Device for producing pellets using coffee grounds

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing pellets using coffee grounds, wherein the drying section opens according to the moisture content of the coffee grounds, and the moisture content of the coffee grounds inside the drying section can be accurately measured using a humidity sensor, thereby enabling the production of higher quality pellets.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing pellets using coffee grounds, wherein the drying section opens according to the moisture content of the coffee grounds, and the moisture content of the coffee grounds inside the drying section can be accurately measured using a humidity sensor, thereby enabling the production of higher quality pellets. Background Technology

[0003] Coffee is a favorite beverage for people around the world, and the domestic coffee market is on the rise as the number of people seeking coffee increases.

[0004] Only 0.2% of coffee is extracted and used, while 99.8% is discarded as coffee grounds, and the amount of coffee grounds discarded annually amounts to hundreds of thousands of tons.

[0005] Coffee grounds are not classified as food waste but are disposed of as general household waste, where they are incinerated or landfilled.

[0006] However, since coffee grounds have a moisture content of 75% to 80%, it is difficult to incinerate them using conventional methods.

[0007] In addition, the waste liquid generated when coffee grounds are landfilled is acidic and has high COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) and SS (Suspended Solid), which causes problems in polluting water and soil.

[0008] Generally, coffee grounds contain 15% to 25% coffee oil and have a calorific value of 5,000 kcal or more per kg of solids, so various methods are required for eco-friendly recycling.

[0009] Recently, pellets made from coffee grounds are widely used as fuel, and coffee grounds have a calorific value of 4,664 kcal / kg, which is higher than the calorific value of Grade 1 wood pellets, which is 4,300 kcal / kg.

[0010] A general coffee grounds pellet manufacturing technology is disclosed in Korean registered patents (10-1383528, 10-1033212). The coffee grounds pellet manufacturing technology disclosed in Korean registered patents (10-1383528, 10-1033212) uses an acid solution to treat impurities remaining in the coffee grounds.

[0011] However, acid solutions are difficult to handle and present problems such as the generation of waste solutions. Furthermore, if acid solutions are exposed to the atmosphere, they endanger handlers and pollute the environment. Additionally, because an acid solution washing process is required, it is difficult to manufacture continuous production facilities; even if such facilities are manufactured, additional acid solution equipment and drying processes are required.

[0012] To solve these problems, a technology for manufacturing coffee grounds pellets without using an acid solution is disclosed in Korean registered patent (10-1315522).

[0013] However, Korean registered patent (10-1315522) carbonizes coffee grounds at a low temperature where combustion does not occur, resulting in a low residual carbon content of the coffee grounds. The problem is that coffee grounds pellets produced in this way have a low calorific value and thus have little value as fuel.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for a device capable of producing coffee grounds pellets with a higher calorific value by controlling the residual carbon content of the coffee grounds. Prior art literature

[0016] Republic of Korea Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1955874 The problem to be solved

[0017] The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing pellets using coffee grounds, wherein the drying section opens according to the moisture content of the coffee grounds, and the moisture content of the coffee grounds inside the drying section can be accurately measured using a humidity sensor, thereby enabling the production of higher quality pellets. means of solving the problem

[0019] To achieve the objective of the present invention, the invention comprises: a drying section having a hollow portion formed therein for inserting coffee grounds, for drying the coffee grounds; a compression section formed at a predetermined distance from the lower portion of the drying section; a pair of compression rollers provided at the interior of the compression section; and a storage section formed at a predetermined distance from the lower portion of the compression section. When the coffee grounds are dried to a predetermined moisture content within the drying section, the coffee grounds are moved to the compression section, and when the coffee grounds are compressed by the compression rollers and formed into a pellet shape, the pellets are moved to the storage section.

[0020] In addition, the drying unit according to the present invention comprises a central axis formed in contact with the lower surface of the drying unit; and a screw unit formed extending vertically from the lower part of the central axis; and the screw unit is rotatable.

[0021] In addition, the coffee grounds according to the present invention are dried to a moisture content of 3 to 17%.

[0022] In addition, the drying unit according to the present invention further includes a humidity sensor formed on the lower side of the drying unit for detecting humidity within the drying unit; and when the coffee grounds are dried to a preset moisture content, the lower end of the drying unit is opened.

