Apparatus for controlling drain water

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drainage control device capable of controlling the drainage of water contained in a treatment container by opening and closing a plurality of drainage holes formed in the treatment container, and may include: a housing having an opening with one side open; a lifting plate having a plurality of sealing pins inserted into a plurality of drainage holes; a lifting means for moving the lifting plate adjacent to or spaced apart from the treatment container; and a drain pipe connected to the housing in a fluid-communicable manner.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drainage control device, and more specifically, to a drainage control device applicable to a food waste disposer and / or a sink. Background Technology

[0003] Food waste generated from households, restaurants, and other places contains moisture and emits foul odors, so if not properly treated, it can pollute the surrounding environment.

[0004] Generally, food waste generated in households was collected in food waste bins without any separate measures, or was disposed of by crushing the food waste using a disposer-type food waste processor and flushing it down the sewer.

[0005] As previously mentioned, conventional food waste processors are designed to discharge crushed food waste through sewer pipes; however, such processors are inevitably subject to limitations in use due to issues such as the accumulation of food waste within the sewer pipes and water pollution.

[0006] According to the 'Prohibition on the Sale and Use of Kitchen Waste Disposers' in Ministry of Environment Notice No. 2013-179 and / or the 'Operation Guidelines for the Kitchen Waste Disposer Certification System' implemented by the Korea Water Technology Certification Institute, which certifies food waste disposers, it is stipulated that food waste must be recovered at least 80% or discharged at less than 20%. However, food waste disposers based on conventional technology have a problem in that they inevitably exceed the discharge limit of food waste when discharging the washing water because they perform the grinding (or crushing) process while continuously supplying washing water (e.g., tap water).

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for technology regarding drainage facilities that can solve the problems associated with the aforementioned conventional technology. Prior art literature

[0010] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2021-0146163 The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention was created to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a drainage control device capable of opening and closing a plurality of drainage holes formed in a processing container.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention is configured to significantly reduce the discharge of solid food waste during the process of draining liquid waste contained in a treatment container. means of solving the problem

[0014] To achieve the above objective, a drainage control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention can control the drainage of water contained in a treatment container by opening and closing a plurality of drainage holes formed in the treatment container, and may include: a housing having an opening with one side open; a lifting plate having a plurality of sealing pins inserted into a plurality of drainage holes; a lifting means for moving the lifting plate adjacent to or spaced apart from the treatment container; and a drain pipe connected to the housing in a fluid-communicable manner.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing may include a fixing plate protruding at each corner of the opening; a guide bar extending along the lifting direction of the lifting plate from the fixing plate; and a stopper disposed across the opening area of ​​the opening.

[0016] In addition, the present invention may place an insertion pin on the stopper.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting plate may include a hollow guide tube positioned at a position corresponding to the guide bar so that the guide bar can be inserted and positioned; and a stopper formed around the inner circumference of the guide tube.

[0018] Preferably, the present invention may include a return spring disposed around a guide bar inserted into a guide tube.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting means may include a drive shaft that transmits rotational power of the lifting means and is positioned across the housing and below the other surface of the lifting plate; and an operating cam that is axially coupled to the drive shaft and has a cam projection protruding radially on its outer surface.

[0020] The present invention may additionally include a water supply pipe capable of supplying washing water into the housing.

[0021] Additionally, the sealing pin can be formed in a shape corresponding to the drain hole of the processing container.

[0022] The sealing pin can be formed in a horn shape, with the cross-sectional area increasing from the tip to the base.

[0023] In addition, it may include a water supply pipe (P) connected to a washing water supply source to supply washing water into the housing.

[0025] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description based on the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in their ordinary and dictionary senses, but should be interpreted in a sense and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to the above description of the present invention, the present invention can provide a drainage control device capable of separating and draining liquid water from a treatment container containing liquid water and solid contents (e.g., food waste).

