Composting device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composting device (100) comprising: a primary chamber (128) having a discharge opening (138); a subsequent chamber (144) having an entry opening (148); and a transfer conduit (150) that opens into the primary chamber (128) via the discharge opening (138) and opens into the subsequent chamber (144) via the entry opening (148), material being movable from the primary chamber (128) through the transfer conduit (150) into the subsequent chamber (144). The composting device (100) also comprises a maintenance conduit (178), which opens into the transfer conduit (150) at an opening (180) and comprises a maintenance opening (202), through which a user can intervene in the transfer conduit (150) via the maintenance conduit (178).

Description

[0001] COMPOSTING DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to a composting device comprising an outlet chamber with a discharge opening, a subsequent chamber with an introduction opening and a transfer channel which opens into the outlet chamber via the discharge opening and opens into the subsequent chamber via the introduction opening, wherein organic material can be transported from the outlet chamber through the transfer channel into the subsequent chamber.

[0003] Such a composting device is described, for example, in DE 10 2020 123 246 A1. This composting device is suitable, for example, for use in private households or offices. Organic waste can be thrown by the user via a chute into a drying chamber, which can be the initial chamber. The organic material is dried therein via a heating device and shredded and mixed using a tool. The material then enters a composting chamber, which can be the subsequent chamber. In the composting chamber, the dried material is converted into compost material, which can then be removed via a removal container. The composting device described in DE 10 2020 123 246 A1 features a chute-shaped transfer channel that connects the drying chamber to the composting chamber.The material is transported by the tool through the discharge opening into the transfer channel and falls under gravity through the feed opening into the composting chamber.

[0004] The composting device described in DE 102020 123246 A1 has proven itself in practice. It would be desirable to provide a composting device with improved maintenance options.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a composting device of the type mentioned above which is easier to maintain.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention in a generic composting device in that the composting device comprises a maintenance channel which opens into the transfer channel at an opening and comprises a maintenance opening through which a user can access the transfer channel via the maintenance channel.

[0007] The present invention takes into account the possibility that the transfer channel could become clogged with organic material, albeit in rare to very rare cases. To remedy this situation and to facilitate maintenance of the composting device for the user, the maintenance channel is provided. The user can easily access the maintenance channel through the maintenance opening and the transfer channel through the outlet opening. For example, the user can use a suitable tool, such as a pestle, to clear the transfer channel of organic material. Cleaning the transfer channel can also be performed preventively to avoid clogging.

[0008] For example, the outlet opening of the maintenance channel coincides with an inlet opening of the transfer channel.

[0009] As mentioned in connection with DE 102020 123 246 A1, the initial chamber can be a drying chamber and the subsequent chamber a composting chamber.

[0010] For example, it is provided that the output chamber is a drying chamber in which supplied organic material is dried by means of a heating device arranged on the drying chamber, and the subsequent chamber can be a composting chamber in which the organic material is converted into compost material.

[0011] A tool for mixing and / or crushing the organic material can be arranged in the drying chamber.

[0012] Accordingly, a tool for shredding and / or mixing the organic material can be arranged in the composting chamber.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the initial chamber is a composting chamber in which the organic material is converted into compost material, and that the subsequent chamber is a removal container for the compost material, via which the compost material can be removed from the composting device.

[0014] The transfer channel can, for example, be designed as a shaft aligned in a vertical direction. For example, the shaft is aligned vertically. The organic material can flow into the subsequent chamber under the effect of gravity through the vertically aligned shaft. It can be advantageous if the composting device comprises a conveying unit on or in the outlet chamber with which organic material can be conveyed to the discharge opening or through the discharge opening. This allows the organic material to be conveyed in a targeted manner from the outlet chamber into the conveying chamber. It is conceivable, for example, that the dryness, temperature and / or degree of comminution of the organic material is monitored, with the material being conveyed to or through the discharge opening if the material is of suitable quality.

[0015] The conveying unit can, for example, be formed by the aforementioned tool in the outlet chamber. For this purpose, DE 10 2020 123 246 A1 proposes that the tool can be operated in two modes. Depending on the respective mode, the material is crushed and mixed or conveyed.

