SE1350742A1 - Composting toilet - Google Patents

Abstract

Summary The invention relates to a composting toilet device (100). More particularly, the invention relates to a composting toilet device for surface mounting. The invention is in particular intended to illustrate how to arrange a composting toilet for surface mounting which is easy to use and easy to empty. The object of the invention is achieved in that the composting toilet device for surface mounting comprises a tank (102), a number of containers (104) arranged in the tank (102) for collecting and composting organic waste, and a lid part (106) for filling the tank. (102) and the containers (104), the lid portion (106) including a removable seat portion (108). The device according to the present invention further comprises a moving device for facilitating the movement of the containers in the tank so that a full container (104) in use is moved to the side and the container (104) next to the moved container (104) becomes accessible to empty it thereon. waste that has been composted for the longest time and to put in it for use.

Description

COMPOSITING TOILET DEVICE Technical omeade The invention relates generally to a composting toilet device. More particularly, the invention relates to a composting toilet device for surface mounting.

Background technology Municipal infrastructure, such as sewage systems, is normal and necessary in cities and suburban areas, but can be costly to implement in rural areas. Especially in summer cottages, there is usually no wastewater treatment available and other methods must be used to deal with organic waste, such as human excrement.

In the 'can & technology', several different types of solutions for outdoor toilets and composting toilets are known, but the known solutions have disadvantages. Typical outdoor toilets must be placed separately from a main building, which makes them inconvenient to use. They are also labor intensive to maintain, as sinks and solid waste are usually collected in a container or a hall in the ground. When this type of outdoor toilet needs emptying, all collected waste must be disposed of at the same time, regardless of the degree of degradation of the waste. The emptying process can require a lot of strength if all the waste is collected in the same container. A smaller container is easier to empty, but must be emptied more often. Outdoor toilets can also be very smelly stables and waste heaps that decompose slowly provide a good environment for the growth of bacteria and insects, such as earthworms and flies, which are both unpleasant and cause hygienic problems.

Composting toilets solve some of the disadvantages of outdoor toilets. Composting toilets usually include a separation system for separating liquid shoes from solid waste, which reduces odors and can prevent the insects from multiplying. Unfortunately, the known composting toilet solutions may require significant changes in the building construction, depending on the location of the toilet's waste container. Openings may need to be provided in a floor or a cradle / cradles and / or the arrangement may require a higher room height than a normal room has. Composting toilets that include several waste bins can have the difficulty of replacing a bin and emptying the composted bin and they may require access to the space containing the bins outside the toilet room, which may prevent installation of the toilet in the interior of a house. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to implement a solution so that the previously mentioned disadvantages of the prior art could be reduced. The invention is in particular intended to solve how to arrange a composting toilet for surface mounting which is easy to use and easy to empty.

The object of the invention is fulfilled by the features disclosed in the independent claim.

A composting toilet device for surface mounting according to the present invention can be characterized by the features of claim 1.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a composting toilet device for surface mounting comprises a tank, a number of containers arranged in the tank for collecting and composting organic waste, and a lid part for filling the tank and the containers, which lid part comprises a removable seat part, the device in addition, it comprises a transfer device for facilitating the movement of the containers in the tank.

The transfer device comprises a bearing arrangement, such as bearings, which bearings are integrated in the bottom of the containers and in yet another embodiment a saving structure is provided in the inner bottom of the tank for the respective bearings in the bottom of the containers.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a liquid separation device for separating liquid shoes from the solid waste. In another embodiment, the liquid separation device comprises at least one opening provided in the bottom of the container for liquid shoes to flow through. This embodiment makes it possible for water shoes to come out of the container even during composting, which can improve the composting process and can reduce odors. In another embodiment, the liquid separation device further comprises a separate container for water shoes.

A method of emptying a container of the composting toilet device according to the present invention can be characterized by the features of claim 7.

In one embodiment, the method of emptying a container of the composting toilet device according to the present invention comprises the steps of removing the seat portion from the lid portion to expose an opening in the lid portion, moving the first container just below the opening on the side using the transfer device, which f ' is the second container next to the first container 3 to be moved during the opening, to lift the second container out of the tank to empty it, to put the second container back in the tank after it has been emptied, and to put the seat part back in the lid part.

Some preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

Significant advantages can be obtained with the present invention over the prior art solutions. The composting toilet device according to the present invention may be easy to mount both inside a house and an outside toilet. It does not require any changes to the construction of the house, ie. there is no need to provide any slips in the floor or in the cradles for the toilet device. It is advantageously made of lightweight and durable material, so that it has light weight when empty and can be transported without effort to a desired The composting toilet device according to the present invention is light and easy to use. The containers and a tank of the device are designed on such a sieve that the movement of the container in the tank is easy to carry out and does not require any special force.

