Volume reduction processing equipment

Abstract

To provide a volume reduction apparatus that can efficiently compress and reduce the volume of waste and other materials. [Solution] The volume reduction processing device 1 includes a bottomed cylindrical storage container 11 with an opening 111 at one end and a bottom 112 at the other end; a cylindrical mobile container 12 formed with a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the storage container 11, provided to be inserted into and removed from the opening 111 of the storage container 11, with one end being an input port 121 for the material to be processed and the other end being a communication port 122 that opens toward the storage container 11; a damper 13 as a biasing means that holds the mobile container 12 so that it can be inserted into and removed from the opening 111 of the storage container 11 and biases the mobile container 12 in a direction that causes it to protrude from the storage container 11; and a lid member 14 that opens and closes the input port of the mobile container 12. By applying force with the input port 121 of the mobile container 12 closed by the lid member 14 and moving the mobile container 12 toward the storage container 11, the waste in the storage space is compressed and its volume is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a volume reduction processing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to reduce the cost of disposing of garbage generated at home and the like, technologies for reducing the volume of garbage have been developed. If the volume of garbage can be reduced, the transportation cost and combustion cost of garbage can be reduced, and it also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases. In addition, the advantage of reducing the space for storing garbage at home can also be obtained.

[0003] In the case of waste containing moisture such as fresh garbage discharged from home, if the moisture is removed, the volume of the waste can be reduced. Therefore, a device for drying and reducing the volume of waste by warm air has been developed (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] On the other hand, garbage such as plastic bottles and paper scraps cannot be reduced in volume by drying, so it is necessary to physically compress and reduce the volume. Although it is common to compress the garbage in the trash can by pushing it with hands or a compression plate, it is difficult to appropriately compress the garbage so that it does not overflow from the trash can. That is, the volume of the garbage that can be compressed in the trash can is at most limited to the amount that can fit in the trash can. When compressing more garbage, it is necessary to first compress and reduce the volume of the garbage in the trash can, and then put the garbage into the empty space and compress it again. Therefore, when the amount of garbage increases, it takes time to reduce the volume of the garbage.

[0005] To alleviate such hassles, a waste bin disclosed in Patent Document 3 has been developed. This waste bin has a bottomed cylindrical container (lower body 2) and a cylindrical container (upper body 1) with a larger cross-sectional area than the lower body 2 and slidably mounted on the lower body 2 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, this waste bin has a compression coil spring 3b inside the lower body 2 that can maintain the upper body 1 in an upward-pushed state, and a lid body 4 that closes the upper end opening of the upper body 1. Therefore, when the upper body 1 is pushed up by the compression coil spring 3b, the inside of the upper body 1 and the inside of the lower body 2 become waste storage spaces where waste can be placed. If waste is placed in the waste storage spaces and the opening of the upper body 1 is closed with the lid body 4, pushing the upper body 1 downward, the waste in the waste storage spaces can be compressed. Moreover, although the inside of the lower body 2 is the original waste storage space, the waste storage space is enlarged by the space inside the upper body 1, so more waste can be stored and compressed. Therefore, the process of reducing the volume of waste can be made more efficient, and the time required for waste reduction processing can be shortened. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5060669 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5959129 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-181804 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, in the technology of Patent Document 3, the upper part 1 of the waste bin body has a larger cross-sectional area than the lower part 2 of the body. When the upper part 1 slides to a position where it overlaps with the lower part 2, the upper part 1 ends up being positioned outside the lower part 2. Consequently, during the process of pushing down the upper part 1 to compress the waste in the waste storage space, there is a possibility that the waste inside the upper part 1 may spill out from between the upper part 1 and the lower part 2. Moreover, if the waste gets stuck between the upper part 1 and the lower part 2, the restoring force of the compression coil spring 3b may not be able to return the upper part 1 to its original position. Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 3 cannot sufficiently improve the efficiency of the waste compression and volume reduction process. In addition, because the compression coil spring 3b is located inside the waste storage space, the volume of the waste storage space is reduced accordingly.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a volume reduction apparatus that can efficiently perform compression and volume reduction processing of waste and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first invention is a device for compressing and reducing the volume of a material to be processed, comprising: a bottomed cylindrical storage container having an opening at one end and a bottom at the other end; a cylindrical mobile container formed with a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the storage container, provided to be inserted into and removed from the opening of the storage container, having one end as an input port for the material to be processed and the other end as a communication port opening toward the storage container; a biasing means for holding the mobile container so that it can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the storage container and biasing the mobile container in a direction that causes it to protrude from the storage container; and a lid member for opening and closing the input port of the mobile container. The second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, it has a pressing mechanism that pushes the movable container toward the containment container together with the lid member. The third invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, it comprises a stage on which the containment container and the mobile container are mounted vertically, and an auxiliary member disposed on the outside of the mobile container and connected to the upper end of the mobile container, wherein the biasing means is incorporated between the stage and the auxiliary member. The fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, the lid member is provided inside so as to be vertically movable, and the stage on which the storage container and the mobile container are mounted is stored in a case that can be inserted into and removed, and the lid member is provided above the mobile container in a state that is protruding from the storage container by the biasing means. The fifth invention is a device for compressing and reducing the volume of a material to be processed, comprising: a bottomed cylindrical storage container having an opening at one end that faces upward and the other end as the bottom; a cylindrical mobile container having a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the storage container, provided to be inserted into and removed from the opening of the storage container, having one end as an input port for the material to be processed and the other end as a communication port that faces the storage container; a holding means provided between the storage container and the mobile container for holding the mobile container at a predetermined protruding position that protrudes from the storage container; and a lid member for opening and closing the input port of the mobile container. The sixth invention is characterized in that, in the fifth invention, it includes an engaging means for engaging the mobile container and a lid member located directly above the opening of the mobile container, and a lifting mechanism for raising the lid member, which is connected to the mobile container by the engaging means, to the protruding position, or lowering it from the protruding position against the holding means. The seventh invention is characterized in that, in the sixth invention, it comprises a stage on which the storage container and the mobile container are mounted vertically, and a case having a lid member inside for storing the stage on which the storage container and the mobile container are mounted in a removable manner, wherein the lid member is positioned at a height such that it engages with the mobile container by the engaging means when the stage is pushed into the case such that the opening of the mobile container is located directly below the lid member. The eighth invention is characterized in that, in the seventh invention, an auxiliary member is disposed on the outside of the mobile container and connected to the upper end of the mobile container, wherein the engaging means includes an outer edge portion extending to the side of a closing portion that closes the opening of the mobile container, and a receiving portion that protrudes from the bottom side of the outer edge portion and is bent in an L-shape, and the auxiliary member has a projection that enters between the outer edge portion and the receiving portion and / or an opening that enters into the receiving portion when the stage is pushed into the case such that the opening of the mobile container is located directly below the closing portion of the lid member. The ninth invention is characterized in that, in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth invention, the fitting member has a tubular portion formed in a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the storage container and in contact with the inner wall surface of the storage container, and an L-shaped bent portion connected to the upper end of the tubular portion and forming a groove portion between itself and the tubular portion that is fitted into the opening of the storage container. The tenth invention is characterized in that, in the ninth invention, the axial length of the cylindrical portion of the fitting member is greater than the axial length of the cylindrical mobile container. The 11th invention is characterized in that, in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th invention, the inner wall surface of the mobile container is inclined to gradually widen from the input opening towards the communication opening, and the inner wall surface of the containment container is inclined to gradually widen from the bottom towards the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The present invention provides a volume reduction processing device that can efficiently compress and reduce the volume of waste and other materials. The present invention is a volume reduction processing device suitable for reducing the volume of waste such as used PET bottles and plastic trays, but the materials to be processed are not limited to waste and other waste, and may include various articles that require compression and volume reduction before storage or transportation.

