Composter equipped with a bio-waste recovery device.

Abstract

The invention relates to a composter (1) comprising a container (2) configured to process biowaste and transform it into compost. The container includes a first compartment (8) adapted to receive the biowaste and comprising a base (18) which has at least one window (19). The composter (1) includes a closing device (28) for at least one window (19) which is configured to be moved into an open or closed position. The composter (1) includes at least one removable collection bin (26) and a receiving area (25) arranged under the first compartment (8). The at least one collection bin (26) and the receiving area (25) allow the at least one collection bin (26) to be positioned in the receiving area (25), under at least one window (19), and the at least one collection bin (26) to be removed from the receiving area (25). Abstract figure: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Composter equipped with a biowaste recovery device. technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of composters, whether for collective use, for example for use in public spaces, businesses or restaurants, or for household use, that is to say household composters which households can have outside the home, for example in the garden, under a shelter, in a corner of a terrace, on a balcony, or even indoors for people living in apartments. State of the art

[0002] There is a growing awareness of the need to protect our planet today, and to contribute to this effort, households are encouraged, even urged, to separate their various household wastes as effectively as possible. These wastes can be broadly classified into three categories: waste destined for incineration, as the heat produced can be used in various ways, such as heating buildings; recyclable materials, which are used to manufacture other products; and biowaste, which can be treated and transformed into compost. This compost can be advantageously used for gardening, an activity that has also regained importance with the desire to consume locally grown produce and to teach young people about agriculture. As a result, there is an increased presence of composters in households.The same applies in public and professional spaces where measures are implemented for waste sorting. Composters are installed in public and professional areas, enabling larger-scale compost production, which can then be collected, for example, by local authorities or farmers. Furthermore, constantly evolving environmental regulations, quite rightly, tend to mandate the recovery of biowaste, thus increasing the need for composters.

[0003] Composters traditionally have an aerated compartment into which biowaste is deposited. The addition of oxygen, dry matter, and possibly earthworms promotes the organic decomposition of this biowaste for a proper and faster transformation into compost.

[0004] Generally, the composter comprises a container that defines a ventilated compartment and has, at the top, a lid or hatch for the introduction of biowaste and, at the bottom of a perimeter wall of said container, a door allowing, in an open position, the extraction of biowaste. state of organic decomposition more or less advanced, placed in the lower part of the compartment, the extraction being carried out using a fork-type tool which is introduced into the compartment through said hatch, the decomposing bio-waste being pulled out of the container and having to be collected to then be placed in the garden or in a gardening container, or even any other vegetated space.

[0005] However, composters with improvements are known, for example those described in the following titles: DE3004016A1; DE9303691U1; US5674744A; WO9916730A1 and WO2010022939AL

[0006] In document DE3004016A1, the composter comprises a series of compartments arranged one below the other and separated by floors, each equipped with two parts that can be operated to open the floor and allow the biowaste undergoing organic transformation to descend from one compartment to the next located directly below, as the biowaste decomposes. Below the lowest compartment of the composter, in which the resulting compost, or at least the biowaste in the most advanced state of organic decomposition, is located, is a hopper that includes a conveyor for removing the compost.

[0007] In document DE9303691U1, the composter comprises a container divided into two compartments separated by a floor with an opening closed by a hatch that can be operated manually from outside the container. The upper compartment contains biowaste at the beginning or in the initial stage of organic decomposition, and the lower compartment contains said biowaste at the end or in the final stage of organic decomposition, ultimately resulting in compost. Opening the hatch allows the biowaste to be transferred from the upper compartment to the lower compartment.The composter also includes a device for mixing the biowaste in the upper and lower compartments. This mixing device comprises mixing arms driven in rotation around a vertical axis by means of a hand crank actuator, which drives a shaft from which the mixing arms, arranged at different heights in the upper and lower compartments, extend radially. A door is located at the bottom of the container, directly above the base, to access the lower compartment and remove the biowaste in varying stages of decomposition using a fork-like tool.

[0008] In document US5674744A, the composter comprises a container with a door arranged in the lower part of the container's perimeter wall, just above the bottom of said container. The bottom is slightly raised so as not to be in direct contact with the ground or the supporting surface, this bottom comprising ventilation holes To aerate the container compartment, a scraper is positioned just above the bottom of the container and rotates via a shaft attached to a handle located above the container's upper wall. This scraper cleans the three ventilation holes, ensuring proper aeration of the compartment. Biodegradable waste in various stages of decomposition is removed through the door using a fork-like tool.

