WO2024017447A1

WO2024017447A1 - Waste collection system and base cabinet comprising a waste collection system

Info

Publication number: WO2024017447A1
Application number: PCT/DE2023/200151
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Koelling; Romina GAENSLER
Original assignee: Blanco Gmbh + Co Kg
Priority date: 2022-07-21
Filing date: 2023-07-19
Publication date: 2024-01-25
Also published as: DE102022207501A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a waste collection system, comprising at least one container for receiving waste, said at least one container having at least one opening, and a discharge device for discharging at least one gas out of the at least one container, in particular air, via the at least one opening of the container. A sensor device is provided which comprises at least one first sensor for ascertaining a characteristic, in particular the moisture of at least one gas in the container, and at least one second sensor for ascertaining the characteristic, said second sensor being arranged so as to detect the characteristic of at least one gas outside the container. A controller is provided which is connected to the sensor device and to the discharge device such that the discharge device can be operated by the controller on the basis of sensor values of the at least two sensors of the sensor device.

Description

WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM AND BASE CABINET WITH A WASTE COLLECTION SYSTEM

The invention relates to a waste collection system, comprising at least one container for receiving waste, the at least one container having at least one opening and a discharge device for removing at least one gas from the at least one container, in particular air, via the at least one opening of the container .

The invention further relates to a base cabinet with a waste collection system.

Although applicable to any waste collection system, the present invention is described in relation to kitchen base cabinet waste collection systems.

Waste collection systems for collecting kitchen waste have been known for a long time. It has become known to provide a trash can in a base cabinet, for example a sink or the like, which has an opening in the upper area, is covered by a storage tray or the like when closed and is arranged to be extendable, so that the opening of the container is in the is accessible to a user when pulled out.

From DE 10 2010 048 221 A1 a waste collector for kitchen waste has become known which prevents odor and mold formation by allowing air to flow through one or more waste collection containers, in which the air removes moisture and odorous substances. The resulting exhaust air is disposed of via an exhaust air or wastewater pipe. The structure of the system is modular and the suction device can be connected directly to the wastewater pipe. A valve protects against the backflow of odorous air. The shape causes the air in the waste container to form at least one vortex. The disadvantage here is that energy-efficient operation of the suction device is not possible. In addition, the construction is expensive and complex and retrofitting into existing waste collection systems is not possible or only possible with considerable redesign.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a waste collection system and a base cabinet with a waste collection system, which enable energy-efficient operation of the waste collection system. A further object of the present invention is to provide a waste collection system and a base cabinet with a waste collection system, which are simple and inexpensive to manufacture and operate. Another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative waste collection system and an alternative base cabinet with waste collection system.

In one embodiment, the present invention solves the above-mentioned tasks in a waste collection system, comprising at least one container for receiving waste, the at least one container having at least one opening and a discharge device for discharging at least one gas from the at least one container, in particular from Air, via the at least one opening of the container, in that a sensor device is arranged, which comprises at least a first sensor for determining a characteristic, in particular the moisture of at least one gas in the container, and at least one second sensor for determining the characteristic, which is arranged to detect the characteristic of at least one gas outside the container, and that a control device is arranged, which is connected to the sensor device and the removal device, such that the removal device depends on sensor values of the at least two sensors of the sensor device by means of the control device is operable.

In one embodiment, the present invention solves the above-mentioned tasks with a base cabinet with a waste collection system according to one of claims 1-14. One of the advantages achieved in this way is that the respective parameter, for example the moisture inside and outside the container, can be determined by means of two sensors, in particular in the form of moisture sensors. In this way it can be determined whether the humidity is generally high in the base cabinet or just within the container. This allows for more energy efficient operation, especially when humidity in the container is high but humidity in the surrounding area is low.

The term “parameter” is to be understood in the broadest sense and refers, particularly in the claims, preferably in the description, to any type of physical or chemical quantity that can be measured using a sensor. In particular, the “parameter” refers to waste in general, preferably kitchen waste in particular. In other words, this refers in particular to parameters that can describe or measure a state of waste directly or indirectly, for example the composition of the waste, released gases and/or liquids and their composition, moisture and/or gases in the waste container, volume of the waste , remaining volume in the container and the like.