The composting process in the composting toilet device according to the present invention can be carried out in an efficient manner. By dividing the total container space into several independent parts, different containers can contain waste in different stages. In this way, only one container at a time needs to be emptied and the contents of the container can be completely decomposed, while the other containers are still in use. Bellallama, which contains composting waste, can be filled with a light lid, which can reduce bad odors in the surroundings.

The emptying process can also require less time and be less labor-intensive to perform when only one container at a time is empty. A removed seat part provides a sealed opening in the lid part, which provides an easy access for the user to move the container which needs to be emptied to a suitable space just below the opening and to lift it out of the tank. A tank space that is divided into several containers gives a lighter container to lift, which can make the emptying process easier to perform for e.g. age persons.

The device according to the present invention does not need any further openings, since the opening is provided in the lid part both for mounting the seat part and for emptying a container. The device thus also does not need any openings provided in a cradle. The term "organic waste" in the present patent application refers to the compostable materials such as heist, such as excrement, food waste, kiv and garden cleaning.

Brief Description of the Drawings In the following, the invention is described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 illustrates components of the composting toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a composting toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of a composting toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of emptying a container according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments Fig. 1 illustrates components of the composting toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a composting toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The composting toilet device 100 for surface mounting includes a tank 102, a plurality of containers 104, and a lid portion 106 that includes a seat portion 108. The device of the present invention further includes a moving device to facilitate the movement of containers 104 in the tank 102.

The components of the composting toilet device of the present invention are preferably made of some lightweight and durable material such as, but not limited to, plastics. Those skilled in the art will, of course, appreciate that all or some of the components may also be made of any other suitable material and that, if desired, some of the components may be made of a different material from the others.

In one embodiment, the tank 102 is designed so that the bottom of the tank 102 has a circular section for the containers 104. Other components, such as a container for water shoes, may also be provided in the tank 102. In some embodiments, the tank 102 includes means for venting or so provided e.g. an openable opening 1 in the tank for external ventilation devices. In some other embodiment, the tank includes e.g. an opening / openings for water shoes that are to flow out of the tank 102 to any external container.

The bins 104 for collecting and composting organic waste are arranged in the tank 102. The total volume of the containers may vary depending on embodiments, but it is preferably e.g. 60 L - 150 L, more preferred e.g. 90 L - 120 L, most preferably 100 L - 110 L. The bellallama are advantageously sector-shaped, so that the containers 104 placed on the circular section of the tank together form a circular cylinder in the tank. The number of containers can vary depending on the embodiment and the total volume of the tank, but there are typically 3-4 containers in the tank. The containers arranged in the tank can have different volumes compared to each other, but the containers advantageously have the same volume.

Fig. 3 depicts a top view of a composting toilet device according to an embodiment of the present invention. One container at a time is in any breathing.

The container in use is arranged in such a space in the tank that the container is located just below the seat part, as shown in Fig. 3. The other containers in the tank may contain composting waste in different stages of decomposition at the same time. When the container in use is full, the container is moved in the tank so that another container becomes usable. The second container may need to be emptied of the composted waste before it is put in for any breathing. The movement maneuver is advantageously implemented with a rotating movement. The direction of rotation can be clockwise or counterclockwise. In an embodiment with the direction of rotation clockwise, for example, the container on the right-hand side of the container which is in any breath may contain the waste which has been degraded for the longest time and will be emptied as the next. In some embodiments, rotation is allowed only in one direction and is prevented in the other. This feature can prevent pre-waxing of the containers.

In addition, a lid portion 106 is provided for filling the tank and the containers in the tank. In one embodiment, the lid portion 106 is fixedly integrated in the tank 102 and in another embodiment, the lid portion is removably installed on the tank. The lid part 106 comprises a seat part 108, which is releasably attached to the lid part 106. The size of the seat part is chosen on such a sail that, when removing the seat part, a sufficient opening (106 ') is provided in the lid part for moving containers in the tank and / or removing / re-inserting a container from / into the tank to empty it and inserting it for any breathing. In one embodiment, the seat part may comprise devices for facilitating the removal of it from the lid part, such as one or more handles. The composting toilet device according to the present invention further comprises a transfer device which is arranged in the tank to facilitate the movement of the containers in the tank. In one embodiment, the transfer device comprises a bearing arrangement, which bearing arrangement comprises bearings 112 which are integrated in the bottom of the containers to enable the movement of the containers in the tank (shown in Figures 1 and 2). The number of layers 112 in the bottom of a container may vary, but preferably there are e.g. 4-9 stock, more lecture e.g. 6-7 layers, in the bottom of a container. The bearings are preferably placed in the bottom of the container so that they are evenly distributed. In this way, the weight of the container is evenly distributed on the bearings and the movement of the container in the tank can be more frictionless. The bearings can be arranged in several rows on such a sieve that the outermost circular bag of a sector-shaped bottom of a container has the most bearings and the innermost circular bag has the smallest number of bearings.