[0009] In document WO9916730A1, the composter comprises a container divided into several compartments arranged one below the other and separated by floors, each equipped with a door that can be operated to open the floor and transfer the biowaste undergoing organic transformation from one compartment to the next located directly below, as the biowaste decomposes. Rotating arms are arranged above each floor to move the biowaste undergoing transformation towards the opening in the floor. Below the lowest compartment of the composter, which contains the compost obtained or at least the biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition, is an outlet enclosure that includes a conveyor for removing the compost.

[0010] In document WO2010022939A1, the composter comprises a container divided into three compartments separated by floors. Each floor comprises a fixed plate with two openings and a movable plate that rotates around a vertical axis. The movable plate is configured to either close or open the two openings on the fixed plate, depending on its rotational position. A scraper, also mounted to rotate around the vertical axis, is mounted above the movable plate and allows the decomposing biowaste to fall from the upper compartment to the middle compartment and, similarly, from the middle compartment to the lower compartment.A door is fitted to the side wall of the container just above the bottom of said container and allows access to the lower compartment to extract the compost obtained or all of it, or at least the biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition, using a fork-type tool.

[0011] The applicant submits that currently known composters do not allow for easy extraction of the compost obtained, or at the very least, of biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition, except for industrial-scale composters where said composters may have a conveyor belt arranged under the bottom of the container, allowing for the extraction of the compost once it has been poured onto the belt. Household or community composters systematically require the extraction of the compost obtained, or at the very least, of the biowaste in a stage of decomposition. more or less advanced position, of the lower compartment of the container by means of a fork-type tool or even directly with gloved hands. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention overcomes this drawback by designing a composter comprising a container configured to process biowaste and transform it into compost, or at the very least to obtain biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition. The container includes a first compartment suitable for receiving the biowaste. The first compartment includes a base that has at least one window. The composter includes a closing device for at least one window, said closing device being configured to be moved to an open window position, to allow the passage of biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition through the base, or to a closed window position, to prevent the passage of biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition through the base.Furthermore, according to the invention, the composter comprises at least one removable collection bin and a receiving area arranged under the first compartment. The at least one collection bin and the receiving area are configured to allow the positioning of the at least one collection bin in the receiving area, under at least one window, and to allow the extraction of said at least one collection bin from said receiving area.

[0013] Thus, when the biowaste placed in the container is processed and transformed into compost, or at least into biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition, the sealing device can be moved to the open position, allowing the decomposing biowaste to pass through at least one window in the bottom. This decomposing biowaste then falls into at least one collection bin located beneath the window. Once the collection bin is filled with decomposing biowaste, the window in the bottom is closed by moving the sealing device to the closed position. The user can then remove the collection bin manually, without any tools and without handling the compost directly.At least one collection bin can then be collected by bio-waste collectors or emptied onto a vegetated area if its contents have already turned into compost, and then repositioned in the reception area, under at least one window.

[0014] Preferably, all the biowaste is poured into the first compartment, the decomposition of the biowaste in the first compartment being progressive as the upper part of the first compartment is filled with biowaste and the resulting compost, or at least biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition, is emptied from the bottom of the first compartment. The The container could, however, comprise several compartments arranged successively one below the other and separated from each other by floors, each equipped with a closing device configured to be operated in the open position of the floor and in the closed position of the floor, the open position of the floor allowing the transfer of biowaste undergoing organic transformation from one compartment to the next located directly below, as the said biowaste decomposes, until it reaches the first compartment which, in this case, would be located in the lower part of the container.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the composter of the invention, the container comprises a second compartment located directly below the first compartment and constituting the receiving area. Furthermore, the second compartment includes a door configured to allow the passage of at least one collection bin. Thus, at least one collection bin can be concealed in the second compartment of the container when not in use. This makes it possible to keep at least one collection bin readily available directly below at least one window closed by the shutter, without the risk of the at least one collection bin being removed for another use, potentially losing it and no longer having it available when needed for extracting the compost or biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition from the first compartment.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the composter of the invention, it comprises a sweeping element arranged above the bottom in the first compartment and an actuation device for the sweeping element, said sweeping element being configured to move the compost or biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition, located near the bottom in the first compartment, above at least one window when actuation. Thus, the compost or biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition located in the lower part of the first compartment can be conveniently extracted through at least one opening, when the closing element has been previously placed in the open position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the composter of the invention, it includes a device for stirring the biowaste placed in the first compartment. This allows for proper aeration of the biowaste in the first compartment in order to promote its organic decomposition. In the case where the container of the composter according to the invention comprises several compartments arranged successively one below the other and separated from each other by floors, each equipped with a closing device, as mentioned above, a stirring device could be arranged in each of the compartments or even only in some of these compartments.

