composting equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a processing chamber (134) for composting and / or drying supplied organic materials and comprising or forming a chamber wall (150). The invention also relates to a support device (116) in which, in the use of a composting apparatus (100; 230; 240), the processing chamber (134) is supported on the support device by the chamber wall (150), wherein the composting apparatus (100; 230; 240) includes a stop device (184) comprising at least one support element (186) and a support member (188) for the processing chamber (134), wherein, in the composting apparatus (100; 230; In the transport state of 240), the processing chamber (134) is held between the support (188) and at least one support element (186) via the chamber wall (150) by form locking and / or force locking, wherein at least one support element (186) and / or support (188) is in a stopped position, and at least one support element (186) and / or support (188) can be moved from the stopped position to a released position for use in the composting equipment (100; 230; 240), in which the form locking and / or force locking is released and the processing chamber (134) is supported on the carrier (116).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composting apparatus comprising a processing chamber and a support device, the processing chamber being used for composting and / or drying supplied organic materials and comprising or forming chamber walls, wherein, in the use state of the composting apparatus, the processing chamber is supported on the support device by the chamber walls. Background Technology

[0002] Such composting equipment is described in DE 10 2020 123 245 A1. This composting equipment is used, for example, in the composting of organic materials in private homes or offices. It has two processing chambers: a drying chamber and a composting chamber. Organic materials are fed into the drying chamber by the user, where they are dried, mixed, and pulverized. The materials are then transferred from the drying chamber to the composting chamber, where they are transformed into compostable material through heating and the addition of moisture. The compostable material can be removed via an extraction container. It is known that the amount of organic material transferred from the drying chamber to the composting chamber is known in order to control the operation of the composting equipment. To achieve this, at least one weight sensor is present to determine the amount of material transferred.

[0003] The composting equipment described in DE 10 2020 123 245 A1 has proven effective in practice. It is desirable to provide a composting equipment with a more robust design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to provide a type of composting equipment with a more robust design.

[0005] According to the invention, the task is solved in composting equipment of the aforementioned type as follows: the composting equipment includes a stop device comprising at least one support element and a support member for a processing chamber, wherein, in the transport state of the composting equipment, the processing chamber is held between the support member and at least one support element via a chamber wall by form-locking and / or force-locking, wherein at least one support element and / or support member is in a stop position, and at least one support element and / or support member can be transferred from the stop position to a release position for the use state of the composting equipment, in which the form-locking and / or force-locking is released and the processing chamber is supported on a carrier.

[0006] The composting equipment according to the invention can be in a designated use state. In the use state, organic materials can be converted into compostable materials according to the intended use. For protection during transportation, the composting equipment is constructed in a transport state. To achieve this, a stop device is provided. In the transport state, the processing chamber is arranged and fixed between at least one support element and a support member by form-locking and / or force-locking. Here, at least one support element and / or support member is in a stop position. By moving to the release position, the form-locking and / or force-locking can be released, thereby allowing the processing chamber to be supported on the carrier for use. The stop device reduces the risk of transport damage to the processing chamber due to possible collisions, thus providing a more robust design for the composting equipment.

[0007] Preferably, when the composting equipment is in transport, it provides the possibility of unloading the load-bearing device.

[0008] It can be specified (as will be discussed below) that at least one sensor element is activated during operation to determine the mass and / or mass change of the processing chamber. Advantageously, the processing chamber is decoupled from the sensor element and / or the sensor element is unloaded in the transport state due to the stop device. Thus, because the processing chamber is held between at least one support element and a support member, possible collisions cannot be transmitted to the sensor element, thereby protecting the sensor element.

[0009] At least one support element, in the stopped position, can be supported below the processing chamber in the direction of gravity, for example, on a carrier. It is also conceivable that at least one support element is shaped such that the processing chamber is held to a certain extent in a suspended state during transport, wherein the support element can be supported above the processing chamber, for example, on a carrier. It is also conceivable that forces are transmitted to the support element located laterally beside the processing chamber.

[0010] Here, the terms "below," "under," "above," and "above" refer to the proper use of the composting equipment. Here, the composting equipment is in use and standing on the mounting surface. It is not implicitly assumed that the mounting surface is horizontal. Here, "horizontal" can be understood as the horizontal orientation of the contact surface of the composting equipment that coincides with the plane of the mounting surface.

[0011] The chamber wall can be formed in one piece. Alternatively, a multi-piece design for the chamber wall is conceivable.

[0012] It is conceivable that the processing chamber is braced between at least one support element and a support member during transport. This allows for particularly reliable fixation of the processing chamber.

[0013] Advantageously, as at least one support element moves from the transport position to the release position, the processing chamber descends onto the support device under gravity. This provides a simple and easy-to-operate possibility for transferring the composting equipment into a usable state. To achieve this, the user acts, for example, directly or indirectly, on at least one support element, and the processing chamber descends.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, at least one support element and / or support member is capable of moving from a released position to a stopped position, thereby stopping the processing chamber by form-locking and / or force-locking. In particular, this provides the possibility of transferring the composting equipment into a transport state, for example, for preparation for transport. For example, corresponding to the advantageous embodiment mentioned last, the processing chamber is lifted from the carrying device when at least one support element moves from the released position to the stopped position.

[0015] The chamber wall may include, for example, a lower wall, particularly a bottom wall, which is disposed thereon when at least one support element is in its stop position.

[0016] It can be specified that the chamber wall includes an upper wall, particularly a top wall, which abuts against a support when at least one support element and / or support is in a stopped position, and is spaced apart from the support when at least one support element and / or support is in a released position.

[0017] Advantageously, the support and the chamber wall, especially at the upper wall, are shaped correspondingly to each other. For example, corresponding arcuate shapes are conceivable. This preferably provides the possibility that the support and the chamber wall are surface-to-surface abutting each other when at least one support element and / or support is in a stopped position. Furthermore, this provides the possibility of managing the defined relative positioning of the chamber and support in the transport state.

