Mobile compost

Abstract

To provide a mobile compost capable of carrying a container for composting organic waste and directly collecting picked-up excrement of a pet or the like directly by the container.SOLUTION: A mobile compost includes: a canteen-type storage container in which a rotation shaft provided with a plurality of stirring rods is set in a longitudinal direction and which stores therein organic waste; and a base body which couples a motor with the rotation shaft to rotate the stirring rods while heating the storage container with a heater and deodorizes gas generated from the organic waste to discharge the gas. After collecting the organic waste with the storage container removed from the base body, in the base body with the storage container mounted thereon, the organic waste is fermented and decomposed until the inside of the storage container is dried.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile composting system for composting organic waste such as pet feces. [Background technology]

[0002] Organic waste includes food waste from households, feces and urine from pets and other animals, and industrial waste from factories. It is organic matter that is mainly composed of animals and plants, contains a lot of water, and decays easily. If left unattended, it will emit a foul odor, so it is treated by using microorganisms to promote the decomposition of the organic matter and turn it into compost.

[0003] Composting is mainly carried out by aerobic microorganisms that consume large amounts of oxygen. Aerobic fermentation requires proper control of air, moisture, and temperature. When composting proceeds smoothly, the soil becomes alkaline as proteins are broken down into ammonia, but if oxygen is not supplied, anaerobic microorganisms will grow and become a source of odor.

[0004] There is also a method of proceeding with composting in a weakly acidic environment to suppress the generation of ammonia and other sources of odor. As described in Patent Document 1, an invention has been disclosed regarding a composting process for organic waste in which the treatment process proceeds in an acidic environment, resulting in significantly less odor generation.

[0005] Generally, composting is carried out by mixing organic waste with a substrate carrying microorganisms, but if the microorganisms are alkaliphiles, the treatment will stagnate if the substrate becomes acidic, and the substrate in the treatment tank will need to be replaced. However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the microorganisms are acidophiles, and the substrate carrying the microorganisms is kept acidic by the lactic acid bacteria and other bacteria contained in the organic waste, making it possible to treat the organic waste even if it is continuously added.

[0006] In addition, breathability is important to supply oxygen to aerobic microorganisms and evaporate water with fermentation heat. As described in Patent Document 2, an invention for an organic waste treatment device is disclosed that prevents the agitator motor from stopping abnormally due to clogging of the exhaust port, and prevents the substrate on which aerobic microorganisms are cultured in the fermentation tank (treatment tank) from clogging the air circulation path and becoming muddy, thereby preventing the generation of insects and unpleasant odors.

[0007] As organic waste is composted, the amount of waste in the treatment tank decreases due to the evaporation of water, etc. However, if organic waste is added, the capacity of the treatment tank will eventually be exceeded, so the composted organic waste must be discharged regularly.

[0008] By rotating a stirring rod in the treatment tank, the substrate carrying the aerobic microorganisms is mixed with the organic waste and oxygen is supplied to the aerobic microorganisms. Even if the capacity of the treatment tank is increased, if too much organic waste is put in, the waste cannot be stirred sufficiently, and there is a risk that the ventilation hole will be blocked and the supply of oxygen will be cut off.

[0009] Furthermore, if other hard objects are mixed in with the organic waste, the stirring rod will get caught on it and break, and further stirring will cause various abnormalities such as breaking through the inner wall of the treatment tank. Continuing to use the device in this state may lead to more serious malfunctions, so it is desirable to deal with the problem early on. As described in Patent Document 3, an invention for an organic waste treatment device that detects abnormalities in the amount and contents of organic waste in the treatment tank and suppresses malfunctions has also been disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5249567 [Patent Document 2] JP 2006-137643 A [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6739851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The organic waste treatment device described in Patent Document 3 is installed in a home or factory, and treats waste brought in by putting it into a treatment tank. When treating feces picked up while walking a dog, the user must first collect the feces in a garbage bag and carry it around, then transfer the waste to the treatment tank when they get home, which is time-consuming.

[0012] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile composting device that allows a user to carry a container for composting organic waste and directly collect pet feces and other waste that has been picked up into the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the mobile compost of the present invention has a water bottle-shaped storage container with a rotating shaft with multiple stirring rods attached running longitudinally inside for storing organic waste, and a base body that heats the storage container with a heater while connecting a motor to the rotating shaft to rotate the stirring rods and deodorize and exhaust gas generated from the organic waste, and is characterized in that after the organic waste is collected in the storage container detached from the base body, the organic waste is fermented and decomposed in the base body with the storage container attached until the inside of the storage container is dry.

