Food waste disposer

Abstract

A food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a solid-liquid separation unit which transfers only food waste from which at least a portion of liquid of food waste introduced from an inlet is removed and drops the food waste downward; a decomposition unit which is disposed below the solid-liquid separation unit and decomposes the dropped food waste by microorganisms; an input cover which opens and closes the inlet; and a cover locking unit which locks the input cover not to be separated from the inlet, wherein the cover locking unit includes a cover motor, a cover pinion gear axially coupled to the cover motor, a first locking arm including a first rack gear gear-coupled to the cover pinion gear and a first locker connected to the first rack gear to lock one side of the input cover, and a second locking arm including a second rack gear gear-coupled to the cover pinion gear and a second locker connected to the second rack gear to lock the other side of the input cover.

Description

food waste disposer

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a food waste disposer, and more particularly, to a built-in type food waste disposer that can be installed inside a sink.

[0002] Generally, food waste disposers are divided into built-in type, which is installed under the sink and is integrated into the sink so that food waste is directly fed into the sink inlet and processed, and standing type, which is installed separately from the sink and collects and processes dehydrated solid food waste.

[0003] In the case of a stand-alone food waste disposer, solid food waste that has undergone dehydration is collected and decomposed into inorganic substances mainly through decomposition using microorganisms, and the decomposed waste is collected and discharged.

[0004] Meanwhile, in the case of a sink built-in food waste disposer, it includes a crusher that crushes food waste fed through the inlet and a dehydrator that dehydrates the crushed food waste.

[0005] Typically, food waste is processed sequentially through grinding and dehydration. Food waste passes through a grinder, a dehydrator, and then is loaded into a loading bin. The liquid separated from the food waste is discharged through a drain hose. Remaining food waste is collected in a food waste collection bin and disposed of once a certain amount has accumulated.

[0006] Users select and use a food waste disposer based on various factors, including environmental conditions and preferences, and the appropriate food waste disposal method and installation method. In particular, the entrance of conventional food waste disposers is covered by a cover. If the cover is opened during operation, the user's body can enter the waste disposer, potentially causing bodily harm.

[0007] International Patent Publication No. 2012121539 discloses an inlet cover with three magnetic elements inserted. The cover has three protrusions corresponding to the positions of the magnetic elements, and the inlet has a locking slot that aligns with the protrusions when the cover is seated. The structure allows the cover to be locked to the inlet when the user positions the cover over the inlet and turns it. When the cover is locked, a reed switch is installed in the inlet to detect the positions of the magnetic elements in the cover, and when the reed switch detects the magnetic elements, the food waste disposal device is activated.

[0008] International Publication No. 2016-088939 discloses a cover that is provided to enable the opening and closing of an inlet portion, and a safety sensor formed on one side of the inlet portion that is in contact with the cover to detect whether the cover is opened or closed. When the safety sensor detects that the cover has been opened while the stirring blade inside the processor rotates and food waste and microorganisms are being stirred, the rotation of the stirring blade is stopped to stop the stirring between the food waste and microorganisms. The safety sensor is provided as a magnet sensor comprising a magnetic body and a reed switch, the magnetic body being connected to one side of the cover, and the reed switch being installed on the inlet portion corresponding to the magnetic body.

[0009] Therefore, in conventional technologies, the cover has a protrusion and the insertion port has a slot so that the position of the magnetic detection reed switch located at the inlet and the position of the magnetic material inside the cover can be aligned when the cover is closed. This is inconvenient because the user must carefully close the cover so that the protrusion and the slot are aligned, and there is a problem that the safety device does not operate if the protrusion and the slot do not align.

[0010] In addition, conventional technologies have a problem in that they cannot secure user safety by fundamentally blocking or stopping operation when the mixer or rotating blade inside the food waste disposer is exposed to the outside.

[0011]

[0012] [Prior Art Literature]

[0013] [Patent Document]

[0014] International Patent Publication No. 2012-121539

[0015] International Publication No. 2016-088939

[0016]

[0017] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a built-in type food waste disposer that can collect and remove food waste by fermenting it without crushing it in a sink-integrated food waste disposer.

