Compost container

The compost container addresses odor and insect issues by circulating air and using a photocatalyst to purify air, ensuring comfortable and efficient composting.

JP7854189B2Active Publication Date: 2026-05-01CIRCULATION CREATION CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
CIRCULATION CREATION CO LTD
Filing Date
2022-12-19
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Compost handling is difficult due to odor and insect issues, deterring users from engaging comfortably in composting.

Method used

A compost container with a housing and a blowing mechanism that circulates air around the compost container, utilizing a photocatalyst to purify air and a control system to manage airflow based on compost conditions.

Benefits of technology

Suppresses unpleasant odors and promotes efficient composting by maintaining dry conditions, enhancing user comfort and compost quality.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To solve a problem that, although a compost which is composted by using mainly organic materials such as household kitchen garbage, fallen leaves, and sewage sludge, and fermenting and decomposing the materials making use of action of microorganisms is environmentally desirable, the compost bears difficulty in being continuously handled due to occurrence of odors or bugs.SOLUTION: A compost storage container includes a housing that can place a compost container therein, the compost container capable of storing compost, and ventilating means that can ventilate an outer periphery of the compost container placed in the housing. The housing can place the compost container therein such that at least part of an inner periphery of the compost container is separated from an inner periphery of the housing by a predetermined length or larger. The ventilating means can ventilate the gap having the predetermined length or larger arranged between the compost container and the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a compost storage container.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques that motivate ordinary people who are not experts to engage in crop cultivation are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for providing an amusement farm that enables non-expert ordinary people to manage a farm garden and integrates related information processing systems in real time so that they can enjoy farming. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for providing a user with a highly realistic crop cultivation simulation game that can be linked to actual crop cultivation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Compost, which mainly uses organic substances such as household waste, fallen leaves, and sewage sludge discharged from homes, utilizes the action of microorganisms to ferment and decompose into compost. Although it is environmentally friendly, it is difficult to handle, and the generation of odors and insects makes it difficult for users to engage in it comfortably. Therefore, this disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide a technique that motivates users to engage in compost comfortably.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A compost container comprising a housing on which a compost container capable of containing compost can be placed, and a blowing means capable of blowing air along the outer circumference of the compost container placed inside the housing, wherein the housing is such that at least a portion of the inner circumference of the compost container is spaced at least a predetermined distance from the inner circumference of the housing, and the blowing means is capable of blowing air into a gap of at least a predetermined distance provided between the compost container and the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this disclosure, the generation of unpleasant odors and other issues can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing composting device 1. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing composting device 1. [Figure 3] This is a left side view showing composting device 1. [Figure 4] This is a top view showing composting device 1. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of BB. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of composting device 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings illustrating the embodiments, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. The following embodiments are not intended to unduly limit the content of this disclosure as described in the claims. Not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of this disclosure. Also, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a strict illustration.

[0009] <Configuration of the Compost Device 1> The compost device 1 is a device that creates compost by using organic substances such as household garbage, fallen leaves, and sewage sludge mainly from households, and utilizing the action of microorganisms to ferment and decompose them.

[0010] The compost device 1 includes a compost storage container 10, a compost container 15, compost (fertilizer) 16, and an inner lid 17.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the compost device 1. Figure 2 is a front view showing the compost device 1. Figure 3 is a left side view showing the compost device 1. Figure 4 is a top view showing the compost device 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Figure 4. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the compost device 1. [[ID=۲۳]]

[0012] <Configuration of the Compost Storage Container 10> The compost storage container 10 is a container for placing the compost 16 contained in the compost container 15 inside. The compost storage container 10 will be described by taking a household compost storage container mainly used indoors as an example. The compost storage container 10 includes a housing 101, a power supply system 102, and a photocatalyst 103.

[0013] <Configuration of the Housing 101 of the Compost Storage Container 10> The housing 101 is a housing component of the compost storage container 10 that houses the compost container 15 inside. The housing 101 can place the compost container 15 capable of accommodating the compost 16 (fertilizer) inside.

