から検出される温度を加熱停止に至る前のヒータ１４の加熱制御に用いることができ、本発明は上記実施形態に限定されるものではない。
【００４５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、次のような効果が得られる。
ａ．生ごみの加熱処理による乾燥処理ができるとともに、加熱によって生じた水蒸気を冷却により凝縮させ、水蒸気から水を分離し、容器内の圧力状態に応じて外部に排出するので、容器と外気とを確実に分離遮断し、悪臭の原因となる水蒸気等のガスの漏洩を防止できるとともに、加熱手段の制御を生ごみの加熱状態に応じて経済的に制御できる。
ｂ．生ごみの加熱処理の後、十分に冷却した容器から処理ごみを取り出すことができるので、加熱処理で生じた水蒸気の漏洩を確実に低減でき、悪臭による環境汚染を防止できる。
ｃ．生ごみの形態や環境条件等の各種パラメータの変動があっても、確実に生ごみの乾燥終了を検出して加熱停止ができ、過熱を防止できるとともに、経済的な加熱、省電力化を図ることができ、しかも、過熱による損傷から加熱手段を保護でき、加熱手段の寿命を長くすることができる。
ｄ．熱収縮により乾燥処理されたごみは、生ごみに比較して大幅に容積が小さくなるので、その廃棄処理が容易となり、肥料等への再利用が期待できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本願発明の生ごみ処理装置の一実施形態を示す図である。
【図２】生ごみ処理装置の制御装置を示すブロック図である。
【図３】生ごみ処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図４】生ごみ処理の動作を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
２容器
３水蒸気
４生ごみ
１４ヒータ（加熱手段）
２２スクレーパ（攪拌手段）
２４モータ（攪拌手段）
３５温度センサ
３６循環路
４０循環用ファン（圧送手段）
４２ファンモータ（圧送手段）
４４温度センサ
４６放熱器（分離手段、凝縮手段）
５６気液分離室（分離手段、凝縮手段）
５８空気
６０凝縮水
６２排水管（排出手段）
６４臭気トラップ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a garbage processing apparatus for processing garbage represented by food such as vegetables and seafood coming out of a kitchen.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Garbage such as garbage is not suitable for ordinary incineration processing because it contains a lot of moisture, and disposal processing is generally troublesome. This is because a large amount of water contained in garbage reduces incineration efficiency. Garbage dumping causes environmental pollution. In addition, although there is a diversion of raw garbage to fertilizer, untreated raw garbage cannot be used as it is as fertilizer.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, heat treatment of garbage has been proposed, but the release of water vapor generated by heating to the outside air causes bad odor. Therefore, deodorization treatment is required. Conventionally, there are methods such as a catalyst method and an activated carbon method as a method of this deodorization treatment. In the catalyst system, in order to obtain a sufficient deodorizing effect, it is necessary to keep the catalyst at a high temperature of 200 to 400 ° C., and further, it is necessary to increase the wind speed through which the catalyst passes, and thus heating is troublesome. It is not suitable for home use. Moreover, since various odors are mixed in water vapor, the activated carbon method may not provide a deodorizing effect. Moreover, since activated carbon absorbs odorous particles, its saturation reduces the deodorizing effect and needs to be replaced periodically. As other methods, ozone deodorization, platinum deodorization, bio deodorization, and the like have been proposed, but it is difficult to completely remove bad odors.
[0004]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a garbage disposal apparatus that realizes easy disposal and efficient control of garbage by drying by heating.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The garbage processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a container (2) for containing garbage (4), a heating means (heater 14) for heating the garbage, and water vapor (3) generated by heating to the outside of the container. After condensing (condensed water 60), separation means (radiator 46, gas-liquid separation chamber 56) for returning air to the container, and the water condensed and separated from water vapor at a pressure acting on the container Accordingly, a discharge means (drain pipe 62) for discharging outside the container and a control means (CPU 72) are provided to separate into air and water by circulating cooling of steam generated from the garbage by heating, and decompression of the container and the circulation system. In addition, efficient heating control is achieved through the control of the heating means, etc., depending on the difference between the intake air temperature and exhaust temperature of the container. is doing.
[0006]
The garbage processing apparatus of the present invention according to claim 1 is a container (2) for storing the garbage (4), and an open / close detection means (switch 12) for detecting opening / closing of a lid for opening / closing the opening of the container. A scraper that is attached to a rotating shaft installed in the container and rotates together with the rotating shaft, and heating means (heater 14) that heats the garbage stored in the container, and the raw food in the container stirring means (scraper 22, a motor 24) for agitating the waste and the by heating the heating means is separated by condensing the water from the water vapor generated in said container, separating means for the water vapor into water and air ( A radiator 46, a gas-liquid separation chamber 56), a discharge means (drain pipe 62) for discharging the