Food waste composting device

Abstract

To provide a food residue composting apparatus which can secure moderate air permeability and moderate moisture retention to make working of microorganisms active to quicken the decomposition so as to be capable of suppressing generation of unpleasant odor and occurrence of insects.SOLUTION: A food residue composting apparatus 10 comprises: a permeable treating bag 2 into which food residue is thrown; a permeable outer bag 3 which stores the treating bag 2; and a base material 4 which is thrown into the treating bag 2 to ferment the food residue. The treating bag 2 can adjust moisture retention and air permeability. The food residue composting apparatus 10 has a double-bag structure in which the treating bag 2 is stored in the permeable outer bag 3, and the treating bag 2 has a function to adjust air permeability and moisture retention. Thereby a rate of decomposition performed by microorganisms is enhanced and occurrence of unpleasant odor can suppressed. And also because of the double-bag structure, ovipositor does not reach beyond an area between the outer bag 3 and the treating bag 2 so as to be capable of inhibiting occurrence of an insect.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food waste composting apparatus and a food waste composting method that can reduce the volume of food waste discarded from ordinary households and turn it into compost. [Background technology]

[0002] It is widely known that leftover food and food residues generated during cooking are placed in a container and composted. For example, the food waste composting container described in Patent Document 1 has ventilation holes at the bottom of the container, a mesh plate is placed on the bottom of the container, the body is placed on top of that, and a lid is placed on top of that. This food waste composting container mixes an appropriate amount of soil into the food waste when it is put in, and once fermentation is complete, the container becomes soil containing compost, so after removing the body and lid, the container can be used as a planter and the resulting compost and soil can be used to grow plants.

[0003] In addition, the method of composting food waste described in Patent Document 2 involves placing organic porous interstitial space-forming materials or inorganic porous interstitial space-forming materials together with food waste in a breathable container and fermenting them, and by mixing these porous interstitial space-forming materials, good fermentation can be achieved. Furthermore, the breathable container can use a fermentation bag as the outer bag, and an inner bag made of a mesh-like flexible synthetic resin or the like can be attached to the inside of the outer bag. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-4039 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-278572 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When composting food waste, it is necessary for the material to have a certain degree of breathability and moisture retention. When composting on the balcony of an apartment or condominium, or in an empty space in a house, there are restrictions such as drainage, odor, and the influx of insects such as flies and horseflies, compared to composting in the large garden of a detached house.

[0006] In the food waste composting container described in Patent Document 1, ventilation occurs through the gap between the lid and the body and through ventilation holes at the bottom of the container, so the lid, body, and container are likely made of non-air-permeable materials. Therefore, depending on the location of the food waste placed in the container, variations in breathability and moisture retention may occur. Furthermore, because ventilation only occurs from below the body, or from above when the lid is opened, there is a risk that the temperature inside the body may rise too much in summer, preventing moisture from escaping and resulting in excessive moisture.

[0007] In the food waste composting method described in Patent Document 2, food waste is placed in a breathable container and fermented, which provides sufficient breathability but may result in excessive loss of moisture. Also, there is a risk that insects that land on the breathable container may pierce their oviducts into the container and lay eggs. Furthermore, the food waste composting method in Patent Document 2 describes a breathable container in which a mesh bag is used as the inner bag and a flexible, non-breathable bag is used as the outer bag, with ventilation holes drilled into the outer bag; however, simply drilling ventilation holes in a non-breathable bag is not enough to ensure good breathability.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a food waste composting device and a food waste composting method that can ensure appropriate breathability and moisture retention, thereby activating microbial activity and accelerating decomposition, thereby suppressing the generation of unpleasant odors and the occurrence of insects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The food waste composting device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a breathable processing bag into which food waste is placed, a breathable outer bag in which the processing bag is stored, and a substrate that is placed into the processing bag and used to ferment the food waste.