[0014] Specifically, the housing 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending vertically upward. The inside of the housing 101 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The housing 101 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 30 cm and a height of about 30 cm, and is preferably sized for use indoors, such as in the living space of a residential building. The housing 101 is configured such that at least a part of the outer periphery of the compost container 15 is spaced apart from the inner periphery of the housing 101 by a predetermined length or more, and the compost container 15 can be placed inside. Specifically, gaps 201, 202, 203, 204 of a predetermined length or more are provided between the compost container 15 and the housing 101. Air inside the housing 101 can be blown through the gaps 201, 202, 203, 204. The center of the cylindrical housing 101 is provided at substantially the same position as the center of the compost container 15, which is also formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. A gap 201 is formed by spacing the inner surface of the cylindrical housing 101 about 2 cm from the outer periphery of the compost container 15. The bottom surface of the compost container 15 is supported by the housing container 101 through the support portion 10112, and a gap 202 is formed by spacing the bottom surface of the compost container 15 from the bottom surface of the housing container 101 by about 4 cm.

[0015] The housing 101 includes a lid portion 1012 that can move the compost container 15 into the housing 101 by opening, and a housing body 1011 that can be opened and closed by the lid portion 1012. Specifically, the lid portion 1012 is a member that can cover the opening end 10111 (opening) provided on the first bottom surface of the housing 101 formed in a cylindrical shape. The user can open the opening end 10111 of the housing body 1011 by lifting the lid portion 1012. The user can replace the compost container 15 placed inside the housing 101 with a compost container 15 containing a new base material through the opened opening end 10111. Also, the user can put organic matter such as kitchen waste into the compost 16 through the opened opening end 10111.

[0016] The housing 101 has a projection that extends from the inside outward in at least a portion of the housing 101, and at the apex of the projection is an air permeable portion that allows air to pass through. The housing 101 also has a projection in at least a portion of the lid 1012. The lid 1012 is conical in shape and capable of covering an opening provided on the first bottom surface of the housing. The lid 1012 is positioned to face the opening of the compost container 15 placed inside the housing 101. Specifically, the lid portion 1012 is formed in a conical shape (funnel shape) having an inclined surface (projection) that protrudes from the inside to the outside of the housing 101. The surface (inner surface) of the lid portion 1012 that covers the open end 10111 of the housing 101 also has an inclined surface (projection) that protrudes from the inside to the outside of the housing 101. Furthermore, a hole portion 205 is provided at the apex of the conical shape of the lid portion 1012. The hole portion 205 may be covered with a mesh (net) to prevent foreign matter from entering from the outside of the housing 101. The hole portion 205 may not be a hole, but may be formed of a material that allows air to pass through. The hole portion 205 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes from the inside to the outside of the housing 101, and the user can comfortably lift the lid portion 1012 from the housing body 1011 by gripping the cylinder. The air inside the housing 101 is blown along the inclined inner surface of the lid 1012, passes through the hole 205 provided in the center of the lid 1012, and is exhausted to the outside of the housing 101.

[0017] Because the lid portion 1012 is conical in shape, the gap 204 formed at the top of the compost container 15 is a larger space compared to gaps 201, 202, etc. The air blown by the fan 1023 circulates repeatedly in the space over gap 204 and is purified by the photocatalyst 103 as it remains there. The purified air is then discharged to the outside through the holes 205.

[0018] The lid portion 1012 is provided with a photocatalyst 103 that can be irradiated with light from the light irradiation means, at least on a part of the lid portion. Specifically, the photocatalyst 103 is provided on the inner surface of the lid portion 1012.

[0019] The housing 101 has a projection on its inner bottom surface. Specifically, the housing body 1011 has a support portion 10112 consisting of protrusions on its bottom surface capable of supporting the compost container 15. A slit (gap 203) is formed between the protrusions. The protrusions are formed extending upward from the bottom surface of the housing body 1011. The slit is provided so as to be in contact with the bottom surface of the compost container 15 and so as to allow air to pass through horizontally. In other words, the air passing through the slit can directly pass over the bottom surface of the compost container 15. The user can place the compost container 15 on the support portion 10112 inside the housing body 1011. The projection is provided on the weight sensor 1024, and the compost container 15 is supported by this projection.