water obtained by the separation means to the outside of the container according to a pressure acting in the container, and the separation means. Return from Installed the air was in the vicinity of the intake port leading to the container, the first temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the air returning to the vessel (temperature sensor 35), the steam generated in the container Is installed in an air supply chamber introduced from the air supply port of the container, and second temperature detection means (temperature sensor 44) for detecting the temperature of the air guided from the container to the separation means, and the air supply A circulation fan (40) installed in a chamber for drawing the water vapor into the air supply chamber, pumping the water vapor to the separation means, and returning the air from the separation means to the container; and the opening / closing detection means A drying operation is started on the condition that the closed state is detected, the heating means, the stirring means and the circulation fan are operated, and during the heating operation, the detected temperature of the first temperature detection means, The second Monitoring the temperature difference between the temperature detected by the temperature detection means, wherein the operation of the heating means and the stirring means are stopped, the elapsed or after the predetermined time from the operation stop when the temperature difference is shifted to higher than a predetermined temperature Control means (control arithmetic unit 70) for stopping the circulation fan after the temperature of the air drops below a predetermined temperature is provided.
[0007]
With such a configuration, the garbage stored in the container is heated by the heat applied from the heating means. As a result, the garbage shrinks and generates a large amount of water vapor. If this water vapor leaks, it causes a bad odor. Therefore, the water vapor is led to the outside of the container without being leaked outside and cooled, thereby condensing the water and depressurizing the circulation system including the container and the separating means. That is, the pressure in the container is kept constant. The water condensed from the water vapor is discharged out of the container through the discharge means according to the pressure acting in the container. Then, the heating means is controlled from the stop of the heating means by the temperature difference between the air exiting from the container to the separation means side and the air returning to the container. As a result, it is easy to dispose of garbage by drying by heat shrinkage of the garbage due to heating and non-bromination of the heat treatment.
[0008]
Garbage disposal apparatus of the present invention according to claim 2 includes a container (2) for accommodating the food waste (4), opening and closing detecting means for detecting the opening and closing of the lid for opening and closing the opening of the container and (switch 12) A scraper that is attached to a rotating shaft installed in the container and rotates together with the rotating shaft, and heating means (heater 14) that heats the garbage stored in the container, and the raw food in the container Stirring means (scraper 22, motor 24) for stirring the waste, a circulation path (36) for guiding the water vapor generated in the container to the outside of the container, and returning the air separated from the water vapor to the container, and the circulation path Condensing means (heat radiator 46, gas-liquid separation chamber 56) for cooling the water vapor led to the water and condensing and separating the water from the water vapor, and the water separated by the condensing means for the container and the circulation Discharged outside the container in response to pressure acting on the discharge means (the drain pipe 62) is disposed from said condensing means in the vicinity of the connected inlet directs the air into the container from the circulation path, wherein First temperature detecting means (temperature sensor 35) for detecting the temperature of the air returning to the container, and the water vapor generated in the container is installed in an air supply chamber introduced from an air supply port of the container, A second temperature detecting means (temperature sensor 44) for detecting the temperature of the air led from the container to the condensing means; and installed in the air supply chamber to draw the water vapor into the air supply chamber; A circulation fan (40) that pumps and returns the air from the separation means to the container, and a drying operation starts on the condition that the opening / closing detection means detects that the lid is closed, and the heating Means, said stirring Given together with operating means and the circulation fan, during the heating operation, and detects the temperature of the first temperature sensing means monitors the temperature difference between the detected temperature of the second temperature detector, said temperature difference is The operation of the heating unit and the agitation unit is stopped when the temperature is higher than the temperature, and the circulation fan is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the stop of the operation or after the temperature of the air has decreased below the predetermined temperature. Control means (control arithmetic unit 70) is provided.
