Waste input hopper

Abstract

To provide a waste input hopper capable of reducing compaction of waste to appropriately cancel bridges.SOLUTION: A waste input hopper (1) has a waste introduction path (1c) having a portion whose path cross-sectional area is smaller than an area of an input port (1a), and introduces waste into a treatment chamber (102) for treating the waste. The waste hopper (1) comprises: a bridge release device (2) arranged in a first region (A1) of an inner wall defining the waste introduction path (1c), and capable of swinging around a first axis (21) along a direction intersecting the waste introduction direction; and a path expansion device (3) that is arranged in a second region (A2) of the inner wall opposite the first region (A1), and expands the path cross-sectional area in the second region (A2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a waste input hopper. [Background technology]

[0002] A waste disposal facility or other plant is equipped with a waste hopper that introduces waste into a treatment chamber, such as a combustion chamber, where the waste is treated. The waste introduction path of the waste hopper narrows downward from the inlet.

[0003] In areas of the waste introduction path of such a waste hopper where the path cross-sectional area is small, waste may become stuck in the waste introduction path, causing bridges. In order to remove such bridges, the waste introduction hopper is equipped with a bridge release machine as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. The bridge release machine is configured to swing around an axis that runs in a direction intersecting the waste introduction direction in the waste introduction path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-279018 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the bridge removal machine described above acts in a direction that compresses the waste when it swings around its axis. This increases the degree of compaction of the waste in the bridge, which may make it impossible to remove the bridge. Patent Document 1 discloses that compressing the waste from above and below the bridge improves the bridge removal capability. However, if the bridge cannot be removed, the compressed waste may make the bridge even stronger.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a waste hopper that can reduce compaction of waste and properly release bridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A waste hopper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a waste hopper that has a waste introduction path with a portion where the path cross-sectional area is smaller than the area of the introduction port, and introduces waste into a processing chamber for processing the waste.The waste hopper is equipped with: a bridge release device that is arranged in a first region of an inner wall that defines the waste introduction path and is capable of swinging around a first axis along a direction that intersects with the waste introduction direction; and a path expansion device that is arranged in a second region of the inner wall opposite the first region and expands the path cross-sectional area in the second region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, waste compaction can be reduced and bridges can be properly released. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a waste treatment facility equipped with a waste input hopper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a waste hopper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state when the bridge releasing machine is not performing a bridge releasing operation. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a waste hopper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state when a bridge releasing operation is being performed by a bridge releasing machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a waste hopper in a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing another example of a path expander. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a path enlargement device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding elements will be designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a waste treatment facility equipped with a waste input hopper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] The waste treatment facility 100 shown in Figure 1 includes a combustion furnace 102 having a combustion chamber 103 for incinerating waste as a treatment chamber for treating waste. A waste input hopper 1, a chute 106, and a dust feeder 107 are arranged upstream of the combustion furnace 102. Waste input from the waste input hopper 1 through the chute 106 into the combustion furnace 102 is sent to the combustion chamber 103 by the dust feeder 107. The downstream side of the combustion furnace 102 is not shown in the figure.

[0013] The combustion furnace 102 has a stoker installed below the combustion chamber 103. The stoker functions as a waste transport means. The stoker has, in order from the side closest to the chute 106, a drying stoker 111, a combustion stoker 112, and a post-combustion stoker 113. In other words, these stokers 111 to 113 are arranged in the direction in which the waste moves. The combustion furnace 102 has hoppers 114, 115, and 116 below the drying stoker 111, the combustion stoker 112, and the post-combustion stoker 113.

[0014] In the combustion chamber 103, combustion gas is generated by the thermal decomposition and partial oxidation reaction of the waste, and the combustion gas is burned together with the waste. The post-combustion chamber 117 is used to completely combust the combustion gas flowing out of the combustion chamber 103. Ash after combustion of the waste is discharged from an outlet 118 provided adjacent to the post-combustion stoker 113.