[0020] A hole for embedding a fan 1023 is provided on the side of the housing 101. The fan 1023 is fitted into the hole provided on the side of the housing 101. The fan 1023 can blow air from the outside of the housing 101 into the inside of the housing 101. The fan 1023 is embedded at a predetermined height from the bottom surface of the housing 101 and is positioned to blow air towards the slit portion of the support portion 10112.

[0021] <Configuration of the power supply system 102 for the compost container 10> The power supply system 102 for the compost container 10 includes an AC adapter 1021, a microcontroller board 1022, a fan 1023, a weight sensor 1024, an LED 1025, a temperature sensor 1026, a moisture sensor 1027, and an ambient temperature sensor 1028.

[0022] The AC adapter 1021 is a power supply device (power supply unit) capable of supplying power to the microcontroller board 1022, fan 1023, weight sensor 1024, LED 1025, temperature sensor 1026, moisture sensor 1027, ambient temperature sensor 1028, etc. Specifically, the AC adapter 1021 is installed outside the housing 101, electrically connected to a power outlet or the like. The AC adapter 1021 supplies power to the power supply system 102 by being electrically connected to the microcontroller board 1022. The AC adapter 1021 may also be integrated into a part of the housing 101. At a minimum, the power supply unit, air blower, weight sensor, and light irradiation means are installed in the housing body.

[0023] The microcontroller board 1022 is an information processing device capable of acquiring sensing data measured by input devices such as a weight sensor 1024, a temperature sensor 1026, and a moisture sensor 1027. The microcontroller board 1022 is an information processing device capable of controlling the airflow rate of the fan 1023 and the light emission amount of the LED 1025. For example, the microcontroller board 1022 can control the operation of output means such as the fan 1023 and LED 1025 by controlling the power output to them based on the sensing data acquired from the input devices. The microcontroller board 1022 includes a timer 10221 for measuring the current time.

[0024] Specifically, the microcontroller board 1022 may control the operation of the fan 1023 based on sensing data acquired from the weight sensor 1024, temperature sensor 1026, and moisture sensor 1027.

[0025] The fan 1023 controls the amount of air it blows based on the weight of the compost container 15, which is measured by the weight sensor 1024. For example, the microcontroller board 1022 may control the operation of the fan 1023 based on the weight of the compost container 15 obtained from the weight sensor 1024. Specifically, if the weight of the compost 16 increases, the microcontroller board 1022 determines that new food waste has been added to the compost 16 and increases the power supplied to the fan 1023 to increase the airflow in order to dry out the compost. On the other hand, if the weight of the compost 16 decreases, the microcontroller board 1022 determines that the compost 16 is sufficiently dry and decreases the power supplied to the fan 1023 to reduce the airflow.

[0026] For example, the microcontroller board 1022 may control the operation of the fan 1023 based on the temperature of the compost 16 obtained from the temperature sensor 1026. Specifically, if the temperature of the compost 16 rises, the microcontroller board 1022 increases the power supplied to the fan 1023 to increase the airflow in order to promote the maturation of the compost. On the other hand, if the temperature of the compost 16 decreases, the microcontroller board 1022 determines that the maturation of the compost 16 has progressed sufficiently and reduces the power supplied to the fan 1023 to decrease the airflow.

[0027] For example, the microcontroller board 1022 may control the operation of the fan 1023 based on the weight of the compost container 15 obtained from the moisture sensor 1027. Specifically, if the moisture content of the compost 16 increases, the microcontroller board 1022 determines that new food waste has been added to the compost 16 and increases the power supplied to the fan 1023 to increase the airflow in order to dry out the compost. On the other hand, if the moisture content of the compost 16 decreases, the microcontroller board 1022 determines that the compost 16 is sufficiently dry and decreases the power supplied to the fan 1023 to reduce the airflow.