[0009]
That is, in the present invention according to claim 2, the separation unit is embodied as a condensing unit that separates water from water vapor, and a circulation path that condenses the water by the condensing unit and then returns only air to the container side. . Therefore, water vapor generated by heating by the heating means is guided from the container to the condensing means, and water is condensed from the water vapor by cooling. By returning the air from which the water has been separated by the condensing means to the container side through the circulation path, the pressure in the container is maintained constant by circulating and cooling, and the water condensed from the water vapor acts in the container. Depending on the pressure, it is discharged out of the container through a discharge means. And the heating stop or heating temperature is controlled by the temperature difference between the air entering the return path from the container and the air entering the container from the return path. As a result, the shrinkage of the garbage by heat treatment, that is, the non-bromide treatment is enabled along with the drying, and the disposal of the garbage is facilitated.
[0010]
The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating means is constituted by a heater, and the control means stops energization of the heater when the temperature difference shifts to a predetermined temperature or more. To do. When the garbage is heated, the temperature is in an equilibrium state due to the evaporation of water regardless of the kind of the garbage, but when the garbage is completely dried, the temperature of the air coming out of the container tends to increase. Therefore, when this temperature is detected and the predetermined temperature is reached, the drying process of the garbage may be stopped. However, the garbage has different oil content and moisture content, and the temperature at the time of heating and drying varies depending on the outside temperature and the amount of garbage input to the container. If the drying set temperature is set high, drying may end without the actual heating temperature reaching the drying set temperature due to a lack of heat. And it is difficult to know the end of drying from the absolute temperature rise, and it is troublesome to open the container lid and confirm the dry state, which is not practical. In addition, although it is possible to increase the amount of heat generated in the heating unit, the life of the heating unit is reduced due to thermal stress, and there is a possibility that, for example, a heater wire constituting the heating unit is broken in a short time. Therefore, regardless of the type of garbage and the capacity of the heating means, when the difference between the intake side temperature and the exhaust side temperature of the container shifts to a predetermined temperature or more, this can be detected by the transition of the garbage to the dry state. Therefore, the heating operation of the heating means was stopped.
[0011]
The garbage disposal apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the discharge means includes a bent pipe body, retains the water with the shape and gravity of the pipe body, and acts through the separation means or the circulation path. It is characterized by having a trap (odor trap 64) for discharging the water when the amount of water stays over a predetermined amount due to pressure. That is, the water led to the discharge means side is used to prevent bad odor. The water stored in the trap is stored in the bent part of the pipeline by gravity and has a function of separating the outside and the circulation path, but the pressure on the circulation path is increased, and the function of blocking the stored water is blocked. When it exceeds or when the retention amount exceeds a predetermined amount, the remaining water is discharged. However, since water is sufficiently cooled in the trap, it does not become a source of malodor.
[0012]