[0011] According to the first invention, when the mobile container is in a state where it protrudes from the opening of the containment container by the biasing means, the space inside the mobile container and the space inside the containment container can be used as a containment space for garbage, etc. Then, by applying force to move the mobile container toward the containment container while the input opening of the mobile container is blocked (closed) by the lid member, the volume of the containment space can be reduced, thereby compressing and reducing the volume of garbage in the containment space. Furthermore, when this force is removed, the biasing force of the biasing means can return the volume of the containment space to its original state. Moreover, since the mobile container is provided so that it can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the containment container, that is, when the mobile container is moved toward the containment container, the communication opening of the mobile container is positioned inside the opening of the containment container, garbage, etc. in the mobile container does not get caught on the opening of the containment container during the process of moving into the containment container, and moves smoothly into the containment container. As a result, problems such as garbage, etc. spilling out from between the containment container and the mobile container, or getting stuck between the mobile container and the containment container and being unable to return the mobile container to its original position by the restoring force of the biasing means, are less likely to occur. In addition, while the first invention is basically used with the storage container and transport container arranged vertically, it can also be used with them arranged horizontally depending on the type and purpose of the material being processed. According to the second invention, after the input opening of the mobile container is sealed (closed) with the lid member, the mobile container can be pushed toward the containment container side together with the lid member using the pressing mechanism, thereby reducing the volume of the containment space. In the first invention, the mobile container may be pushed directly by hand, but according to the second invention, the material to be processed can be efficiently compressed using the pressing mechanism. According to the third invention, since the biasing means is incorporated between the auxiliary member positioned on the outside of the mobile container and the stage on which the containment container is mounted, the volume of the containment space can be secured and more garbage can be contained compared to when the biasing means is provided within the containment space. Furthermore, since the biasing means is incorporated between the auxiliary member and the stage and is not attached to the containment container, the containment container can be easily removed from the device. This allows, for example, conventionally used bottomed cylindrical trash cans to be used as containment containers, and also makes cleaning and replacing the containment containers easy. According to the fourth invention, a stage on which a storage container and the like are mounted vertically can be stored inside the case, and can be stored inside the case when not being used as a trash can or the like. Furthermore, with the storage container and the like mounted on the stage pushed in through the opening of the case and the moving container positioned directly below the lid member, the moving container can be pushed in towards the storage container by the pressing mechanism, thereby allowing the material to be compressed and its volume reduced inside the case. According to the fifth invention, with the mobile container held in a predetermined protruding position by a holding means, the space inside the mobile container and the space inside the container are used as a storage space for garbage, etc., and garbage, etc. can be put in through the opening by opening the lid member. When garbage, etc. accumulates up to the storage space inside the mobile container, the opening is closed with the lid member, and the lid member is lowered to move the mobile container towards the storage container, reducing the volume of the storage space and compressing the garbage inside the storage space to reduce its volume. After the compression and volume reduction process, the volume of the storage space can be returned to its original state by raising the lid member again. Furthermore, since the mobile container is designed to be able to be inserted into and removed from the opening of the containment container, that is, when the mobile container is moved towards the containment container, the communication opening of the mobile container is positioned inside the opening of the containment container, debris and other items inside the mobile container do not get caught in the opening of the containment container as they move into the containment container, and move smoothly into the containment container. As a result, problems such as debris and other items spilling out from between the containment container and the mobile container, or getting stuck between the mobile container and the containment container, preventing the lifting mechanism from returning the mobile container to its original position, are less likely to occur. In addition, unlike the first invention, a biasing means is not required, so the space required to incorporate a biasing means is not needed, and the device can be made smaller. According to the sixth invention, the mobile container can be inserted into and removed from the storage container by engaging the mobile container with the lid member located directly above the opening of the mobile container using the engaging means, and then raising and lowering the lid member using the lifting means. The mobile container, which has been lifted to a predetermined protruding position by the lifting mechanism, is held in that predetermined protruding position by the holding means. According to the seventh invention, a stage on which a storage container and a mobile container are mounted vertically can be stored inside a case, and can be stored inside the case when not being used as a trash can or the like. Furthermore, when the stage on which the storage container and the like are mounted is pushed into the case so that the input opening of the mobile container is located directly below the lid member, the lid member and the mobile container become engaged by the engaging means. In this engaged state, the lifting mechanism is activated to push the lid member downward toward the storage container, thereby closing the input opening of the mobile container with the lid member and pushing the mobile container toward the storage container, allowing the material to be compressed and its volume reduced within the case. The material to be processed in the storage space is in a compressed state, and when the lid member is raised to a predetermined protruding position by the lifting mechanism, space is created in the storage space. When the stage is pulled out of the case, the input opening of the mobile container is released, and garbage and the like can be put into the storage space that has been opened by the compression and volume reduction process. According to the