[0014] In the mobile compost, the storage section for attaching and detaching the storage container to the base body is characterized in that it has a presser that supports the upper part of the storage container to prevent it from rotating, and a transmission shaft that rotates by a motor and can be connected to the rotating shaft of the storage container.

[0015] In the mobile compost, the transmission shaft is compressed by a spring when the storage container is attached, and when the rotation angle matches with the rotating shaft, the spring expands and engages with the rotating shaft to transmit the rotational force of the motor.

[0016] In the mobile compost, a storage section for attaching and detaching the storage container to the base body is inclined so that an upper part of the storage container is higher than a lower part.

[0017] In the mobile compost, the base body is characterized in that it is provided with a temperature sensor for controlling the temperature of the heater and a humidity sensor for detecting moisture in the storage container.

[0018] In the mobile compost, in order to fix the position of the storage container, the humidity sensor is protruded so as to be connected to a terminal provided at a lower part of the storage container offset from the center.

[0019] In the mobile compost, the base body is characterized in that when the lid is closed, the motor and the heater are driven, and the lid is locked so that it cannot be opened until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor falls below a predetermined value.

[0020] The mobile compost is characterized in that an air passage is formed so that gas generated from the organic waste is exhausted by folding back inside the base body.

[0021] In the mobile compost, the multiple stirring rods are arranged vertically at intervals from top to bottom so that they are at different angles to the rotation axis, and are bent halfway at positions other than the opening of the storage container and shortened to reduce the number of rods at the position of the opening.

[0022] In the mobile compost, the lid material of the storage container is shaped like a scoop so that it can scoop up the organic waste when removed, and pushes the organic waste that has become stuck in the insertion groove for fitting into the storage container to the inside. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, a person can carry a storage container for composting organic waste, directly collect pet droppings and the like that he or she finds in the storage container, and when he or she returns home, attach the storage container to the base body, thereby composting the organic waste without transferring the contents. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall appearance of a mobile compost according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the mobile compost of the present invention with the lid open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the mobile compost of the present invention with a storage container removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the base body of the mobile compost of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a storage container of a mobile compost according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the mobile compost storage container of the present invention with the lid removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a storage container of the mobile compost of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connection structure between the base body and the storage container of the mobile compost of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that components having the same functions are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof may be omitted. EXAMPLES

[0026] First, the mobile compost of the present invention will be described. The storage container is attached to the base body in a horizontal orientation, but when removed from the base body, it is placed upright, so the side with the lid is regarded as the upper part.

[0027] Figure 1 shows the overall appearance of the mobile compost, with (a) a front view, (b) a rear view, (c) a plan view, (d) a bottom view, (e) a left side view, and (f) a right side view. Figure 2 shows the mobile compost with its lid open, with (a) a front view, (b) a rear view, (c) a plan view, (d) a bottom view, (e) a left side view, and (f) a right side view. Figure 3 shows (a) the mobile compost with a storage container attached, and (b) the mobile compost with the storage container removed. Figure 4 shows the internal structure of the base body of the mobile compost.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the mobile compost 100 mixes organic waste such as pet droppings with a substrate carrying microorganisms, and ferments and decomposes the organic waste through the action of the microorganisms. The mobile compost 100 is made up of a stationary base body 200 and a storage container 300 that can be detached from the base body 200 for portability.

[0029] The base body 200 has a lid body 210 that covers the accommodated storage container 300, and the lid body 210 can be opened and closed with a handle 210a. For example, in the front view, the base body 200 and the rear side of the lid body 210 are connected by a shaft, and the lid body 210 is opened by rotating upward from the front side to the rear side.

[0030] In addition, a magnet switch (electromagnetic contactor) or the like is provided on the front side, making it possible to lock the lid 210 so that it does not open. When the lid 210 is closed, the motor and heater are driven, and the lid 210 is locked so that it does not open until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor falls below a predetermined value. A sensor may be used to detect whether the storage container 300 is set on the base body 200.

[0031] Since the inside of the device may become hot during operation, it will automatically lock to protect the user from burns. For example, this can be controlled by a bimetal that opens and closes at 50°C. The lock will be released when a safe state is reached, but it can also be forcibly released manually.

[0032] 2, when the cover 210 is opened, the base body 200 is provided with a storage section 230 for mounting the storage container 300. The storage section 230 is inclined (for example, at about 10 degrees) so that the upper portion 320 of the storage container 300 is higher than the lower portion 330, and a control section 200a and the like are also provided at a position on the lower side of the storage container 300 (on the right side in the front view).