The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising pressure feeding means (circulation fan 40, fan motor 42) for forcibly guiding the water vapor generated in the container to the separation means or the circulation path. Features. That is, the water vapor in the container can be circulated without interruption in the separation means or the circulation path by the pressure feeding means, and the circulation and cooling processes are performed.
[0013]
The garbage disposal apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the agitation means attaches the scraper to a support arm radially attached to a rotation shaft installed in the container, and the outermost peripheral surface of the scraper is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the container. It is set so as to be slightly separated from the bottom surface portion, receives the rotation of the motor (24) by the rotating shaft, and rotates the scraper to stir the garbage in the container . That is, the garbage in the container is agitated by the stirring means, and the garbage is uniformly heated.
[0014]
3. The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating means is controlled according to a heating temperature of the garbage or a temperature in the container. That is, feedback control is used for heating garbage. Such control can prevent abnormal heating of garbage.
[0015]
3. The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating means stops the heating operation when the temperature of water vapor coming out of the container reaches a predetermined temperature. In other words, the circulating air temperature is used as control information for the heating control of the garbage to prevent abnormal heating of the garbage.
[0016]
3. The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein air in the container is circulated through the separation means or the circulation path for a predetermined time after the operation of the heating means is stopped. That is, the inside of the container is cooled by air circulation.
[0017]
The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air in the container is circulated to the separation means or the circulation path until the temperature of the circulating air after the operation of the heating means is reduced to a predetermined temperature. It is characterized by that. That is, since the inside of the container is cooled by air circulation and the temperature is used for the control information, a reliable cooling process is possible.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings.
[0019]
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the garbage disposal apparatus of the present invention.
[0020]
The garbage disposal apparatus is provided with a hermetically sealed container 2 in which the garbage 4 to be heat-treated is accommodated. The container 2 is a kettle that heats the garbage 4. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the container 2 is formed by a curved surface forming a semi-cylinder, but may be hemispherical. The container 2 has high wear resistance against mechanical contact, and can be made of a metal material such as stainless steel or titanium, ceramics, or the like as a corrosion resistant material against strength, high thermal oxidation, acid and alkali of the garbage 4. . The container 2 is formed with an opening 6 for taking out garbage after loading or processing of the garbage 4, and a lid 8 for opening and closing the opening 6 is provided so as to be opened and closed by a hinge 10. The container 2 is held in a sealed state by the lid 8. Further, a switch 12 is provided in the vicinity of the opening 6 of the container 2 as an opening / closing sensor that detects opening / closing of the lid 8. An automatic opening / closing mechanism may be provided as means for automatically opening / closing the lid 8.
[0021]
The container 2 is provided with a heater 14 for heating the garbage 4 in the container 2 on the outer bottom surface side. The heater 14 is made of, for example, a nichrome wire. The heater 14 is provided with a temperature sensor 16. The container 2 is provided with a stirring means for stirring the garbage 4. That is, a rotation shaft 18 is attached to the center of the container 2, a plurality of support arms 20 are attached to the rotation shaft 18, and a scraper 22 is attached to the tip of the support arm 20. Each scraper 22 is a wing that scrapes up the garbage 4 by rotation and prevents the garbage 4 from adhering to the inner surface of the container 2, and is made of a metal material that does not damage the inner wall surface of the container 2. Therefore, the outermost peripheral surface of the scraper 22 is set so as to rotate slightly away from the inner wall surface of the container 2. A motor 24 is provided as means for rotating each scraper 22, a sprocket wheel 26 is attached to the motor 24, a sprocket wheel 28 is attached to the rotary shaft 18, and each