[0023] In addition, the compression portion according to the present invention comprises: a molding portion formed extending longitudinally at the lower part of the compression portion; and a motor formed in contact with the lower part of the molding portion; and the motor transmits rotational power to the molding portion. Effects of the invention

[0025] According to the present invention, since the drying section is opened or closed depending on the moisture content of the coffee grounds measured by the humidity sensor using a humidity sensor, the moisture content of the coffee grounds inside the drying section can be accurately measured, which has the advantage of enabling the production of high-density pellets.

[0026] In addition, since the weight of the storage unit can be measured using a weight sensor, it is possible to check how much pellet is stored within it, which has the advantage of facilitating the smooth production of pellets.

[0027] In addition, when the compression roller and the forming section come into contact, there is an advantage in that friction with the compression roller can be prevented when the forming section rotates in one direction. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates the initial shape of a humidity sensor bar to be described later according to the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates the case where the humidity sensor bar, which will be described later according to the present invention, moves in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 3 is a view of the pressurizing part according to the present invention from above toward below. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a point on the compression roller and the molding part according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the components controlled by the control unit according to the present invention. Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the operation process of a humidity sensor according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the operation process of a weight sensor according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are provided as examples to ensure that the concept of the present invention is sufficiently conveyed to a person skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below and may be embodied in other forms. Furthermore, in the drawings, the size and thickness of the device, etc., may be exaggerated for convenience. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals indicate the same components.

[0032] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of description.

[0034] In the present invention, the term 'length direction' refers to the X-axis direction with respect to FIG. 1, and the term 'width direction' refers to the Y-axis direction with respect to FIG. 1. The term 'vertical direction' refers to the Z-axis direction with respect to FIG. 1.

[0036] The device for manufacturing pellets using coffee grounds according to the present invention is equipped with a drying unit (100), a pressing unit (200), a motor (300), a cutting unit (400), and a storage unit (500) inside the main body, and further includes a control unit (600), a display unit (700), and a notification unit (800).

[0037] Although not shown, a proceed button (not shown) and a stop button (not shown) are provided on the outer surface of the main body, and the operation of the drying unit (100), pressing unit (200), etc. provided within the main body can be proceeded and temporarily stopped. In addition, the proceed button and the stop button can be formed in various shapes other than button shapes, such as knobs or touches.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates the initial shape of the humidity sensor bar (160) to be described later according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 illustrates the case where the humidity sensor bar (160) to be described later according to the present invention moves in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the drying section (100) includes a central axis (110), a screw section (120), an outlet section (130), a heating wire (140), a humidity sensor (150), and a humidity sensor bar.

[0040] The drying section (100) is formed on the upper side of the main body, and it is preferable that it be formed in a funnel shape such that the cross-sectional area narrows from the top to the bottom.

[0041] In addition, since coffee grounds must be inserted into the interior of the drying section (100), it is desirable to form a hollow section.

[0042] An outlet (130) is formed at the bottom of the drying section (100), and a portion is formed open so that coffee grounds can be discharged through the outlet (130).

[0044] A heating element (140) is provided on the outer surface of the drying unit (100) to heat the outer surface of the drying unit (100) and dry the coffee grounds, and the heating temperature and heating time of the drying unit (100) can be set differently depending on the amount of coffee grounds inserted into the drying unit (100).

[0045] A central axis (110) is provided on the lower side of the main body, that is, inside the drying section (100), and a screw section (120) is formed extending vertically from the lower part of the central axis (110).

[0046] While the coffee grounds are being dried, the screw part (120) can rotate in one direction with respect to the central axis (110), so this serves to maximize the drying of the coffee grounds.

[0047] A humidity sensor (150) is provided at the bottom of the drying section (100), and the moisture content in the coffee grounds can be detected using the humidity sensor (150).

[0048] The operation of the humidity sensor (150) can be controlled through a control unit (600) provided within the main body, and the heating temperature and heating time of the drying unit (100) can be set. At this time, it is preferable that the moisture content of the coffee grounds dried for a preset time inside the drying unit (100) be 3% or more and 17% or less.

[0049] A humidity sensor bar (160) is formed extending in the longitudinal direction on one side of the humidity sensor (150), and the humidity sensor bar (160) is formed to close the bottom of the drying section (100) so that the coffee grounds are not discharged outside the drying section (100) while drying.