[0018] In addition, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste disposer in which the inlet cover is not separated from the main body during operation of the food waste disposer.

[0019] In addition, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste disposer in which a lower module including a decomposition part is not separated from the main body during operation of the food waste disposer.

[0020] In addition, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste disposer that stops the operation of the agitator and the solid-liquid separator when the lower module including the decomposition unit is separated from the main body during the operation of the food waste disposer.

[0021] In addition, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste disposer that stops the operation of the transport unit when the collection bin is separated from the main body during the operation of the food waste disposer.

[0022] In addition, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste disposer that stably locks the inlet cover with one motor.

[0023] In addition, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste disposer capable of discharging odors and vapor generated in the food waste disposer through a sewer pipe.

[0024] In addition, the present disclosure provides a food waste disposal device that discharges foul odors and vapor generated in the sink drain and food waste disposal device through a sewer pipe, and discharges liquid flowing in through the sink drain into the sewer pipe, while preventing the liquid from flowing back into the food waste disposal device.

[0025] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste disposer in which a waste transfer unit for collecting only the waste fermented in the decomposition unit into an adjacent collection unit is arranged above the collection unit, thereby utilizing the limited space under the sink and, in particular, minimizing the space other than the space where food is fermented or collected.

[0026] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste disposer that prevents water used by a user from easily flowing into the food waste disposal space of the food waste disposer and, even if it does flow in, discharges the water through a discharge hole regardless of the operation of the food waste disposer.

[0027]

[0028] The present disclosure is characterized in that at least one of the inlet cover and the decomposition unit is locked during operation of the high-liquid separation unit.

[0029] In addition, the present disclosure is characterized in that when the decomposition part is withdrawn, the stirring motor is stopped.

[0030] Additionally, the present disclosure is characterized in that the motor of the collection unit is stopped when the collection unit is separated.

[0031] The present disclosure features a cover locking unit that reliably locks an inlet cover.

[0032] Specifically, a food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure

[0033] The check valve is characterized in that it restricts the backflow of liquid by the buoyancy of the liquid flowing back, and allows the flow of odor and water vapor by its own weight.

[0034] Specifically, a food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a solid-liquid separation unit that transports only food from which at least a portion of liquid has been removed among food introduced from an inlet and drops the food downward, a decomposition unit that decomposes the food introduced from the solid-liquid separation unit, an inlet cover that opens and closes the inlet, and a cover locking unit that locks the inlet cover so that it does not come off from the inlet, wherein the cover locking unit includes a cover motor, a cover pinion gear that is axially coupled to the cover motor, a first locking arm that includes a first rack gear that is gear-engaged with the cover pinion gear and a first locker that is connected to the first rack gear and locks one side of the inlet cover, and a second locking arm that includes a second rack gear that is gear-engaged with the cover pinion gear and a second locker that is connected to the second rack gear and locks the other side of the inlet cover.

[0035] The first rocker and the second rocker can move toward each other when the cover pinion gear rotates forward.

[0036] The first rocker and the second rocker can move away from each other when the cover pinion gear rotates in reverse.

[0037] The first rack gear and the second rack gear may be arranged facing each other.

[0038] The first locking arm may further include a first guide slot guided by a locking guide installed in the high-liquid separation unit, and the second locking arm may further include a second guide slot guided by the locking guide.

[0039] The above-mentioned insertion cover may further include a cover catch that catches the first locker and the second locker.

[0040] When the high-liquid separation unit is in operation, the cover locking unit is characterized in that it maintains a locked state to prevent the inlet cover from being removed from the inlet.

[0041] The present disclosure may further include a main body that accommodates the high-liquid separation unit, wherein the decomposition unit is retractably accommodated in the main body, and may further include a lower locking unit that locks the decomposition unit so that it does not detach from the main body.

[0042] The lower locking unit may include a lower motor installed in the main body, a lower gear axially coupled to the lower motor, a lower rack gear coupled to the lower gear, and a lower locker connected to the lower rack gear to lock the disassembly part.