[0033] The control unit 200a is provided with a semiconductor substrate equipped with a processor, memory, etc. that controls devices such as a power supply, motor, heater, fan, and sensor installed in the base body 200. When the storage container 300 is attached to the base body 200 and the lid body 210 is closed, the power is turned on and each device is operated.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3(a), when organic waste is placed into the storage container 300 detached from the base body 200 and then the storage container 300 is attached to the base body 200, the motor rotates the rotating shaft 340 passing longitudinally through the center of the interior of the storage container 300, agitating the base material and organic waste in the storage container 300 and promoting the fermentation and decomposition process.

[0035] 3(b), the storage section 230 is provided with a transmission shaft 250 that is connectable to a shaft groove 330a formed in the center of the bottom surface of the storage container 300 when the storage container 300 is placed on the storage section 230. The transmission shaft 250 extends from a shaft that rotates the motor, and is connected to a rotating shaft 340 of the storage container 300 to transmit the power of the motor.

[0036] The transmission shaft 250 can be contracted and expanded in the axial direction by a spring or the like. Also, the shaft groove 330a of the storage container 300 and the transmission shaft 250 of the storage unit 230 are adapted to fit together at a predetermined angle. The transmission shaft 250 is compressed by the spring when the storage container 300 is attached, and the spring expands when the rotation angle with the rotating shaft 340 matches. That is, when the angles are not relatively aligned, the transmission shaft 250 is in a pushed-in state, and when the angles are aligned, the transmission shaft 250 is pushed out and fits into the shaft groove 330a.

[0037] Humidity sensor 250a is also provided at a position offset from transmission shaft 250 aligned with the center position of storage container 300. Humidity sensor 250a detects the amount of moisture in storage container 300, and terminal 330b is provided so as to be aligned with the bottom surface of storage container 300. Humidity sensor 250a protrudes toward terminal 330b, and is fitted with terminal 330b when connected, thereby fixing storage container 300 so that it is always in the same position (angle).

[0038] In the storage section 230 where the storage container 300 is attached to and detached from the base body 200, a presser 240 is provided at a position on the upper side of the storage container 300 (on the left side in the front view) to support the storage container 300 so as not to rotate. The presser 240 uses an elastic resin or the like to hold the storage container 300 so as not to rotate along the circumferential surface.

[0039] A heater is provided on the back surface (lower side in the front view) of the storage unit 230 to heat the storage container 300 attached to the storage unit 230. The operation of the heater is controlled by a temperature sensor such as a bimetal so that the temperature inside the storage container 300 is within an appropriate range.

[0040] The accommodation section 230 is also provided with a ventilation hole 230a aligned with the position of the ventilation hole 320a of the storage container 300. Gases such as odors and water vapor generated as a result of the fermentation and decomposition of organic waste inside the storage container 300 are allowed to flow into an air passage 270 below.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, gas containing moisture and the like that is released from the storage container 300 as a result of the fermentation and decomposition of organic waste is first deodorized using a deodorant 270a or the like, and then is exhausted from an exhaust port 220 provided on the side or the like of the base body 200 using a fan 260.

[0042] A space is secured on the bottom side of the base body 200, and an air passage 270 is formed from the air vent 230a of the storage section 230 to the exhaust port 220. A deodorant 270a such as a dice chip is laid in the air passage 270, and a structure is provided in which the path is lengthened by providing a partition or the like and folding it back, etc., and the time of contact with the deodorant 270a is lengthened, thereby improving the deodorizing effect.

[0043] Regarding the state of the organic waste, a current flows easily when there is a lot of moisture, and flows less easily when it is dry, so that a humidity sensor 250a capable of detecting the amount of moisture, such as a moisture meter, is used to detect a drop in humidity inside the storage container 300. The control unit 200a stops the operation of the motor, etc. when the organic waste has decomposed and dried, and starts the motor, etc. when new organic waste is added and the moisture content increases.

[0044] Figure 5 shows the mobile compost storage container in (a) front view, (b) rear view, (c) plan view, (d) bottom view, (e) left side view, and (f) right side view. Figure 6 shows the mobile compost storage container with (a) the lid removed, and (b) the state in which organic waste is being put in. Figure 7 shows the mobile compost storage container in (a) internal structure and (b) lower structure. Figure 8 shows the mobile compost storage container in (a) connecting structure between the base body and storage container, and (b) processing status.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 5, storage container 300 is cylindrical like a water bottle, and stores base materials and organic waste. The material of storage container 300 may be corrosion-resistant stainless steel or the like. When storage container 300 is held vertically, its cross section is circular, and a rotating shaft 340 passes vertically through the center of the interior. A number of stirring rods 340a are attached to rotating shaft 340, and the base materials and organic waste in storage container 300 are stirred as stirring rods 340a rotate by rotating shaft 340.