[0015] Figures 2 and 3 are schematic cross-sectional views showing the internal structure of a waste hopper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows a state when the bridge releasing operation of the bridge releasing machine 2 described below is not being performed, and Figure 3 shows a state when the bridge releasing operation is being performed. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in Figures 2 and 3. The waste hopper 1 has a waste inlet 1a at its upper end and a chute structure at its lower end. The waste hopper 1 has a waste introduction path 1c inside that connects the inlet 1a and the outlet 1b.

[0016] The waste hopper 1 includes a first wall 11 and a second wall 12 arranged opposite each other, and a third wall 13 and a fourth wall 14 arranged to intersect the first wall 11 and the second wall 12. The space defined by the first wall 11 to the fourth wall 14 constitutes the waste introduction path 1c. In other words, the first wall 11 to the fourth wall 14 are inner walls defining the waste introduction path 1c. The first wall 11 and the second wall 12 are arranged such that the distance between the inner walls decreases from top to bottom in at least a portion of the vertical direction. Furthermore, the third wall 13 and the fourth wall 14 are arranged such that the distance between the inner walls decreases from top to bottom in at least a portion of the vertical direction. Thus, the waste hopper 1 has a funnel-shaped portion. Therefore, the waste introduction path 1c has a portion where the cross-sectional area of the path is smaller than the area of the inlet 1a. The region including the point where the distance between the third wall 13 and the fourth wall 14 is the shortest is called a throat portion 1d.

[0017] The waste hopper 1 is equipped with a hopper gate 6 located downstream of the throat portion 1d of the waste introduction path 1c. The hopper gate 6 is equipped with a flap gate 61 that closes the waste introduction path 1c. The flap gate 61 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 62 that extends in a direction intersecting the waste introduction direction in the third wall 13. The rotation shaft 62 is positioned so as to intersect with the first wall 11 and the second wall 12.

[0018] The flap gate 61 can be positioned in an open position that opens the waste introduction path 1c and a closed position that blocks the waste introduction path 1c. In the open position, the flap gate 61 is positioned so as to follow the third wall 13, and in the closed position, it is positioned so as to be perpendicular to the third wall 13. The flap gate 61 is positioned in the open position when the combustion furnace 102 is operating, i.e., during combustion, and is positioned in the closed position when the combustion furnace 102 is out of operation, etc. By positioning the flap gate 61 in the closed position when the combustion furnace 102 is out of operation, it is possible to suppress the introduction of outside air into the combustion furnace 102 when the operation of the combustion furnace 102 is resumed, and to promote the rise in temperature inside the combustion furnace 102.

[0019] On the other hand, when the combustion furnace 102 is in operation, the introduction of outside air into the combustion furnace 102 is suppressed by the waste introduced into the waste introduction path 1c. That is, when the combustion furnace 102 is in operation, the waste is introduced into the waste introduction path 1c so that it accumulates within the waste introduction path 1c. For this reason, in the throat portion 1d, the waste may clog the waste introduction path 1c, causing a bridge to form. When a bridge forms, even if the waste downstream of the bridge flows toward the combustion furnace 102, the flow of waste upstream of the bridge is blocked by the bridge.

[0020] For this reason, the waste hopper 1 is equipped with a bridge release device 2 arranged in a first area A1 on the inner wall of the waste introduction path 1c. The first area A1 is set near the throat portion 1d on the third wall 13. The bridge release device 2 is configured to be swingable about a first axis 21 along a direction intersecting the waste introduction direction. In FIG. 2, the waste introduction direction is the up-down direction. The first axis 21 is arranged perpendicular to the first wall 11 and the second wall 12.