[0018] The support is preferably fixedly arranged on the support device and can therefore be a functional component of the composting equipment, thus eliminating the need for a separate component.

[0019] Alternatively, it can be specified that the supports are designed to be removable from the composting equipment. For example, it could be conceivable that the supports are used to support the processing chambers during transport and are removed before operation to ensure they are in use.

[0020] In practice, it has proven advantageous in dual-chamber composting equipment to include a support structure comprising or constituting a support member and supported on a bearing device via support elements, and to include an additional processing chamber supported on the support structure on the side opposite to the processing chamber. This allows for a compact structural form and robust design of the composting equipment, for example. The additional processing chamber is, for example, a drying chamber, arranged above the aforementioned processing chamber, which is the composting chamber. In operation, the two processing chambers can be operated, for example, as described in DE 10 2020 123 245 A1 in the preamble.

[0021] The chamber wall and at least one support element can engage with each other, for example, in their stopped position via a protrusion and a corresponding recess. The at least one support element has, for example, a convex protrusion, while the chamber wall has a concave recess. Conversely, the protrusion can be arranged on the chamber wall, and the recess on the support element. If the protrusion engages with the recess, reliable relative positioning of the support element and the chamber wall can be ensured, so as to reliably secure the processing chamber during transport.

[0022] Preferably, at least one support element may not contact the chamber wall in the released position. In particular, it can be specified that the chamber wall rests solely on the support device in the use state. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the chamber wall rests solely on the support device via the sensor element.

[0023] Advantageously, the stopping device includes two support elements arranged spaced apart from each other about the axis of the processing chamber. Thus, the processing chamber can be supported at two spaced-apart locations, thereby reliably stopping in the transport state.

[0024] These two support elements are arranged, for example, on or near the opposite end sections of the chamber wall.

[0025] The processing chambers may, for example, be arranged in the composting equipment with a horizontally oriented axis. This can also be understood as the axis of the processing chambers being parallel to the contact plane of the composting equipment.

[0026] Advantageously, the chamber is supported on a carrier by multiple points during use, with corresponding contact elements arranged on the chamber walls and the carrier. These contact elements ensure a defined relative positioning of the processing chamber relative to the carrier. For example, it is advantageous that the mass and / or mass change of the processing chamber be detected by at least one sensor element, as reproducible positioning of the processing chamber can be ensured by the defined positioning of the contact elements. The contact elements, for example, include protrusions and corresponding receiving or recessed portions that engage with each other during use. For example, it is conceivable to have concave recesses on the carrier and convex protrusions on the chamber walls, or vice versa. The protrusions can be designed as pins and fitted into blind-hole-shaped receiving portions or through-holes. The pin-shaped protrusions are arranged, for example, on the carrier, and the receiving portions or through-holes are arranged on the chamber walls, or vice versa.

[0027] Multi-point support can be, for example, three-point support. Three-point support defines a defined support plane for the processing chamber. Advantageously, this allows for reproducible positioning of the processing chamber when determined by at least one sensor element, for example, for weight.

[0028] Sensor devices having at least one sensor element have been discussed. Sensor devices with sensor elements are particularly useful for detecting the mass and / or mass changes of a processing chamber. Depending on the determined mass (and / or its changes), the operation of the composting equipment can preferably be controlled and / or regulated by its control system.

[0029] Advantageously, for example, the supporting device includes a support member and a support body, wherein the processing chamber, in the use state of the composting equipment, is placed on the support body, particularly by means of multi-point support, and the composting equipment includes a sensor device having at least one sensor element, which, depending on its signal, can detect the mass and / or mass change of the processing chamber, and wherein the support body is placed on the support member by means of at least one sensor element. The support member may, for example, form the base of the composting equipment, and the support body rests on the base by means of at least one sensor element. In the use state, the processing chamber applies a load to the support body, and the mass of the processing chamber can be determined by means of the sensor element.

[0030] The support body can be viewed, for example, as a weighing platform for processing chambers.

[0031] It can be specified that at least one stop element limits the range of motion of the support body relative to the carrier to avoid overloading at least one sensor element.

[0032] It can be stipulated that only one sensor element is used. Alternatively, multiple sensor elements can be considered.

[0033] The support body can have a general T-shape in the top view, especially for three-point supports.

[0034] The sensor element is arranged, for example, below the vertical stroke of the T.

[0035] Advantageously, the processing chamber can be arranged spaced apart from the support structure during transport of the composting equipment, and at least one sensor element can be deloaded from the processing chamber. This protects the sensor element from overload that may occur due to, for example, collisions during transport of the composting equipment. This helps to avoid transport damage.

[0036] In composting equipment of the type described at the outset, it is advantageous to arrange the processing chamber spaced apart from the support body during transport of the composting equipment, and to deload at least one sensor element from the processing chamber. Such composting equipment can be a standalone invention within the scope of this disclosure. The composting equipment can optionally include all the features contained herein.

[0037] The deloading of at least one sensor element is achieved, in particular, by lifting the processing chamber from the support body, wherein the chamber wall may be supported on at least one support element.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supporting device includes a support member and a support body, and the composting equipment includes a sensor device having at least one sensor element, whose signal can detect the mass and / or mass change of the processing chamber. In the operating state of the composting equipment, the processing chamber is placed on the support body via at least one sensor element, and the support body is placed on the support member. In this embodiment, in particular, the chamber wall is fixedly mounted on the sensor element, and the housing is fixedly mounted on the sensor element. Compared to the above embodiment, here the sensor element and the support body are arranged in opposite directions between the support member and the processing chamber.

[0039] It can be specified that, in the transport state, the processing chamber, together with at least one sensor element held thereon and a support held thereon, is arranged spaced apart from the carrier. This also provides the possibility of unloading the sensor element in the transport state, wherein the processing chamber, in particular, is lifted off the carrier along with the sensor element and the support.