[0050] The humidity sensor bar (160) can be opened or closed according to the moisture content of the coffee grounds, and a detailed explanation thereof will be provided later.

[0052] A compression section (200) is formed at a predetermined interval at the lower part of the drying section (100), and the compression section (200) is composed of a compression section guide (210), a roller shaft (220), a compression roller (230), and a molding section (240).

[0053] A pair of compression guides (210) are formed extending vertically on one side and the other side of the compression section (200), so that when coffee grounds are moved from the drying section (100) to the compression section (200), the coffee grounds are not leaked out of the compression section (200).

[0054] A roller shaft (220) is formed protruding vertically from the lower part of the interior of the compression part (200), and a pair of compression rollers (230) are provided on one side and the other side of the roller shaft (220) respectively, based on the roller shaft (220).

[0055] A forming section (240) is formed extending in the longitudinal direction at the lower part of the compression roller (230), and it is preferable that the compression roller (230) and the forming section (240) are formed with a predetermined gap between them.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a view of the compression part (200) according to the present invention from above toward below, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a point of the compression roller (230) and the forming part (240) according to the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of molding grooves (241) are formed in the molding part (240) at a predetermined interval.

[0058] At this time, the position of the compression roller (230) is fixed within the compression section (200), and it is preferable that the forming section (240) formed below the compression roller (230) rotates in one direction. Specifically, it is preferable that one side of the compression roller (230) contacts the inner surface of the compression section (200).

[0059] That is, the coffee grounds can be compressed at the lower part of the compression section (200) by the compression roller (230) and the rotating molding section (240).

[0060] Afterwards, the coffee grounds compressed in the lower part of the compression section (200) are penetrated through the molding section groove (241), and a pellet is formed within the compression section (200).

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the compression roller (230) and the forming part (240) do not come into contact with each other. Specifically, assuming the distance between the lower part of the compression roller (230) and the forming part (240) in the vertical direction is 'A', it is preferable that A is between 0 cm and 0.7 cm.

[0062] That is, when coffee grounds are compressed within the compression section (200), due to the configuration of 'A' formed between the compression roller (230) and the molding section (240), there is an advantage that as the molding section (240) rotates, the pellet can easily penetrate toward the outside of the compression section (200) through the molding section groove (241) to be described later.

[0063] In addition, when the compression roller (230) and the molding part (240) come into contact, there is an advantage in that friction with the compression roller (230) can be prevented when the molding part (240) rotates in one direction.

[0065] A cutting section (400) is provided at the bottom of the molding section (240). Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show the cutting section (400) being formed in contact with the bottom of the molding section (240), it is preferable that the cutting section (400) be formed spaced apart at a predetermined distance, as the cutting section (400) must cut the pellet protruding outwardly through the molding section groove (241) to a certain length when the cutting section (400) is actually operated.

[0066] A motor shaft (310) is formed extending vertically at the lower part of the molding section (240), and a motor (300) is connected through the motor shaft (310), and the motor (300) transmits rotational power to the molding section (240).

[0067] Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, it is preferable to separately provide a motor (not shown) that transmits rotational power to the cutting section (400), and it is preferable that the number of rotations per hour of the forming section (240) and the number of rotations per hour of the cutting section (400) are different.

[0068] At this time, the motor (300) that transmits rotational power to the forming part (240) and the cutting part (400) is preferably equipped with a 1 / 200 reduction gear on a 1 / 8 horsepower motor (300), and has the advantage of not having a problem with noise even when used in a cafe.

[0069] That is, it is desirable for the cutting part (400) to rotate repeatedly at predetermined intervals, and it is desirable for a blade to be formed so that the coffee grounds penetrating from the molding part groove (241) are cut to a certain length.

[0070] A passageway (510) is provided at the bottom of the cutting section (400), and the cut pellet moves through the passageway (510) to a storage section (500) where the pellet is stored.

[0071] The storage unit (500) is equipped with a weight sensor (520) to measure the weight of the stored pellet, and if the weight of the pellet is between 10 kg and 20 kg, the measurement information is transmitted to the control unit (600) to be described later. A detailed explanation of this will be provided later.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the components controlled by the control unit (600) according to the present invention.

[0074] The device for manufacturing pellets using coffee grounds according to the present invention further includes a control unit (600), a display unit (700), and a notification unit (800), and the control unit (600) can control the operation of the aforementioned humidity sensor (150) and weight sensor (520).