[0016] The discharge opening is formed, for example, in an end wall of the outlet chamber, whereby the outlet chamber can be horizontally oriented, for example. Accordingly, the end wall can be a lateral wall.

[0017] The introduction opening is advantageously formed in an upper wall of the subsequent chamber or formed on the top side of a wall of the subsequent chamber.

[0018] Position and orientation specifications such as "top," "top-side," "bottom," "horizontal," and "vertical" refer to the intended use of the composting device. The composting device is placed on a surface that can be considered horizontally oriented.

[0019] When implementing the composting device in practice, it may be advantageous if a wall of the transfer channel is formed separately from a wall of the outlet chamber, with the transfer channel being connected to the outlet chamber. A sealing element can be arranged between the transfer channel and the wall of the outlet chamber.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, it may be advantageous if a wall of the transfer channel is formed separately from a wall of the follow-up chamber, with the transfer channel connected to the follow-up chamber. A sealing element can be arranged between the transfer channel and the follow-up chamber. The discharge opening is preferably located above the discharge opening. Should organic material accumulate in the transfer channel, this reduces the risk of the material escaping through the maintenance channel.

[0021] In a preferred implementation of the invention, the transfer channel and the maintenance channel can be formed by the same component of the composting device. The component is, in particular, made of a single piece and, for example, of a plastic material. Different sections can be provided within the component, with one section forming the transfer channel and one section forming the maintenance channel. For example, the maintenance channel is an extension of the transfer channel in a direction away from the subsequent chamber.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the transfer channel and the maintenance channel can be formed by different components of the composting device, which are, for example, connected to one another. The two components are connected in such a way that the maintenance channel opens into the transfer channel at the outlet opening.

[0023] It may be provided that the transfer channel engages into the maintenance channel, particularly from below.

[0024] It may be advantageous to have a sealing element arranged between the transfer channel and the maintenance channel at the outlet opening, sealing the transfer channel and the maintenance channel relative to each other. The sealing element could be, for example, a sealing ring between the walls of the transfer channel and the maintenance channel.

[0025] It can be provided that a component of the composting device comprising or forming the maintenance channel and / or the transfer channel is a supporting structural component that forms at least one receiving part for at least one further component of the composting device. Functional integration can be carried out via the structural component, wherein not only the maintenance channel and / or the transfer channel is comprised or formed, but also at least one receiving part. For example, a receiving part is formed for a funnel element for organic material, which forms an insertion chute for the material. The funnel element can be arranged detachably in the receiving part, for example. Furthermore, the structural component can form, for example, a receiving part for a condenser of the composting device. It can prove advantageous if the maintenance channel has a taper from the maintenance opening to the outlet opening.This makes it easier for a user to reach through the maintenance channel into the transfer channel. For example, a tool can be guided through a wall of the maintenance channel toward the discharge opening.

[0026] It may be advantageous if the maintenance channel has its smallest cross-sectional area at or near the muzzle opening. This advantageously prevents a user from reaching through the maintenance channel into the transfer channel, the output chamber, and / or the secondary chamber.

[0027] For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the maintenance channel at its narrowest point can be approximately 2 cm 2 up to 10 cm 2 preferably 3 cm 2 up to 6 cm 2 .

[0028] The composting device can, for example, comprise a housing and, in particular, have a cuboid shape. The maintenance opening can be arranged or formed in a housing wall or on a housing wall of the housing. This offers the user an easy way to access the maintenance channel. The housing wall itself can form the maintenance opening. Alternatively, a housing opening can be arranged or formed in the housing wall, for example, which is aligned with the maintenance opening. Preferably, the maintenance opening and the housing opening are adjacent to one another. For example, the housing wall and the maintenance channel are made from different, adjacent components.

[0029] The housing wall is preferably an upper housing wall of the housing. This allows the user to easily access the maintenance channel for clearing the transfer channel of organic material.

[0030] It is advantageous if the composting device comprises a locking element with which the maintenance opening and / or the housing opening can be closed in a blocking position and moved into a release position to open the maintenance opening and / or the housing opening. This increases the operational reliability of the composting device. The user can only access the maintenance channel once the locking element has been moved from the blocking position to the release position.