[0021] The bridge release machine 2 includes a plurality of fan-shaped blades 22. The center of each of the plurality of blades 22 is fixed to the first shaft 21. In this case, the plurality of blades 22 are fixed at intervals in the axial direction, as shown in FIG. 4 described later. That is, the plurality of blades 22 are arranged in a comb-like shape. The third wall 13 has an opening 13a formed in the first region A1, and the plurality of blades 22 can be positioned outside the waste introduction path 1c by rotating around the first shaft 21. The third wall 13 has a storage case 13b in which the plurality of blades 22 are stored. As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of blades 22 are stored in the storage case 13b when the bridge release operation is not being performed.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, when performing a bridge releasing operation, the bridge releasing machine 2 rotates around the first shaft 21, advances from the storage case 13b into the waste introduction path 1c, and then swings around the first shaft 21 within the waste introduction path 1c. As a result, the multiple blades 22 act on the bridge formed in the throat portion 1d, releasing the bridge. However, if the volume of waste forming the bridge is large or if the position where the bridge is formed is close to the bridge releasing machine 2, the action of the bridge releasing machine 2 may increase the compaction level of the waste in the bridge, making it impossible to release the bridge and potentially making the bridge stronger.

[0023] For this reason, in this embodiment, the waste hopper 1 is provided with a path widening device 3 disposed in a second region A2 facing the first region A1 in the inner wall defining the waste introduction path 1c. The second region A2 is set near the throat portion 1d in the fourth wall 14. The path widening device 3 is configured to widen the cross-sectional area of the path in the second region A2.

[0024] The path widening device 3 includes a flap 31 that closes the opening 14a formed in the second area A2. The flap 31 is configured to be rotatable at its lower end about a second axis 32 that extends in a direction intersecting the waste introduction direction. By rotating about the second axis 32, the flap 31 can be selectively positioned between a first position P1 that closes the opening 14a and a second position P2 that is located outside the first position P1.

[0025] The fourth wall 14 has a path enlargement case 14b that seals the opening 14a in the second area A2. The path enlargement case 14b has a shape that bulges outward from the area of the fourth wall 14 other than the second area A2 so that the flap 31 can take the second position P2.

[0026] The waste hopper 1 is equipped with a controller 4 that controls the operation of the path expander 3. The controller 4 includes a processing circuit 5 that performs various signal processing. The processing circuit 5 has a computer such as a microcontroller, a personal computer, or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). More specifically, the processing circuit 5 includes a processor, a memory, and peripheral circuits. The processor includes, for example, a CPU or MPU. The memory includes, for example, ROM, RAM, registers, non-volatile storage, etc. The peripheral circuits include an input / output interface, etc. Furthermore, the controller 4 may include an input device for a user to input operations and an output device such as a monitor that outputs the control status.

[0027] It should be noted that the functions of the elements disclosed herein can be performed using circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuitry. In this specification, a circuit, unit, means, or module is hardware that performs the recited functions or hardware that is programmed to perform the recited functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. Where hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, the circuit, unit, or means is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0028] The memory stores a control program. The processor reads the control program from the memory and generates command values for controlling the path widening device 3, which is the object of control, based on the control program. The controller 4 can also control the operation of the bridge release device 2 and the hopper gate 6. The controller 4 may be configured as a controller for the waste treatment facility 100 equipped with the waste input hopper 1, or may be configured as a controller separate from the controller for the waste treatment facility 100.

[0029] When the bridge release device 2 is not operating, the flap 31 of the path widening device 3 is located at the first position P1, as shown in Figure 2. As a result, the surface of the flap 31 is almost flush with the inner wall of the fourth wall 14. In other words, the flap 31 functions as part of the inner wall of the fourth wall 14. As a result, when the waste is incinerated in the incineration furnace 102 of the waste treatment facility 100, the shape of the waste introduction path 1c becomes appropriate, allowing the waste to be introduced into the incineration furnace 102 efficiently.

[0030] When a bridge is formed in the waste introduction path 1c, the bridge release device 2 performs a bridge release operation in response to an operation by a manager, etc. At this time, the controller 4 controls the path widening device 3 to operate in conjunction with the operation of the bridge release device 2. More specifically, the controller 4 controls the path widening device 3 to start expanding the path cross-sectional area in the second area A2 when the bridge release device 2 starts operating. That is, as shown in FIG. 3 , the multiple blades 22 of the bridge release device 2 advance from the storage case 13b into the waste introduction path 1c and begin swinging in the waste introduction path 1c, and the flap 31 of the path widening device 3 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2. That is, the flap 31 moves to the second position P2, which is farther away from the first shaft 21, which is the rotation axis of the bridge release device 2, than the first position P1. While the multiple blades 22 of the bridge release device 2 are swinging, the position of the flap 31 of the path widening device 3 is maintained at the second position P2.