[0018] According to a first embodiment of the composter that is the subject of the invention, the base comprises According to a second embodiment of the composter of the invention, the base comprises several windows and a single collection bin configured to be placed under all the windows when positioned in the receiving area. Other embodiments are conceivable, including a base comprising several windows and at least two collection bins, each collection bin configured to be positioned under a certain number of windows.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the composter of the invention, at least one collection bin includes a gripping element. This facilitates its handling when removing it from the receiving area and when positioning it within it.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the composter of the invention, positioning means are arranged between the receiving area and at least one collection bin. These positioning means guide the user when placing at least one collection bin in the receiving area, in order to ensure proper positioning of the at least one collection bin below at least one window and thus prevent compost or biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition from falling outside the at least one collection bin when the compost or biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition is poured from the first compartment into the at least one collection bin.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the composter of the invention, the base comprises between two and six windows, preferably four or five windows. Other numbers of windows on the base remain conceivable while remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the composter of the invention, the container includes an access device configured to allow the introduction of biowaste into said first compartment. Preferably, this access device is located on an upper wall of the container. In the case where the container of the composter according to the invention comprises several compartments arranged successively one below the other and separated from each other by floors, each equipped with a closing device, as mentioned above, the access device would be configured to allow the introduction of biowaste into the upper compartment, the biowaste then being conveyed successively into the compartment below until it reaches the lowest compartment, once the biowaste has been transformed into compost or into biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition.Preferably, according to this embodiment, in the presence of a mixing device such as the one mentioned above on the composter, the access device is configured to be moved into the open position and . in the closed position and to simultaneously activate the mixing device as it moves between the open and closed positions. This ensures that each time biowaste is deposited in the container, the biowaste being processed is mixed, guaranteeing efficient treatment and thus faster production of ready-to-use compost or at least biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition.

[0023] Of course, some of the aforementioned realizations of the composter that is the subject of the invention may be implemented independently and / or in combination. Brief description of the figures

[0024] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is supported by figures, including: - Fig. 1 illustrates an overview of a first embodiment of the composter according to the invention; - [Fig.2] illustrates an overview of the composter from [Fig.1], with two doors of the container removed to view the inside of the container, and a window closing device on the bottom of the first compartment in the open position; - [Fig.3] illustrates an overview of the composter from [Fig.1], with two doors of the container removed to view the inside of the container, and a window closing device on the bottom of the first compartment in the closed position; - [Fig.4] illustrates [Fig.3] with the recovery bins extracted from the receiving area of ​​the composter; - [Fig.5] illustrates a recovery bin implemented on the composter of [Fig.1], according to a preferred embodiment; - [Fig.6] illustrates a first variant of the composter of [Fig.1] highlighting a different placement of the recovery bins in the reception area, below the windows at the bottom; - [Fig.7] illustrates a second variant of the composter of [Fig.1] highlighting a different placement of the collection bins in the reception area, below the windows at the bottom; - [Fig.8] illustrates an overview of a second embodiment of the composter according to the invention, comprising a single collection bin; - [Fig.9] illustrates the composter of [Fig.8] with cladding covering the external wall of the container, removed to highlight ventilation holes on the container; - [Fig. 10] illustrates the composter of [Fig. 8], with a collection bin being removed from a receiving area; - [Fig. 11] illustrates a preferred implementation of the recovery bin on the composter of [Fig. 8]; - [Fig. 12] illustrates some elements of the composter in [Fig. 8], notably highlighting the bottom of the first compartment and the sealing mechanism; - [Fig. 13] illustrates a preferential realization of the sealing element on the composter of [Fig. 8]; - [Fig. 14] illustrates a preferential realization of the bottom of the first compartment on the composter of [Fig. 8]; - [Fig. 15] illustrates some elements of the composter in [Fig. 8], highlighting in particular the contour wall and the top wall of the container and the presence of a stirring device and a sweeping device; - Figure 16 illustrates certain elements of the composter in Figure 8, notably highlighting the presence of a mixing device and a sweeping mechanism. Detailed description