[0028] Fan 1023 is a blower (air blowing means) for blowing air from outside the housing 101 to the inside. Fans can be of various types, such as axial fans, centrifugal fans, and sirocco fans. In this disclosure, a DC fan that operates on direct current will be described as an example. The fan 1023 is installed on the lower side of the housing body 1011. The fan 1023 may be installed on the housing body 1011 as part of the housing 101, or it may be installed on the lid 1012.

[0029] The fan 1023 is a means of blowing air along the outer circumference of the compost container 15, which is placed inside the housing 101. The fan 1023 can blow air into gaps 201, 202, 203, and 204 of a predetermined length or longer, which are provided between the compost container 15 and the housing 101. Specifically, the air drawn in from the outside by the fan 1023 is blown into the compost container 10 along the dotted line 301 in Figure 5. The air drawn in by the fan 1023 passes through the gap 202 between the bottom surface of the housing body 1011 and the bottom surface of the compost container 15, passes through the slit (gap 203) provided in the support part 10112, is blown in the order of the gap 201 between the side surface of the housing body 1011 and the side surface of the compost container 15, the gap 204 between the lid part 1012 and the top surface of the compost container 15, and the hole part 205, and is discharged to the outside of the housing body 1011.

[0030] Fan 1023 can blow air towards the protruding part. Specifically, the fan 1023 is installed and fixed to a part of the housing body 1011 in such a position that the air it blows passes through the support portion 10112 where the protrusion is formed.

[0031] The fan 1023 can blow air along the deodorizing means. Specifically, the fan 1023 is installed and fixed to a part of the housing body 1011 in a position such that the air it blows passes through the photocatalyst 103 provided on the inner surface of the lid 1012.

[0032] Because the lid portion 1012 is cone-shaped, the gap 204 formed at the top of the compost container 15 is a larger space compared to gaps 201, 202, etc. The air blown by the fan 1023 circulates repeatedly in the space over gap 204 and is purified by the photocatalyst 103 as it remains there. The purified air is then discharged to the outside through the holes 205.

[0033] The fan 1023 can blow air from inside the housing 101 to the outside of the housing 101 through the air permeable section. Specifically, the fan 1023 is installed and fixed to a part of the housing body 1011 in a position such that the air it blows passes through the hole 205 in the lid 1012.

[0034] The weight sensor 1024 is a sensing device capable of measuring the weight of the compost container 15, compost 16, and inner lid 17 placed on the weight sensor. The weight sensor 1024 can be realized using force sensors such as load cells, piezoelectric elements, capacitive types, and film laminated types. In this disclosure, a weight sensor using a piezoelectric force sensor will be described as an example. The weight sensor 1024 is installed in a part of the housing 101 and is a weight sensor capable of measuring the weight of the compost container 15. The weight sensor 1024 is located on the bottom surface of the housing 101 on which the compost container 15 can be placed. Specifically, the weight sensor 1024 is fixed to the bottom surface of the housing body 1011. A projection is formed on the upper surface of the weight sensor 1024, and a support portion 10112 is formed thereon.

[0035] LED1025 is a light irradiation device (light irradiation means) capable of irradiating light (electromagnetic waves including visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, and other invisible light). In this disclosure, a light-emitting diode (LED) is described as an example of a light irradiation means for realizing a light irradiation device. The light irradiation means does not need to be a spontaneously emitting device; for example, natural light such as sunlight may be used as the irradiation means. For example, light transmission means such as windows, light guiding means such as light guides, and light reflection means such as mirrors are also included as light irradiation means. The light irradiation means is preferably a means having a peak wavelength in the absorption wavelength range of the photocatalyst 103. In this case, the catalytic action of the photocatalyst 103 can be activated more effectively, and unpleasant odors can be suppressed.

[0036] LED1025 is installed in a part of the housing 101 and can irradiate light onto the photocatalyst 103. Specifically, the LED 1025 is installed on the inner side of the opening end 10111 of the housing body 1011. The LED 1025 may be installed anywhere on the housing body 1011, lid 1012, compost container 15, compost 16, inner lid 17, etc., as long as the direction of light irradiation is directed toward the photocatalyst 103 provided on the inner surface of the lid 1012. It is preferable to install the LED 1025 in the housing body 1011, which is equipped with the power supply system 102. This is because it eliminates the need for wiring to the outside of the housing body 1011. This allows the power supply unit and the power supply system units such as the blower, weight sensor, and light irradiation means, which are powered by the power supply unit, to be integrated into the housing. This simplifies the device configuration.