sprocket wheel

26, 28 has a chain 30 as rotation transmission means. It's being hung around. Therefore, the forward / reverse rotation of the motor 24 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 18 and the scraper 22 is rotated in any direction indicated by the arrow N in various rotation modes such as a constant angular rotation, unit rotation, or intermittent rotation every predetermined time. Can be made.
[0022]
An air supply port 32 that guides the water vapor 3 generated in the container 2 to the outside is formed in the upper part of the container 2, and an air intake port 34 that guides the processed air into the container 2 is formed. A circulation path 36 is formed between the intake port 34 and the intake port 34. That is, the container 2 and the circulation path 36 form a certain sealed space. A temperature sensor 35 is installed near the end of the circulation path 36, that is, in the vicinity of the inlet of the container 2, and the temperature of the air entering the container 2 is detected.
[0023]
An air supply chamber 38 wider than the intake port 34 is formed in the air supply port 32, and a circulation fan 40 is installed in the air supply chamber 38 as a pressure supply means. The circulation fan 40 is rotated by a fan motor 42 installed outside the circulation path 36. By the rotation of the circulation fan 40, the water vapor 3 and air generated in the container 2 are forcibly guided to the circulation path 36 in the directions indicated by arrows a and b. A temperature sensor 44 is provided on the wall surface of the air supply chamber 38 to detect the temperature of the air led into the air supply chamber 38, that is, the water vapor 3.
[0024]
The circulation path 36 is provided with condensing means for radiating and cooling the heat of the water vapor 3 to cool it and condensing it into water, and a radiator 46 as a separating means for separating the condensed water. The heat radiator 46 includes a plurality of pipes 48 and an infinite number of heat radiation fins 50, and is air-cooled in this embodiment. Therefore, a cooling fan 52 is provided as a forced cooling means, and this cooling fan 52 is rotated at a high speed by a fan motor 54.
[0025]
A gas-liquid separation chamber 56 is provided at the outlet of the radiator 46 as a means for separating condensed water and air. The gas-liquid separation chamber 56 is connected to a circulation path 36 that guides the separated air 58 to the intake port 34 of the container 2, and serves as a discharge means for discharging the separated condensed water 60 from the circulation path 36 to the outside. The drainage pipe 62 is connected.
[0026]
The drain pipe 62 is provided with an odor trap 64 formed by bending a pipeline as an odor stopper. That is, the odor trap 64 is formed of a part of the drain pipe 62 or another pipe line, and is formed by vertically moving a semicircular bent portion 66 that protrudes downward and a semicircular bent portion 68 that protrudes upward. It is formed with a predetermined interval in the direction. Condensed water 60 from the gas-liquid separation chamber 56 retains a predetermined amount on the bent portion 66 side by gravity so as not to exceed the bent portion 68, thereby constituting an odor stop according to the pressure acting on the circulation path 36. ing. Therefore, the condensed water 60 is discharged in the direction of arrow c through the odor trap 64.
[0027]
Next, FIG. 2 shows a garbage disposal control device. The control arithmetic unit 70 includes a CPU 72 that executes a program to perform predetermined control, a ROM 74 that stores an operation program and data, a RAM 76 that performs temporary storage in calculation, an A / D converter 78, an input interface 80, and an output interface. 82 etc. A detection circuit 84 composed of a voltage amplifier or the like is connected to the A / D converter 78, and detection signals from the

temperature sensors

16, 35, 44 are applied through the detection circuit 84. A detection circuit 86 composed of a voltage amplifier or the like is connected to the input interface 80, and opening / closing signals of the switch 12 and the operation switch 88 are applied through the detection circuit 86. The operation switch 88 is a switch for starting a garbage disposal operation. The output interface 82 is connected to the heater 14, the motor 24, the

fan motors

42 and 54, and the display 92 through a drive circuit 90. The display 92 can be composed of a visual display composed of LED, LCD, fluorescent display, etc., and an auditory display such as a speaker, a buzzer, etc., and displays necessary or warning visually or audibly, The user can be notified.
[0028]
Next, the operation will be described according to the operation flowchart shown in FIG.
[0029]
Step S1 shows the pre-stage process and the operation start of the garbage process. The lid 8 of the container 2 is opened, the garbage 4 to be processed is put in, and the operation switch 88 is turned on. Opening / closing of the lid 8 is detected by the switch 12. This detection signal is applied from the input interface 80 through the detection circuit 86 to the CPU 72 as closing information or opening information. When the switch 12 detects that the lid 8 is closed, the process proceeds to step S2.
[0030]
In step S2, the drying process is started on condition that the operation switch 88 is turned on and the lid 8 is closed. That is, in step S2, the driving of the heater 14 and the temperature control thereof are started, the motor 24 and the