eighth invention, the mobile container and the lid member can be engaged by pushing the stage on which the containment container is mounted into the case so that the input opening of the mobile container is located directly below the closing portion of the lid member. In this engaged state, lowering the lid member using the lifting mechanism closes the input opening of the mobile container with the lid member, reducing the volume of the containment space and allowing for compression and volume reduction of the material to be processed. Furthermore, raising the lid member using the lifting mechanism expands the containment space, allowing for the storage of a larger quantity of material to be processed. According to the ninth invention, by fitting the groove of the fitting member into the opening of the storage container, the opening of the storage container becomes less prone to deformation and can maintain its shape, thus enabling smooth insertion and removal of the transport container. According to the 10th invention, by placing the body of the garbage bag inside the storage container and positioning the opening edge of the garbage bag between the opening of the storage container and the fitting member, and then fitting the groove of the fitting member into the opening of the storage container, the garbage bag with its opening edge open can be held inside the storage container, making it easy to remove the compressed waste. Furthermore, even when the mobile container is inserted into or removed from the storage container, the mobile container will not slide against the inner surface of the storage container but will slide against the cylindrical part of the fitting member, thus preventing damage to the garbage bag caused by inserting or removing the mobile container. In addition, similar to the 9th invention, the shape of the opening of the storage container can be maintained, and the mobile container can be inserted and removed smoothly. According to the 11th invention, since the inner wall surface of the mobile container is inclined to gradually widen downwards, the material to be processed, which is introduced into the space of the mobile container through the input opening, moves smoothly into the space of the containment container. Furthermore, since the inner wall surface of the containment container is inclined to gradually widen upwards, the material to be processed in the containment space can be effectively compressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the configuration of the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and in particular, it shows the stage on which the containment container and the like are mounted housed inside the case. [Figure 2] This is a right side view of the volume reduction apparatus according to the first embodiment, and in particular, it is a partial cross-sectional view showing the case and stage divided along line AA in order to explain the internal configuration of the apparatus. [Figure 3] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the stage on which the containment containers and the like are mounted has been pulled out of the case, as shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a left side view of the volume reduction processing device, which is the first embodiment, and in particular, it shows the stage on which the containment container and the like are mounted extended outside the case, with the lid member omitted from the illustration. [Figure 5]It is a right side view for explaining the internal configuration of the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. In particular, it is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lid member is pushed down and the moving container is moved toward the storage container in the state shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a right side view showing the configuration when the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the first embodiment has a fitting member. In particular, it is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the case and the stage are divided along the line A-A for explaining the configuration of the fitting member. [Figure 7] It is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the stage on which the storage container and the like are mounted is pulled out of the case from the state shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a front view showing the configuration of the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In particular, it is a view showing a state in which the stage on which the storage container and the like are mounted is stored in the case. [Figure 9] It is a right side view of the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In particular, it is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the case and the stage are divided along the line B-B for explaining the internal configuration of the apparatus. [Figure 10] It is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the stage on which the storage container and the like are mounted is pulled out of the case from the state shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a left side view of the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In particular, it is a view showing a state in which the stage on which the storage container and the like are mounted is pulled out of the case, and the lid member is omitted from the drawing. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, and the case is omitted from the drawing. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view showing an example of an auxiliary member. [Figure 14] It is a right side view for explaining the internal configuration of the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. In particular, it is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lid member is pushed down and the moving container is moved toward the storage container in the state shown in FIG. 9.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The volume reduction apparatus of the present invention is a device that compresses and reduces the volume of a material to be processed. The volume reduction apparatus will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, but the embodiments and examples of the present invention are not limited to these and can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist of the present invention. Figures 1 to 5 show the configuration and operation of the volume reduction apparatus 1, which is the first embodiment, Figures 6 and 7 show the configuration and operation of the volume reduction apparatus 1 with the fitting member attached, and Figures 8 to 14 show the configuration and operation of the volume reduction apparatus 2, which is the second embodiment. Common members and parts in each figure are appropriately denoted by common reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0014] <First Embodiment> The volume reduction processing device 1 includes a storage container 11, a mobile container 12, a damper 13 as a biasing means for biasing the mobile container 12, and a lid member 14 for opening and closing the input port 121 of the mobile container 12. The storage container 11, the mobile container 12, and the damper 13 are mounted vertically on a stage 15. The material to be processed is fed in through the input port 121 which opens upwards. The following describes each component in detail.