[0029] According to regulations regarding food waste treatment, solid food waste must be less than 20% of the discharged waste into the sewer pipe. Accordingly, the present invention has the advantage of being able to easily open and close the drain hole of a treatment container having a small diameter of approximately 7 mm or less.

[0030] In addition, the present invention is designed in a modular form to facilitate parts replacement, maintenance, and removal.

[0031] The present invention is configured to spray and supply cleaning water into the interior of the drainage control device, thereby ensuring the lifting and lowering movement of the sealing pin that opens and closes the drain hole, preventing the adhesion of residue, and providing a clean and hygienic internal environment. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a food waste disposer with a drainage control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a drainage control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to a key part of a food waste disposer. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a drainage control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a drainage control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the coupling relationship between the guide bar of the housing and the guide tube of the lifting plate. FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a drainage control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a drainage control device in a closed mode. FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a drainage control device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a drainage control device in an open mode. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] The terms used to describe an embodiment of the present invention are not intended to limit the invention. It should be understood that singular expressions include plural expressions unless otherwise specified in the context.

[0035] In assigning reference numerals to the components of the drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings, and similar components are assigned similar reference numerals.

[0036] Drawings may be schematic or exaggerated for the purpose of illustrating embodiments. In this document, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, operations, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0037] Terms such as "one," "other," "another," "first," and "second" are used to distinguish one component from another, and the components are not limited by these terms.

[0039] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] The present invention relates to a drainage control device, that is to a drainage control device applicable to a food waste disposer and / or a sink.

[0042] Specifically, the present invention is configured to separate and drain the liquid water from a treatment container having a receiving space capable of accommodating liquid water and solid contents. The "contents" described in the specification may be solid food waste discharged from places such as households or restaurants, but are not limited thereto and refer to various types of solid materials.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a drainage control device (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing (11) with one side open, a lifting plate (12) having a plurality of sealing pins (121), a lifting means (13) for moving the lifting plate (12) adjacent to or spaced apart from a processing container (2), and a drain pipe (14) connected to the housing (11) so as to be fluidly communicable.

[0045] Here, the treatment container (2) may be a hopper-structured treatment unit capable of receiving solid food waste introduced into the food waste processor (300) and liquid waste such as washing water, domestic sewage, and rinse water for washing food waste, and capable of salt washing, drying, and crushing treatment, or it may be a drainage valve that guides domestic sewage downstream along with food waste discarded in the sink (3). The treatment container (2) may have a plurality of drainage holes (21) for draining liquid waste and a discharge hole (no reference number) for discharging solid food waste.

[0047] A drainage control device (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to open and close a plurality of drainage holes (21) formed in the aforementioned processing container (2).

[0048] As illustrated, the housing (11) is formed in a rectangular tube shape with one side open, and the one side open is positioned to face a plurality of drainage holes (21) formed in the treatment container (2). This allows the liquid water contained in the treatment container (2) to be guided to the housing (11) of the drainage control device (1) through the drainage holes (21), and the water guided to the housing (11) can be drained downstream, i.e., to a sewer pipe (not shown), through the drain pipe (14).

[0049] One side of the housing (11) having an opening (111) on one side is coupled and disposed on the outer surface of the processing container, and can be formed curved in the same way as the outer surface of the processing container (2) to ensure reliable watertightness and fastening with the processing container (2).

[0050] Additionally, the opening (111) of the housing (11) may be formed with a size and shape that allows a plurality of drainage holes (21) to be positioned within the opening area. The opening (111) is formed in a square shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] The housing (11) may include a fixing plate (112) formed protruding from each corner of a square-shaped opening (111), and a guide bar (113) that is extended in length from one side facing the storage container (2) to the other side opposite. As illustrated, the guide bar (113) may be extended in length from one side to the other side along the lifting direction of the lifting plate (12).

[0052] Optionally, the housing (11) may include a stopper (114) positioned across the open area of ​​one side opening (111). Additionally, the stopper (114) may have one or more insertion pins (114a) on one side thereof, and the insertion pins (114a) may be positioned on the stopper (114) to correspond to the drain hole (21). Here, the insertion pins (114a) may be formed in the same shape as the sealing pin (121) to be described later.