[0031] The composting device can be provided with a sensor element for monitoring whether the closing element is in the blocking position or the release position. If the closing element is moved into the release position, the composting device, in particular a tool in the initial chamber and / or in the subsequent chamber, can be shut down depending on a signal from the sensor element to increase operational reliability.

[0032] It is advantageous if a sealing element is arranged at the maintenance opening and / or at the housing opening, which seals between the maintenance opening and the closing element and / or between the housing opening and the closing element. This preferably seals the maintenance channel in an odor-tight manner to prevent unpleasant odors from the outlet chamber and / or the drying chamber. The sealing element is, for example, a sealing ring that seals against an outer side of the closing element. For this purpose, the sealing ring forms, for example, a lip seal. The closing element can, for example, seal between components that form the housing wall and the maintenance channel.

[0033] The locking element can preferably be operated manually and / or without tools, thus providing a user-friendly design of the composting device. For example, the locking element can be connected to the housing via a plug-and-twist connection.

[0034] The composting device can comprise, in particular on an upper side, a filling shaft for filling in organic material and a cover element which covers the filling shaft in a covering position and releases it in a filling position.

[0035] The cover element can preferably cover the closing element, particularly in the covering position and in the filling position. During normal operation of the composting device, the closing element is thus removed from direct access by the user. This increases the operational reliability of the composting device.

[0036] Furthermore, it can be provided that the closing element is additionally or alternatively covered by a further cover element of the composting device, which is to be removed to expose the closing element and can in turn be covered, for example, by the aforementioned cover element in the filling position. The first-mentioned cover element also covers, for example, the upper housing wall.

[0037] It can be provided that the cover element is detachable from the composting device and that the composting device comprises at least one sensor element with which the absence of the cover element can be detected, wherein a tool for processing the organic material in the outlet chamber is deactivated or deactivated in the absence of the cover element. Preferably, the composting device can be deactivated entirely. This increases the operational reliability of the composting device. When the maintenance channel is opened, the tool in the outlet chamber and / or in the downstream chamber is no longer in operation, preventing any risk of injury to the user.

[0038] The above-mentioned sensor elements for monitoring the closing element and / or the covering element can be designed, for example, as Hall sensors.

[0039] It is conceivable that the composting device comprises at least one sensor unit with which an object in the maintenance channel and / or in the transfer channel can be detected. Depending on this, for example, the composting device can be switched off, in particular a tool in the output chamber and / or in the subsequent chamber. For example, the maintenance channel is monitored for the presence of an object, e.g. a foreign body, and if present, a safety measure can be initiated. Alternatively or additionally, monitoring the transfer channel using the sensor unit is conceivable. For example, an existing or impending blockage with organic material can be detected in this way. In this case, for example, a visual and / or acoustic warning can be provided to the operator.The sensor unit is, for example, coupled to a control device of the composting device, so that if organic material is transported from the output chamber to the subsequent chamber as planned and the sensor unit responds, a blockage is not assumed.

[0040] The sensor unit is or includes, for example, a light barrier.

[0041] The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. They show:

[0042] Figure 1: a perspective view of the composting device according to the invention in a preferred embodiment;

[0043] Figure 2: a representation corresponding to Figure 1, with a housing side wall and cover elements of the composting device omitted; Figure 3: a schematic representation of the composting device from Figure 1;

[0044] Figure 4: an enlarged perspective partial view of the composting device from Figure 2 with a closing element moved into a release position;

[0045] Figure 5: a sectional view along the composting device; and

[0046] Figure 6: an enlarged view of detail A in Figure 5.

[0047] The drawing shows a preferred embodiment of a composting device according to the invention, designated overall by the reference numeral 100. The composting device 100 is shown in Figures 1 to 3 on a base 102 considered to be horizontally oriented. The composting device 100 serves, for example, to convert organic waste into compost material in private households or offices. The mode of operation of the composting device 100 is briefly described below for this purpose. For further explanations, reference is made to DE 10 2020 123 246 A1 of the same applicant, unless there are differences between the present invention and the disclosure of this patent application.