[0025] In the following description, terms such as "top", "bottom", "below", "above", "lower", "upper"... which may be used, will be used in consideration of the normal position of the composter positioned on a ground surface or a support placed on the ground, for example on a terrace floor or on a concrete slab.

[0026] In the following description, the term "compost" will be used to define both compost as such, obtained in the final phase of the organic decomposition of biowaste, and biowaste in a more or less advanced phase of decomposition.

[0027] Furthermore, the same references will be used to designate the same characteristics, according to the various design variants of the composter, unless otherwise indicated in the text of the following description.

[0028] With reference to [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 4], the composter 1 comprises a container 2 which includes an upper wall 3, a side wall 4 and a lower wall 5. The side wall 4 includes an upper door 6 and a lower door 7, arranged one below the other, as shown in [Fig. 1]. The container 2 is divided into a first compartment 8 and a second compartment 9, the first compartment 8 being positioned above the second compartment 9. A first hatch 10 is arranged on the upper wall 3 to allow access to the first compartment 8 from the top of the container 2, and thus to introduce biowaste to be treated in order to obtain compost. A second hatch 11 is arranged on the upper wall 3 to allow access to a storage bin 12 containing dry material, for example sawdust, which can be poured onto the bio-waste that has just been introduced into the first compartment 8, through the first hatch 10.Of course, a version of this. A composter without the storage bin 12 and without the second hatch 11 is conceivable while remaining within the scope of the invention.

[0029] With regard to [Fig.1] to [Fig.4], the composter 1 includes means for ventilating the container 2, in order to ventilate the first compartment 8. For this purpose, the perimeter wall 4 includes cladding boards 13 arranged vertically with a slight spacing 14 between them, these cladding boards 13 participating in the covering of the composter 1, this spacing 14 allowing the passage of ambient air. The contour wall 4 includes an internal support 15 defining the internal contour of the container 2, said internal support 15 receiving the cladding boards 13. The internal support 15 includes first ventilation holes 16 arranged corresponding to the spacings 14 between the cladding boards 13, which facilitates the penetration of air into the first compartment 8. The lower wall 5 of the container 2 includes second ventilation holes 17, also contributing to the ventilation in the container 2.

[0030] With reference to [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 4], the first compartment 8 comprises a base 18 which preferably has the shape of a disk and provides a physical separation from the second compartment 9. The base 18 comprises windows 19, preferably four in number in the said figures. The number of windows 19 could be different, for example between two and six, or even a single window 19. The size and shape of these windows 19 depend in particular on their number and the shape of the base 18. In these figures, the windows 19 are preferably circular, but variants are conceivable with circular portions or angular portions (quarters of a disk). The base 18 is fixed to the internal support 15 of the contour wall 4. The composter 1 includes a post 20 arranged along a vertical axis X, the post 20 passing through the base 18 and being mounted in pivot joint along the vertical axis X, relative to the upper wall 3 and the lower wall 5.The upper end portion 20a of the post 20 passes through the upper wall 3 and is accessible from outside the container 2. This upper end portion 20a has a handle 21 facilitating the handling of the post 20 when rotating it around the vertical axis X. The post 20 is hollow and has third ventilation holes 22 along its length and, on its upper end portion 20a, a ventilation grid 23, which also contributes to the ventilation inside the first compartment 8.