[0075] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the operation process of a humidity sensor (150) according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, first, the heating temperature and heating time of the drying unit (100) are set according to the amount of coffee grounds, and the drying of the coffee grounds is carried out.

[0076] After a set time has passed, the humidity sensor (150) detects the moisture content in the coffee grounds, and if the moisture content in the coffee grounds falls within the range of 3% or more to 17% or less, the humidity sensor (150) determines this as 'normal'.

[0077] The humidity sensor (150) transmits the judgment result to the control unit (600), and the control unit (600) transmits the judgment result to the display unit (700), so that the user can check the moisture content of the coffee grounds in the drying unit (100).

[0078] Additionally, if the humidity sensor (150) determines that the moisture content of the coffee grounds is 'normal', the humidity sensor bar (160) can be moved in the longitudinal direction to open the lower part of the closed drying section (100).

[0079] In contrast, the humidity sensor (150) detects the moisture content in the coffee grounds, and if the moisture content in the coffee grounds does not fall within the range of 3% or more to 17% or less and deviates from the preset moisture content range, the humidity sensor (150) determines this as 'abnormal'.

[0080] At this time, a warning sound may be output through the notification unit (800), and the humidity sensor (150) transmits the judgment result to the control unit (600), and the control unit (600) transmits the judgment result to the display unit (700), so that the user can check the moisture content of the coffee grounds in the drying unit (100).

[0081] Additionally, if the humidity sensor (150) determines that the moisture content of the coffee grounds is 'abnormal', the humidity sensor bar (160) does not move in the longitudinal direction, and for example, if the moisture content of the coffee grounds exceeds 17%, drying is continuously performed inside the drying section (100), or if the moisture content of the coffee grounds is less than 3%, moisture can be filled inside the drying section (100).

[0082] Afterwards, the humidity sensor (150) can measure the moisture content of the coffee grounds in the drying section (100) at regular intervals until it falls within the normal range.

[0084] Next, FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the operation process of a weight sensor (520) according to the present invention.

[0085] A pellet compressed within the compression section (200) is moved to the storage section (500) through the molding section groove (241), and a weight sensor (520) configured inside the pellet measures the weight of the storage section (500).

[0086] The user can pre-set the weight measurement time to be measured at regular intervals, and when the weight sensor (520) measures the weight of the storage unit (500), if the weight of the storage unit (500) falls within the range of 10kg or more and 20kg or less, it is determined to be 'normal'.

[0087] The weight sensor (520) transmits the judgment result to the control unit (600), and the control unit (600) can transmit the judgment result to the display unit (700), so that the user can check the weight of the pellet in the storage unit (500).

[0088] At this time, if the weight of the storage unit (500) is determined to be 'normal', the user can pick up the pellets stored in the storage unit (500).

[0089] In contrast, when the weight sensor (520) measures the weight of the storage unit (500), if the weight of the storage unit (500) does not fall within the range of 10kg or more and 20kg or less, but is less than 10kg or more than 20kg, it is determined to be ‘abnormal’.

[0090] Likewise, a warning sound can be output through the notification unit (800), the weight sensor (520) transmits the judgment result to the control unit (600), and the control unit (600) transmits the judgment result to the display unit (700), so that the user can check the weight of the pellet in the storage unit (500).

[0091] At this time, if the weight of the storage unit (500) is determined to be 'abnormal,' for example, if the weight of the storage unit (500) is less than 10 kg, the user can wait for more pellets to be filled into the storage unit (500), or if the weight of the storage unit (500) exceeds 20 kg, the user can immediately stop the operation of the compression unit (200) and the molding unit (240).

[0092] Accordingly, since the drying section (100) is opened or closed according to the moisture content of the coffee grounds measured by the humidity sensor (150) using the humidity sensor (150) according to the present invention, the moisture content of the coffee grounds inside the drying section (100) can be accurately measured, which has the advantage of being able to manufacture high-density pellets.

[0093] In addition, the weight of the storage unit (500) can be measured using a weight sensor (520), so that the amount of pellets stored in the storage unit (500) can be checked, which has the advantage of facilitating the manufacturing of pellets.