[0015] The containment container 11 is a self-supporting, bottomed cylindrical member with an opening 111 at one end and a bottom 112 at the other end, and is placed on the stage 15 with the bottom 112 facing downwards. The containment container is cylindrical, and although the cross-sectional shape of the containment container 11 is shown as rectangular in the illustration, it may be circular, polygonal, or other shapes. The containment container 11 is made of a material with high strength that can withstand compression and volume reduction treatment.

[0016] The mobile container 12 is a cylindrical member formed with a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the containment container 11. The mobile container 12 is provided so as to be able to be inserted into and removed from the opening 111 of the containment container 11, with one end being an input port 121 for the material to be processed and the other end being a communication port 122 that opens toward the containment container 11. "Insertable" means that the mobile container 12 can move between a state where it protrudes from the opening of the containment container 11 and a state where it is immersed inside the containment container 11. Here, "immersed" does not only mean the state where the mobile container 12 is housed within the containment container 11 to a height where the input port 121 and the opening 111 are flush, but also includes the state where most of the mobile container 12 is housed within the containment container 11. The mobile container 12 is biased by a biasing means in a direction away from the containment container 11, and in the first embodiment, it is held at a predetermined height when not being pushed in by the lid member 14.

[0017] The cross-sectional shape of the mobile container 12 is formed to be substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the containment container 11. For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the containment container is circular, the mobile container 12 is formed in a circular shape with an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into and removed from the containment container. If the cross-sectional shape of the containment container is square, the mobile container 12 is formed in a square shape with an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into and removed from the containment container. The axial length (height dimension) of the mobile container 12 is set to be smaller than the axial length of the containment container 11 in the illustration, but it can be arbitrarily set considering the capacity of the containment space, the compressibility, etc.

[0018] The internal dimensions of the containment container 11 and the mobile container 12 do not need to be constant (for example, if the cross-sectional shapes of the containment container 11 and the mobile container 12 are circular, their internal diameters do not need to be constant). In the illustration, the inner wall surface of the mobile container 12 is sloped to gradually widen from the input opening 121 towards the communication opening 122, and the inner wall surface of the containment container 11 is sloped to gradually widen from the bottom 112 towards the opening 111. With this configuration, the material to be processed in the mobile container 12 is more likely to fall into the containment container 11 because the inside of the mobile container 12 widens as it moves downwards. Also, the material to be processed in the containment container 11 is more likely to accumulate as it moves downwards because the inside of the containment container 11 narrows, and the area subjected to compressive force becomes smaller, allowing for effective compression of the material to be processed in the containment space.

[0019] Furthermore, it is desirable that the outer wall surface of the mobile container 12 and the inner wall surface of the containment container 11 be formed at the same angle of inclination, as shown in the figure. Since various forms of objects to be processed are contained in the containment space in various orientations, when pushing the mobile container 12 towards the containment container 11, the objects to be processed interfere with each other, and due to the repulsive force, the mobile container 12 tends to tilt relative to the central axis of the containment container 11. However, by making both the mobile container and the containment container at the same angle of inclination, it becomes easier to push them straight along the central axis.

[0020] The lid member 14 is a member that opens and closes the input port 121 of the mobile container 12. This lid member 14 may be attached to the mobile container 12 so as to be openable and closable, or it may be provided as a separate unit from the mobile container 12, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Since the volume reduction processing device 1 compresses the material to be processed by pushing the lid member 14 toward the containment container 11, the lid member 14 is made of a material that can completely close the input port 121 and has high strength.

[0021] The damper 13, acting as a biasing means, is an expandable / contractable member that holds the mobile container 12 so that it can be moved in and out of the opening 111 of the housing container 11, and biases the mobile container 12 in a direction that causes it to protrude from the housing container 11. The biasing means, such as the damper, is preferably provided on the outside of the housing container 11. For example, in the first embodiment, the dampers 13 are arranged upright on both sides of the mobile container 12 (both left and right sides in Figure 2), but the number of dampers can be set arbitrarily. Each damper 13 has a cylinder into which a coil spring is incorporated, and a rod connected to one end of the coil spring. The lower end of the damper 13 (the tip of the rod) is fixed to the stage 15 and biases the mobile container 12 in a direction that causes it to protrude from the housing container 11.

[0022] The damper 13 may be directly fixed to the mobile container 12, but in the first embodiment, the volume reduction processing device 1 is fixed to the mobile container 12 via an auxiliary member 16. Specifically, the volume reduction processing device 1 has a stage 15 on which the containment container 11 and the mobile container 12 are mounted vertically, and an auxiliary member 16 which is positioned outside the mobile container 12 and whose upper end is connected to the outer wall surface of the input port 121 of the mobile container 12, and the damper 13 is incorporated between the stage 15 and the auxiliary member 16. In the example shown in Figure 2, the auxiliary member 16 consists of a main body portion 161 that extends vertically, a connecting portion 162 which is connected to the upper end of the main body portion 161 and bends inward (towards the mobile container 12) to connect the upper end of the mobile container 12 and the main body portion 161, and a flange portion 163 which is connected to the lower end of the main body portion 161 and bends outward. The lower end of the damper 13 is fixed to the stage 15, and its upper end is fixed to the flange portion 163.

[0023] The auxiliary member 16 is positioned with a gap S1 between its main body 161 and the outer wall surface of the mobile container 12, allowing the wall surface of the containment container 11 to pass through. The auxiliary member 16 is also fixed to the upper end (inlet 121 side) of the mobile container 12 so that the mobile container 12 can be inserted into and removed from the opening 111 of the containment container 11. In Figure 2, the upper surface of the connecting part 162 is fixed to the mobile container 12 so that it is flush with the inlet 121 of the mobile container 12. Preferably, the damper 13 is selected so that its extension and retraction stroke is longer than the axial length of the mobile container 12 so that the mobile container 12 can be immersed in the containment container 11.

[0024] The volume reduction processing device 1 of the first embodiment has a case 17 that houses a stage 15 on which a containment container 11 and a mobile container 12 are mounted, allowing for insertion and removal. A lid member 14 is provided at a predetermined height inside the case 17 so as to be vertically movable. The predetermined height on which the lid member 14 is provided is above the position of the mobile container 12, which is biased by the damper 13 and protruding from the containment container 11. In other words, the lid member 14 is provided at a height that does not come into contact with the mobile container 12 when the stage 15 on which the containment container 11 and the mobile container 12, which is biased by the damper 13, are pushed into the case 17. The lid member 14 starts at this height and can be pushed downward against the biasing force of the damper 13 by a pressing mechanism (not shown).