[0054] The lifting plate (12) can be moved up and down in a direction adjacent to or away from the drain hole (21) formed on the outer surface of the processing container (2) within the housing (11) according to the driving of the lifting means (13), thereby inserting or separating the sealing pin (121) into or from the drain hole (21).

[0055] As illustrated, the lifting plate (12) can be formed to be curved in the same way as the outer surface of the processing container (2) so as to be in close contact with the outer surface of the processing container (2).

[0056] A lifting plate (12) has a plurality of sealing pins (121) arranged on one side facing the processing container (2). The plurality of sealing pins (121) can be installed upright toward the drain hole (21) at a position corresponding to the drain hole (21) on the lifting plate (12).

[0057] Additionally, a plurality of sealing pins (121) may be distributed in the remaining area of ​​the lifting plate (12), excluding the central area, to correspond with the drainage hole (21). That is, a plurality of sealing pins (121) are not placed in the central area of ​​the lifting plate (12) facing the stopper (114).

[0058] The sealing pin (121) may be formed in a truncated horn shape with a cross-sectional area that widens from the tip to the base so that it can be easily inserted into the drain hole (21) and easily separated from the drain hole (21). Additionally, the present invention may make the sealing pin (121) out of a rubber material to improve watertightness and fastening between the sealing pin (121) and the drain hole (21).

[0059] In order to ensure the forward and backward reciprocating movement of the lifting plate (12) by moving the lifting plate (12) upward to be adjacent to the processing container (2) or by moving the lifting plate (12) downward from the processing container (2), a hollow guide tube (122) may be formed at each corner of the lifting plate (12). In other words, the guide tube (122) may be arranged at a position corresponding to the guide bar (113) of the housing (11) and may be extended in length in the lifting direction of the lifting plate (12).

[0060] The guide bar (113) is inserted and positioned to penetrate the guide tube (122), thereby inducing movement of the lifting plate (12) in the extension direction of the guide bar (113), that is, in the forward and backward direction.

[0061] Additionally, the lifting plate (12) can be positioned to be movably raised inside the housing (11) by preventing it from coming off through the opening (111) of the housing (11) by means of the stopper (114) and / or fixing plate (112) of the housing (11).

[0062] Additionally, the housing (11) may be equipped with a water supply pipe (P) capable of supplying cleaning water into the main body housing the lifting plate (122). The cleaning water supplied through the water supply pipe (P) connected to the cleaning water supply source can clean the inside of the housing (11), and in particular, can be sprayed onto a plurality of sealing pins (121) to separate and remove food waste on the sealing pins.

[0064] As described, the lifting means (13) may be a motor that provides rotational power to the drive shaft (131).

[0065] The lifting means (13) is configured such that the drive shaft (131) extends across the interior of the housing (11), and the operating cam (132) can be fixed to the drive shaft (131), which rotates by the forward and reverse rotation of the lifting means, by an axial connection.

[0066] The operating cam (132) may be provided with a cam projection (132a) formed to protrude radially on its outer surface. In conjunction with the rotation of the drive shaft (131) by the driving of the lifting means (13), the operating cam (132) can rotate and press or release pressure on the other surface of the lifting plate (12).

[0068] Additionally, the drainage control device (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may include a return spring (15) that restores the lifting plate (12) to its original position.

[0069] The return spring (15) is positioned around the guide bar (113) inserted into the guide tube (122), and unnecessary detachment / separation can be prevented by a fixing plate (112) that supports and connects the fixed end of the guide bar (113) and a catch (123) formed around the inner circumference of the guide tube (122). The catch (123) must be smaller than the outer diameter of the return spring (15).

[0070] The return spring (15) may be a compression spring, and the return spring can elastically press the lifting plate (12) to return the lifting plate to its original position while forcibly pushing the sealing pin (121) toward the inside of the housing (11) to open the drain hole (21).