[0043] The above disassembly part may further include a lower slot into which the lower locker is inserted.

[0044] When the high-liquid separation unit is in operation, the lower locking unit is characterized in that it maintains a locked state to prevent the separation unit from being separated from the main body.

[0045] When the high-liquid separation unit is not operating, the lower locking unit is characterized in that it maintains an open state in which the separation unit can be separated from the main body.

[0046] The above cover locking unit further includes a locking detection sensor that detects a locked state of the first locking arm and the second locking arm, and the high-liquid separation unit can be operated only when the first locking arm and the second locking arm are in a locked state.

[0047] The present disclosure further includes a decomposition extraction detection sensor that detects extraction of the decomposition unit, and the decomposition unit may include a decomposition tank that provides a space for decomposing the food, a stirrer that is rotatably installed within the decomposition tank and stirs the food, and a stirring motor that provides rotational force to the stirrer.

[0048] The above stirring motor can be stopped when the withdrawal of the above decomposition part is detected.

[0049]

[0050] Through the above solution, the food waste disposer has the advantage of being easy to post-process and environmentally friendly as it decomposes food into microorganisms.

[0051] In addition, the present disclosure has an advantage in that the cover locking unit locks the inlet cover so that it does not separate from the main body during the operation of the food waste disposer or the operation of the solid-liquid separator, thereby preventing the inlet cover from opening during the operation of the food waste disposer and the user's body or other foreign substances from entering the inside of the food waste disposer.

[0052] In addition, the present disclosure has an advantage in that the lower locking unit locks the decomposition unit from being separated from the main body during the operation of the food waste disposer or the solid-liquid separator, thereby solving the problem of the decomposition unit being pulled out from the main body during the operation of the food waste disposer, and the food being separated from the solid-liquid falls to the bottom of the main body instead of the decomposition unit.

[0053] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of stopping the operation of the agitator and the solid-liquid separator with a simple structure when the lower module including the decomposition unit is separated from the main body during operation of the food waste disposer by pressing the push switch so that power is supplied to the agitator and the solid-liquid separator when the decomposition unit is pulled out, and the push switch becomes free so that power is cut off to the agitator and the solid-liquid separator, and the decomposition unit is pulled out so that the user can reduce the risk of being injured by the operation of the solid-liquid separator of the agitator.

[0054] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of solving the problem of a user's body being damaged by the blade of the transport unit by stopping the operation of the transport unit when the collection bin is separated from the main body during the operation of the food waste disposer, and preventing food broken down in the transport unit from falling to the bottom of the main body.

[0055] In addition, the present disclosure has an advantage in that the cover locking unit controls two lockers that lock both ends of the inlet cover by one motor and one pinion gear, and when the motor rotates forward, the two lockers come closer, and when the motor rotates backward, the two lockers move away, thereby fixing both ends of the inlet cover with a simple structure, thereby stably locking the inlet cover.

[0056] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of preventing water used by a user from easily flowing into the food waste treatment space of a food waste treatment device from flowing into the sink faucet, and even if it does, discharging the water through a discharge hole regardless of the operation of the food waste treatment device, thereby protecting microorganisms in the treatment space from dying due to excessive water input, and preventing damage to other components due to water overflowing into the treatment space.

[0057] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of easily controlling the opening and closing of the door by opening and closing the door connecting the transfer section and the decomposition section through which food is discharged from the high-liquid separation section, thereby restricting food that is not decomposed in the decomposition section from moving to the transfer section, and physically synchronizing the opening of the transfer section with the rotation of the transfer section to open the transfer section.

[0058]

[0059] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main body and lower module of a food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the food waste disposer of Figure 1.

[0062] Figure 4 is a front view showing the inside of the food waste disposer of Figure 1.

[0063] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the input portion of the food waste disposer of Fig. 1.

[0064] Fig. 6a is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the input section of Fig. 5 taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ', and Fig. 6b is a detailed perspective view of the cover section and the cover guide.

[0065] Figures 7a and 7b are detailed drawings of the solid-liquid separation unit of the food waste disposer of Figure 1.