[0025] Case 17 is hollow inside and has an opening 171 on one side for inserting and removing a stage 15 on which a storage container 11 is mounted. Stage 15 comprises a base plate 151 that forms a flat mounting surface on which the storage container 11 is placed, and side plates 152 erected perpendicular to the edge of the base plate 151. Stage 15 is also provided with auxiliary members 16 and biasing means (damper 13). Although not shown, in order to smoothly insert and remove the stage 15 and store it in a predetermined position inside Case 17, rails (not shown) may be installed at the bottom of Case 17 and wheels (not shown) that slide along the rails may be provided on the bottom surface of the base plate 151. Also, handles may be provided on the outer surface of the side plates 152 to make it easier to pull out the stage 15.

[0026] In the first embodiment, the volume reduction processing device 1 has a pressing mechanism that pushes the lid member 14 toward the containment container 11. Various actuators such as electric, air, or hydraulic types, and other various mechanisms can be used as the pressing mechanism. The lid member 14 is assembled to the pressing mechanism (not shown) and positioned at a predetermined height inside the case 17.

[0027] Next, an example of the operation of the volume reduction processing device 1 will be described. Figures 1 and 2 show the stage 15, on which the containment container 11 etc. is mounted, stored inside the case 17. Figures 3 and 4 show the stage 15, on which the containment container 11 etc. is mounted, pulled out of the case 17 from the stored state shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lid member 14 is pushed down and the mobile container 12 is moved towards the containment container 11 in the stored state shown in Figures 1 and 2, and shows the state during volume reduction processing.

[0028] The mobile container 12 is stored inside the case 17, with a damper 13 causing it to protrude from the opening 111 of the containment container 11 (see Figure 2). When loading materials to be processed into the containment space, the stage 15 on which the containment container 11 etc. is mounted is pulled out of the case 17 (see Figures 3 and 4). The mobile container 12 is pushed upward by the damper 13, and the space inside the mobile container 12 and the containment container 11 becomes the containment space for the materials to be processed. Materials to be processed (not shown), such as waste, which are loaded from the input port 121 fall through the communication port 122 and the opening 111. When the containment container 11 is filled with materials to be processed, materials loaded from the input port 121 accumulate in the mobile container 12. When a certain amount of materials to be processed have accumulated in the mobile container 12, the stage 15 on which the containment container 11 etc. is mounted is pushed into the case 17 for storage, and the mobile container 12 is positioned directly below the lid member 14 (see Figure 2). Next, by activating the pressing mechanism (not shown) and pushing the lid member 14 toward the containment container 11, the input opening 121 is closed by the lid member 14, and the mobile container 12 moves toward the containment container 11 against the biasing force of the damper 13 (see Figure 5). As a result, the volume within the containment space is reduced, and the material to be processed is compressed and its volume is reduced.

[0029] After this compression process, when the pressing mechanism of the lid member 14 is released, the mobile container 12 is restored to the position shown in Figure 2 by the biasing means. As a result, there is space in the storage area of ​​the mobile container 12, so the stage 15 can be pulled out of the case 17 and additional material to be processed can be added. Once a certain amount of material to be processed has accumulated in the mobile container 12, it is stored back in the case 17 and the material to be processed is compressed again using the procedure described above. By repeating this compression process, the compression rate (volume reduction rate) of the material to be processed can be increased.

[0030] According to the volume reduction processing device 1, the material to be processed is stored in the container 11 in a compressed state. Once the container 11 is sufficiently filled with compressed material, the stage 15 is pulled out to push only the container 11 sideways (in the front-to-back direction of the paper in the illustration). Since the container 11 is not connected to the mobile container 12 or the damper 13, it can be pushed out by sliding it along the mounting surface of the stage 15. At this time, the mobile container 12 is lifted as needed while pushing out the container 11 to prevent contact between the communication port 122 of the mobile container 12 and the opening of the container 11. After the material to be processed is collected from the container 11 and it is emptied, the container 11 is returned to its original position.

[0031] The volume reduction processing apparatus 1 having a case 17, a stage 15, an auxiliary member 16, and a pressing mechanism (not shown) has been described above based on the drawings, but the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the present invention can also be made simpler in configuration. That is, the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the present invention 1 does not require the case 17, stage 15, auxiliary member 16, and pressing mechanism (not shown) as essential components, and instead of these components and mechanisms, the compression and volume reduction processing of the material to be processed may be performed by manually opening and closing or pressing the lid member 14.

[0032] Next, we will describe the first form of fitting member 18 (see Figures 2, 3, and 5) and the second form of fitting member 19 (see Figures 6 and 7), which can be optionally attached to the volume reduction processing device 1. Figures 6 and 7 show the state in which the garbage bag B is held using the second form of fitting member 19.

[0033] The fitting member 18 in the first embodiment comprises a cylindrical portion 181 and a bent portion 182, and is detachably fitted into the opening 111 of the storage container 11. The cylindrical portion 181 is formed to have a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to the cross-sectional shape of the storage container 11, and is the portion that contacts the inner wall surface of the storage container 11 when fitted into the opening 111. The bent portion 182 is an L-shaped portion that is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion 181 and bends downward, forming a groove between it and the cylindrical portion 181 that fits into the opening of the storage container 11. The bent portion 182 may be formed continuously and annularly along the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 181, or it may be provided at regular intervals.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, by fitting the groove of the fitting member 18 into the opening of the storage container 11, the opening 111 of the storage container 11 becomes less prone to deformation and can maintain its shape, thus allowing the mobile container 12 to be inserted and removed smoothly. Furthermore, if an auxiliary member 16 is present, the outer surface of the bent portion 182 of the fitting member 18 acts as a guide surface for the auxiliary member 16, which moves up and down together with the mobile container 12, making it easier to push the mobile container 12 along the central axis of the storage container 11.