[0040] In composting equipment of the type described at the outset, it can be specified that, in the transport state, the processing chamber, together with at least one sensor element held thereon and a support held thereon, is arranged spaced apart from the carrier. This can constitute a separate invention within the scope of this disclosure. Such composting equipment can have all the optional features mentioned herein.

[0041] At least one sensor element is advantageously positioned in the direction of gravity below the center of gravity of the empty processing chamber when the composting equipment is in use. The sensor element is positioned, for example, vertically below the center of gravity.

[0042] Sensor elements can be designed as weighing units.

[0043] At least one support element and / or support member is movably held, and in particular pivotally supported, on the bearing device for transitioning from a stopped position to a released position. It goes without saying that the bearing device and at least one support element and / or support member may include or constitute corresponding bearing elements. The reliable function of the stopping device can be achieved through the movable support portion.

[0044] The pivot axis is preferably parallel to the axis of the processing chamber and extends horizontally, for example.

[0045] Based on the above, it can be specified that at least one support element and / or support member is held in a movable manner and, in particular, pivotally supported, for moving from a released position to a stopped position.

[0046] Alternatively, it may be specified that at least one support element and / or support member is designed to be movable relative to the load-bearing device for transitioning from a stopped position to a released position.

[0047] At least one support element and / or support element may be configured, for example, as a one-sided lever element, wherein the pivot side is arranged on the end side or end section of at least one support element or support element.

[0048] Advantageously, at least one support element rests against the chamber wall in the stopped position using a contact element arranged substantially centrally with respect to the extension of the lever element. The contact element is, for example, a protrusion in the recess of the chamber wall described above, or vice versa.

[0049] The actuating element of the stop device can act on the lever element, for example, on the end side opposite to the pivot axis or on the end section opposite to the pivot axis. The lever element can be held in the stop position by means of the actuating element, and / or the lever element can be moved from the release position to the stop position by means of the actuating element. The lever element is supported on the support device, for example, by the actuating element.

[0050] The stop device may advantageously include a user-operated element that can be moved from a blocked position to a released position. In the blocked position, the element applies a holding force to at least one support element and / or bracket and holds it in the stop position. In the released position, at least one support element and / or bracket is configured to be in a released position. The user can operate the stop device by means of the element, thereby transferring the composting equipment from a transport state to a use state in an easy-to-operate manner.

[0051] The control element is preferably operable manually and / or without tools and therefore has user-friendly operability.

[0052] The actuating element can, for example, be moved from a released position to a blocked position in order to move at least one support element and / or support member to a stopped position. This can be used, for example, to prepare for transport.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is supported on the support device in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis, which is preferably oriented parallel to the pivot axis of at least one support element and / or parallel to the axis of the processing chamber. The rotation axis may be, for example, horizontally oriented.

[0054] The actuating element can be designed to move relative to the supporting device. The actuating element may include, for example, a guide element for at least one support element, for transitioning from a stopped position to a released position and / or vice versa. Here, the support element may, for example, be movable or pivotable.

[0055] Advantageously, the control element can be moved from the disengaged position to the storage position and secured in the storage position to prevent movement to the sealed position. When the composting equipment is put into operation, the control element can be stored in the storage position, for example.

[0056] For example, it can be specified that the actuating element is movable relative to the carrier to move from a released position to a stored position. The actuating element is, for example, movably guided on the carrier.

[0057] In the storage location, the actuating element can, for example, be fitted into the carrier device. For instance, it is conceivable that the actuating element is secured to the carrier device by a locking and / or clamping mechanism.

[0058] The actuating element is designed to be, for example, at least segmentally non-circular about the axis of rotation, and may include or form at least one support element, with at least one support element and / or support member abutting against the support element in a stopped position. A retaining force can be applied to the support element and / or support member through at least one support element, wherein the actuating element is designed to be non-circular on the support element. By rotating the actuating element, at least one support element and / or support member can move about the axis of rotation to transfer from the stopped position to a released position.

[0059] At least one support element and / or support member may be placed on at least one support link in the release position, for example.

[0060] At least one support element is, for example, an eccentrically shaped portion on the control element.

[0061] It can be specified that the operating element includes or constitutes an operating section for the user, and the composting equipment has a container receiving section for containers, wherein the operating section seals the inlet opening of the container receiving section in a sealed position, and releases the inlet opening for the containers when the operating element is in a released position. In this way, for example, the user can be intuitively guided to put the composting equipment into operation as specified. Containers, such as condensate containers or extraction containers, should be inserted into the container receiving section for use as specified. However, this is only feasible if the user has moved the operating element to the released position. This releases the inlet opening of the container receiving section, and the container can be inserted. The support element and / or support member are in the released position, and the processing chamber is supported on the carrier. The operating element can, for example, be further moved to a storage position.

[0062] It can be specified that the processing chamber includes an opening for introducing organic material and a supply channel connected to the processing chamber. The supply channel may be directly connected to the edge of the processing chamber or via a sealing element between the supply channel and the processing chamber. In particular, the supply channel may be movable relative to the processing chamber, so that the connection between the supply channel and the processing chamber is independent of whether the composting equipment is in transport or in use.