[0010] In addition, the food waste composting method of the present invention is characterized by including the steps of storing a breathable processing bag into which food waste is placed in a breathable outer bag, placing the food waste and a substrate for fermenting the food waste, and fermenting the food waste using the substrate.

[0011] According to the food waste composting apparatus and food waste composting method of the present invention, the outer bag and the processing bag are breathable. Therefore, moisture inside the processing bag flows out of the outer bag, and air flows from outside the outer bag into the processing bag. However, because an air layer is formed between the outer bag and the processing bag, moisture inside the processing bag does not escape directly to the outside, but instead accumulates in the air layer and then escapes to the outside of the outer bag. Therefore, even if both the outer bag and the processing bag are breathable, excessive ventilation is not achieved, preventing excessive humidity or excessive humidity drop. Furthermore, because of the double-bag structure, even if the ovipositor is inserted, it can only reach the space between the outer bag and the processing bag, thereby preventing the emergence of insects.

[0012] The outer bag may be formed into a bag-type container with a pair of handles on the top thereof. Since the outer bag is formed into a bag-type container with handles, it can be carried by holding the handles.

[0013] The outer bag may have a zipper on the edge of its opening. The zipper allows the outer bag to be easily opened and closed, improving workability. Furthermore, closing the zipper makes it easy to prevent insects from entering through the opening of the outer bag.

[0014] At least the opening edge of the treatment bag can be joined to the outer bag. Even if insects insert their ovipositors into the outer bag and lay eggs between the outer bag and the treatment bag, and the hatched larvae and grown adults wander around the treatment bag, the insects can be prevented from entering through the opening of the treatment bag because at least the opening edge of the treatment bag is joined to the outer bag.

[0015] The opening edge of the processing bag is joined to the opening edge of the outer bag, and the processing bag can be formed so that the height from its outer bottom surface to the opening edge is the same as the depth from the opening edge of the outer bag to the inner bottom surface. The height from the outer bottom surface of the processing bag to the edge of the opening is set to the depth from the edge of the opening of the outer bag to the inner bottom surface, so that when the edge of the opening of the processing bag is joined to the edge of the opening of the outer bag, the outer bottom surface of the processing bag is positioned on the inner bottom surface of the outer bag. Therefore, even if a heavy substrate is placed in the processing bag, the outer bag can support it.

[0016] The processing bag and the outer bag can be made of a nonwoven fabric of resin fiber. The processing bag is made of a nonwoven fabric of resin fiber, which has breathability, and moisture can be dissipated through the processing bag and the outer bag. Therefore, the moisture content inside the processing bag can be reduced and maintained at a moisture content suitable for fermentation.

[0017] The nonwoven fabric may be a needle-punched fabric, which can impart appropriate shape retention and durability to the outer bag and the processing bag while maintaining breathability and moisture retention.

[0018] When the treatment bag is used as a planter for cultivating plants, the treatment bag can be provided with composted soil to be placed in the treatment bag and plant seeds to be sown in the soil. Even beginners can simply purchase the food waste composting apparatus of the present invention, compost food waste, and then enjoy gardening on their balcony or in a spare space.

[0019] A cardboard sheet can be provided at the bottom of the outer bag, between the outer bag and the disposal bag. Even if more water than the appropriate amount is added and the water leaks out of the disposal bag, the cardboard sheet can catch the water and prevent it from spreading outside the outer bag. Furthermore, because the cardboard sheet retains water, when the compost dries, moisture rises from the cardboard sheet and ventilates the disposal bag 2, supplying moisture to the compost. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The food waste composting device and food waste composting method of the present invention have a double bag structure consisting of a breathable processing bag and a breathable outer bag, which ensures appropriate breathability and moisture retention, and stimulates the activity of microorganisms, accelerating decomposition and suppressing the generation of unpleasant odors and the occurrence of insects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a food waste composting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2(A) to 2(F) are diagrams illustrating the use of the food waste composting apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a processing bag is housed in an outer bag of a food waste composting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] (Embodiment 1) A food waste composting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The food waste composting apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a container for fermenting food waste such as kitchen garbage to produce compost. The food waste composting device 10 is a set that includes a breathable processing bag 2 into which food waste is placed, a breathable outer bag 3 in which the processing bag is stored, a base material 4 for fermenting the food waste, soil 5 for gardening, seeds 6, and cardboard 7.