[0035] The second form of the fitting member 19, like the fitting member 18 described above, has a cylindrical portion 191 and a bent portion 192, but the axial length of the cylindrical portion 191 of the fitting member 19 is formed to be greater than the axial length of the cylindrical mobile container 12, and as shown in Figures 6 and 7, when fitted into the opening of the storage container 11, it covers the upper part of the inner wall surface of the storage container 11. The fitting member 19 with this configuration prevents deformation of the opening 111 of the storage container 11, acts as a guide surface for the auxiliary member 16, and can also be used as a means of holding the garbage bag B.

[0036] Specifically, by placing the main body of the garbage bag B inside the storage container 11 and resting the opening edge of the garbage bag B on the opening 111 of the storage container 11, the groove of the fitting member 19 is fitted into the opening 111, thereby allowing the garbage bag B to be held inside the storage container 11 with its opening edge open. Since the sides of the garbage bag B are positioned between the inner circumferential surface of the storage container 11 and the cylindrical portion 191 of the fitting member 19, the moving container 12, which moves up and down, does not come into direct contact with the garbage bag B, making it less likely for the garbage bag B to tear.

[0037] <Second Embodiment> The volume reduction processing device 2 includes a storage container 21, a mobile container 22, a holding means (not shown) for holding the mobile container 22 in a predetermined protruding position, a lid member 24 for opening and closing the input port 221 of the mobile container 22, and an engaging means for engaging the mobile container 22 and the lid member 24. In addition, in the case shown in Figures 8 to 14, the volume reduction processing device includes a stage 25 on which the storage container 21 etc. are mounted, a case 27 for housing the stage 25, an auxiliary member 26 for providing the engaging means, and a fitting member 28. It also has a lifting mechanism (not shown). Each component will be described in detail below.

[0038] The container 21 is a bottomed cylindrical container with an opening 211 at one end that faces upward and a bottom 212 at the other end, and its configuration is the same as that of the container 11 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] The mobile container 22 is formed with a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the containment container 21, and is provided so as to be able to be inserted into and removed from the opening 211 of the containment container 21. It is a cylindrical member with one end being an input opening 221 for the material to be processed and the other end being a communication opening 222 that opens toward the containment container 21. An auxiliary member 26, which will be described later, is fixed to the mobile container 22.

[0040] The lid member 24 is a member that opens and closes the input port 221 of the mobile container 22, and comprises a flat plate-shaped closing portion 241 that closes the input port 221 of the mobile container 22, outer edge portions 242a, 242b, 242c (see Figure 12) that extend from the side of the closing portion 241, and receiving portions 243a (see Figure 10), 243b, 243c that are projected from the bottom side of each outer edge portion 242a, 242b, 242c and bent in an L-shape. Each of the receiving portions 243a, 243b, 243c is composed of a projection that protrudes perpendicularly from the back surface of each outer edge portion 242a, 242b, 242c and a projection that is connected to the tip of the projection and extends parallel to the back surface of the closing portion 241, and each projection is provided so as to face the direction of movement of the stage 25 inside the case 27. The blocking portion 241 is the part that closes the input opening 221 and is formed to cover the input opening 221. Since the receiving portions 243a, 243b, and 243c are provided on their respective outer edges 242a, 242b, and 242c, the blocking portion 241 can be placed against the input opening 221 to close it. When the input opening 221 is closed by the blocking portion 241, the receiving portions 243a, 243b, and 243c are arranged around the input opening 221. The receiving portions 243a, 243b, and 243c do not need to be the same shape; in the illustration, the receiving portion 243a into which the opening 264 of the auxiliary member 26 fits is formed to be wider.

[0041] As shown in Figures 9 and 13, the auxiliary member 26 comprises a main body portion 261 and a connecting portion 262, and is positioned on the outside of the mobile container 22. The auxiliary member 26 is positioned with a gap S2 between the main body portion 261 of the auxiliary member 26 and the outer wall surface of the mobile container 22, allowing the wall surface of the containment container 21 to pass through. The main body portion 261 is a vertically extending portion positioned with a gap S2 relative to the mobile container 22, and the connecting portion 262 is a portion that connects the main body portion 261 and the upper end of the mobile container 22. The auxiliary member 26 is fixed to the mobile container 22 via the connecting portion 262, and the mobile container 22 and the auxiliary member 26 move up and down as a single unit, allowing the containment container 21 to pass through the gap S2. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the main body portion 261 is provided with protrusions 263b, 263c and an opening 264.

[0042] The engaging means is a means for engaging the mobile container 22 with the lid member 24 located directly above the input opening 221 of the mobile container 22. When the lid member 24 is located directly above the input opening 221, the lid member 24 and the mobile container 22 are engaged. When the lid member is horizontally separated from the input opening 221 and the input opening 221 is open, the lid member 24 and the mobile container 22 are disengaged. Here, the engaged state refers to the state in which the mobile container 22 rises together with the lid member 24 when the lid member 24 is raised. In the second embodiment, the engagement means is configured such that the lid member 24 has outer edges 242a, 242b, 242c and a plurality of receiving portions 243a, 243b, 243c, and the mobile container 22 has projections 263b, 263c that fit between the outer edge 242 and the receiving portion 243a and an opening 264 that fits into the receiving portion 243a. The projections 263b fit between the outer edge 242b and the receiving portion 243b, the projections 263c fit between the outer edge 242c and the receiving portion 243c, and the opening 264 fits from the tip side of the receiving portion 243a, so that when the lid member 24 is raised, the mobile container 22 rises together with it in an engaged state.