[0063] The processing chamber may be a composting chamber. Alternatively, the processing chamber may be a drying chamber. The functional configuration of composting chambers and drying chambers is illustrated in DE 10 2020 123 245 A1. Attached Figure Description

[0064] The following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided to further illustrate the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 : A perspective view of a composting apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 : Showing according to Figure 1 Composting equipment with the shell components concealed and the condensate container removed; Figure 3 A partial view shows a cross-sectional view of the composting equipment, where the cross-sectional plane is along... Figure 5 Line 3-3 extends from the center, in which these supporting elements are in the stopped position; Figure 4 : Showing the corresponding Figure 3 The view shows the support elements in the released position; Figure 5 A partial view shows a longitudinal section of the composting equipment, where the cross-sectional plane is along... Figure 3 Extend line 5-5 in the middle; Figure 6 : Showing the target Figure 4 The situation shown corresponds to Figure 5 The view; Figure 7 :along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of centerline 7-7 is shown in partial view; Figure 8 : Showing the corresponding Figure 7 A view in a structural modification scheme of composting equipment; Figure 9 : A perspective view showing the support elements, control elements, and support body of the composting equipment (from left to right); Figure 10 : A perspective view of the carrier, support elements, operating elements, and support body is shown, wherein the operating elements are in the blocked position and the support elements are in the stopped position; Figure 11 : Showing something similar Figure 10 The view shows the manipulation elements moved to the storage position and the support elements in the released position; Figure 12 :along Figure 5 The cross-sectional view is shown in partial view along centerline 12-12; Figure 13 : Showing the corresponding Figure 12 of, in Figure 6 The view shown; Figure 14 : A schematic partial view of another preferred embodiment of the composting apparatus according to the invention is shown, wherein the support elements are in a stopped position; Figure 15 : Showing the corresponding Figure 14 The view shows the support elements in the released position; and Figure 16 : Showing the corresponding Figure 14 A schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of the composting apparatus according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The accompanying drawings illustrate an advantageous embodiment of the composting apparatus according to the invention, generally identified by reference numeral 100. The composting apparatus is used, for example, in private homes or offices and for converting organic materials into compostable materials.

[0066] Composting equipment 100 Figure 1 and Figure 2 The composting device 100 is shown neutrally on the placement surface 102. It can be assumed, without limitation, that the placement surface is horizontally oriented. The contact surface of the composting device 100 coincides with the plane defined by the placement surface 102. Thus, "horizontal" here can be interpreted accordingly as "a plane parallel to the placement surface," while "vertical" means "a plane perpendicular to the placement surface 102."

[0067] The composting equipment 100 includes a housing 104 having a lower housing portion 106 and a upper housing portion 108. The housing 104 includes a plurality of housing walls, wherein the front housing wall, the rear housing wall, and the housing sidewalls are... Figure 2 The middle is hidden. In addition, a portion of the lower part 106 of the shell is hidden so that the container housing 110 can be seen.

[0068] Container 112 is detachably disposed within container housing 110. During use of the composting equipment 100, container 112 is positioned within container housing 110. For transport purposes, as will be discussed below, container 112 is removed from container housing 110. Container housing 110 includes an inlet opening 114 for container 112.

[0069] Here, container 112 is a condensate container in which liquid accumulated during the composting process is collected.

[0070] Composting equipment 100 includes a support device 116 ( Figure 2 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As a structural member, the support device 116 has a support member 118, which is approximately designed as a "table" and includes a support element 120 for standing on the placement surface 102 or the bottom wall of the housing 104. Furthermore, the support member 118 includes, on its upper side, a generally plate-shaped support element 122 supported by the support element 120. The support element 122 forms, to a certain extent, the intermediate bottom within the housing 104.

[0071] The composting equipment 100 also includes a support device 124. The support device 124 stands on top of the load-bearing element 122 and is itself designed approximately as a "table". Figure 2 In order to stand on the support element 122, the support device 124 includes a support element 126. The support element 126 itself supports the support element 128. Thus, the support device 124 also has a shape that approximates a table arranged on the support device 116.

[0072] The composting equipment 100 includes a drying chamber 130 and a composting chamber 132, which in this example is the processing chamber 134 in the sense of the present invention. During operation, the user can feed the material to be composted into the shaft 138 through the opening 136. The material enters the drying chamber 130 and is dried and pulverized therein.

[0073] The supply channel 140 is connected to the drying chamber 130, which connects the drying chamber 130 to the composting chamber 132 and is also connected to the composting chamber.

[0074] The dried material is converted into compost in composting chamber 132, and the compost can then be transferred to extraction container 142 in the lower part of the shell 106. Extraction container 142 can be removed from the lower part of the shell 106.

[0075] The operation of the composting equipment 100 can be controlled and / or regulated by means of the control device 144.

[0076] For mixing and / or crushing organic materials, tools are preferably arranged in a driveable manner in chambers 130, 132. Reference numeral 146 points to such a tool in composting chamber 132.

[0077] In use, the processing chamber 134 is supported on the carrier 116 and is arranged between the carrier element 122 and the support element 128. The drying chamber 130 is supported on the support element 128 on its upper side.

[0078] The processing chamber 134 is arranged horizontally within the housing 104 and defines a horizontally oriented (parallel to the contact plane) axis 148. The processing chamber 134 has a chamber wall 150, which is designed as a multi-piece structure. Alternatively, the chamber wall 150 can be specified as a single-piece design.

[0079] In particular, the chamber wall 150 includes a lower wall, especially a bottom wall 152, and an upper wall, especially a top wall 154. For example, according to Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the bottom wall 152 is connected to the chamber wall 156, which, together with the top wall 154, surrounds the internal space 158 of the composting chamber 132 for containing materials. The bottom wall 152 extends downward from the chamber wall 156 toward the support device 116 and is arranged at a distance from the chamber wall 156 on its lower side.

[0080] For support on the support device 116, the bottom wall 152 has contact links 160. In particular, in this example, three contact links 160 are provided for multi-point, and especially three-point, support on the support device 116. The contact links 160 are designed as convex protrusions 162.

[0081] In the bottom view of the processing chamber 134, the protrusions 162 are positioned in a triangular arrangement. The first protrusion 162 is positioned in the central plane of the chamber 134, which includes the axis 148 and is oriented perpendicular to the contact plane. Two other protrusions 162 are spaced apart from the central plane and are arranged axially spaced apart from the aforementioned protrusions 162 about the axis 148.