[0037] LED1025 is controlled to emit light when the lid is closed and not emit light when the lid is open. Specifically, the microcontroller board 1022, based on an open / close sensor (not shown), executes control to supply power to the LED 1025 and illuminate the LED 1025 when it detects that the lid 1012 covers the open end 10111 of the housing body 1011. On the other hand, the microcontroller board 1022, based on an open / close sensor (not shown), stops supplying power to the LED 1025 and turns off the LED 1025 when it detects that the lid 1012 does not cover the open end 10111 of the housing body 1011. The open / close sensor includes any sensor capable of detecting the opening and closing of the lid 1012, such as a mechanical switch or an optical sensor. For example, a mechanical switch is provided at the open end 10111 of the housing 101. In this case, if the open end 10111 is covered by the cover 1012, the mechanical switch is pressed by the cover 1012, turning it ON. If the open end 10111 is not covered by the cover 1012, the mechanical switch is released by the cover 1012, turning it OFF. The microcontroller board 1022 can detect the state of coverage of the open end 10111 of the housing body 1011 by the cover 1012 according to the state of the mechanical switch. This prevents light from shining onto the user when they open the lid. Users can then use the compost container more comfortably.

[0038] The temperature sensor 1026 is a sensing device that measures the internal temperature of the compost 16, which is composed of a base material, soil, etc. The temperature sensor 1026 can be a resistance thermometer, a linear resistor, a thermistor, or other similar device.

[0039] The moisture sensor 1027 is a sensing device that measures the moisture content of the compost 16. Specifically, it can measure the moisture content of the substrate and soil. The moisture sensor 1027 can obtain the moisture content of the substrate and soil, for example, by measuring the capacitance of the substrate and soil.

[0040] The ambient temperature sensor 1028 is a sensing device that measures the temperature outside the composting device 1 (ambient temperature). The ambient temperature sensor 1028 can be a resistance thermometer, a linear resistor, a thermistor, or other type of sensor.

[0041] <Composition of photocatalyst 103 in compost container 10> Photocatalyst 103 is a part containing a material that exhibits catalytic activity when irradiated with light (electromagnetic waves including visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared light, and other invisible light). There are various types of photocatalysts, such as dye-sensitized titanium dioxide, metal ion-doped titanium dioxide, reduced titanium dioxide, and anion (nitrogen)-doped titanium dioxide. When light is shone on the photocatalyst 103, organic matter on the surface of the photocatalyst 103 can be decomposed. For example, it can function as a deodorizing means to decompose (purify) organic matter that causes unpleasant odors in the air. In addition, instead of photocatalyst 103, deodorizing methods using activated carbon, deodorizing beads, ozone generators, aromas (fragrances), etc. may be applied. Specifically, at least one combination of any deodorizing methods may be used, such as chemical deodorization methods that convert malodorous components into odorless components through chemical reactions, physical deodorization methods that remove malodorous components by absorbing them, and sensory deodorization methods that make unpleasant odors undetectable with pleasant fragrances.

[0042] The deodorizing means is a deodorizing means provided around the air permeable section. Specifically, the photocatalyst 103 is preferably provided around the hole 205 of the lid 1012. For example, the photocatalyst 103 may be installed on the inner surface of the lid 1012 in the area surrounding the hole 205. It is sufficient that the photocatalyst 103 is provided around the hole 205; it does not necessarily need to be on the inner surface of the lid 1012. It may also be installed at a position spaced apart from the inner surface of the lid 1012, such as vertically below the hole 205.

[0043] The deodorizing means consists of a photocatalyst provided around the air permeable section and an irradiation means capable of irradiating the photocatalyst with light. Specifically, the LED 1025 is positioned so that its light irradiation direction is directed toward the photocatalyst 103 provided on the inner surface of the lid 1012. This allows the photocatalyst to function more effectively as a deodorizing agent.