[0043] Regarding the engagement means, the configuration of the volume reduction processing device 2 of the second embodiment will be described in more detail. The containment container 21 and the transport container 22 are members with a rectangular cross-section, as shown in Figure 12, etc., and the auxiliary member 26 is a rectangular cylindrical member arranged to surround the transport container 22. The case 27 is a box-shaped containment body with a wall surface having an opening 271 as its front (see Figure 8). The main body 261 of the auxiliary member 26 is composed of four sides, and when placed inside the case 27 (see Figure 9), an opening 264 is provided above the side facing the back surface 272 of the case 27, and protrusions 263b and 263c are provided above the side facing the right side surface 273 and the side facing the left side surface 274 of the case 27. The outer edge portion 242 of the lid member 24 is composed of a portion 242a extending toward the rear surface 272 of the case 27 with respect to the closing portion 241, and portions 242b and 242c extending toward the respective side surfaces 273 and 274 of the case 27. A receiving portion 243a is provided in portion 242a (see Figure 10, etc.), and receiving portions 243b and 243c are provided in portions 242b and 242c, respectively (see Figure 12). Then, when the stage 25, on which the containment container 21 etc. is mounted, is pushed into the case 27 so that the input opening 221 of the mobile container 22 is positioned directly below the closing portion 241 of the lid member 24, the projection 263b enters between the outer edge 242b and the receiving portion 243b, the projection 263c enters between the outer edge 242c and the receiving portion 243c, and the opening 264 enters from the tip side of the receiving portion 243a, the mobile container 22 and the lid member 24 are engaged at three points. In this state, when the lid member 24 is raised, the mobile container 22 is lifted and raised by the receiving portions 243a, 243b, and 243c.

[0044] Stage 25 is mounted vertically on a storage container 21 and a mobile container 22, which are provided with holding means and engaging means. However, their configuration is the same as that of the storage container according to the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Case 27 is hollow inside, and a lid member 24 is provided at a predetermined height inside. It has an opening 271 for storing and removing the stage 25 on which the storage container 21 and the like are mounted. The predetermined height on which the lid member 24 is provided is the height at which, when the stage 25 on which the storage container 21 and the like are mounted is pushed into the case 27, the mobile container 22, which is held in a protruding position, engages with the lid member 24 by the engaging means.

[0045] The lifting mechanism (not shown) has a mechanism for raising the lid member 24, which is connected to the mobile container 22 by an engaging means, to a protruding position, or lowering it from the protruding position against the holding means. Various actuators such as electric, air, or hydraulic types, and other various mechanisms can be used as the lifting mechanism.

[0046] The fitting member 28 comprises a cylindrical portion 281 and a bent portion 282, and is a member that is detachably fitted into the opening 211 of the storage container 21. Its configuration is the same as that of the fitting member 18 of the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0047] A holding means (not shown) is provided between the containment container 21 and the mobile container 22, and holds the mobile container 22 in a predetermined protruding position that extends from the containment container 21 (see Figure 10). The holding means may, for example, be provided on the inner wall surface of the containment container 21 and the outer wall surface of the mobile container 22, respectively, or on the outer surface of the bent portion 282 of the fitting member 28 and the inner wall surface of the auxiliary member 26, respectively, but is not limited to these.

[0048] Next, an example of the operation of the volume reduction processing device 2 will be described. Figure 9 shows the stage 25, on which the containment container 21 etc. is mounted, stored inside the case 27. Figures 10 to 12 show the stage 25, on which the containment container 21 etc. is mounted, pulled out of the case 27 from the stored state shown in Figure 9. Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lid member 24 is pushed down and the mobile container 22 is moved towards the containment container 21 in the stored state shown in Figure 9, and shows the state during volume reduction processing.

[0049] The mobile container 22 is stored inside the case 27, protruding from the opening 211 of the containment container 21 by a holding means (see Figure 9). When loading materials to be processed into the containment space, the stage 25 on which the containment container 21 etc. is mounted is pulled out of the case 27 (see Figures 10 and 11). The mobile container 22 is held in a predetermined protruding position by the holding means, and the space inside the mobile container 22 and the containment container 21 becomes the containment space for the materials to be processed. Materials to be processed (not shown), such as waste, which are put in from the input port 221 fall through the communication port 222 and the opening 211. When the containment container 21 is filled with materials to be processed, the materials put in from the input port 221 accumulate in the mobile container 22. When a certain amount of materials to be processed have accumulated in the mobile container 22, the stage 25 on which the containment container 21 etc. is mounted is pushed into the case 27 (see Figure 9).

[0050] When the stage 25, on which the containment container 21 is mounted, is pushed into the case 27 so that the input port 221 of the mobile container 22 is positioned directly below the closing portion 241 of the lid member 24, the protrusions 263b and 263c fit between the outer edges 242b and 242c and the receiving portions 243b and 243c, and the opening 264 enters from the tip side of the receiving portion 243a, thereby engaging the lid member 24 and the mobile container 22. In this state, the lifting mechanism pushes down the lid member 24, causing the mobile container 22 to move toward the containment container 21 with the input port 221 closed by the closing portion 241 of the lid member 24 (see Figure 14). As a result, the volume within the containment space is reduced, and the material to be processed is compressed and its volume is reduced.

[0051] After this compression process, the lid member 24 is raised by the lifting mechanism, thereby raising the mobile container 22, which is engaged with the lid member 24, to a predetermined protruding position. Once the mobile container 22 has risen to the predetermined protruding position, it is held in that position by the holding means, and since there is space in the storage area of ​​the mobile container 22, the stage 25 can be pulled out of the case 27 and additional material to be processed can be added. Once a certain amount of material to be processed has accumulated in the mobile container 22, it is stored back in the case 27 and the material to be processed is compressed again according to the procedure described above. By repeating this compression process, the compression rate (volume reduction rate) of the material to be processed can be increased.