fan motors

42 and 54 start operating, and the circulation and heat dissipation of the water vapor 3 generated in the container 2 is started. At this time, the scraper 22 is rotated by the rotation of the motor 24, and the garbage 4 adhering to the bottom surface of the container 2 is scraped off with the stirring of the garbage 4 in the container 2.
[0031]
When such an operation is continuously performed, the air temperatures in the container 2 and the circulation path 36 are in an equilibrium state, and the generation of water vapor 3 from the garbage 4 becomes active. That is, the water vapor 3 is guided to the radiator 46 by the circulation fan 40 to be radiated and cooled, and the water vapor 3 is condensed and separated into air 58 and condensed water 60 and generated. That is, if the amount of heat of the steam 3 is Q ₀ and the amount of heat radiated by the radiator 46 is Q ₁ by heating the garbage 4, the container 2 has a heat amount (Q ₀ -Q ₁ ) which is the difference between the two. Will be returned. The condensed water 60 stays in the odor trap 64 and shuts off the container 2 side and the drain pipe 62 communicating with the outside air. As a result, odor emission to the outside air is prevented.
[0032]
In step S3, the air temperature that has been in an equilibrium state starts to rise, whether or not the air temperature has exceeded a predetermined temperature, and the temperature difference between the intake side temperature and the air supply (exhaust) side temperature of the container 2 is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature. When the process proceeds to step S4, it is determined that the moisture in the garbage 4 has evaporated (drying process is completed), and the process proceeds to step S4.
[0033]
In step S4, energization of the heater 14 is stopped at the end of the drying process, and the process proceeds to step S5. Step S <b> 5 is a cooling processing routine in the container 2. That is, the rotation operation of the

fan motors

42 and 54 is continued, and the air temperature in the container 2 is lowered through the circulation of the air 58. This air circulation is performed for a predetermined time or until the air temperature drops to a predetermined temperature. As a result, when the air temperature decreases, the pressure in the sealed space formed by the container 2 and the circulation path 36 can be reduced, and leakage of water vapor can be suppressed when the lid 8 is opened.
[0034]
In step S5, it is determined whether or not the air temperature in the container 2 has decreased to a predetermined temperature, and the rotation operation of the

fan motors

42 and 54 is continued until the air temperature decreases to the predetermined temperature. When the temperature falls to the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S6.
[0035]
In step S6, the operation of the motor 24 and the

fan motors

42 and 54 is stopped based on the decrease in the air temperature, and then the process proceeds to step S7 to indicate that the garbage 4 is ready for drying and removal. To inform.
[0036]
The user can open the lid 8 of the container 2 to take out the dried waste and discard it. In this case, regardless of the operating state of the operation switch 88, when the lid 8 is opened, the opening information is added to the CPU 72, and all rotation and heating operations are held in a stopped state, and advanced safety measures are taken. Has been.
[0037]
Next, FIG. 4 shows changes in the temperature of the heater 14, the intake side temperature T <b> 1 of the container 2, and the supply side temperature T <b> 2, the horizontal axis is time t (minutes), and the vertical axis is the temperature T (° C.). The intake side temperature T1 is the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 35, T2 is the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 44, ΔT1 and ΔT2 are their fluctuation ranges, and ΔTO is the temperature difference between the intake side temperature T1 and the supply side temperature T2. Yes.
[0038]
Interval _{_{_{t A (= t 0 ~t 1}}} ) shows the temperature rise of the air temperature in the previous container 2 the moisture of garbage 4 in the heating of the heater 14 reaches the boiling point, in the section t _A, steam 3 is increased, and the condensed water 60 and a part of the air 58 are discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 62 by the pressure. At this time, no odor is emitted. The air 58 radiated by the radiator 46 and separated from the condensed water 60 is returned to the container 2 through the circulation path 36 and mixed with the air in the container 2.
[0039]
In the section t _B (= t _{1 to} t ₂ ), the water in the garbage 4 reaches the boiling point, and the air temperature is in an equilibrium state. At this time, expansion by heating of the water vapor 3 and contraction by cooling are performed, that is, generation of the water vapor 3 and its condensation proceed continuously, and the external pressure and the internal pressure become substantially equal. The condensed water 60 stays in the odor trap 64 again and blocks the exhaust pipe 62. As a result, in the temperature range where the generation of the water vapor 3 is active, the water vapor 3 is contained in the container 2 and leakage to the outside is suppressed. As a result, the surrounding environment is not harmed by the release of the water vapor 3.
[0040]
When the moisture in the garbage 4 evaporates, the intake side temperature T1 at the beginning of the container 2 starts to rise due to moisture evaporation, and the air supply side temperature T2 is radiated by the radiator 46 due to a decrease in the amount of moisture in the circulation path 36. exhibits a tendency efficiency decreases with increasing temperature difference ΔTO between the air supply side temperature T2 and the intake-side temperature T1 has expanded, the highest value at time t _2. Therefore, this temperature difference ΔTO is detected. For example, when the temperature rises above the predetermined temperature ΔTe with reference to the predetermined temperature ΔTe, it is determined that the drying of the garbage 4 has been completed, and the energization of the heater 14 is stopped. Then, by detecting the temperature with the temperature sensor 44, the drive of the