[0048] The composting device 100 comprises a housing 104 with an upper housing part 106 and a lower base-like housing part 108. The housing 104, in particular the housing part 106, comprises an upper housing wall 110, a front housing wall 112, a rear housing wall 114, and side housing walls 116. In Figures 2 and 4, one of the housing walls 116 is hidden. The lower housing part 108 accommodates a removal container 118 and a condensate container 120.

[0049] Material to be composted is inserted by the user through a chute 122 on a top side 124 of the composting device and enters a drying chamber 126. In this case, the drying chamber 126 is an output chamber 128 within the meaning of the invention. The organic material is dried in the drying chamber 126 by means of a heating device 130. A tool 132, driven by a drive unit 134, is arranged in the drying chamber 126 to mix and shred the organic material.

[0050] In this case, the tool 132 also serves as a conveying unit 136 for conveying the dried and shredded material to and through a discharge opening 138 of the drying chamber 126. The discharge opening 138 is formed in an end wall 140 of the drying chamber 126. The drying chamber 126 is arranged with its axis horizontally aligned in the housing 104.

[0051] In the present example, a composting chamber 142, which is a secondary chamber 144 within the meaning of the present invention, is arranged below the drying chamber 126. The composting chamber 142 is also arranged with a horizontally oriented axis in the housing 104.

[0052] An introduction opening 148 is formed in an upper wall 146 of the composting chamber 142.

[0053] The composting device 100 comprises a transfer channel 150, which is designed as a shaft 152. The transfer channel 150 runs in a vertical direction 154, in particular vertically, from the drying chamber 126 to the composting chamber 142.

[0054] As can be seen, for example, from Figures 2 and 5, the transfer channel 150 is formed separately from the drying chamber 126 and the composting chamber 142. The components 150, 126, and 142 each comprise separate walls, for example, made of a plastic material. The transfer channel 150 is connected to the discharge opening 138. A sealing element 156, for example, a sealing ring, is arranged between the drying chamber 126 and the transfer channel 150.

[0055] In a corresponding manner, the transfer channel 150 is connected to the composting chamber 142 at the introduction opening 148. A sealing element not shown in the drawing seals between the transfer channel 150 and the composting chamber 142.

[0056] After passing through the discharge opening 138, the organic material can fall through the transfer channel 150 into the composting chamber 142 under the influence of gravity. In the composting chamber 142, the material is heated by a heating device 158. Furthermore, the material is mixed and shredded by a tool 160 driven by a drive unit 162.

[0057] After the composting process, the material can be conveyed by means of the tool 160 into a discharge channel 164, through which the compost material flows into the removal container 118. During the composting process, the material to be composted can be humidified. Humidified air and process gases generated during drying and composting can be extracted via a suction device 166, which applies negative pressure to a flow device 168. Reference numerals 170, 172, and 174 denote a condenser, a condensate line, and a filter element, respectively.

[0058] The composting device 100 comprises a control device 176 for controlling and / or regulating its operation. For example, the condition of the organic material in the drying chamber 126 is monitored, such as its moisture content, temperature, and / or degree of comminution. If the material is of suitable quality, the tool 132 is controlled to act as a conveying unit 136 and convey the material to and through the discharge opening 138.

[0059] During regular operation of the composting device 100, this material enters the composting chamber 142 as explained. However, it may happen that the transfer channel 150 becomes clogged and blocked by organic material.

[0060] For maintenance purposes, the composting device 100 includes a maintenance channel 178 through which the user can access the transfer channel 150 to clear any blockage. Furthermore, preventative cleaning of the transfer channel 150 can be performed, for example.

[0061] The maintenance channel 178 opens into the transfer channel 150 via an opening 180. In the present case, the maintenance channel 178 is arranged above the transfer channel 150. The opening 180 is positioned above the discharge opening 138. The opening 180 of the maintenance channel 178 coincides with an inlet opening 182 of the transfer channel 150, which is formed by an upper section 184 of the transfer channel 150, wherein the upper section 184 extends from the discharge opening 138 toward the upper housing wall 110 (Figure 5).