[0044] <Composition of compost container 15> The compost container 15 is a container for housing compost 16 inside. The compost container 15 is filled with compost 16. The compost container 15 is a bag-shaped container made of a moisture-permeable material such as nonwoven fabric, which allows the compost 16 filled inside to be dried by the outside air. The compost container 15 is a bag-shaped container with a diameter of approximately 26 cm, a height of approximately 25 cm, and a capacity of 18 liters. In this disclosure, food waste and other materials placed in the compost 16 are decomposed into soil by aerobic bacteria contained in the base material of the compost 16. By properly drying the compost 16, the generation of unpleasant odors can be suppressed. The compost container 15 is provided with an opening 151 for adding organic matter to the compost 16 contained inside. In this disclosure, the compost container 15 is designed to be replaceable. Specifically, the compost container 15 is formed in a bag shape and has handles 152 on its sides. The user can remove the compost container 15 containing the completed compost 16 from the housing 101 by grasping the handle 152, and then place a new compost container 15 containing new substrate into the housing 101. This allows for easy replacement of the substrate without getting hands dirty with soil or other materials from the compost 16. In this disclosure, users can comfortably replace the substrate without getting their hands or surroundings dirty, and can comfortably engage in composting.

[0045] The compost container 15 can be supported by the protrusions. Specifically, the compost container 15 is supported by a support portion 10112 consisting of protrusions provided on the bottom surface of the housing body 1011. Because the bottom surface of the compost container 15 is supported by the protrusions, the compost 16 can be dried from the bottom surface by air passing through the slits (gaps 203) between the protrusions, thereby promoting soil decomposition by aerobic bacteria.

[0046] <Composition of 16 components of compost> Compost 16 is a type of compost made by adding organic matter such as food waste, fallen leaves, and sewage sludge to a base material that has been pre-placed inside a compost container 15, and then allowing microorganisms contained in the base material to decompose (mature, ferment) the organic matter. The compost consists of a base material and soil. In this disclosure, compost refers to a material comprising at least one of a substrate or soil.

[0047] <Structure of inner lid 17> The inner lid 17 covers the opening in the compost container for adding organic matter. The inner lid 17 is a breathable lid that can cover the opening of the compost container placed inside the housing. Specifically, the inner lid 17 is a plate-shaped member formed from a moisture-permeable material such as diatomaceous earth, and functions as a lid that can be opened and closed on the open end of the compost container 15. The user lifts the lid portion 1012, lifts the inner lid 17, opens the open end of the compost container 15, and puts organic matter such as food waste into the compost 16 from the open end of the compost container 15. The inner lid 17 prevents unpleasant odors released from the opening of the compost container 15 from being released into the housing 101. Furthermore, since the inner lid 17 is made of a moisture-permeable material, it promotes the drying of compost such as the compost 16. Note that the inner lid 17 is not an essential component.

[0048] <Note> The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0049] (Note 1) A compost container comprising a housing (101) on which a compost container capable of containing compost can be placed, and a blowing means (1023) capable of blowing air along the outer circumference of the compost container placed inside the housing, wherein the housing (101) is such that at least a portion of the inner circumference of the compost container is spaced at least a predetermined length away from the inner circumference of the housing, and the blowing means (1023) is capable of blowing air into a gap of at least a predetermined length provided between the compost container and the housing. This promotes the drying of compost and other materials placed inside the housing. By preventing the compost from rotting, the generation of unpleasant odors can be suppressed.

[0050] (Note 2) The compost container according to Appendix 1, wherein the housing (101) has a projection that protrudes from the inside to the outside of the housing in at least a portion thereof, and the top of the projection has an air permeable portion that allows air to pass through, and the blowing means (1023) is capable of blowing air from inside the housing to the outside of the housing through the air permeable portion. This allows moisture-laden air inside the housing to be guided to the air permeable section located at the top of the weight. This facilitates smooth air circulation inside the housing and allows moisture to be expelled to the outside of the housing.