[0023] The treatment bag 2 is made of a thick nonwoven fabric made of resin fiber. In the present embodiment 1, the treatment bag 2 is made of a needle-punched fabric, which provides not only breathability but also sufficient durability.

[0024] Needle-punched fabrics are produced by using a carding machine with needles attached to the periphery of a drum to feed short fibers to form a web, stacking these webs in multiple layers, and entangling the fibers with tiny protrusions. The processing bag 2 can be made of waxed paper instead of needle-punched cloth. Waxed paper has breathability by being perforated at predetermined intervals or by forming areas where wax does not adhere.

[0025] In addition to being made of nonwoven fabric, the disposal bag 2 can also be made of a breathable and durable fabric woven from a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers. For example, the disposal bag 2 can be made of ripstop fabric, in which nylon fibers are sewn into a grid pattern on a cotton, nylon, and polyester fabric. If the disposal bag 2 were made of cotton alone, making it thicker would prevent the ovipositor from entering, but it would be heavy. However, by using a blend of synthetic fibers, it can be made thin and light while maintaining breathability and moisture retention, and the strength of the fabric surface can be improved, making it more difficult for the ovipositor to insert.

[0026] In the first embodiment, when the opening of the processing bag 2 is closed, the processing bag 2 has a trapezoidal shape in which the upper base is longer than the lower base in a front view. The bottom surface of the processing bag 2 is formed in a rectangular shape. The width of the upper end of the processing bag 2 is about 42 cm, the height is about 30 cm, the width of the rectangular bottom is about 22 cm, and the depth is about 20 cm. The thickness of the material of the outer bag 3 is about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm.

[0027] The outer bag 3 is a breathable bag-type container with a pair of handles 3b formed on the top of the bag body 3a. A zipper 3c is formed on the edge of the opening of the outer bag 3 for opening and closing. The outer bag 3 is made of the same material as the processing bag 2, that is, a thick nonwoven fabric made of resin fiber. In the present embodiment 1, since the processing bag 2 is made of needle-punched cloth, the outer bag 3 is also made of needle-punched cloth, which provides not only breathability but also sufficient durability.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the bag body 3a has a trapezoidal shape with an upper base longer than a lower base when viewed from the front with the opening closed. The bottom surface of the bag body 3a is formed in a rectangular shape. In the present embodiment 1, the width of the upper end of the bag body 3a is approximately 47 cm, the height is approximately 37 cm, the width of the rectangular bottom surface is approximately 30 cm, and the depth is approximately 22 cm. The thickness of the fabric of the outer bag 3 is approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1 mm.

[0029] The base material 4 is a combination of naturally derived materials such as charcoal made from rice husks. 1600 g of the base material 4 is included.

[0030] The soil 5 is soil for enjoying gardening after composting food waste, using the outer bag 3 as a flower pot (planter). The soil can be determined according to the conditions such as the seeds included, but in the present embodiment 1, 2100 g of soil 5 is included. The seeds 6 can be determined based on when the food waste composting apparatus 10 was purchased. For example, if the food waste composting apparatus 10 was purchased in January, the seeds 6 can be seeds of flowers that bloom in spring and are sown in February or March. The seeds 6 can be seeds of plants whose flowers are enjoyed, seeds of ornamental plants, or seeds of vegetables.

[0031] The cardboard 7 is formed in a rectangular shape and is the same size as the bottom of the disposal bag 2 or slightly larger.