[0031] Furthermore, the controller 4 controls the path widening device 3 to end the widening operation after the operation of the bridge release device 2 is completed. That is, after the multiple blades 22 of the bridge release device 2 are stored in the storage case 13b, the flap 31 of the path widening device 3 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1, returning to the state shown in FIG.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the path enlargement device 3 enlarges the path cross-sectional area of the waste introduction path 1c near the throat portion 1d. In FIG. 4, the path cross-sectional area of the waste introduction path 1c near the throat portion 1d is the region indicated by diagonal lines. As shown in FIG. 4, the path cross-sectional area near the throat portion 1d when the bridge release operation is being performed is larger than when the bridge release operation is not being performed. Therefore, even if the multiple blades 22 press against the bridge formed at the throat portion 1d during the bridge release operation of the bridge release device 2, the bridged waste is pushed out downstream of the waste introduction path 1c expanded by the path enlargement device 3 without being compressed. Therefore, compaction of the waste in the waste introduction path 1c can be reduced, and the bridge formed in the waste introduction path 1c can be properly released.

[0033] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the flap 31 rotates around the second shaft 32 located at the lower end, thereby expanding the cross-sectional area of the waste introduction path 1c. This makes it possible to realize a configuration for expanding the waste introduction path 1c with a simple structure. Because the flap 31 moves in the direction of discharging the waste inside the path expansion case 14b, it is less likely that waste will become trapped between the path expansion case 14b and the flap 31, and the operating range of the flap 31 can be easily secured.

[0034] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the path widening machine 3 starts the widening operation when the bridge release machine 2 starts operating, and ends the widening operation after the bridge release machine 2 finishes operating. Therefore, while the bridge release machine 2 is pressing the bridge, the path cross-sectional area of the waste introduction path 1c expands, thereby appropriately preventing the waste that has become a bridge from being compressed.

[0035] [Variations] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a waste hopper in a modified example of this embodiment. Fig. 5 shows the state when the bridge release operation is being performed. In this modified example, the same components as those in Figs. 2 and 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0036] The waste hopper 1B of this modified example differs from the example shown in Figures 2 and 3 in that the flap 31B of the path widening mechanism 3B can be positioned at a third position P3 that blocks the waste introduction path 1c in addition to the first position P1 and second position P2. Therefore, this modified example does not have the hopper gate 6 shown in Figures 2 and 3. In other words, the waste hopper 1B of this modified example has a common hopper gate and path widening mechanism.

[0037] In this way, with the path widening device 3B of this modified example, the flap 31B is positioned at the third position P3, thereby blocking the waste introduction path 1c. This eliminates the need for the hopper gate 6. This prevents the increase in manufacturing costs of the waste hopper 1B due to the inclusion of the path widening device 3.

[0038] The above describes embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications, and various improvements, changes, and modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Other embodiments] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration including a plurality of blades 22 has been exemplified as the bridge releasing machine 2, but this is not limiting. For example, the bridge releasing machine 2 may include a box body having a sector-shaped end face perpendicular to the first axis 21 and a side face connected to the periphery of the end face and extending along the direction of the first axis 21. In this case as well, the box body swings around the first axis 21 and acts on the bridge, thereby achieving the same bridge releasing function as the bridge releasing machine 2 including a plurality of blades 22.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the flap 31 of the path enlarger 3 is pivotally supported by the second shaft 32 at the lower end of the flap 31, but this is not limited thereto. FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams showing other examples of path enlargers. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A , the flap 311 of the path enlarger 301 may be pivotally supported by the second shaft 32 at the upper end of the flap 311. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6B , the path enlarger 302 may include a plate 312 having a surface along the fourth wall 14, and the plate 312 may be configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the fourth wall 14. For example, the plate 312 may be supported by a support 313 extending in a direction perpendicular to the fourth wall 14, and the plate 312 may be selectively positioned between a first position P1 where the plate 312 blocks the opening 14a of the fourth wall 14 and a second position P2 located outside the first position P1 by moving the support 313 in the direction perpendicular to the fourth wall 14.