Further features, advantages and further embodiments of the invention are described below or become apparent thereby.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the sensor device has a further sensor for detecting putrefactive gases, which is arranged to detect at least one putrefactive gas in and/or outside the container. One advantage of this is that harmful gases can also be detected early and removed quickly.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the removal device has a controllable removal element which is arranged centrally on the at least one opening. In this way, a particularly efficient, central removal of gases from the interior of the container through the removal device is possible. For example, one or more fans, in particular one or more radial fans, can be used as the controllable discharge element. According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the removal device has a controllable removal element which is arranged laterally on the at least one opening. This makes it possible, for example, to arrange a cover plate or the like above the opening of the container in a space-optimized manner. Alternatively or additionally, a central drainage can also be provided.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the discharge device has at least one backflow prevention element, in particular in the form of a flap and/or a valve. The backflow of unwanted odors can thus be prevented in an efficient and simple way. For example, a mechanical and/or electronic check valve, a check valve with a spring and/or ball and/or plate, a check valve with a flexible membrane, a membrane, a Tesla valve and/or a duckbill valve or the like can be used as the backflow prevention element.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the at least one backflow prevention element is arranged downstream of the controllable discharge element. In this way, energy can be saved because the controllable discharge element, for example a fan, if it is arranged, for example, at a distance of 15 cm or less, preferably 10 cm or less, in particular 5 cm or less, has to apply less pressure and thus can be operated at lower speeds and with lower noise levels.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, a detection device is arranged which is designed to detect an open or closed state of the at least one opening of the container, the removal device being controllable depending on the detected state of the at least one opening. The advantage of this is an automatic control of the removal device depending on the opening state of the container, which enables energy-efficient operation. The discharge device can be switched off when the container is open and only switched on again when the container closes or is closed. According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the detection device comprises a button, a switch, in particular a magnetic switch, and/or a detection sensor, in particular in the form of a LiDAR sensor and/or a light sensor, a light barrier, a force sensor, a magnetic field sensor and/or Ultrasonic sensor. In this way, a cost-effective and/or reliable detection of the opening state of the container is possible.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the control device has a wireless interface for communication with a user of the waste collection system. The advantage of this is that, for example, the sensor values obtained can be displayed to a user. Likewise, the sensor values can be saved and displayed via a display, for example from a smartphone, a display interface on or in the base cabinet, a display projected onto a worktop above the base cabinet, or the like. The wireless interface can be designed, for example, as a W-LAN, Bluetooth, infrared and/or WiFi interface.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, at least one element, in particular the controllable discharge element, is mounted in a sound-decoupled manner. The advantage of this is particularly quiet and vibration-free operation. Decoupling elements such as rubber buffers or the like can be used for this.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, an ozone device is arranged, which is designed to introduce ozone gas into the container, in particular an ozone measuring sensor for determining a concentration and / or amount of ozone gas is arranged inside and / or outside the container. The advantage of this is that fermentation gases can be efficiently suppressed or at least reduced, which overall reduces the odor nuisance even when the container is open. The ozone device can be arranged inside the container, for example below an intermediate floor or the like, and/or outside the container, for example in a base cabinet, and with a corresponding line for supplying the interior of the container with ozone gas. According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the discharge device is designed as a circulating air device, such that the at least one gas discharged from the at least one opening is processed by means of a processing device and fed to the surroundings of the container. The advantage of this is that a complex further removal of the at least one gas can be dispensed with. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to return the processed gas directly to the container.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the processing device has a fresh air supply device, a filter device and/or an irradiation device, in particular using UV-C light. The advantage of this is that with a filter device, for example, the discharged air can be filtered and the odor pollution can be reduced, especially when it is returned to the base cabinet. Alternatively or additionally, in particular before the filter device, the at least one gas can be irradiated with UV-C light. This produces smaller amounts of ozone gas while killing microorganisms, further reducing odor levels. By means of a fresh air supply device, fresh air can be supplied to the processing device from outside and mixed with the discharged air in order to further reduce the odor nuisance during return.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the discharge device is connected to a drain pipe in an area downstream of an odor barrier, in particular in the form of a siphon. The advantage of this is that a simple further removal of the at least one gas, for example to the outside of a house, is made possible.

Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below are not only in the combination specified, but also can also be used in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Preferred versions and embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, with the same reference numbers referring to the same or similar or functionally identical components or elements.

It shows in schematic form

Figure 1 shows a base cabinet with a waste collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a base cabinet with a waste collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 3 shows a base cabinet with a waste collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows in schematic form a base cabinet with a waste collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A base cabinet 100 is shown in Figure 1. In the upper area of the base cabinet 100, a basin 200 with a sanitary fitting 203 is arranged. On the underside of the basin 200 there is a drain pipe 204 which opens via a siphon 205 into a ventilation line 202 for exhaust air 302 or a downpipe 206 for wastewater 303 of the basin 200.