fan motors

42 and 54 may be stopped when the air temperature drops to a predetermined temperature.
[0041]
By the way, it has been confirmed that the equilibrium temperature in the container 2 of the garbage 4 varies depending on the type of garbage, the moisture content, the outside air temperature, the input amount, and the equilibrium in the container 2 with the garbage 4 and environmental conditions. Table 1 shows the relationship with temperature.
[0042]
[Table 1]

[0043]
For this reason, detecting the end of drying only by a simple temperature rise varies depending on the form of the garbage 4 and the environmental conditions, so that detection is troublesome. In order to avoid these effects, if the set temperature of the heater 14 is increased, it is expected that the heater 14 will not rise to the heating stop temperature due to insufficient heat capacity of the heater 14, and the heater density is increased in order to increase the heat capacity of the heater 14. If it is dense, the life of the heater may be shortened due to thermal stress.
[0044]
In the embodiment, the heating stop of the heater 14 has been described based on the temperatures detected from the temperature sensors 35 and 44. However, the heating of the heater 14 before reaching the heating stop is detected based on the temperatures detected by both the temperature sensors 35 and 44. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
a. In addition to being able to dry the garbage by heat treatment, water vapor generated by heating is condensed by cooling, water is separated from the water vapor, and discharged to the outside according to the pressure state in the container. It is possible to prevent the leakage of gas such as water vapor which causes bad odor and control the heating means economically according to the heating state of the garbage.
b. After the heat treatment of the garbage, the treated waste can be taken out from the sufficiently cooled container, so that leakage of water vapor generated by the heat treatment can be surely reduced and environmental pollution due to bad odor can be prevented.
c. Even if there are fluctuations in various parameters such as garbage form and environmental conditions, it is possible to reliably detect the end of drying of garbage and stop heating, prevent overheating, and achieve economical heating and power saving. In addition, the heating means can be protected from damage due to overheating, and the life of the heating means can be extended.
d. Garbage that has been dried by heat shrinkage is significantly smaller in volume than garbage, so that it can be easily disposed of and can be reused as fertilizer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a garbage disposal apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device of the garbage disposal device.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing garbage processing.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation of garbage disposal.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Container 3 Water vapor 4 Garbage 14 Heater (heating means)
22 Scraper (stirring means)
24 Motor (stirring means)
35 Temperature sensor 36 Circulation path 40 Circulation fan (pressure feeding means)
42 Fan motor (pressure feeding means)
44 temperature sensor 46 radiator (separation means, condensation means)
56 Gas-liquid separation chamber (separation means, condensation means)
58 Air 60 Condensed water 62 Drain pipe (discharge means)
64 Odor trap