[0031] With reference to [Fig. 2] to [Fig. 4], the post 20 includes a sweeping element 24, preferably in the form of a blade, which extends radially along the vertical axis X and is positioned adjacent to the bottom 18, on its upper side. Rotation of the post 20 allows the sweeping element to sweep the lower part of the first compartment 8, and even to scrape the upper surface of the bottom 18, so as to move the compost into the lower part of the first compartment 8, above the Windows 19 allow the compost to pass through the bottom 18. Mixing elements, not shown but in the form of blades similar to the blade of the sweeping element 24, are preferably mounted at different heights along the length of the post 20 inside the first compartment 8. These mixing elements are rotated when the handle 21 is operated, thus mixing the biowaste in the first compartment 8. The second compartment 9 of the container 2 constitutes a receiving area 25 for collecting bins 26, which are positioned under the windows 19. Preferably, there are four collecting bins 26, placed under the four windows 19, and they are bucket-shaped with a downward-curved rim 27 at the top 26a, as illustrated in [Fig. 5], allowing the bin 26 to be gripped with the fingertips. with one hand.It would also be possible to provide collection bins 26 of a different shape and larger size, capable of being positioned under more than one window 19 below the bottom 18, for example one collection bin 26 for two windows 19. It would also be possible to provide other means of gripping the collection bin 26, for example a handle (not illustrated) attached to the upper part 26a of said collection bin 26.

[0032] With regard to [Fig.2] to [Fig.4], the composter 1 includes a sealing element 28 in the form of a disc which is mounted in a pivot joint along the vertical axis X, relative to the post 20. The sealing element 28 includes four openings 29 illustrated in [Fig.2] and in dashed lines in [Fig.3], these openings 29 preferably having a shape identical to that of the windows 19. The rotation of the sealing element 28 in an open position makes it possible to align the openings 29 with the windows 19, as illustrated in [Fig.2], which allows the passage of the compost which can be emptied into the collection bins 26 arranged under the windows 19, the sweeping element 24 contributing to said emptying. Rotating the closure device 28 into a closed position allows the openings 29 to be offset relative to the windows 19, so as to close them and prevent the passage of compost through the bottom 18 of the first compartment 8.When the sealing element 28 is in the closed position, the collection trays 26 can be removed to empty the compost into a planted area, for example a garden, a garden bed, or a field. The sealing element 28 includes a handle 30, which facilitates rotating the sealing element 28 around the post 20.

[0033] In [Fig. 2] and [Fig. 3], the collection trays 26 rest on the lower wall 5 of the container 2. The proper positioning of the collection trays 26 under the windows 19 depends on the accuracy of the user who visually and approximately determines this positioning. To guide the user and ensure a proper position suitable and precise operation of the recovery bins 26 under the windows 19, the composter 1 may include positioning means 31, as described below according to the two variant embodiments of [Fig.6] and [Fig.7].

[0034] In the variant embodiment of [Fig.6], the composter 1 has exactly the same design as in [Fig.1] to [Fig.4], with the addition of small cavities 32 which respectively receive the bases 33 of the collection bins 26, the number of small cavities 32 being identical to the number of collection bins 26. Each small cavity 32 has a shape identical to the base 33 and is of a dimension very slightly larger than that of said base 33, so as to guarantee precise positioning of the collection bin 26. Each small cavity 32 preferably has a circular shape, like the base 33, and is arranged coaxially to the respective window 19, along the vertical axis X.

[0035] In the variant embodiment of [Fig. 7], the base 18 and the closing element 28 are reversed, compared to the previous variants of the composter 1, the closing element 28 being placed above the base 18, inside the first compartment 8, the assembly principle remaining however identical to that described previously, the base 18 remaining fixed with respect to the contour wall 4 and the closing element 28 still being mounted in rotation about the vertical axis X around the post 20 for its positioning in the open or closed position. The handle 30 of the closing element extends downwards from the lower face 34 of the closing element 28 and passes through a circular opening 35 the shape of which is comparable to those illustrated and which will be described next with reference to [Fig. 7]. 13], which allows the user to access the handle 30 from the second compartment 9, when the lower door 7 is open.This circular opening 35 limits the rotation of the shutter 28 around the post 20 when it moves from the open to the closed position and vice versa. The lower face 36 of the base 18 includes, under each window 19, two right-angled tabs 37a, 37b defining a groove 37 configured to receive the rim 27 of the collection tray 26 so as to guide and position it correctly under the window 19.