[0062] In the present case, the transfer channel 150 and the maintenance channel 178 are formed by separate components 186 and 188, respectively, of the composting device 100. In another embodiment, it could be provided that a common component is present that includes or forms both the transfer channel 150 and the maintenance channel 178.

[0063] The component 186 is in the present case a pipe which has the inlet opening 182 on the top side, opens laterally into the drying chamber 126 via the discharge opening 138 and opens into the composting chamber 142 on the side opposite the inlet opening 182 via the introduction opening 148.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the component 188 is a structural component of the composting device, which forms further receiving parts for functional components of the composting device 100.

[0065] As can be seen, for example, from Figures 2 and 4 to 6, the component 188 forms a receiving part 190 for a funnel element 192. The funnel element 192 can be removably positioned on the receiving part 190 and forms the insertion shaft 122 with an insertion opening 194 at the top for inserting organic material.

[0066] The component 188 also forms a receiving part 196 which can receive the capacitor 170 and the filter element 174 (Figures 2 to 4).

[0067] As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6, for example, the maintenance channel 178 with a lower section 198 overlaps the transfer channel 150 at the upper section 184. A sealing element 200 in the form of a sealing ring 210 is arranged between the channels 150 and 178.

[0068] The maintenance channel has a maintenance opening 202 on the inlet side. In this case, the maintenance opening 202 is arranged on the upper housing wall 110 and is directly adjacent to a housing opening 204 formed in the housing wall 110. The housing wall 110 and the maintenance channel 178 (via the component 188) are separate components in this case. It is conceivable that the maintenance channel 178 is formed by a common component with the upper housing wall 110.

[0069] A sealing element 208 is arranged between a projection 206 of the housing wall 110, which in this case is annular and projects in the direction of the maintenance channel 178, and the maintenance channel 178. The sealing element 208 is a sealing ring 210, which is placed on the maintenance channel 178 and forms a circumferential sealing lip 212 on the inside of the maintenance channel 178.

[0070] With the housing opening 204 open, a user can reach through the housing opening 204 and the maintenance opening 202 through the maintenance channel 178 into the transfer channel 150, typically using a tool such as a plunger, and loosen any accumulations of organic material. This provides the composting device 100 with user-friendly maintenance features. In particular, it is not necessary to open the housing 104 and remove the transfer channel 150 in order to clean it.

[0071] The maintenance channel 178 tapers from the maintenance opening 202 to the mouth opening 180. The cross-sectional area of ​​the maintenance channel 178 is smallest at the mouth opening 180. The maintenance channel 178 is dimensioned, for example, so that the user cannot insert their fingers into the transfer channel 150. For example, the cross-sectional area at the narrowest point is approximately 3 cm. 2 up to 6 cm2 .

[0072] To increase operational reliability, it is also advantageous if the maintenance channel 178 does not fall below a certain length. For example, the minimum length is approximately 10 cm to 15 cm.

[0073] To further increase operational reliability, the composting device 100 includes a closing element 214 in the form of a cap or lid 216. The lid 216 can assume a blocking position. In the blocking position, the lid 216 closes the housing opening 204 and the maintenance opening 202 (Figure 6). The lid 216 engages the sealing lip 212 of the sealing element 208. The maintenance channel 178 is thus sealed so tightly that the escape of gases and thus unpleasant odors can be prevented.

[0074] The cover 216 can be moved into a release position (Figures 4 and 5). The cover 216 can be removed and attached manually without the need for tools in a user-friendly manner. As can be seen, for example, from Figure 4, the cover 216 can be connected to the upper housing wall 110 by a plug-and-turn connection. To remove it, the cover 216 is first rotated and then lifted. The attachment of the cover 216 is carried out in the reverse manner.

[0075] As can be seen particularly from Figures 1 and 2, the composting device 100 has a cover element 218 on the upper side 124. The cover element 218 can assume a covering position (Figure 1). In the covering position, the cover element 218 covers the insertion opening 194, and the insertion chute 122 is closed.

[0076] To release the insertion opening 194, the cover element 218 is moved into a insertion position by sliding it. A dashed line 220 in Figure 1 symbolizes the contour of the cover element 218 in the insertion position. The user can insert organic material into the insertion chute 122.