[0032] The composting method using the food waste composting apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment configured as above will now be described with reference to the drawings. First, the zipper 3c of the outer bag 3 shown in Figure 1 is opened, and after placing cardboard 7 on the bottom of the outer bag 3, the disposal bag 2 is placed on top of the cardboard 7. At this time, the outer bag 3 is placed on a base 8 that resembles an upside-down basket-shaped tray and has many ventilation holes arranged in a grid pattern. This ensures and improves the breathability of the bottom surface of the outer bag 3.

[0033] Next, as shown in Figure 2(A), the substrate 4 is placed in the disposal bag 2 placed in the bag body 3a of the outer bag 3, and food waste such as kitchen waste is added at a rate of approximately 300g / day, and stirred with a shovel or the like.

[0034] After adding the food residue and stirring, close the zipper 3c of the outer bag 3 as shown in Figure 2(B). This completes the preparation. This prevents the moisture inside from evaporating, maintaining a moderate level of moisture. Also, by closing the zipper 3c, there is no gap at the top opening of the outer bag 3, which prevents insects from entering through the opening. As shown in Figure 2(C), the zipper 3c of the outer bag 3 is opened, additional food residue is added, the food residue and base material 4 in the disposal bag 2 are stirred using a scoop S or the like, and the zipper 3c of the outer bag 3 is closed. This process is continued for three weeks.

[0035] Next, as shown in Figure 2(D), after about three weeks of adding food waste, the zipper 3c of the outer bag 3 is left closed and the compost from the fermented food waste is allowed to mature. During the three-week maturation period, the compost is stirred about three times a week, and if the compost is dry, about 500cc of water is added.

[0036] When water is replenished, it seeps into the compost and is retained, but if too much water is supplied and not all of the water is retained, some passes through the disposal bag 2 and is absorbed by the cardboard 7 underneath the disposal bag 2. Therefore, even if a little more water than appropriate is supplied and leaks from the disposal bag 2, the cardboard 7 (see Figure 1) placed underneath the disposal bag 2 catches the water and prevents it from leaking and spreading outside the outer bag 3. Therefore, even when the food waste composting device 10 is used on a balcony, it can prevent the surrounding area from getting dirty.

[0037] Furthermore, since the cardboard 7 retains water, when the compost dries, moisture rises from the cardboard 7 and ventilates the disposal bag 2, supplying moisture to the compost, thereby preventing the compost from drying out.

[0038] After the three-week maturation period, the compost will be completely composted and ready for gardening. For gardening, as shown in Figure 2(E), the treatment bag 2 is removed from the outer bag 3, and the upper edge of the treatment bag 2 is folded inward, for example, once or twice, to turn the treatment bag 2 into a planter for growing plants. Then, the soil 5 shown in Figure 1 is added to the treatment bag 2 and mixed, and seeds 6 are sown. At this time, the seeds 6 are sown at 1 cm intervals.

[0039] Next, as shown in Figure 2(F), plants can be grown in a sunny location and watered frequently to make them grow large. When many seeds sprout, they are thinned out. In this way, users can enjoy gardening as well as composting.

[0040] As described above, according to the food waste composting apparatus 10 of this embodiment 1, the processing bag 2 is stored in the outer bag 3 shown in Figure 1, thereby forming a double bag structure, and since the processing bag 2 is stored in the outer bag 3, thereby forming a double bag structure, sufficient strength can be ensured. For example, if the outer bag is formed to the combined thickness of the outer bag and the processing bag, and the substrate and food waste are placed in the outer bag, moisture inside the outer bag will flow directly out, and air from the outside will flow directly into the outer bag. As a result, the internal humidity and temperature will change significantly, preventing good moisture retention and good fermentation.