[0036] According to these three embodiments of the composter 1 described in Figures 1 to 7, the user lifts the hatch 10 to insert biowaste into the first compartment 8. The user may, if desired, add dry matter from the storage bin 12 to the biowaste, as mentioned previously. The user may also, if desired, operate the handle 21 to rotate the post 20 and activate the mixing elements (not shown) mentioned previously, so as to aerate the biowaste undergoing organic decomposition in the first compartment 8, the lower part of the first compartment 8 containing compost after a certain processing time. The user may open the lower door 7 and operate the handle 30 to move the closing device 28 to the open position, then operate the handle 21 to rotate the post 20 and, thus, the sweeping device 24, as well as the mixing devices, the 360° rotation of the sweeping device 24 around the vertical axis X allowing the compost to pass through the windows 19 and be poured into the collection bins 26 placed respectively below the windows 19. Once the collection bins 26 are full, they can be removed from the receiving area 25, i.e. the second compartment 9, for the use of the compost, taking care beforehand to operate the handle 30 to reposition the closing device 28 in the closing position of the windows 19 on the bottom 18 of the first compartment 8.

[0037] Figures 8 to 16 describe another embodiment of the composter 1' comprising a container 2' and a single collection bin 26' placed in a receiving area 25' located below the container 2'. The container 2' comprises an upper wall 3' and a side wall 4', which are secured. The upper wall 3' has an opening 38, preferably semicircular in shape, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 15. The side wall 4' preferably has a frustoconical shape, illustrated in particular in Figures 8 and 10, although a cylindrical shape is also possible. The perimeter wall 4' comprises vertically arranged cladding boards 13' with a slight gap 14' between them, these cladding boards 13' contributing to the cladding of the composter 1', this gap 14' allowing the passage of ambient air. The perimeter wall 4' includes an internal support 15', illustrated in particular in [Fig.9] and [Fig.

[16] , also truncated cone-shaped, defining the internal contour of the container 2' forming a single, first compartment 8', visible in [Fig. 15] and [Fig. 16]. The internal support 15' receives the cladding boards 13'. The internal support 15' includes ventilation holes 16' arranged corresponding to the spacing 14' between the cladding boards 13', which facilitates air penetration into the first compartment 8'. The upper wall 3' is fixed to the upper end of the internal support 15', or even formed as a single piece with the internal support 15'.

[0038] With particular reference to [Fig. 9], [Fig. 10], [Fig. 12], [Fig. 15], and [Fig. 16], the composter 1' comprises a post 20' which includes, at its lower end 39a, a base 40, and at an upper end portion 39b, a plate 41 which is disc-shaped, like the upper wall 3' of the container 2'. The plate 41 also includes a semicircular opening 42, similar in size to the opening 38 on the upper wall 3'. Preferably, the plate 41 shall be removably mounted on the upper end portion 39b of the post 20'. The post 20' defines a vertical axis X'. On the lower inner edge 43 of the internal support 15' is mounted a sweeping element 24' which extends diametrically and The internal support 15' comprises, at its center, a first bearing ring 44, illustrated in [Fig. 15] and [Fig. 16]. The upper wall 3' comprises, at its center, a second bearing ring 45. The first bearing ring 44 and the second bearing ring 45 are mounted on the post 20' respectively at an intermediate portion 39c and the upper end portion 39b, which allows the internal support 15' to be rotated relative to the post 20' along the vertical axis X'. The internal support 15' also includes, on its inner contour 46, mixing elements 47 which preferably extend radially towards the vertical axis X', as illustrated in [Fig. 15] and [Fig. 16]. Thus, the rotation of the internal support 15', and therefore of the container 2', around the vertical axis X', simultaneously causes the rotation of the sweeping element 24' and the mixing elements 47.

[0039] The plate 41 is positioned directly below the upper wall 3' when the container 2' is mounted on the post 20', as shown in [Fig. 9]. Depending on the rotation position of the container 2' around the vertical axis X', either the opening 38 on the upper wall 3' aligns with the opening 42 on the plate 41, thus allowing the introduction of biowaste into the first compartment 8', or the opening 38 is offset from the opening 42, as shown in [Fig. 9], with the container 2' and, therefore, the first compartment 8' closed. Thus, opening the first compartment 8' to introduce biowaste, achieved by rotating the container 2' around the post 20', simultaneously activates the mixing elements 47 and the sweeping element 24'.