[0041] 7, the path widening mechanism 303 may be configured with two connected flaps 314, 315. In this modification, the first flap 314 is configured to be rotatable at its upper end around a second axis 316 that intersects the waste introduction direction. The upper end of the second flap 315 is connected to the lower end of the first flap 314 so as to be rotatable around a third axis 317 that is parallel to the second axis 316. For example, the first flap 314 and the second flap 315 are connected by a hinge that forms the third axis 317. The second flap 315 is positioned such that the outer surface of its lower end region abuts against the fourth wall 14, which is the inner wall that defines the waste introduction path on the second region A2 side. The second axis 316 is fixed to the inner wall that defines the waste introduction path 1c, and the third axis 317 is not fixed to the inner wall. Therefore, the position of the third shaft 317 changes within the waste introduction path 1c as the first flap 314 rotates about the second shaft 316.

[0042] In the path enlargement device 303 of this modification, the third shaft 317 can be selectively positioned at a predetermined first position P1 or a second position P2 located outside the first position P1 by changing the position of the second flap 315 around the third shaft 317 relative to the first flap 314. At this time, within the rotation range of the first flap 314, the upper end of the opening 14a of the fourth wall 14 is maintained in contact with the second flap 315. The angle formed between the first flap 314 and the second flap 315 at the second position P2 is smaller than the angle at the first position P1.

[0043] For example, the second shaft 316 may be configured as a drive shaft, and the third shaft 317 may be configured as a driven shaft. At this time, the first flap 314 is rotated about the second shaft 316 by a drive device such as a motor. The second flap 315 rotates about the third shaft 317 in conjunction with the rotation of the first flap 314 about the second shaft 316. In other words, when the position of the third shaft 317 changes due to the rotation of the first flap 314 about the second shaft 316, the position of the second flap 315 about the first flap 314 changes because the lower end region of the second flap 315 abuts against the fourth wall 14.

[0044] Alternatively, the third shaft 317 may be configured as a drive shaft, and the second shaft 316 may be configured as a driven shaft. That is, by rotating the third shaft 317 with a drive device such as a motor, the positions of the first flap 314 and the second flaps 315 connected to the third shaft 317 around the third shaft 317 change. Due to this change in position, the first flap 314 rotates around the second shaft 316 due to the weight of the first flap 314 and the second flaps 315. Also, both the second shaft 316 and the third shaft 317 may be configured as drive shafts.

[0045] For example, the first position P1 is a position where the first flap 314 and the second flap 315 are aligned with the fourth wall 14. On the other hand, the second position P2 is a position outside the first position P1. In this way, by positioning the third axis 317 at the second position P2 outside the first position P1, the cross-sectional area of the waste introduction path 1c near the throat portion 1d is expanded. Furthermore, according to this modification, when the cross-sectional area of the path is expanded, it is possible to prevent waste from entering between the path expansion case 14b and the flaps 314 and 315. For this reason, the path expansion case 14b may not be required in this modification.

[0046] Summary of this disclosure [Item 1] A waste hopper according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a waste hopper that has a waste introduction path with a portion where the path cross-sectional area is smaller than the area of the introduction port, and introduces waste into a processing chamber for processing the waste.The waste hopper is equipped with: a bridge release device that is arranged in a first region of an inner wall that defines the waste introduction path and is capable of swinging around a first axis along a direction that intersects with the waste introduction direction; and a path expansion device that is arranged in a second region of the inner wall opposite the first region and expands the path cross-sectional area in the second region.

[0047] According to the above configuration, the path enlarger expands the cross-sectional area of the waste introduction path near the throat. Therefore, even if the bridge formed in the throat is pressed by the bridge release operation of the bridge release device, the bridged waste is pushed downstream of the waste introduction path expanded by the path enlarger without being compressed. This reduces waste compaction in the waste introduction path and allows the bridge formed in the waste introduction path to be properly released.