[0041] However, because the outer bag 3 and the processing bag 2 are breathable and the processing bag 2 is placed inside the outer bag 3, an air layer is created between the outer bag 3 and the processing bag 2, so that when moisture inside the processing bag 2 flows out of the outer bag 3 or air flows from outside the outer bag 3 into the processing bag 2, the moisture inside the processing bag 2 does not escape directly to the outside but temporarily accumulates in the air layer and then escapes to the outside of the outer bag 3. Therefore, even if both the outer bag 3 and the processing bag 2 are breathable, excessive ventilation is not performed, and it is possible to prevent the humidity from becoming too high or the humidity from dropping too low.

[0042] Furthermore, even if insects pierce the outer bag 3 from the side thereof with their ovipositors and pass through the outer bag 3, the outer bag 3 is provided with the processing bag 2, which is the inner bag, so the ovipositors can only reach the gap between the outer bag 3 and the processing bag 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent insects from emerging. At this time, even if the ovipositor reaches the processing bag 2, if the processing bag 2 is made of waxed paper, the ovipositor cannot be inserted into the waxed paper, so the processing bag 2 can be prevented from passing through. Therefore, although it is difficult to prevent the emergence of insects due to eggs attached to food residue, it is possible to prevent the emergence of insects due to external piercing of the ovipositor.

[0043] Therefore, the food residue composting device 10 can ensure appropriate breathability and moisture retention, which activates microorganisms and speeds up decomposition, suppressing the generation of unpleasant odors and preventing or suppressing the occurrence of insects.

[0044] The planter is also provided with soil 5 to be put into the composted treatment bag 2 when the treatment bag 2 is placed on the planter for cultivating plants, and plant seeds 6 to be sown in the soil 5. Therefore, by simply removing the disposal bag 2 from the outer bag 3, the disposal bag 2 containing the soil 5 containing fertile compost can be used as a planter, so even beginners can simply purchase the food residue composting device 10, compost food residue, and then enjoy gardening on a balcony or in an empty space.

[0045] Therefore, the food residue composting apparatus 10 is suitable for couples who produce little food residue with each meal, and for beginners who are trying to compost food residue for the first time.

[0046] Furthermore, the outer bag 3 is formed as a bag-type container with a pair of handles 3b formed on the top of the bag body 3a, so it can be easily lifted and moved when cleaning or tidying up while composting on a balcony, making it convenient to carry. In particular, since the outer bag 3 is an inverted trapezoidal tote bag type, adding food waste and water to the processing bag 2 is easy because the opening of the outer bag 3 opens wide, and even when the user moves the food waste composting device 10, the outer bag 3 can be hung and easily moved. Furthermore, the outer bag 3 has a zipper 3c at the opening edge, so that the outer bag 3 can be easily opened and closed when stirring the food residue and the base material 4 or when adding water and stirring, thereby improving workability. Moreover, by closing the fastener 3c, it is possible to easily prevent insects from entering through the opening.

[0047] In this embodiment 1, the outer bag 3 is made small so that the processing bag 2 can be used as a planter to grow plants, but by making the outer bag 3 large and increasing the size of the processing bag 2, it is possible to produce large amounts of compost, and by adding new base material 4 each time compost is made, food waste can be added continuously, making it possible to produce compost continuously.

[0048] (Embodiment 2) A food waste composting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The food waste composting apparatus shown in Figure 3 has a processing bag 20 placed inside an outer bag 3, and like the food waste composting apparatus 10 shown in Figure 1, it is equipped with a base material 4 for fermenting food waste, soil 5 for gardening, and seeds 6.

[0049] As in the first embodiment, the disposal bag 20 can be made of a needle-punched nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric made from a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers.

[0050] The processing bag 20 is not simply housed in the outer bag 3, but the opening edge 21 of the processing bag 20 is joined along the inner surface of the outer bag 3 (shown as joining area S1 in FIG. 3). In the second embodiment, the opening edge 21 of the processing bag 20 is joined to the opening edge 31 of the outer bag 3. The processing bag 20 is formed so that the height from its outer bottom surface 22 (bottom surface) to the opening edge 21 is the same as the depth from the opening edge 31 to the inner bottom surface 32 of the outer bag 3 . Therefore, when the opening edge 21 of the disposal bag 20 is joined to the outer bag 3, the outer bottom surface 22 of the disposal bag 20 is located on the inner bottom surface 32 of the outer bag 3. Furthermore, if the cardboard box 7 is placed on the inner bottom surface 32 of the outer bag 3, the outer bottom surface 22 of the disposal bag 20 is located on the cardboard box 7.