[0046] A substrate carrying microorganisms is placed inside the storage container 300 in advance, and organic waste is later added to the storage container 300 and mixed with the substrate, causing the organic waste to be fermented by the microorganisms.

[0047] 6, when the lid 310 of the storage container 300 is removed, an opening 310a appears, and organic waste can be poured inside. The removed lid 310 can also be used as a shovel to scoop up organic waste.

[0048] The storage container 300 is fixed to the storage section 230 with the opening 310a facing upward so that the substrates and organic waste inside do not leak even when the container is turned sideways. The storage section 230 is inclined to prevent the substrates and organic waste from rising to the opening 310a due to stirring. Furthermore, the opening 310a is closed with a lid 310 to prevent the substrates and organic waste from overflowing from the opening 310a.

[0049] A recess is provided in the upper portion 320 so that the container can be inserted from above the opening 310a of the storage container 300, and an insertion groove is formed along the edge of the opening 310a. The lid material 310 is then fitted into the insertion groove by sliding it from above along the recess. Note that even if the insertion groove becomes clogged with base material or organic waste, the insertion of the lid material 310 will push the base material or organic waste out of the insertion groove and drop inside.

[0050] 7(a), the stirring rods 340a are rod-shaped members that stand vertically from the rotating shaft 340, and are attached intermittently from the upper part 320 to the lower part 330 so that each has a different angle relative to the rotating shaft 340 and a different position in the longitudinal direction. For example, six stirring rods 340a are attached in a spiral shape from the front to the back at a predetermined interval, with angles shifted by 60°. By transmitting power to the rotating shaft 340 by a motor, the stirring rods 340a rotate in the forward or reverse direction.

[0051] Stirring rods 340a are bent in any direction and angle in the middle so that the base material and organic waste are caught during stirring. Note that the number of rods near opening 310a may be reduced or the length may be shortened so as not to impede the introduction of organic waste.

[0052] A partitioned space is provided in the upper portion 320 of the storage container 300, and a ventilation hole 320a is provided on the rear side. By providing the ventilation hole 320a in accordance with the position of the ventilation hole 230a of the storage section 230, the air inside the storage container 300 can be exhausted.

[0053] 7(b), the bottom surface of storage container 300 is recessed except for the peripheral portion. A shaft groove 330a that leads to rotation shaft 340 is formed in the center of the bottom surface. Hard rubber or the like may be attached to the lower end of the peripheral portion to act as a cushioning material when storage container 300 is placed upright.

[0054] Furthermore, a terminal 330b that can be electrically connected to the inside of the storage container 300 is provided, allowing the control unit 200a to detect the dryness state of the organic waste via the humidity sensor 250a of the base body 200. The terminal 330b is provided at a position offset from the center of the bottom surface of the storage container 300. The protruding humidity sensor 250a may be fitted into the cushioning material of the storage container 300 to prevent the storage container 300 itself from rotating.

[0055] In addition, when the storage container 300 can be sufficiently held by the cushioning material, the upper retainer 240 can be eliminated to facilitate attachment of the storage container 300 to the base body 200 and removal from the base body 200. To ensure secure holding, a mark may be provided to guide the storage container 300 when it is pressed into the cushioning material. EXAMPLES

[0056] The organic waste is mainly feces from pets such as dogs. It may also include livestock feces (pig feces, horse feces, cow feces, chicken feces, etc.) and food waste discharged from households. The substrate is, for example, sawdust, and acidic compost-like seed bacteria is supported as the microorganism. The acidic compost-like seed bacteria can be obtained by mixing the seed bacteria with an appropriate amount of bark and sugars in any combination and leaving it for 4 to 10 days.

[0057] A mixture of food waste and a substrate carrying acidophilic microorganisms is stirred, exposed to air, and continuously heated to form a microbial flora mainly composed of lactic acid bacteria. The seed bacteria generated does not become rancid and maintains a pH value within the range of 4 to 7. Examples of sugars that can be used include glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, starch, blackstrap molasses, whey, blackstrap feed, honey, jelly, syrup, bread crumbs, and vegetable waste. Examples of acidophilic microorganisms include Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, Alicyclobacillus sendaiensis, Bacillus bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria.

[0058] The acidic compost seed bacteria may be present in an amount of, for example, 3 to 15% relative to the organic waste. The organic waste decomposed by fermentation may be used as a substrate for fermenting other organic waste while still contained in the substrate, or if the amount of substrate increases too much, it may be discharged from the storage container 300 and used as compost.