[0066] Fig. 8a is a perspective view showing the inside of the lower module of the food waste disposer of Fig. 1.

[0067] Figure 8b is an exploded perspective view of Figure 8a.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the interior of a lower module of a food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Figures 10a and 10b are state diagrams showing the combination of a transport unit and a collection unit.

[0070] Figure 10c is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the transport section and the collection section are separated.

[0071] Figure 10d is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the transfer unit and the collection unit are combined.

[0072] FIG. 11a is a cross-sectional view illustrating a locked state of an inlet cover and a cover locking unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Fig. 11b is a cross-sectional view showing the open state of the inlet cover and cover locking unit shown in Fig. 11a.

[0074] FIG. 11c is a drawing showing the inlet cover and cover locking unit of FIG. 11a and their surroundings.

[0075] Figure 11d is a drawing illustrating the cover locking unit of Figure 11a.

[0076] FIG. 12a is a drawing illustrating a food waste disposer and a lower locking unit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 12b is an exploded view of the lower locking unit illustrated in Figure 12a.

[0078] This is a drawing showing the combined state of the lower locking unit and the disassembly part shown in FIG. 12a of FIG. 12c.

[0079] Figure 12d is a drawing showing the disassembled part withdrawn in the open state of the lower locking unit shown in Figure 12a.

[0080] Figure 12e is a drawing showing the disassembly part coupled to the main body in the locked state of the lower locking unit shown in Figure 12a.

[0081] FIGS. 13a and 13b are diagrams showing the operation of a disassembly extraction detection sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082]

[0083] The expressions referring to directions such as “front (F) / back (R) / left (Le) / right (Ri) / upper (U) / lower (D)” mentioned below are defined as indicated in the drawings, but this is only for the purpose of explaining so that the present disclosure can be clearly understood, and it goes without saying that each direction can be defined differently depending on where the standard is set.

[0084] The use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., preceding components mentioned below is intended solely to avoid confusion regarding the components they refer to, and has no bearing on the order, importance, or dominant-subordinate relationship between the components. For example, an embodiment that includes only the second component and no first component is also possible.

[0085] The thickness and size of each component in the drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity. Furthermore, the size and area of ​​each component do not entirely reflect its actual size or area.

[0086] Additionally, the angles and directions mentioned in the process of describing the structure of the present disclosure are based on those described in the drawings. If the reference point and positional relationship for angles are not clearly mentioned in the description of the structure in the specification, reference should be made to the relevant drawings.

[0087] Hereinafter, a food waste disposer (10) according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0088] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a food waste disposer (10) according to one embodiment of the present specification, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a main body (700) and a lower module (750) of a food waste disposer (10) according to one embodiment of the present specification, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the food waste disposer (10) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a front view showing the inside of the food waste disposer (10) of FIG. 1.

[0089] The food waste disposer (10) of the present disclosure is a microbial decomposition method, and food waste, which is the object of disposal, is introduced through an inlet (11) located at the top of the food waste disposer (10) and undergoes a decomposition process inside the food waste disposer (10). The composted waste, which is decomposed by microorganisms and turned into compost, is discharged through an outlet (12) located at the bottom of the food waste disposer (10), and is received in a collection unit (500) and then discharged to the outside all at once.

[0090] The food waste disposer (10) can be installed as an integral part (3) inside the sink (1). When the food waste disposer (10) is built into the sink (1), the inlet (100) of the food waste disposer (10) can be provided with a size and shape corresponding to the drain (4) on the bottom surface of the sink bowl (2). Therefore, when the food waste disposer (10) is installed in the sink (1), it can be conveniently used by connecting the inlet (100) of the food waste disposer (10) to the drain (4) of the existing sink bowl (2) without the need for a separate sink bowl (2) for connection.

[0091] The food waste disposer (10) of the present disclosure built into the interior (3) of the sink (1) is implemented to have an upper surface that is arranged parallel to the sink bowl (2) of the sink (1), a lower surface that is parallel to the upper surface and faces the bottom of the sink (1), and front, back, left, and right sides between the upper surface and the lower surface, and to have an internal space.