[0082] The protrusion 162 forms the lowest point of the chamber wall 150.

[0083] The outline formed by the top wall 154 and the chamber wall 156 is generally barrel-shaped. The top wall 154 is designed, for example, to be approximately semi-cylindrical and arc-shaped. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0084] Furthermore, the bottom wall 152 includes two concave recesses 166 at the end sections of the chamber wall 150 that are opposite to each other about the axis. The recesses 166 are arranged in the region of the aforementioned central plane of the processing chamber 134.

[0085] Such as especially by Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As can be seen, the supply channel 140 is connected to the processing chamber 134 via a sealing element 168 positioned in the middle. To achieve this, an inlet opening 170 is formed in the top wall 154, which is surrounded by an edge 172. The supply channel 140 is surrounded on its outer periphery by a sealing element 168 designed as a bellows or collar. The sealing element 168 is engaged in the inlet opening 170 and seals against the edge 172. Here, the processing chamber 134 can move relative to the supply channel 140 without canceling this engagement.

[0086] In the operating state of composting equipment 100 ( Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 12 The processing chamber 134 is supported on the support device 116, particularly on the upper side. To achieve this, the support device 116 includes a support body 174, which is indirectly supported on the upper side on the support member 118, particularly on the support element 122.

[0087] The support body 174 includes contact links 176, which are designed to correspond to contact links 160, and here, recesses 178 are designed to be concave. In use, the contact links 160 can be arranged in the recesses 178, and the processing chamber 134 is supported on the support body 174. The contact links 160 and 176 ensure a defined relative positioning of the processing chamber 134 with respect to the support device 116.

[0088] The support body 174 here has a T shape in the top view. Here, with respect to axis 148, the longitudinal stroke of the T extends in the axial direction, and the transverse stroke of the T extends perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the central plane.

[0089] Contact links 160 and 176 ensure that the processing chamber 134 is supported at the aforementioned three points on the support body 174 and further on the bearing device 116.

[0090] The composting equipment 100 includes a sensor device 180. The sensor device 180 has a sensor element 182 designed as a weighing unit. Here, there is exactly one sensor element 182.

[0091] The sensor element 182 is arranged between the support 174 and the carrier element 122. The support 174 is supported on the carrier element 122 only by the sensor element 182 and does not contact the carrier element 122 in other respects.

[0092] Sensor element 182 is used to detect changes in the mass and / or mass of the processing chamber 134 during use of the composting equipment 100. Sensor element 182 can provide relevant signals for control device 144. The operation of the composting equipment 100 can be controlled and / or regulated based on the signals.

[0093] To a certain extent, the support body 174 can be regarded as a weighing platform, and in the use state, the processing chamber 134 is placed on the weighing platform.

[0094] During the operation of the composting equipment, the mass of the filled processing chamber 134 can be several kilograms. Meanwhile, the sensor device 180 has high sensitivity. Regarding the optimal possible composting result, the mass can preferably be determined with an accuracy of 10g or less.

[0095] Advantageously, when the processing chamber 134 is empty, the sensor element 182 is positioned directly below the center of gravity of the processing chamber 134 in the direction of gravity. The sensor element 182 is positioned below the longitudinal stroke of the T-shape of the support 174. When the processing chamber 134 is filled, the center of gravity moves longitudinally (axially in the direction of the longitudinal stroke of the T-shape) of the support 174, but does not shift laterally. Also advantageous for the orientation of the center of gravity is that the tool 146 continuously rotates the organic material within the processing chamber 134.

[0096] The sensitivity of sensor element 182 is advantageous in that it is not subjected to excessive load. Excessive load can occur, for example, during transport before the composting equipment 100 is put into use or during the relocation of the composting equipment 100, especially due to collisions.

[0097] To prevent damage to sensor element 182, composting equipment 100 includes a stop device 184.

[0098] Here, the stop device 184 is also used to prevent damage to the processing chamber 134 due to forces that may occur, for example, during transportation, due to collisions. Thus, the composting equipment 100 may include the stop device 184 even if the sensor device 180 is not provided as in this example and the processing chamber 134 is supported directly on the load-bearing element 120, for example.

[0099] The stop device 184 includes at least one support element 186, wherein two support elements 186 are provided thereon, and the stop device also includes a support member 188 and an operating element 190.

[0100] The two support elements 186 are configured identically and are used to support the processing chamber 134 from below when in the stopped position. Conversely, when in the released position, the support elements 186 do not bear any load when the composting equipment 100 is in use.

[0101] For example, according to Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the support element 186 is generally designed in a slat shape. The support element 186 forms a lever element 192 and includes a bearing element 194, which is located at end side 196. End side 196 is opposite to end side 198.

[0102] The support element 186 includes a contact link 200, which is designed as a protrusion 202 toward the bottom wall 152. The protrusion 202 is configured to fit into the recess 166. Here, the protrusion 202 is arranged approximately centrally between the end sides 196, 198.

[0103] Support elements 186 extend in the transverse direction of composting equipment 100 and are axially spaced from each other about axis 148. Support bodies 174 are axially positioned between support elements 186.

[0104] Each support element 186 is pivotally supported on the bearing device 116 about the pivot axis 204, and in particular on the bearing element 120. The support elements 186 have a common pivot axis 204. This support is achieved by bearing elements 194 designed as columnar protrusions of the support elements 186 and corresponding bearing elements 206 designed as bearing housings on the bearing element 122.

[0105] Here, lever element 192 is unilateral, wherein force is applied to end side 198 to pivot support element 186 about pivot axis 204, and / or force is applied to protrusion 202. Both lever arms are located on the same side of pivot axis 204.

[0106] When the composting equipment 100 is in use, the support element 186 can be in the released position. In the released position, the support element 186 is positioned on the operating element 190. The bottom wall 152 is spaced apart from the support element 186 because the processing chamber 134 is supported on the support body 174. The protrusion 202 does not engage with the recess 166. Figure 4 and Figure 6From the release position, as described below, the support element 186 can be moved to the stop position.