Below the basin 200 there is a waste collection system 1 with a container 2 which can be pulled out horizontally (reference number 304). The container 2 is open at the top with an opening 3. Centrally above the opening 3 and below a horizontal shelf 16, which extends essentially over the entire opening 3, a radial fan 7 is arranged, which is connected via a line 10, in particular partially in the form of a flexible hose, opens into the drain pipe 204 between the siphon 205 and the ventilation line 202. Downstream of the radial fan 7, a check valve 9 is arranged in the line 10, and downstream of the check flap 9, a moisture sensor 4 for the container 2, a digester gas sensor 8, for example a VOC sensor, and an ozone gas sensor 15 are arranged. The above-mentioned sensors can each also be arranged outside the line 10 and arranged together in a housing or separately in separate housings, each with at least one fluid connection to the environment, in particular through a housing bore or the like. A further moisture sensor 5 is also arranged, which can detect the moisture outside the container 2 within the base cabinet 100.

Figure 1 shows the container 2 in the non-extended, i.e. closed, state. In this state, the rear area (on the right in Figures 1 - 3) of the container 2 abuts a button 11 in its upper area, with which the closed position of the container 2 shown in Figures 1 - 3 can be detected. If the container 2 is open, the button 11 is not triggered and in this way an open position of the container 2 can be detected. A button 11 is used to detect whether, for example, a base cabinet door with a trash can is opened or closed. However, the door or waste container position can also be detected with other sensors, such as infrared sensors, magnetic switches, “Light Detection And Ranging Sensors” (LiDAR sensors), light barriers, force sensors, ultrasonic sensors, photoresistors, magnetic field sensors and/or resistance change sensors. The fan 7 can be switched off, especially when the base cabinet door is opened, so that a user is not disturbed by the fan noise. For example, outside a base cabinet 100 when the trash can is closed, a noise level of less than 40 dB(A), preferably less than 32 dB(A), can be achieved so that the user is not disturbed.

The container 2 also has a perforated plate 13 in the lower area. An ozone generator 14 is arranged between the perforated plate 13 and the bottom of the container 2 in order to generate ozone and supply it to the container 2. Garbage 50 in the container 2 collects above the perforated plate 13. Button 11 and the sensors 4, 5, 8, 15 as well as the fan 7 and the ozone generator 14 are connected to a control device in the form of a microcontroller 6, which controls the fan 7 depending on the sensor values of the sensors 4, 5, 8, 15 and the button 11 and/or controls the ozone generator 14 accordingly, for example to remove or suppress unwanted odors. The microcontroller 6 can be arranged on a circuit board on the underside of the shelf 16. The microcontroller 6, the fan 7 and other electronic components such as the sensors can be arranged entirely or at least partially in a housing, which can be made of sheet metal and can be arranged on the underside of the shelf 16.

The control device 6 can control the fan 7 as follows: By comparing the two sensor values of the moisture sensors 4, 5, the control device 6 can use the difference in the moisture values inside and outside the container 2 to determine whether there is moist garbage 50 in the container 2 and Therefore, the fan 7 only operates when there is moist garbage in the container 2. Overall, the fan 7 can be operated for a shorter time and therefore more efficiently. The control device 6 can have a wireless interface 12 in order to transmit measured values or the like to a display, a smartphone, a computer or the like for further evaluation and/or visualization for a user.

Overall, the base cabinet 100 is not hermetically sealed, but supply or fresh air 301 can enter it via gaps between the base cabinet 100 and the worktop or between the house wall 201 and the rear wall of the base cabinet 100.

Figure 2 shows in schematic form a base cabinet with a waste collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 essentially shows a base cabinet 100 with waste collection system 1 according to FIG. 1. In contrast to the base cabinet 100 with waste collection system 1 according to FIG. Over and beyond There is also no digester gas sensor 8 and no ozone gas sensor 15 arranged. Furthermore, the fan 7 is now arranged in the rear upper area to the side of the opening 3 of the container 2, as is the microcontroller 6.

Figure 3 shows in schematic form a base cabinet with a waste collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 essentially shows a base cabinet 100 with waste collection system 1 according to FIG. 1. In contrast to the base cabinet 100 with waste collection system 1 according to FIG. In addition, no digester gas sensor 8 and no ozone gas sensor 15 are arranged. Furthermore, no line 10 is arranged to remove exhaust air from the container 2 via a ventilation line 202. Instead, to process the air discharged by means of the fan 7, UV-C LEDS 18 are now arranged downstream of the fan 7 for irradiating the discharged air with UV-C light, followed by a filter 17 for additional filtering of the air. After irradiation and filtering, the air prepared in this way is fed back into the base cabinet 100 outside the container 2.

All embodiments can also be used with multiple containers 2 and/or with multiple fans 7. These can then have a common line for connection behind the siphon 205 or each have an individual connection hose or line with an individual connection behind the siphon 205. In addition, the fan 7 in particular can be arranged in a sound-decoupled manner from the base cabinet 100. In addition, insulation material can also be arranged to reduce airborne noise.