[0051] Therefore, even if a heavy base material is placed in the processing bag 20, it is supported by the bottom 33 of the outer bag 3, so that even when a user carries the outer bag 3, the burden on the joints of the processing bag 20 can be reduced, and the processing bag 20 is fixed inside the outer bag 3. Therefore, even if a user moves while holding the outer bag 3, the processing bag 20 does not swing inside the outer bag 3 and can be maintained in a positioned state, so that the processing bag 20 can be carried in a stable state inside the outer bag 3. Furthermore, at the destination, by opening the zipper 3c of the outer bag 3, the inside of the processing bag 20 can be seen through the opening 34 of the outer bag 3, making it easy to add food residue, replenish moisture, and check the fermentation status.

[0052] In this way, even if insects pierce their ovipositors through the body 35 of the outer bag 3, pass through the outer bag 3, and the eggs they lay hatch, become larvae, and wander around, attempting to climb up through the body 23 of the disposal bag 20 to the opening 24 and invade, the bottom 25 of the disposal bag 20 is closed and the opening edge 21 is joined by the joining area S1 of the outer bag 3, so that the insects can be prevented from entering.

[0053] This joining can be achieved by sewing with sewing thread, by bonding with an adhesive, or by fusion bonding. Furthermore, if the opening edge 21 of the treatment bag 20 is joined, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of newly hatched insects between the outer bag 3 and the treatment bag 20, but it is also possible to join the body 23 or outer bottom surface 22 of the treatment bag 20 to the inside surface of the outer bag 3. This makes it possible to make the treatment bag 20 more stable inside the outer bag 3, and further reduces the strain on the joint between the opening edge 21 of the treatment bag 20 and the outer bag 3. [Industrial Applicability]

[0054] The present invention can reduce the volume of food waste generated in ordinary households and turn it into compost, making it suitable for composting on balconies and open spaces in condominiums, apartments, and detached houses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10 Food residue composting equipment 2,20 Processing bags 21 Opening edge 22 Outer bottom surface 23 Torso 24 Opening 25 Bottom 3 outer bag 31 Opening edge 32 Inner bottom surface 33 Bottom 34 Opening 35 Torso 3a Bag body 3b Handle 3c zipper 4 Base material 5. Soil 6 types 7. Cardboard 8. Pedestal S shovel S1 junction area

Claims

1. a breathable disposal bag into which food residue is placed; an outer bag having breathability in which the treatment bag is housed; a substrate that is placed in the processing bag and that causes the food waste to ferment, A food waste composting apparatus in which cardboard is provided at the bottom of the outer bag, between the outer bag and the processing bag.

2. 2. The food waste composting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer bag is formed into a bag-type container having a pair of handles on the top thereof.

3. 3. The food waste composting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer bag has a zipper at the edge of its opening.

4. 4. The food waste composting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least the edge of the opening of the processing bag is joined along the inner surface of the outer bag.

5. The opening edge of the processing bag is joined to the opening edge of the outer bag, 5. A food waste composting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the height from the outer bottom surface to the edge of the opening of said processing bag is equal to the depth from the edge of the opening of said outer bag to the inner bottom surface.

6. 6. The food waste composting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing bag and the outer bag are made of nonwoven fabric made of resin fiber.

7. 7. The food waste composting apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the nonwoven fabric is a needle-punched fabric.

8. A food waste composting device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, which is provided with soil to be placed in the processing bag after composting when the processing bag is used as a planter for growing plants, and plant seeds to be sown in the soil.

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