[0040] With particular reference to [Fig. 10], [Fig. 12], [Fig. 13], [Fig. 14], and [Fig. 16], the composter comprises a first disc 48 which is fixed to the post 20', just below the sweeping element 24', at the level of the intermediate portion 39c, said first disc 48 forming a base 18' of the first compartment 8'. The first disc 48 comprises windows 19', preferably five in number, defining angular portions. As shown in [Fig. 14], the windows 19' are not uniformly distributed around the first disc 48, a portion 48a of said first disc 48 having a greater spacing than the others between the two adjacent windows 19'. The composter 1' includes a second disc 49 of shape and diameter more or less identical to the first disc 48, this second disc 49 constituting a sealing element 28'.This second disk 49 includes openings 29', as many as the number of windows 19' on the first disk 48, namely five, the shape and dimensions of the openings 29' corresponding to those of the windows 19'. As shown in [Fig. 13], the openings 29' are not uniformly distributed around the second disk 49, a part 49a of said second disk 49 having a greater spacing than the others between the two adjacent openings 29', in the same way as the windows 19' on the first disk 48. The second disk 49 is in position. just below the first disc 48, it is mounted on a pivot joint along the vertical axis X', on the post 20', so that it can rotate around the post 20' and be placed either in an open position where the openings 29' correspond respectively with the windows 19', allowing the compost to pass through the bottom 18' of the first compartment 8', or in a closed position where the openings 29' are offset from the windows 19', thus preventing the compost from passing through the windows 19'. The second disc 49 comprises two circular openings 50a, 50b which respectively receive two studs 51a, 51b extending downwards from an underside face of said first disc 48, which makes it possible to limit the angular rotation of the closing element 28' around the post 20' and relative to the bottom 18'. These circular lights 50a, 50b are comparable to the circular light 35 mentioned previously for the embodiment of composter 1 in [Fig.7].The second disc 49 includes a handle 30' which extends radially from the peripheral edge 52 of said second disc 49, this handle 30' being accessible from outside the composter 1', as shown in particular in [Fig.8], so as to be able to operate the closing device 28' from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa, before the removal of the recovery bin 26'.

[0041] With particular reference to [Fig.8] to [Fig.12], a receiving area 25' is defined below the container 2', between the sealing element 28' and the base 40 arranged on the post 20'. The recovery tray 26' comprises more or less a cylindrical pot shape, as shown in [Fig.8], [Fig.9] and [Fig.11], with a notch 53 which extends over the entire height of the recovery tray 26 and radially to its center, this notch 53 receiving the lower portion 39d of the post 20' when said recovery tray 26' is engaged in the receiving area 25'. This notch 53 of the recovery bin 26' corresponds with part 48a of the first disc 48, mentioned previously, when the recovery bin 26' is in position in the receiving area 25', so that all the windows 19 of the bottom 18' of the first compartment 8' are suitably placed above the upper opening 54 of said recovery bin 26'.To ensure proper positioning, the base 40 includes on its upper face a protruding element 55, illustrated in particular [Fig. 10], which allows the collection tray 26' to be correctly oriented relative to the post 20' by placing the notch 53 opposite the protruding element 55, and then engaging the notch 53 on the lower portion 39d of the post 20'. To facilitate handling of the collection tray 26', it includes on its contour 56 a recess 57 allowing it to be gripped with one hand. Other means of gripping could be considered, for example a handle arranged on the contour 56 and extending radially outwards from said contour 56.

[0042] During use, the user rotates the contour wall 4' around the vertical axis X' To align the opening 38 on the upper wall 3' with the opening 42 on the plate 41 fixed to the post 20', which allows the introduction of biowaste into the first compartment 8', the user then closes said first compartment 8' by rotating the perimeter wall 4' again to offset the opening 38 from the opening 42, this rotation simultaneously activating the mixing elements 47 for systematic aeration of the biowaste in the first compartment 8'. When emptying their biowaste into the first compartment 8', the user can also preferably add dry material provided next to the composter 1'.When the compost in the lower part of the first 8' compartment is ready for use, or when the first 8' compartment is full, the user operates handle 30' to pivot the closing device 28' around the post 20' and align the openings 29' with the windows 19', allowing the compost to be emptied into the collection bin 26'. To facilitate this emptying, the user rotates the contour wall 4', which turns the sweeping device 24', moving the compost in the lower part of the first 8' compartment through the windows 19'. Once the compost is in the collection bin, the user activates handle 30' to move the closing device 28' to the closed position, where the openings 29' are offset from the windows 19'.Then the user grasps the collection bin 26' by inserting a hand into the recess 57 and pulling said collection bin 26' outwards to disengage its notch 53 from the lower part 39d of the post 20'. The compost can then be poured into a vegetated area, for example a garden, a garden bed or a field.