In summary, at least one embodiment of the present invention has at least one of the features and/or at least one of the following advantages:

- Energy efficient fan control.

- Less pressure loss and less noise.

- System communication with a user.

- Standalone system. - Suitable for many installation situations.

- Sound-optimized system.

- Reduction of moisture build-up in the bin, thereby reducing mold formation. - Preventing the formation of odors in the room and when opening the base cabinet, as the extraction removes the bad air and reduces the formation of odors by reducing decomposition.

- Flexible usability and retrofitting to existing waste collection systems.

Although the present invention has been described using preferred exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

References list

1 waste collection system

2 containers

3 opening

4 humidity sensor

5 humidity sensor

6 control device

7 fans

8 foul gas sensor

9 non-return valve

10 line

11 buttons

12 wireless interface

13 perforated sheet metal

14 ozone generator

15 Ozone gas sensor

16 shelves

17 filters

18 UV-C LEDs

50 trash

100 base cabinet

200 pools

201 house wall

202 ventilation pipe

203 plumbing fitting

204 drain pipe

205 siphon

206 downpipe

301 Supply/fresh air

302 exhaust air

303 sewage

304 extension direction/closing direction

Claims

Expectations

1. Waste collection system (1), comprising at least one container (2) for receiving waste (50), the at least one container (2) having at least one opening (3), and a removal device (7, 9, 10) for removing it of at least one gas from the at least one container (2), in particular air, via the at least one opening (3) of the container (2), characterized in that a sensor device (4, 5) is arranged which has at least one first sensor (4) for determining a characteristic, in particular the moisture, of at least one gas in the container (2), and at least one second sensor (5) for determining the characteristic, which is arranged to determine the characteristic of at least one gas outside the container (2), and that a control device (6) is arranged, which is connected to the sensor device (4, 5) and the removal device (7, 9, 10), such that the removal device (7, 9, 10) depends of sensor values of the at least two sensors of the sensor device (4, 5) can be operated by means of the control device (6).

2. Waste collection system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device (4, 5) has a further sensor (8) for determining digestion gases, which is arranged to detect at least one digestion gas in and / or outside the container (2 ) capture.

3. Waste collection system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the removal device (7, 9, 10) has a controllable removal element (7) which is arranged centrally on the at least one opening (3).

4. Waste collection system (1) according to one of claims 1 -3, characterized in that the removal device (7, 9, 10) has a controllable removal element (7) which is arranged laterally on the at least one opening (3).

5. Waste collection system (1) according to one of claims 1 -4, characterized in that the discharge device (7, 9, 10) has at least one backflow prevention element (9), in particular in the form of a flap and / or a valve.

6. Waste collection system (1) according to claim 3 and 5, characterized in that the at least one backflow prevention element (9) is arranged downstream of the controllable discharge element (7).

7. Waste collection system (1) according to one of claims 1 -6, characterized in that a detection device (11) is arranged, which is designed to detect an open or closed state of the at least one opening (3) of the container (2), wherein the removal device (7, 9, 10) can be controlled depending on the recognized state of the at least one opening (3).

8. Waste collection system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the detection device (11) has a button, a switch, in particular a magnetic switch and / or a detection sensor, in particular in the form of a LiDAR sensor and / or a light sensor, a light barrier, a force sensor, a magnetic field sensor and / or ultrasonic sensor.

9. Waste collection system (1) according to one of claims 1 -8, characterized in that the control device (6) has a wireless interface (12) for communication with a user of the waste collection system (1).

10. Waste collection system (1) according to one of claims 1 -9, characterized in that at least one element, in particular the controllable discharge element (7), is mounted in a sound-decoupled manner.

11. Waste collection system (1) according to one of claims 1 -10, characterized in that an ozone device (14) is arranged, which is designed to introduce ozone gas into the container (2), in particular wherein an ozone measuring sensor (15) for determining a concentration and / or amount of ozone gas is arranged inside and/or outside the container (2).

12. Waste collection system (1) according to one of claims 1 -11, characterized in that the removal device (7) is designed as a recirculating air device, such that the at least one gas discharged from the at least one opening (3) by means of a processing device (17, 18) is processed and supplied to an environment of the container (2).

13. Waste collection system (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the processing device (17, 18) has a fresh air supply device, a filter device (17) and / or an irradiation device (18), in particular using UV-C light.

14. Waste collection system (1) according to one of claims 1 -13, characterized in that the discharge device (7, 9, 10) is connected to a drain pipe (204) in an area downstream of an odor barrier, in particular in the form of a siphon (205). is.

15. Base cabinet (100) with a waste collection system (1) according to one of claims 1-14.