[0051] (Note 3) The compost container as described in Appendix 2 comprises a housing with a deodorizing means (103) provided around an air permeable portion, and a blowing means (1023) capable of blowing air along the deodorizing means. This makes it possible to reduce unpleasant odors contained in the air discharged from the inside of the housing to the outside using deodorizing means.

[0052] (Note 4) The compost container described in Appendix 3 comprises a photocatalyst provided around an air permeable portion and an irradiation means capable of irradiating the photocatalyst with light. This allows for a more effective reduction of unpleasant odors in the air discharged from the inside of the housing to the outside before discharge.

[0053] (Note 5) The compost container according to Appendix 2, wherein the housing (101) has a lid that can be opened to move the compost container into the housing, and the housing (101) has a protrusion on at least a part of the lid. This allows users to easily replace the compost container by opening and closing the lid.

[0054] (Note 6) The compost container described in Appendix 5 is provided with a lid (1012) facing the opening of the compost container placed inside the housing. This allows the opening of the compost container to dry smoothly. Furthermore, if a deodorizing mechanism is provided on the lid, unpleasant odors released from the opening of the compost container can be effectively eliminated by this mechanism.

[0055] (Note 7) A compost container as described in Appendix 6, comprising a breathable inner lid (17) capable of covering the opening of a compost container placed inside the housing. This prevents unpleasant odors released from the compost container opening from entering the housing. Furthermore, the inner lid is made of a breathable material, which promotes the drying of compost and other waste materials.

[0056] (Note 8) The compost container as described in Appendix 7, wherein the inside of the housing (101) is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the lid (1012) is conical in shape capable of covering an opening provided on the first bottom surface of the housing. This allows for smooth airflow along the inner circumference of the compost container. This effectively promotes the drying of compost and other materials placed inside the housing.

[0057] (Note 9) The compost container according to Appendix 1, wherein the housing (101) has a projection on its inner bottom surface, the compost container (15) is supported by the projection, and the blowing means (1023) is capable of blowing air toward the projection. This promotes drying of the bottom of compost piles and other materials placed inside the housing. By preventing the compost from rotting, the generation of unpleasant odors can be effectively suppressed.

[0058] (Note 10) The housing has a weight sensor (1024) capable of measuring the weight of the compost container on its bottom surface on which the compost container can be placed, and the projection is provided between the weight sensor and the compost container, as described in Appendix 9. This allows for the measurement or determination of the compost's state, such as drying and maturation, by measuring the weight of the compost placed inside the housing.

[0059] (Note 11) The compost container according to Appendix 1 comprises a power supply unit (1021) installed in part of the housing, a weight sensor (1024) installed in part of the housing capable of measuring the weight of the compost container, and a light irradiation means (1025) installed in part of the housing capable of irradiating light onto the photocatalyst, wherein a blower (1023) is installed in part of the housing, and the power supply unit (1021) is a means capable of supplying power to the blower, weight sensor, and light irradiation means. This allows the power supply unit and the power supply system units such as the blower, weight sensor, and light irradiation means, which are powered by the power supply unit, to be integrated into the housing. This simplifies the device configuration.

[0060] (Note 12) The housing (101) comprises a lid that can be opened to move the compost container into the housing, and a housing body that can be opened and closed by the lid, and at least a part of the lid (1012) is provided with a photocatalyst that can be irradiated with light from a light irradiation means, and the power supply unit, blower means, weight sensor, and light irradiation means are installed in the housing body, as described in Appendix 11. This allows the power supply unit and other units that receive power from the power supply unit, such as the blower, weight sensor, and light irradiation means, to be integrated into the housing body rather than in an openable / closable lid. This simplifies the device configuration.

[0061] (Note 13) The light irradiation means (1025) is a means that controls the light irradiation when the lid is closed and the light irradiation not to occur when the lid is open, as described in Appendix 12. This allows the light source to be switched off when the housing lid is opened, preventing light from shining onto the user who opened the lid. This allows the user to use the compost container more comfortably.