[0107] In the release position, the chamber wall 150, particularly the top wall 154, is spaced apart from the support member 188. The support member 188 is fixedly mounted on the support element 128 on the side facing the processing chamber 134. Alternatively, the support member 188 may be formed from the support element 128.

[0108] The profile of the support 188 corresponds to the profile of the top wall 154 and is arc-shaped therein. Figure 4 and Figure 6 ).

[0109] The actuating element 190 is supported on the support device 116, and particularly on the support element 122, in a manner that allows it to rotate about the rotation axis 208. The actuating element 190 is designed as a lever 210, which includes a bearing section 212 for the aforementioned support and an actuating section 214. The actuating element 190 is generally L-shaped, wherein the actuating section 214 protrudes from the bearing section 212.

[0110] The bearing device 116, especially the bearing element 122, forms a bearing element 216 corresponding to the bearing section 212.

[0111] The actuating element 190 is designed to be segmented and non-circular about the rotation axis 208 at the bearing section 212, and includes at least one support element 218. Two support elements 218 are provided here, each equipped with a support element 186. The support element 218 is an eccentric protrusion about the rotation axis 208. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the axial direction about axis 148, these support links 218 are spaced apart from each other as far as the support element 186.

[0112] The actuating element 190 is axially movable relative to the support device 116, particularly on the support element 122. This provides the possibility of locking with the support element 122, thus preventing the actuating element 190 from rotating about the axis of rotation 208. In the storage position, the actuating section 214 is positioned superiorly on the support element 122. Figure 11 ).

[0113] At the storage position of the control element 190, the support element 186, in the released position, is placed on the upper side of the support link 218.

[0114] Starting from the storage position, the actuating element 190 can move axially relative to the supporting element 122 and move to the disengaged position. Here, the actuating element 190 moves towards the front of the composting equipment 100. In the disengaged position, the support element 186 is further positioned on the support link 218.

[0115] In the released position, it is possible for the actuating element 190 to rotate about the rotation axis 208. The actuating section 214 passes through the opening 222 at the bearing element 122. The actuating element 190 can be moved to the blocked position.

[0116] During transfer, the support element 186 is lifted and pivoted via the support link 218. This causes the protrusion 202 to contact the bottom wall 152 in the region of the recess 166. As a result, an upward holding force is applied to the processing chamber 134, lifting it from the support body 174, wherein the contact links 160, 176 disengage.

[0117] The support body 174 is unloaded in the same way as the sensor element 182.

[0118] After the actuating element 190 is moved to the blocking position, the holding force from the support link 218 acts on the support element 186. The support element 186 supports the processing chamber 134 from below. At the same time, the processing chamber 134 is supported on the support member 188 by the top wall 154. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The support element 186 is in the stopped position.

[0119] The processing chamber 134 is fixed between the support element 186 and the support member 188 via the chamber wall 150 by form-locking. In this way, the composting equipment 100 is provided with a transportable state. Possible vibrations, such as those caused by collisions during transport, will not damage the processing chamber 134 because it is reliably fixed by the stop device 184. The sensor element 182 is also protected due to the deload.

[0120] When the support element 186 is moved to the stop position, the processing chamber 134 is lifted, thereby allowing the sealing element 168 to be more deeply engaged in the inlet opening 170. Figure 12 In the blocked position of the actuating element 190, the actuating section 214 is arranged in the inlet opening 114. Figure 2 and Figure 10 The inlet opening 114 is thus blocked.

[0121] In the transport state of the composting equipment 100, the support element 186 is in the stopped position and the operating element 190 is in the blocked position. The container 112 is removed from the housing 104.

[0122] In order to put the composting equipment 100 into operation and put it into use, the user acts on the operating element 190 and rotates it around the rotation axis 208 to enter the disengaged position. Under the action of gravity, the processing chamber 134 descends, wherein the form-locking between the support element 186 and the support member 188 is released.

[0123] If the actuating element 190 is in the disengaged position, the support element 186 rests on the actuating element 190, and the processing chamber 134 is positioned on the support body 174 for support on the carrier 116. In the disengaged position, the inlet opening 114 is released, allowing the user to insert the container 112 into the container receiving portion 110. From the disengaged position, the user can move the actuating element 190 relative to the carrier element 122 and transfer it to the storage position.

[0124] Figure 8 To correspond to Figure 7 The following is a variation of the composting equipment 100, in which, however, the processing chamber 134 is raised. According to... Figure 8 In a variant, a pin-shaped protrusion 224 is correspondingly provided on the support body 174 at the contact link 176, which can engage with the receiving portion 226 of the bottom wall 152. This engagement can be provided not only in the transport state but also in the use state. This engagement enables particularly reliable positioning of the processing chamber 134 relative to the carrier device 116.

[0125] Figure 9 The protrusion 224 on the contact link 176 at the transverse stroke of the T in the support body 174 is shown in dashed lines. The protrusion 224 may also exist on the contact link 176 at the longitudinal stroke of the T.

[0126] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A preferred embodiment of the composting apparatus according to the invention, identified by reference numeral 230, is shown schematically in partial view. The same reference numerals are used for identical or functionally equivalent features and components in composting apparatuses 100 and 230. Only essential differences are discussed. Refer to the advantages and effects of the design of composting apparatus 100 described above.

[0127] In the composting apparatus 100, the sensor element 182 is held on the chamber wall 150, and thereon on the bottom wall 152. The support body 174 is held on the sensor element 182. Thus, in the operating state of the composting apparatus 100, the processing chamber 134 is supported on the bearing element 122 by the sensor element 182 and the support body 174.

[0128] In order to transition to the transport state, the support element 186 moves to the stop position. Figure 14As a result, the processing chamber 134 is lifted, and the sensor element 182 and the support body 174 are also lifted along with the processing chamber.