[0072] In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing (11) may be fluidly connected to an overflow pipe (F) that guides the wastewater that overflows, for example, in the bucket of a sink (3) to a drainage control device (1). Furthermore, the overflow pipe (F) may be fluidly connected to a treatment container (2) to guide the steam generated in the treatment container (2) during the drying process to the housing (11) of the drainage control device (1).

[0074] Additionally, the drainage control device (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with a water supply pipe (P) capable of supplying cleaning water into the housing (11). The cleaning water supplied through the water supply pipe (P) connected to a cleaning water supply source (not shown) can clean the inside of the housing (11) thoroughly. In particular, it can be sprayed onto a plurality of sealing pins (121) to separate and remove food waste stuck to the sealing pins, and then drained into the sewer pipe through the drain pipe (14) by riding on the flow of the cleaning water.

[0076] The operation method of the drainage control device (1) according to the present invention, which is configured as described above, is as follows.

[0078] A drainage control device (1) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention aligns a plurality of drainage holes (21) within the opening (111) of the housing (11) and is fixed in position on the lower inclined surface of the processing container (2). In the present invention, when the processing container (2) is mounted, an insertion pin (114a) of the housing (11) is inserted and positioned in some of the plurality of drainage holes (21). Through the insertion of this insertion pin (114a), reliable positioning of the housing (11) can be ensured below the lower inclined surface of the processing container (2). Additionally, the insertion pin (114a) can rotate and pass through the drainage groove of the stirring plate to remove food residue and foreign matter that accumulates.

[0079] As previously mentioned, the operating cam (132) is axially coupled to the drive shaft (131) of the lifting means (13) and is rotatably coupled by the rotational power of the drive shaft (131).

[0080] When the operating cam (132) rotates to a pressure position at a specific rotation angle, the cam projection (132a) of the operating cam (132) contacts the other surface of the lifting plate (12), thereby pressing the lifting plate (12) upward and simultaneously compressing the return spring (15).

[0081] The lifting plate (12) moves upward along the longitudinal direction of the guide bar (113) so as to be adjacent to the processing container (2). As a result, the sealing pin (121) is inserted into the drain hole (21) of the processing container (2) as shown in FIG. 5a, and consequently, the drain hole (21) is closed with the sealing pin, thereby limiting the drainage of the water contained in the processing container (2).

[0082] In a closed mode, the present invention interposes a lifting plate (12) between the stopper (114) of the housing (11) and the operating cam (132) of the lifting means (13) to maintain a constant state of insertion of the sealing pin (121) and to restrict unnecessary upward / downward movement of the lifting plate (12).

[0083] Conversely, when the operating cam (132) rotates from the pressurized position to the released position, the lifting plate (12) is released by the cam projection (132a) of the operating cam (132), thereby allowing the lifting plate (12) to be moved downward and separated from the processing container (2) by the elastic force of the return spring (15). Accordingly, the sealing pin (121) is separated from the drain hole (21) of the processing container (2) as shown in FIG. 5b, and the drain hole (21) is opened to allow the drainage of the water contained in the processing container (2).

[0084] Under this open mode, the lifting plate (12) is supported within the housing (11) by a return spring (15) and an operating cam (132) to maintain the separation of the sealing pin (121) from the drain hole (21).

[0085] Optionally, the present invention may set the size of the drain hole (21) to 7 mm or less, and may form the cross-sectional shape of the drain hole as at least one of a circular, elliptical, or slotted shape. Accordingly, the sealing pin (121) and / or insertion pin (114a) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the drain hole (21) of the processing container (2).

[0087] Table 1 below shows the composition of standard food waste and processing methods by food material as published in Ministry of Environment Notice No. 2012-126 EL767, which is the product subject to environmental labeling and certification standards.