[0062] (Note 14) The compost container according to Appendix 1, wherein the housing has a weight sensor (1024) capable of measuring the weight of the compost container, and the amount of air blowing means (1023) is controlled based on the weight of the compost container measured by the weight sensor. This allows for the control of the degree of drying by controlling the amount of air blown according to the weight of the compost, such as compost placed inside the housing, and the drying and maturation state of the compost based on changes in its weight.

[0063] (Note 15) The compost container (15) placed inside the housing is a compost container as described in any of the appendices 1 to 12, which is a container that is permeable to moisture. This promotes drying from the outside of the compost container. By preventing the compost from rotting, the generation of unpleasant odors can be suppressed.

[0064] (Note 16) A household compost container (10) for use inside a house, the compost container described in any of the appendices 1 to 12. By suppressing the generation of unpleasant odors from compost, it is possible to create a compost container that can be used indoors, such as in a house, primarily within the home. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 Composting device, 10 Compost container, 101 Housing, 101 Housing body, 1012 Lid, 15 Compost container, 16 Compost, 17 Inner lid

Claims

1. A housing that can accommodate a compost container for storing compost, A blowing means capable of blowing air along the outer circumference of the compost container placed inside the housing, Equipped with, The housing is such that at least a portion of the inner circumference of the compost container is spaced at least a predetermined distance from the inner circumference of the housing, and the compost container can be placed inside the housing. The housing has an air permeable portion that allows air to pass through at least a part of it, The housing has deodorizing means provided around the air permeable portion, The aforementioned air blowing means is capable of blowing air into a gap of a predetermined length or longer provided between the compost container and the housing, The blowing means is capable of blowing air from inside the housing to the outside of the housing through the air permeable portion. The aforementioned air blowing means is capable of blowing air along the aforementioned deodorizing means, The aforementioned compost container is a container that is permeable to moisture. Compost container.

2. The housing has a projection that extends outward from the inside of the housing in at least a portion thereof, and the top of the projection has an air permeable portion that allows air to pass through. The compost container according to claim 1.

3. The deodorizing means comprises a photocatalyst provided around the air permeable portion and an irradiation means capable of irradiating the photocatalyst with light. The compost container according to claim 1.

4. The housing has a lid that can be opened to move the compost container into the housing, The housing has the protruding portion on at least a part of the lid, The compost container according to claim 2.

5. The lid is provided so as to face the opening of the compost container which is placed inside the housing. The compost container according to claim 4.

6. A housing that can accommodate a compost container for storing compost, A blowing means capable of blowing air along the outer circumference of the compost container placed inside the housing, A breathable inner lid capable of covering the opening of the compost container placed inside the housing, Equipped with, The housing is such that at least a portion of the inner circumference of the compost container is spaced at least a predetermined distance from the inner circumference of the housing, and the compost container can be placed inside the housing. The housing has an air permeable portion that allows air to pass through at least a part of it, The housing has a lid, The lid is provided so as to face the opening of the compost container which is placed inside the housing, The aforementioned air blowing means is capable of blowing air into a gap of a predetermined length or longer provided between the compost container and the housing, The blowing means is capable of blowing air from inside the housing to the outside of the housing through the air permeable portion. The aforementioned compost container is a container that is permeable to moisture. Compost container.

7. The housing has a projection that extends outward from the inside of the housing in at least a portion thereof, and the top of the projection has an air permeable portion that allows air to pass through. The compost container according to claim 6.

8. The housing allows the compost container to be moved into the housing by opening the lid. The compost container according to claim 6.

9. The housing has a projection extending from the inside to the outside of the housing on at least a portion of the lid, and the top of the projection has an air permeable portion that allows air to pass through. The compost container according to claim 6.

10. The inside of the housing is formed in a cylindrical shape. The lid portion has a conical shape that can cover the opening provided on the first upper surface of the housing. The compost container according to claim 6.

11. The housing has a projection on its inner bottom surface, The compost container can be supported by the projection, The blowing means is capable of blowing air toward the projection. The compost container according to claim 1.

12. The compost container placed inside the housing is a container that is permeable to moisture. A compost container according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A household compost container used inside a house, A compost container according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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