[0048] [Item 2] In the waste hopper of item 1, the path widening mechanism may include a flap that closes the opening formed in the second region, and the flap may be rotatable at its upper or lower end about a second axis that intersects with the waste introduction direction, and may be selectively positioned between a first position that closes the opening and a second position that is positioned outward from the first position by rotating the flap about the second axis. In this way, the cross-sectional area of the waste introduction path is expanded by rotating the flap about the second axis. This allows for a simple configuration for widening the waste introduction path.

[0049] [Item 3] In the waste hopper of item 2, the flap may be capable of being positioned at a third position where it blocks the waste introduction path by rotating about the second axis. In this way, the flap can block the waste introduction path by being positioned at the third position. Therefore, a hopper gate is not required. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost of the waste hopper due to the inclusion of a path widening device.

[0050] [Item 4] In the waste introduction hopper of item 1, the path widening device may include a first flap rotatable at its upper end about a second axis extending in a direction intersecting the waste introduction direction, and a second flap whose upper end is connected to the lower end of the first flap so as to be rotatable about a third axis parallel to the second axis and whose outer surface in a lower end region abuts against an inner wall defining the waste introduction path in the second region, wherein by changing the position of the second flap about the third axis relative to the first flap, the third axis can be selectively positioned between a predetermined first position and a second position located outward from the first position. This allows the cross-sectional area of the waste introduction path to be enlarged while preventing waste from entering outside the first and second flaps.

[0051] [Item 5] The waste input hopper of any one of items 1 to 4 may include a controller that controls the path widening device, and the controller may control the path widening device to start the operation of widening the path cross-sectional area in the second region when the bridge release device starts operating, and to end the widening operation after the bridge release device ends operating. This allows the path cross-sectional area of the waste introduction path to expand while the bridge release device is pressing the bridge, thereby appropriately preventing the waste that has become a bridge from being compressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1,1B Waste input hopper 1a Inlet 1c Waste introduction route 2 Bridge release machine 3,3B,301,302,303 Route expansion machine 4 Controller 14a Second area opening 21 1st axis 31, 31B, 311 Flap 314 First flap 315 Second flap 32,316 2nd axis 317 3rd axis A1 1st area A2 Second Area

Claims

1. A waste input hopper having a waste introduction path with a portion where the path cross-sectional area is smaller than the area of the input opening, and for introducing waste into a processing chamber for processing waste, a bridge release device disposed in a first region of the inner wall defining the waste introduction path and swingable about a first axis along a direction intersecting the waste introduction direction; a path expander disposed in a second region of the inner wall opposite the first region, for expanding a cross-sectional area of the path in the second region;

2. the path expander includes a flap that closes an opening formed in the second region; The flap is The upper end or the lower end is rotatable about a second axis along a direction intersecting with the waste introduction direction, 2. The waste hopper according to claim 1, wherein the waste hopper is selectively positionable between a first position that blocks the opening and a second position that is positioned outward from the first position by rotating about the second axis.

3. 3. The waste hopper according to claim 2, wherein the flap is pivotable about the second axis to a third position where the flap blocks the waste introduction path.

4. The path expander is a first flap that is rotatable at its upper end about a second axis that extends in a direction intersecting the waste introduction direction; a second flap whose upper end is connected to the lower end of the first flap so as to be rotatable about a third axis parallel to the second axis, and whose outer surface in the lower end region is arranged to abut against an inner wall defining a waste introduction path on the second region side; 2. The waste hopper of claim 1, wherein the third axis can be selectively positioned between a predetermined first position and a second position located outside the first position by changing the position of the second flap about the third axis relative to the first flap.

5. a controller for controlling the path expander; A waste hopper as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller controls the path widening device to start expanding the path cross-sectional area in the second region when the bridge release device starts operating, and to end the expansion operation after the bridge release device ends operating.

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