[0129] The guide element 232 can be configured to guide the movement of the support 174. The buffer element 234 can function between the support 174 and the load-bearing element 122.

[0130] In composting devices 100 and 230, the support element 186 and the actuating element 190 are designed to be pivotable or rotatable. It is conceivable that the support element 186 and / or the actuating element 190 are designed to be movable. Combinations of pivotable / rotatable and movable elements are also conceivable.

[0131] Figure 16 An advantageous embodiment of the composting apparatus according to the invention, identified by reference numeral 240, is schematically shown, wherein the processing chamber 134 is shown raised and disengaged from the support body 174. The sensor element 132 is unloaded. The support element is in a stopped position.

[0132] In this embodiment, the support element 186 is designed to be movable, for moving from a stopped position to a released position, or vice versa. Double arrow 236 indicates the direction of movement. For example, the support element 186 is movably supported on the bearing device 116 or the support device 124.

[0133] In this example, the actuating element 190 is designed as a slider 238, which is movable relative to and supported, for example, on the carrier 116, for moving from a blocking position to a releasing position or vice versa. A double arrow 241 indicates the direction of movement.

[0134] The operating element 190 includes guide elements 242 assigned to each support element, which, for example, form an inclined plane. Here, when the operating element 190 moves to the right in the drawing, the support element 186 moves to the released position, the processing chamber 134 is lowered, and the composting equipment 240 can be put into use. Conversely, when the operating element 190 moves to the left in the drawing, the support element 186 moves to the stopped position. Here, the processing chamber 134 is raised, and the composting equipment 240 is in a transport state, such as... Figure 16 As shown in the image.

[0135] List of reference numerals

[0136] 100, 230, 240 composting equipment

[0137] 102 placement surface

[0138] 104 housing

[0139] 106 Lower part of the shell

[0140] 108 Upper part of the shell

[0141] 110 Container Reception Section

[0142] 112 container

[0143] 114 Inlet Opening

[0144] 116 bearing device

[0145] 118 load-bearing components

[0146] 120 and 122 bearing elements

[0147] 124 support device

[0148] 126, 128 support elements

[0149] 130 drying chamber

[0150] 132 compost chambers

[0151] 134 processing chamber

[0152] 136, 222 opening

[0153] Shaft 138

[0154] 140 supply channels

[0155] 142 Extraction Container

[0156] 144 control device

[0157] 146 tools

[0158] 148 axis

[0159] 150 chamber wall

[0160] 152 bottom wall

[0161] 154 Top Wall

[0162] 156 chamber wall

[0163] 158 interior space

[0164] Contact points 160, 176, and 200

[0165] Protrusions 162, 202, and 224

[0166] 164 end section

[0167] 166, 178 depressions

[0168] 168 sealing element

[0169] 170 Introduction Opening

[0170] 172 edge

[0171] 174 support body

[0172] 180 sensor device

[0173] 182 sensor elements

[0174] 184 Stop Device

[0175] 186 support elements

[0176] 188 support components

[0177] 190 control elements

[0178] 192 lever elements

[0179] 194, 206, 216 bearing components

[0180] 196, 198 end sides

[0181] 204 pivot axis

[0182] 208 Rotation Axis

[0183] 210 leverage

[0184] 212 bearing section

[0185] 214 control section

[0186] 218 support links

[0187] 226 Accommodation Department

[0188] 232 boot element

[0189] 234 buffer element

[0190] 236, 241 Movement direction

[0191] 238 sliders

[0192] 242 guide element

Claims

1. A composting apparatus (100; 230; 240), said composting apparatus comprising: A processing chamber (134) and a support device (116), the processing chamber being used for composting and / or drying the supplied organic material and including or forming a chamber wall (150), wherein, in the operating state of the composting equipment (100; 230; 240), the processing chamber (134) is supported on the support device by the chamber wall (150). Its features are, The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) includes a stop device (184) comprising at least one support element (186) and a support member (188) for the processing chamber (134), wherein, in the transport state of the composting equipment (100; 230; 240), the processing chamber (134) is held via the chamber wall (150) by form-locking and / or force-locking between the support member (188) and the at least one support element (186). 6) wherein the at least one support element (186) and / or the support member (188) are in a stopped position, and the at least one support element (186) and / or the support member (188) can be moved from the stopped position to a released position for use of the composting equipment (100; 230; 240), in which the shape locking and / or force locking are released and the processing chamber (134) is supported on the bearing device (116).

2. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to claim 1. Its features are, At least one of the following applies: - When the at least one support element (186) moves from the stop position to the release position, the processing chamber (134) descends onto the bearing device (116) under the action of gravity; - The at least one support element (186) and / or the support member (188) can be moved from the released position to the stopped position, thereby stopping the processing chamber (134) by form locking and / or force locking.

3. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The chamber wall (150) includes a lower wall, particularly a bottom wall, which rests on the at least one support element when it is in a stopped position, and / or the chamber wall includes an upper wall, particularly a top wall (154), which abuts against the support element (188) when it is in a stopped position, and is spaced apart from the support element (188) when it is in a released position. Preferably, the support element (188) and the chamber wall (150) are shaped correspondingly to each other, particularly arcuately, and are surface-to-surface abutting each other when it is in a stopped position.

4. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The support member (188) is fixedly arranged on the support device (124), or the support member (188) is designed to be detachable from the composting equipment (100; 230; 240).

5. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) includes a support device (124) that includes or constitutes the support member (188) and is supported on the bearing device (116) on the upper side by a support element (126), and the composting equipment (100; 230; 240) includes an additional processing chamber (134) that is supported on the support device (124) on the side opposite to the processing chamber (134).

6. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, At least one of the following applies: - When the at least one support element (186) is in the stopped position, the chamber wall (150) and the at least one support element (186) are engaged with each other by protrusions (162, 202, 224) and corresponding recesses (166, 178); - The at least one support element (186) does not contact the chamber wall (150) in the released position, which is placed alone on the support device (116) in the use state; - The stop device includes two support elements (186) that are spaced apart from each other about the axis (148) of the processing chamber (134), wherein the processing chamber (134) is arranged in the composting equipment (100; 230; 240) in particular with a horizontally oriented axis (148).

7. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, In the use state, the chamber wall (150) is supported by multiple points, especially three points, on the support device (116). Corresponding contact links (160, 176, 200) are arranged on the chamber wall (150) and the support device (116). The contact links (160, 176, 200) respectively include protrusions (162, 202, 224) and receiving portions (226) or recesses (166, 178) that interlock with each other in the use state.

8. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The supporting device (116) includes a support member (118) and a support body (174), wherein, in the operating state of the composting equipment (100; 230; 240), the processing chamber (134) is placed on the support body (174) in particular by means of multi-point support, and the composting equipment (100; 230; 240) includes a sensor device (180) having at least one sensor element (182) which can detect the mass and / or mass change of the processing chamber (134) based on its signal, and wherein the support body (174) is placed on the support member (118) by means of the at least one sensor element (182).

9. The composting apparatus (100; 230; 240) according to claim 8 or according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with claim 8. Its features are, In the transport state of the composting equipment (100; 230; 240), the processing chamber (134) is arranged spaced apart from the support body (174), and the at least one sensor element (182) is deloaded by the processing chamber (134).

10. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Its features are, The supporting device (116) includes a support member (118) and a support body (174), and the composting equipment (100; 230; 240) includes a sensor device (180) having at least one sensor element (182) that can detect the mass and / or mass change of the processing chamber (134) based on its signal, wherein, in the operating state of the composting equipment (100; 230; 240), the processing chamber (134) is placed on the support body (174) by the at least one sensor element (182), and the support body (174) is placed on the support member (118).

11. The composting apparatus (100; 230; 240) according to claim 10 or according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with claim 10. Its features are, In the transport state, the processing chamber (134), together with at least one sensor element (182) held thereon and a support (174) held thereon, is arranged spaced apart from the carrier (118).

12. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of claims 8 to 11. Its features are, When the composting equipment (100; 230; 240) is in use, at least one sensor element (182) is arranged in the direction of gravity below the center of gravity of the empty processing chamber (134).

13. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The at least one support element (186) and / or the support member (188) are held in a movable manner and, in particular, supported on the carrier (116) in a manner that allows pivoting about a pivot axis (204) for transfer from the stop position to the release position, wherein the pivot axis (204) is preferably oriented parallel to the axis (148) of the processing chamber (134), or the at least one support element (186) and / or the support member (188) are designed to be movable relative to the carrier (116).

14. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to claim 13. Its features are, The at least one support element (186) and / or the support element (188) are configured as a one-sided lever element (192), wherein the pivot axis (204) is arranged on the end side (196, 198) or end section of the at least one support element (186) or the support element (188), preferably, the at least one support element (186) abuts against the chamber wall (150) in the stop position by means of a contact link (160, 176, 200) arranged substantially centrally with respect to the extension of the lever element (192).

15. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to claim 13 or 14. Its features are, The actuating element (190) of the stop device acts on the lever element (192) on the end side (196, 198) opposite to the pivot axis (204) or on the end section opposite to the pivot axis (204) for holding in the stop position or for moving from the release position to the stop position.

16. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The stop device (184) includes an operating element (190) for the user, which is movable from a blocking position to a releasing position, wherein the operating element (190) applies a holding force to the at least one support element (186) and / or the support member (188) in the blocking position and holds them in the stop position, wherein in the releasing position, the at least one support element (186) and / or the support member (188) is configured to be in the release position.

17. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to claim 16. Its features are, The actuating element (190) can be operated manually and / or without tools, and / or the actuating element (190) can be moved from the released position to the blocking position so as to move the at least one support element (186) and / or the support (188) to the stop position.

18. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to claim 16 or 17. Its features are, The actuating element (190) is supported on the support device (116) in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rotation axis (208), which is preferably oriented parallel to the pivot axis (204) of the at least one support element (186) and / or parallel to the axis (148) of the processing chamber (134), or the actuating element (190) is designed to be able to move relative to the support device (116).

19. The composting apparatus (100; 230; 240) according to any one of claims 16 to 18. Its features are, The actuating element (190) is capable of moving from the release position to the storage position and stopping in the storage position to prevent movement to the blocking position. In particular, the actuating element (190) is movable relative to the carrier (116) and / or engaged with the carrier (116) in the storage position in order to move from the release position to the storage position.

20. The composting apparatus (100; 230; 240) according to any one of claims 16 to 19. Its features are, The actuating element (190) is designed to be at least segmentally non-circular with respect to the axis of rotation (208) and includes or constitutes at least one support element (218), wherein the at least one support element (186) and / or the support member (188) rests against the support element in the stop position, preferably wherein the at least one support element (186) and / or the support member (188) is placed on the at least one support element (218) in the release position.

21. The composting apparatus (100; 230; 240) according to any one of claims 16 to 20. Its features are, The control element (190) includes or constitutes a control section (214) for the user, and the composting equipment (100; 230; 240) has a container housing (110) for a container (112), wherein the control section (214) blocks the inlet opening (114) of the container housing (110) in the blocked position, and the inlet opening (114) for the container (112) is released when the control element (190) is in the released position.

22. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The processing chamber (134) includes an inlet (170) for introducing organic material and a supply channel (140) connected to the processing chamber (134), wherein the supply channel (140) is connected directly or via a sealing element (168) between the supply channel (140) and the processing chamber (134) to the edge (172) of the processing chamber (134).

23. The composting equipment (100; 230; 240) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The processing chamber (134) is either a composting chamber (132) or a drying chamber (130).

Images