[0043] The principle of opening and closing the first compartment 8' on the composter 1' can be implemented on the various variants of the composter 1 described opposite [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 7]. In this case, the post 20 will rotate, about the vertical axis X, a plate equipped with an opening comparable to the plate 41 equipped with the opening 42, to align or not this opening with another opening on the upper wall 3, comparable to the opening 38 on the upper wall 3', so as to be able to discharge the biowaste into the first compartment 8. In this case, the actuation of the post 20 for the introduction of the biowaste into the compartment 8 will simultaneously allow the mixing elements to rotate for systematic aeration of the biowaste in the first compartment 8 during the opening and closing of said first compartment 8.

[0044] Variations of the composter of the invention remain conceivable, particularly with regard to the number of windows 19, 19' and openings 29, 29' and the number of collection bins 26, 26'. The shapes of the containers 2, 2' may also be different, for example, having a square cross-section in a perpendicular plane dicular to the vertical axis X, X'. Variants without the cladding blades 13, 13' will also be conceivable.

Claims

Demands

1. Composter (1, 1'), which includes a container (2, 2') configured to process biowaste and transform it into compost, the container (2, 2') comprising a first compartment (8, 8') suitable for receiving biowaste, the first compartment (8, 8') comprising a bottom (18, 18') having at least one window (19, 19'), the composter (1, 1') comprising a closing device (28, 28') for at least one window (19, 19'), said closing device (28, 28') being configured to be moved to an open position for the window (19, 19') or to a closed position for the window (19, 19'), characterized in that said composter (1, 1') comprises at least one removable collection bin (26, 26') and a receiving area (25, 25') arranged under the first compartment (8, 8'), at least one recovery bin (26, 26') and the receiving area (25, 25') being configured to allow the positioning of at least one recovery bin (26,26') in the receiving area (25, 25'), under at least one window (19, 19'), and to permit the extraction of said at least one recovery bin (26, 26') from said receiving area (25, 25').

2. Composter (1) according to claim 1, wherein the container (2) comprises a second compartment (9) placed directly below the first compartment (8) and constituting the receiving area (25), said second compartment (9) comprising a door (7) configured to allow the passage of at least one collection bin (26).

3. Composter (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 or 2, which includes a sweeping member (24, 24') arranged above the bottom (18, 18') in the first compartment (8, 8') and an actuation device for the sweeping member (24, 24'), said sweeping member (24, 24') being configured to move above at least one window (19, 19'), the compost or biowaste in a more or less advanced stage of decomposition arranged in the vicinity of the bottom (18, 18') in the first compartment (8, 8'), when it is actuation.

4. Composter (1, l')(l, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which includes a device for mixing the biowaste arranged in the first compartment (8, 8').

5. Composter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base (18) comprises several windows (19) and as many bins of retrieval (26) configured to be placed respectively under the windows (19) when positioned in the receiving area (25).

6. Composter (1') according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bottom (18') comprises several windows (19') and a single collection bin (26') configured to be placed under all the windows (19') when positioned in the receiving area (25').

7. Composter (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one collection bin (26, 26') includes a gripping member (27, 57).

8. Composter (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein positioning means are arranged between the receiving area (25, 25') and at least one recovery bin (26, 26').

9. Composter (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bottom (18, 18') comprises between one and six windows (19, 19'), preferably four or five windows (19, 19').

10. Composter (1, 1') according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the container (2, 2') includes an access device to the first compartment (8, 8'), configured to allow the introduction of biowaste into said first compartment (8, 8').

11. Composter (1, 1') according to claim 10 dependent on claim 3, wherein the access device is configured to be moved into the open position and into the closed position and to actuate the mixing device concomitantly during its movement into the open position and into the closed position.

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