[0095] Although the detailed description of the present invention has been explained with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0097] 100 : Drying section, 200 : Compression part, 300 : Motor, 400 : Cutting section, 500 : Storage unit, 600 : Control unit, 700 : Display section, 800 : Notification Department.

Claims

Claim 1 A drying unit having a hollow portion formed therein for inserting coffee grounds, wherein the heating temperature and heating time are set differently according to the amount of coffee grounds inserted into the drying unit for drying; a compression unit formed at a predetermined distance from the lower part of the drying unit; a pair of compression rollers provided inside the compression unit; and a storage unit formed at a predetermined distance from the lower part of the compression unit; wherein when the coffee grounds are dried to a predetermined moisture content within the drying unit, the coffee grounds are moved to the compression unit, and when the coffee grounds are compressed by the compression rollers and formed into a pellet shape, the pellets are moved to the storage unit; wherein the drying unit is formed in a funnel shape in which the cross-sectional area narrows from the top to the bottom, and a heating element is provided on the outer surface to heat the outer surface of the drying unit to dry the coffee grounds, and a central axis formed in contact with the lower surface of the drying unit; and a screw portion formed extending vertically from the lower part of the central axis; wherein the screw portion is rotatable in one direction with respect to the central axis so as to dry the coffee grounds together with the rotation, and the drying portion is formed on the lower side of the drying portion and includes a humidity sensor that detects humidity within the drying portion;It includes a humidity sensor bar that is formed extending in the longitudinal direction on one side of the humidity sensor and closes the bottom of the drying section to prevent the coffee grounds from being discharged outside the drying section while drying; when the coffee grounds are dried to a preset moisture content, the humidity sensor bar moves in the longitudinal direction to open the bottom of the drying section; the operation of the humidity sensor is controlled through a control unit, and the moisture content of the coffee grounds is adjusted to a preset range for a preset time inside the drying section; if the moisture content of the coffee grounds is determined to be 'normal' based on the information obtained from the humidity sensor according to the preset range, the humidity sensor bar moves to open the bottom of the drying section; if it is determined to be 'abnormal,' the humidity sensor bar does not move to continue drying if the moisture content is higher than the preset range, or controls the system to replenish moisture inside the drying section if the moisture content is lower than the preset range; a compression section is formed at a predetermined interval on the lower part of the drying section, and the compression section includes a compression section guide, a roller shaft, a compression roller, and a molding section; the compression section guide is of the compression section A pair of roller shafts are formed extending vertically on one side and the other side, and the roller shaft is formed protruding vertically from the lower part inside the compression part. A pair of compression rollers are provided on one side and the other side of the roller shaft, respectively, with respect to the roller shaft. A molding part is formed extending longitudinally below the compression rollers. The compression rollers are fixedly positioned within the compression part, and one side of the compression rollers contacts the inner surface of the compression part. The molding part rotates in one direction. The lower part of the compression rollers and the molding part are spaced apart vertically at a predetermined distance so as not to come into contact with each other. This prevents friction from occurring between the compression rollers and the molding part when coffee grounds are compressed within the compression part, and allows pellets to penetrate toward the outside of the compression part through the groove of the molding part. The compression part comprises a motor formed in contact with the lower part of the molding part;A device for manufacturing pellets using coffee grounds, comprising: a motor that transmits rotational power to the molding unit; a plurality of molding unit grooves formed at a predetermined interval in the molding unit; a cutting unit located at the bottom of the compression unit that cuts a pellet protruding to the outside through the molding unit grooves to a certain length; a cutting unit that rotates repeatedly at preset intervals and is configured with a blade, wherein the number of rotations per hour of the molding unit and the number of rotations per hour of the cutting unit are different; a motor that transmits rotational power to the molding unit and the cutting unit is equipped with a reduction gear; and a moving passage located at the bottom of the cutting unit that moves the cut pellet to a storage unit; wherein a weight sensor for measuring the weight of the pellet is provided in the storage unit; and a control unit that outputs the information obtained from the weight sensor through a display unit so that the user can pick up the pellet if the weight of the pellet falls within the range of 10 to 20 kg, and outputs a warning sound through an alert unit if it falls outside the range so that the user can control the pellet manufacturing. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 An apparatus for manufacturing pellets using coffee grounds according to claim 1, wherein the coffee grounds are dried to a moisture content of 3 to 17%. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete

Images