In another embodiment, a spar structure 114 is provided in the inner bottom of the tank 102 for guiding the respective bearings 112 in the bottom of the container 104. In yet another embodiment, a savings structure is also provided in the bottom of the containers 104. The idea of saval as the staples that form a circle together can have sparse structures in several circles. The purpose of the spar structures is to control the movement of the containers in the tank and to facilitate the movement of the containers. The bearing may be located at the bottom of a groove 116, when the container is viewed upside down, as depicted in Fig. 1. In this case, the bearings will be located at a top portion between two grooves.

The nesting movement of the containers in the tank is preferably a rotating movement in a circle. Since the containers form a circle together, the spar structures at the bottom of the tank and in the bottom of the containers also form circles. As a container is moved in the tank, it thus rotates in a circle and presses the next container forward in a circle.

In another embodiment, the transfer device comprises a disc at the bottom of the tank on which the containers are arranged. The disc preferably comprises roller devices, such as bearings, rollers, etc. at the bottom, to thereby enable the rotation of the vertical axis of the disc as the containers on the disc.

In one embodiment, the composting toilet device according to the present invention further comprises means for moving the container in the tank, such as, but not limited to, an engine, a gear and a crank connected thereto, a handle, to name a few. The container may also include a handle for lifting and for facilitating the movement thereof in the tank. In another embodiment, the composting toilet device further comprises a liquid separation device for separating water shoes from the solid waste. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the liquid separation device may be arranged in several different ways. In one embodiment, the container includes at least one opening for allowing liquid to flow out of the container. The opening can be provided in the bottom of the container and / or in one side of the container. In the latter case, the opening is advantageously arranged at such a level that the container cannot retain a significant amount of water in the container, but the excess water will undoubtedly come out of the container.

The tank may comprise an extra container for water shoes, or an inlet for the water shoes to be led to the liquid container is arranged in the tank. The saving section (s) provided in the bottom of the tank may be arranged as a sink channel and the saving section (s) may comprise one or more openings for liquid to be led into the sink container.

In one embodiment, the container comprises an extra lid for filling the container during the composting phase. The lid is of course removed when the container has been put into use.

Fig. 4 depicts a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of emptying a container 400 in accordance with the present invention. In step 402, the seat portion is removed from the lid portion to expose an opening in the lid portion. In step 404, the first container is moved just below the opening (106 ') to the side using the transfer device, which causes the second container next to the first container to be moved during the opening (106'). As described above, it does not matter if the direction of rotation is clockwise or counterclockwise, but it should always be the same direction. This is due to the fact that the container, which replaces the container moved to the side, contains the waste that has been composted for the longest time, which can consequently be completely decomposed waste.

In step 406, the second container is lifted out of the tank for emptying it. The container may include devices to make it easier to lift, e.g. a handle, which can form At the side when the container is arranged in the tank. After the second container has been emptied, it is put back into the tank via the opening in step 408. Finally, the seat part in step 410 is put back in the lid part and the composting toilet device is ready to use again.

The scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims together with their equivalents. Those skilled in the art will again recognize the fact that the explicitly described embodiments have been set up for illustrative purposes only and that the scope will appreciate additional embodiments, combinations of embodiments and equivalents better suited to each particular case of use of the invention. 9

Claims (4)

CLAIMS 1. A composting toilet device (100) for surface mounting, comprising: 1. a tank (102), - a number of containers (104) arranged in the tank (102) for collecting and composting organic waste, 2. a lid part ( 106) for filling the tank (102) and the containers (104), which lid part (106) comprises a removable seat part (108), the device further comprising a transfer device for facilitating the movement of the containers (104) in the tank (102), in that the transfer device comprises a bearing arrangement, the bearing arrangement comprising bearings (112) which are integrated in the bottom of the containers (104) to enable the movement of the containers (104) in the tank. The composting toilet device (100) for surface mounting according to claim 1, wherein the storage arrangement further comprises a spar structure (114) provided in the inner bottom of the tank (102) for guiding the respective layers (112) in the bottom of the containers (104). A composting toilet device (100) for surface mounting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (104) of the device together forms a circular cylinder, when arranged in the tank (102). A composting toilet device (100) for surface mounting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a liquid separation device for separating water shoes from the solid waste. The composting toilet device for surface mounting according to claim 4, wherein the liquid separation device comprises at least one opening provided in the container to allow liquid to come out of the container (104). A composting toilet device (100) for surface mounting according to any one of claims 4-5, wherein the liquid separation device further comprises a separate container for water shoes. A method of emptying a container of the composting toilet device (100) according to any one of claims 1-6, comprising at least the following steps: 1. removing the seat portion (108) from the lid portion (106) to expose an opening (106 ') in the lid portion (106), Moving the first container (104) just below the opening (106 ') at the side using the transfer device comprising storage arrangement, which causes the second container (104) next to the first container (104) to be moved under the opening (106). '). 3. lifting the second container (104) out of the tank (102) to empty it, 4. to put the second container (104) back in the tank (102) after it has been emptied, - to put the seat part (108) back in the lid part (106).