[0092] The front of the food waste disposer (10) is defined as the side facing the user when the user stands in front of the sink (1), the back is defined as the side that is parallel to the front and faces the back of the sink (1), the side that is bent to the left from the front is defined as the left side, and the side that is bent to the right from the front is defined as the right side.

[0093] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper and lower surfaces of the food waste disposer (10) have different areas, and a rear recessed portion (15) is formed according to the difference in the areas of the upper and lower surfaces, and a distributor (not shown) inside the sink (1) (3) can be positioned in the rear recessed portion (15).

[0094] The left and right sides are also formed into a square shape with at least a portion of the side facing the back being sunken by the back recess (15).

[0095] Accordingly, the food waste disposer (10) according to the present disclosure has an overall hexahedral shape, but may have a portion sunken at the lower back, and may be provided in various ways depending on the shape of the sink (1). That is, if the upper inlet (100) of the food waste disposer (10) is arranged so that it can be connected to the drain (4) of the sink (1), and the drain / deodorization module (600) of the food waste disposer (10) is arranged so that it can be connected to the drain pipe of the sink (1), it can be transformed into any structure as long as it has an internal space.

[0096] The food waste disposer (10) is configured with an upper module (710) having an inlet (11) arranged on the upper surface of the food waste disposer (10), a solid-liquid separation unit (200) connected to the inlet and separating the incoming food waste into solids and liquids and transporting the solids, and a lower module (750) arranged below the upper module (710).

[0097] The upper module (710) may include a display unit (14) on the front of the food waste disposer (10) and is integrated into the main body (700) (entire housing) of the food waste disposer (10).

[0098] The display unit (14) can display information about the temperature and humidity within the decomposition unit (300), the degree of maturation, and the remaining filling amount of the collection unit (500).

[0099] The lower module (750) is a functional module for receiving food from the upper module (710) and fermenting and storing it. It is integrated into one module and can be separated from the main body (700) in which the upper module (710) is placed.

[0100] The lower module (750) can be separated from the main body (700) by pulling it out in the first direction, i.e., in the front-back direction, from the front of the food waste disposer (10). By separating the lower module (750), it is possible to directly collect the decomposing matter and microorganisms that are decomposed within the decomposition unit (300) mounted on the lower module (750), and to clean the inside of the decomposition unit (300).

[0101] Various techniques can be applied to facilitate the assembly and separation of the lower module (750) from the main body (700). For example, the lower module (750) can be detached from the main body (700) in a drawer-like manner.

[0102] The input cover (111) covers the inlet (11) so that it can be opened and closed, but is provided to cover most of the area of ​​the inlet (11) so that the odor of the input food does not escape.

[0103] The collection unit (500) stores decomposed food waste. The collection unit (500) implements a sealed structure so that no foul odors generated inside the food waste disposer (10) leak out.

[0104] The food waste disposer (10) of the present disclosure is connected to a water supply pipe formed in a sink (1) and supplies moisture to the inside, and a drain / deodorization module (600) connected to a drain pipe formed in the sink (1) separates solid and liquid from food waste, and the liquid discharged is discharged immediately, while the odor or moisture discharged from each module is guided to be discharged to the drain pipe through the drain / deodorization module (600). Therefore, it has a structure that is directly connected to the water supply pipe and drain pipe of the sink (1), and does not have a separate hole through which odor is discharged to the outside, so when the food waste disposer (10) is operated and the inlet cover (111) is covered, the inside has a sealed structure.

[0105] The collection unit (500) connected to the outlet (12) of the food waste disposer (10) is detachable from the outlet (12). The separated collection unit (500) can empty the collected waste and be reassembled into the food waste disposer (10). The collection unit (500) can be installed in the food waste disposer (10).

[0106] The input cover (111) may be provided in a circular shape so as to be rotatable at the inlet (11). Specifically, the input cover (111) can be secured by simply being fitted into the inlet (11) to ensure a sealing force between the input cover (111) and the inlet (11). Therefore, the coupling of the input cover (111) and the inlet (11) to the extent of fitting or securing is required without performing engagement with the inlet (11) and a screw structure or the like.