Claims

A container for storing garbage;
Open / close detecting means for detecting opening / closing of a lid for opening / closing the opening of the container;
Heating means for heating the food waste contained in the container,
A scraper attached to a rotating shaft installed in the container, and stirring means for stirring the garbage in the container by the scraper rotating together with the rotating shaft;
Separating means wherein the heating of the heating means is separated by condensing the water from the water vapor generated in said container, thereby said steam into water and air,
Discharging means for discharging the water obtained by the separating means to the outside of the container according to the pressure acting on the container;
First temperature detection means installed in the vicinity of an air inlet that guides the air returned from the separation means into the container, and detects the temperature of the air returning to the container;
Second temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the air that is installed in an air supply chamber into which the water vapor generated in the container is introduced from an air supply port of the container and is guided from the container to the separation means;
A circulation fan that is installed in the air supply chamber, draws the water vapor into the air supply chamber, pumps it to the separation means, and returns the air from the separation means to the container;
A drying operation is started on the condition that the opening / closing detection unit detects that the lid is closed, and the heating unit, the stirring unit, and the circulation fan are operated, and during the heating operation, the first operation is performed. The temperature difference between the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means is monitored, and the operation of the heating means and the stirring means is stopped when the temperature difference exceeds a predetermined temperature. A control means for stopping the circulation fan after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation stop or after the temperature of the air has dropped below a predetermined temperature ;
A garbage disposal apparatus characterized by comprising:

A container for storing garbage;
Open / close detecting means for detecting opening / closing of a lid for opening / closing the opening of the container;
Heating means for heating the food waste contained in the container,
A scraper attached to a rotating shaft installed in the container, and stirring means for stirring the garbage in the container by the scraper rotating together with the rotating shaft;
A circulation path for guiding water vapor generated in the container to the outside of the container, and returning air separated from the water vapor to the container;
Condensing means for cooling the water vapor introduced into the circulation path and condensing and separating the water from the water vapor;
Discharging means for discharging the water separated by the condensing means to the outside of the container in accordance with pressure acting on the container and the circulation path;
A first temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the air that is installed in the vicinity of a connected intake port that guides the air from the condensation means into the container from the circulation path ; and
Second temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the air, which is installed in an air supply chamber into which the water vapor generated in the container is introduced from an air supply port of the container, and is led from the container to the condensation means;
A circulation fan that is installed in the air supply chamber, draws the water vapor into the air supply chamber, pumps it to the separation means, and returns the air from the separation means to the container;
A drying operation is started on the condition that the opening / closing detection unit detects that the lid is closed, and the heating unit, the stirring unit, and the circulation fan are operated, and during the heating operation, the first operation is performed. The temperature difference between the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means is monitored, and the operation of the heating means and the stirring means is stopped when the temperature difference exceeds a predetermined temperature. A control means for stopping the circulation fan after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation stop or after the temperature of the air has dropped below a predetermined temperature ;
A garbage disposal apparatus characterized by comprising:

The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating means comprises a heater, and the control means stops energization of the heater when the temperature difference shifts to a predetermined temperature or more.

The discharge means includes a bent tube body, and the water is retained by the shape and gravity of the tube body, and the retention amount of the water is a predetermined amount by pressure acting through the separation means or the circulation path. 3. A garbage disposal apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a trap for discharging the water when the temperature exceeds.

The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a pressure feeding means for forcibly guiding the water vapor generated in the container to the separation means or the circulation path.

The agitation means attaches the scraper to a support arm radially attached to a rotating shaft installed in the container, sets the outermost peripheral surface of the scraper slightly spaced from the bottom surface of the container, and sets the motor The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the garbage is rotated by the rotating shaft, and the scraper is rotated to agitate the garbage in the container.

The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating means is controlled according to a heating temperature of the garbage or a temperature in the container.

3. The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating unit stops the heating operation when the temperature of the water vapor coming out of the container reaches a predetermined temperature.

The garbage processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air in the container is circulated to the separation means or the circulation path for a predetermined time after the operation of the heating means is stopped.

3. The raw material according to claim 1, wherein the air in the container is circulated through the separation means or the circulation path until the temperature of the circulating air after the operation of the heating means is reduced to a predetermined temperature. Garbage disposal device.