[0052] According to the volume reduction processing device 2, the material to be processed is stored in the containment container 21 in a compressed state. When the containment container 21 is filled with sufficiently compressed material, the stage 25 is pulled out, and the compressed material to be processed in the containment container 21 is collected from the input port 221 of the mobile container 22, or from the opening 211 of the containment container 21 after removing the mobile container 22. After collecting the material to be processed and emptying the containment container 21, the containment container 21 is returned to its original position.

[0053] The volume reduction processing apparatus 2 having a case 27, a stage 25, an auxiliary member 26, and a pressing mechanism (not shown) has been described above based on the drawings, but the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the present invention can also be made with a simpler configuration. That is, in the volume reduction processing apparatus according to the present invention 5, the case 27, stage 25, auxiliary member 26, lifting mechanism (not shown), and fitting member 28 are not essential components. Instead of a lifting mechanism, the compression and volume reduction processing of the material to be processed may be performed by manually opening and closing or pressing the lid member 24.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0055] This invention can be used as a volume reduction device for used PET bottles and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1. Volume reduction processing device (first embodiment) 11. Containment container 111 Opening 112 Bottom 12 Mobile containers 121 Inlet 122 Connecting Port 13 Damper 14 Lid member 15 stages 151 Base plate 152 Side panel 16 Auxiliary members 161 Main body 162 Connecting part 163 Flange section 17 cases 171 Aperture 18. Fitting member (first form) 181 Cylindrical part 182 Bending section 19. Fitting member (second form) 191 Cylindrical part 192 Bending section 2. Volume Reduction Processing Device (Second Embodiment) 21 Containment container 211 Opening 212 Bottom 22 Mobile containers 221 Inlet 222 Connecting Port 24 Lid member 241 Occlusion 242 Outer edge 243 Receiving part 25 stages 26 Auxiliary members 261 Main body 262 Connecting part 263 Protrusion 264 Aperture 27 cases 271 Aperture 272 Back 273 Side view 274 Side view 28. Fitting member (first form) 281 Cylindrical part 282 Bending section S1 Interval S2 interval B Garbage bag

Claims

1. A device that compresses and reduces the volume of a material to be processed, A bottomed cylindrical container having an opening at one end and a bottom at the other end, A cylindrical mobile container is formed to have a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the aforementioned containment container, is provided to be inserted into and removed from the opening of the containment container, has one end as an input port for the material to be processed and the other end as a communication port opening toward the containment container, A biasing means that holds the mobile container so that it can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the containment container, and biases the mobile container in a direction that causes it to protrude from the containment container, A lid member for opening and closing the input port of the aforementioned mobile container, Having, A volume reduction apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The lid member, along with a pressing mechanism, pushes the mobile container toward the containment container. The volume reduction apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A stage on which the aforementioned storage container and the aforementioned mobile container are mounted vertically, An auxiliary member is positioned on the outside of the mobile container and connected to the upper end of the mobile container, It has, The biasing means is incorporated between the stage and the auxiliary member. The volume reduction apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The case has a lid member provided inside that can move up and down, and a case that can store the stage on which the storage container and the mobile container are mounted so that they can be inserted and removed. The lid member is positioned above the movable container in a state where it protrudes from the storage container by the biasing means. The volume reduction apparatus according to claim 3.

5. A device that compresses and reduces the volume of a material to be processed, A bottomed cylindrical container having an opening at one end that faces upwards and the other end as the bottom, A cylindrical mobile container is formed to have a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the aforementioned containment container, is provided to be inserted into and removed from the opening of the containment container, has one end as an input port for the material to be processed and the other end as a communication port opening toward the containment container, A holding means is provided between the storage container and the mobile container, and holds the mobile container in a predetermined protruding position that protrudes from the storage container, A lid member for opening and closing the input port of the aforementioned mobile container, Having, A volume reduction apparatus characterized by the following:

6. An engaging means for engaging the aforementioned mobile container and a lid member located directly above the opening of the mobile container, A lifting mechanism for raising the lid member, which is connected to the mobile container by the engaging means, to the protruding position, or lowering it from the protruding position against the holding means, Having, The volume reduction apparatus according to claim 5.

7. A stage on which the aforementioned storage container and the aforementioned mobile container are mounted vertically, The case has a lid member inside and allows the stage on which the storage container and the mobile container are mounted to be inserted and removed. The lid member is positioned at a height such that it engages with the mobile container by the engaging means when the stage is pushed into the case such that the opening of the mobile container is located directly below the lid member. The volume reduction apparatus according to claim 6.

8. It has an auxiliary member that is positioned on the outside of the mobile container and connected to the upper end of the mobile container, The engagement means, The lid member comprises an outer edge portion extending to the side of a closing portion that closes the opening of the mobile container, and a receiving portion that protrudes from the bottom side of the outer edge portion and is bent in an L-shape, and the auxiliary member comprises a projection that fits between the outer edge portion and the receiving portion and / or an opening that fits into the receiving portion when the stage is pushed into the case such that the opening of the mobile container is located directly below the closing portion of the lid member. The volume reduction apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The fitting member comprises a cylindrical portion formed in a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the aforementioned storage container and in contact with the inner wall surface of the storage container, and an L-shaped bent portion connected to the upper end of the cylindrical portion and forming a groove that fits into the opening of the storage container between itself and the cylindrical portion, The volume reduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The axial length of the cylindrical portion of the fitting member is greater than the axial length of the cylindrical mobile container. The volume reduction apparatus according to feature 9.

11. The inner wall surface of the aforementioned mobile container is inclined to gradually widen from the input opening towards the communication opening, and the inner wall surface of the aforementioned storage container is inclined to gradually widen from the bottom towards the opening. The volume reduction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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