[0089] division Composition ratio [weight%] Processing Methods by Food Ingredient (Reference) Food Ingredients (%) Processing method grains 16±2 Rice / Ramen (16) Vegetables 51±5 Cabbage (9) Cut to a width of 100mm or less while including the core Potato (20) Divide with the skin attached, then cut into 5mm cubes. Onion (20) Split including the skin, then cut into 5mm pieces. Mu (2) Divide vertically into four sections, then cut into 5mm cubes. Fruits 14±2 Apple (7) Divide vertically into 8 sections as is, with the core included Tangerine / Orange (7) Divide vertically into 8 sections while the skin is attached Fish and meat 19±2 Meat (4) Cut the raw ingredients into large pieces about 3cm in size. Fish (12) Divide the raw into four parts Eggshell (3)

[0091] As can be seen in Table 1 above, processing sizes for different food ingredients by the food waste disposer have been disclosed. Commonly used household food ingredients such as potatoes, onions, and radishes require the ability to be processed into 5mm cubes.

[0092] The present invention can calculate the diagonal length (approx. 7 mm) from information regarding 5 mm × 5 mm (width × height) using the Pythagorean theorem. Accordingly, the present invention sets the inner diameter of the drain hole (111a) for draining liquid water, for example, water, to 7 mm or less, thereby minimizing the discharge of solid contents, i.e., food waste, contained in the storage container (2) through the drain hole when draining water.

[0094] The present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments above. The embodiments are intended to specifically explain the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be apparent that modifications or improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0095] All simple variations or modifications of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be clarified by the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0097] 1 ----- Drainage control device, 11 ----- Housing, 12 ----- Lifting plate, 13 ----- means of lifting, 14 ----- drain pipe, 15 ----- Restoring spring, 2 ----- disposal container, 21 ----- Drainage, F ----- Overflow pipe, P ----- water supply pipe.

Claims

Claim 1 A drainage control device capable of controlling the drainage of water contained in a treatment container (2) by opening and closing a plurality of drainage holes (21) formed in the treatment container (2), comprising: a housing (11) having an opening (111) with one side open; a lifting plate (12) having a plurality of sealing pins (121) inserted into the plurality of drainage holes (21); a lifting means (13) for moving the lifting plate (12) adjacent to or spaced apart from the treatment container (2); and a drain pipe (14) connected to the housing (11) so as to be fluidly connected. Claim 2 A drainage control device according to claim 1, wherein the housing (11) comprises: a fixing plate (112) formed protruding at each corner of the opening (111); a guide bar (113) extending along the lifting direction of the lifting plate (12) from the fixing plate (112); and a stopper (114) disposed across the open area of ​​the opening (111). Claim 3 A drainage control device according to claim 2, wherein the stopper (114) is configured to have an insertion pin (114a) that rotates and passes through the stopper (114) to remove food residue and foreign matter accumulated in the drainage groove of the stirring plate. Claim 4 A drainage control device according to claim 2, wherein the lifting plate (12) comprises: a hollow guide tube (122) positioned at a position corresponding to the guide bar (113) so as to allow the guide bar (113) to be inserted and positioned; and a stopper (123) formed around the inner circumference of the guide tube (122). Claim 5 A drainage control device according to claim 4, characterized by including a return spring (15) disposed around the guide bar (113) inserted into the guide tube (122). Claim 6 A drainage control device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting means (13) comprises: a drive shaft (131) that is positioned across the housing (11) and below the other side of the lifting plate (12) and transmits rotational power of the lifting means (13); and an operating cam (132) that is axially coupled to the drive shaft (131) and has a cam projection (132a) protruding radially on its outer surface. Claim 7 A drainage control device according to claim 1, characterized by including a water supply pipe (P) capable of supplying cleaning water into the housing (11). Claim 8 A drainage control device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing pin (121) is formed in a shape corresponding to the drain hole (21) of the processing container (2). Claim 9 A drainage control device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing pin (121) is formed in a horn shape with a cross-sectional area that widens from the tip side to the base side. Claim 10 A food waste disposer comprising a drainage control device of claim 1 and a water supply pipe (P) connected to a washing water supply source to supply washing water into the housing.

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