[0077] In both the cover position and the insertion position, the cover element 218 covers the lid 216, preventing direct access to it. For this purpose, the cover element 218 must first be detached from the housing 104. Then, another cover element 221, which is arranged on top of the housing wall 110 and covers the lid 216, must be removed. The housing wall 110 is then exposed, and the user can grasp the lid 216 to open the maintenance channel 178 (Figures 2 and 4).

[0078] The composting device 100 can have at least one sensor element 222. In the present case, two sensor elements 222 are provided, which are coupled to the control device 176. The sensor elements 222 are arranged at an edge of the feed chute 122. The sensor elements 222 check for the absence (or conversely, the presence) of the cover element 218. If the cover element 218 assumes the covering position, the presence of both sensor elements 222 can be detected. If the cover element 218 assumes the filling position, at least one sensor element 222 detects the presence of the cover element 218.

[0079] If, on the other hand, the cover element 218 is detached from the housing 104, it is not detected by any of the sensor elements 222, which is interpreted as the absence of the cover element 218. In this case, the control device 176 deactivates the composting device 100, in particular the drive units 134 and / or 162 for the tools 132 and 160, respectively.

[0080] In one embodiment, it may be provided that the funnel element 192 is to be removed in order to be able to remove the cover element 221. A sensor element may be provided to detect the absence. In this case, the control device 176 deactivates, for example, the composting device 100, in particular the drive units 134 and / or 162 for the tools 132 and 160, respectively.

[0081] Alternatively or in addition to the above, the composting device 100 can comprise at least one sensor element 224 (Figure 6) to monitor whether the closing element 214 assumes the blocking position or the release position. If the closing element 214 is moved into the release position, the composting device 100, in particular the drive units 134 and / or 162, can be deactivated, for example, depending on a signal from the sensor element 224, as in the case described above, to increase operational reliability.

[0082] The sensor element 222 and / or the sensor element 224 are, for example, Hall sensors.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the composting device 100 comprises at least one sensor unit 226 (Figure 6), with which an object in the maintenance channel 178 and / or in the transfer channel 150 can be detected. In the present case, the sensor unit is arranged on the maintenance channel 178. Depending on the signal from the sensor unit 226, for example as a result of a foreign body being introduced into the maintenance channel 178, the composting device 100, in particular the drive units 134 and / or 162, can be deactivated. The sensor unit 226 is or comprises a light barrier.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to monitor the transfer channel 150 by means of a sensor unit, as already explained above.

[0085] List of reference symbols

[0086] Composting device Installation area Housing Upper housing part Lower housing part Upper housing wall Front housing wall Rear housing wall Side housing wall Removal container Condensate container Feed chute Top

[0087] Drying chamber Output chamber , 158 Heating device , 160 Tool , 162 Drive unit

[0088] Conveying unit Discharge opening Front wall Composting chamber Follow-up chamber Upper wall Inlet opening Transfer channel Shaft Height direction , 200, 208 Sealing element Discharge channel Suction device Flow device Condenser Condensate line Filter element Control device Maintenance channel Mouth opening Inlet opening Upper section Component Component Receptacle Funnel element Insertion opening Receptacle Lower section Maintenance opening Housing opening Extension Sealing ring Sealing lip Closing element Cover Cover element Dashed line Cover element Sensor element Sensor element Sensor unit

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Composting device (100), comprising an outlet chamber (128) with a discharge opening (138), a subsequent chamber (144) with an introduction opening (148), and a transfer channel (150) which opens into the outlet chamber (128) via the discharge opening (138) and opens into the subsequent chamber (144) via the introduction opening (148), wherein organic material from the outlet chamber (128) can be transported through the transfer channel (150) into the subsequent chamber (144), characterized in that the composting device (100) comprises a maintenance channel (178) which opens into the transfer channel (150) at an opening opening (180) and comprises a maintenance opening (202) through which a user can reach into the transfer channel (150) via the maintenance channel (178).