[0059] The mobile compost 100 has a base body 200 that heats a storage container 300 with a heater, and rotates a stirring rod 340a by connecting a motor to a rotating shaft 340 to deodorize and exhaust gas generated from organic waste. After collecting organic waste in the storage container 300 detached from the base body 200, the organic waste is fermented and decomposed in the base body 200 with the storage container 300 attached until the inside of the storage container 300 is dry.

[0060] In order to activate the acidic compost seed culture, the storage container 300 is kept at a temperature of 30 to 80° C., preferably 65° C. or higher, using a heating means such as a heater 440 installed on the base body 200 .

[0061] When organic waste is decomposed, the heat of fermentation causes the water to evaporate, and the amount of organic waste decreases after drying. The base material remains acidic due to the lactic acid bacteria contained in the organic waste, so the acidic compost seed bacteria also remain activated. This means that additional organic waste can be added and processed, and there is no need to replace the base material for a long period of time.

[0062] The organic waste is stored so that it does not exceed the height of the opening 310a of the storage container 300. The stirring rod 340a mixes the base material and the organic waste and also supplies air to the acidic compost seed culture, promoting aerobic fermentation.

[0063] When the control unit 200a detects that the organic waste has dried, it temporarily stops the operation of the motor that rotates the stirring rod 340a, the heater, etc. When new organic waste is put into the storage container 300 and the humidity inside the storage container 300 rises, the motor, heater, fan, etc. are operated again. The humidity can be measured by measuring the amount of moisture using moisture measuring means such as the humidity sensor 250a. For example, the amount of moisture can be detected from the resistance when a current is passed through it and converted into humidity.

[0064] According to the present invention, a person can carry a storage container for composting organic waste, directly collect pet droppings and the like that he or she finds in the storage container, and when he or she returns home, attach the storage container to the base body, thereby composting the organic waste without transferring the contents.

[0065] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the container may be cylindrical like a water bottle, and may have a good design to give a luxurious feel when carried around. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100: Mobile composting 200: Base body 200a: Control unit 210: Lid 210a: Handle 220: Exhaust port 230: Storage unit 230a: Ventilation hole 240: Hold 250: Transmission shaft 250a: Humidity sensor 260: Fan 270: Ventilation passage 270a: Deodorant 300: Storage container 310: Lid material 310a: opening 320: Upper part 320a: Ventilation hole 330: Lower part 330a: Shaft groove 330b: Terminal 340: Rotation axis 340a: Stirring rod

Claims

1. a water bottle-shaped storage container for storing organic waste inside which a rotating shaft with multiple stirring rods attached thereto passes in the longitudinal direction; a base body that heats the storage container with a heater while connecting a motor to the rotating shaft to rotate the stirring rod and deodorize and exhaust gas generated from the organic waste, After collecting the organic waste in the storage container detached from the base body, the organic waste is fermented and decomposed in the base body to which the storage container is attached until the inside of the storage container becomes dry. A mobile composting system.

2. The storage unit for attaching and detaching the storage container to the base body has a presser for supporting an upper portion of the storage container so that the storage container does not rotate, and a transmission shaft that rotates by a motor and can be connected to a rotation shaft of the storage container. The mobile compost according to claim 1 .

3. The transmission shaft is compressed by a spring when the storage container is attached, and when the rotation angle of the transmission shaft matches that of the rotation shaft, the spring expands and engages with the rotation shaft to transmit the rotational force of the motor. The mobile compost according to claim 2 .

4. The storage section for attaching and detaching the storage container to the base body is inclined so that the upper part of the storage container is higher than the lower part. The mobile compost according to claim 1 .

5. The base body includes a temperature sensor for controlling the temperature of the heater and a humidity sensor for detecting moisture in the storage container. The mobile compost according to claim 1 .

6. In order to fix the position of the storage container, the humidity sensor is protruded so as to be connected to a terminal provided at a lower part of the storage container offset from the center.

6. The mobile compost according to claim 5 .

7. When the lid of the base body is closed, the motor and the heater are driven, and the lid is locked so that it cannot be opened until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.

6. The mobile compost according to claim 5 .

8. An air passage is formed so that gas generated from the organic waste is exhausted by folding back inside the base body. The mobile compost according to claim 1 .

9. The plurality of stirring rods are vertically arranged intermittently from the top to the bottom so as to have different angles with respect to the rotation shaft, The number of the wires is reduced by bending the wires at positions other than the opening of the container and shortening the wires at the opening. The mobile compost according to claim 1 .

10. The lid of the storage container is shaped like a scoop so that the organic waste can be scooped up when the lid is removed, and the organic waste stuck in the insertion groove for fitting into the storage container is pushed to the inside. The mobile compost according to claim 1 .

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