2. Composting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the following applies: the outlet chamber (128) is a drying chamber (126) in which supplied organic material is dried by means of a heating device (130, 158) arranged on the drying chamber (126), and the follow-up chamber (144) is a composting chamber (142) in which the organic material is converted into compost material; the outlet chamber (128) is a composting chamber (142) in which the organic material is converted into compost material, and the follow-up chamber (144) is a removal container (118) for the compost material.

3. Composting device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the transfer channel (150) is designed as a shaft (152) that is specifically vertically oriented, in particular in a height direction (154); the composting device (100) comprises a conveying unit (136) on or in the outlet chamber (128), with which organic material can be conveyed to the discharge opening (138) or through the discharge opening (138).

4. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge opening (138) is formed in an end wall (140) of the output chamber (128) and / or that the introduction opening (148) is formed in an upper wall (146) or on the top side of a wall of the subsequent chamber (144).

5. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a wall of the transfer channel (150) is formed separately from a wall of the outlet chamber (128), wherein the transfer channel (150) is connected to the outlet chamber (128), and / or that a wall of the transfer channel (150) is formed separately from a wall of the follow-up chamber (144), wherein the transfer channel (150) is connected to the follow-up chamber (144).

6. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mouth opening (180) is arranged above the discharge opening (138).

7. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer channel (150) and the maintenance channel (178) are formed by the same component (186, 188) of the composting device (100).

8. Composting device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transfer channel (150) and the maintenance channel (178) are formed by different components (186, 188) of the composting device (100) which are connected to one another, in particular that the transfer channel (150) engages in the maintenance channel (178).

9. Composting device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that a sealing element (156, 200, 208) is arranged at the mouth opening (180) between the transfer channel (150) and the maintenance channel (178), via which sealing element the transfer channel (150) and the maintenance channel (178) are sealed relative to one another.

10. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a component (186, 188) of the composting device (100) comprising or forming the maintenance channel (178) and / or the transfer channel (150) is a supporting structural component which forms at least one receiving part (190, 196) for at least one further component of the composting device (100).

11. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maintenance channel (178) has a taper from the maintenance opening (202) to the mouth opening (180) and / or the maintenance channel (178) has its smallest cross-sectional area at or near the mouth opening (180).

12. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composting device (100) comprises a housing (104) and that the maintenance opening (202) is arranged or formed in a housing wall (110, 112, 114, 116) or on a housing wall (110, 112, 114, 116) of the housing (104).

13. Composting device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the housing wall (110, 112, 114, 116) is an upper housing wall (110) of the housing (104).

14. Composting device (100) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a housing opening (204) is arranged or formed in the housing wall (110, 112, 114, 116) which is aligned with the maintenance opening (202).

15. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composting device (100) comprises a closing element (214) with which the maintenance opening (202) and / or the housing opening (204) can be closed in a blocking position and which can be transferred into a release position for releasing the maintenance opening (202) and / or the housing opening (204).

16. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composting device (100) comprises a sensor element (224) for monitoring whether the closing element (214) assumes the blocking position or the release position.

17. Composting device (100) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that a sealing element (156, 200, 208) is arranged at the maintenance opening (202) and / or at the housing opening (204), which seals between the maintenance opening (202) and / or between the housing opening (204) and the closing element (214).

18. Composting device (100) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the closing element (214) can be actuated manually and / or without tools.

19. Composting device (100) according to one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the composting device (100), in particular on an upper side (124), comprises a filling shaft for filling in organic material and a cover element (218) which covers the filling shaft in a covering position and releases it in a filling position, preferably that the cover element (218) covers the closing element (214), in particular in the covering position and in the filling position.

20. Composting device (100) according to claim 19, characterized in that the cover element (218) is detachable from the composting device (100) and that the composting device (100) comprises at least one sensor element (222) with which the absence of the cover element (218) can be detected, wherein a tool (132, 160) for processing the organic material in the output chamber (128) and / or in the subsequent chamber (144) is set inactive or deactivated in the absence of the cover element (218).

21. Composting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composting device (100) comprises at least one sensor unit (226) with which the presence of an object in the maintenance channel (178) and / or in the transfer channel (150) can be detected.

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