[0107] In addition, when the insertion cover (111) is rotated by a predetermined angle or more while in a settled state, the rotation is detected by a sensor, and the settling and start of operation of the insertion cover (111) can be recognized.

[0108] That is, the rotation of the input cover (111) can also be used as an operation switch of the food waste disposer (10). For example, the input cover (111) and the input section (100) to which the input cover (111) is coupled can be provided with a sensing structure of a magnet and a hall sensor. That is, when the input cover (111) is fastened to the inlet (11) and rotated, the hall sensor periodically detects the magnet to recognize the rotational motion, and accordingly, recognizes the start of the operation.

[0109] That is, the operation of the insertion cover (111) being installed and the operation start command of the food waste disposer (10) can be recognized separately. Accordingly, the installation operation of the insertion cover (111) to prevent bad odors and the rotation operation for the operation start command of the food waste disposer (10) are separated, enabling accurate operation start while minimizing user intervention.

[0110] Figures 3 and 4 are a perspective view and a front view showing the inside of a food waste disposer (10) according to the present disclosure.

[0111] Below, the configurations according to the food waste processing process of the food waste disposer (10) of the present disclosure are described.

[0112] The input section (100) is the inlet (11) of the food waste disposer (10), and guides food to be input and delivers the food to the solid-liquid separation section (200) at the bottom.

[0113] The solid-liquid separation unit (200) is provided at the bottom of the inlet unit (100) and separates liquid from food moved from the inlet unit (100). In order for food to be easily decomposed, it is desirable for it to have a moisture content below a certain level, and the solid-liquid separation unit (200) separates liquid without crushing it and discharges it into an external sink drain through the drain / deodorization module (600).

[0114] The solid-liquid separation unit (200) can receive water from a water supply unit connected to an external sink water supply pipe and supply it to the lower decomposition unit (300). The interior of the decomposition unit (300) must maintain a certain amount of humidity for microbial activity, and the humidity can be sprayed from the water supply unit (730) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200).

[0115] A water supply part (730) is formed that penetrates from the outside to the inside of the case (201) of the solid-liquid separation part (200), and the water supply part (730) can have a water supply pipe extended so as to be connected to an external water supply pipe. Meanwhile, the internal water supply pipe (730) provided inside the food waste disposer (10) connects the solid-liquid separation part (200) and the external sink water supply pipe through the pipe connection part (732), and the internal drainage / deodorization module (600) connects the solid-liquid separation part (200) and the external drain port through the pipe connection part (680) (see FIG. 12a). The internal drainage / deodorization module (600) is connected so that a part is branched to perform a deodorization function, and also functions as a deodorization module that discharges odors together with liquid into the external drain port.

[0116] The solid-liquid separation unit (200) removes at least a portion of the liquid from the food input from the input unit (100) and moves it linearly or rotationally on a horizontal plane to drop it into the lower decomposition unit (300).

[0117] The decomposition unit (300) can decompose solid food materials using microorganisms. The decomposition unit (300) is located below the solid-liquid separation unit (200) and within the lower module (750). The decomposition unit receives food materials from which liquid has been removed, mixes them with microorganisms, and composts them, thereby decomposing them into compost. Food materials decomposed into compost are decomposed into a form similar to compost with small, uniform particle sizes without the need for separate grinding.

[0118] Accordingly, the decomposed material has a small particle size and a small weight, so it can move along a relatively large trajectory by stirring by the stirrer and be fed into the transfer unit (400) located at the top.

[0119] The collection unit (500) receives food that has been decomposed in the decomposition unit (300) and stores food to be discharged outside the food waste disposer (10) in advance. The collection unit (500) may be arranged horizontally with the decomposition unit (300). The decomposition unit (300) and the collection unit (500) may be partitioned by a side wall (360), and the decomposed matter of the decomposition unit (300) may be moved to the collection unit (500) through a side wall opening formed in the side wall (360).

[0120] The transfer unit (400) transfers at least a portion of the decomposed matter produced in the decomposition unit (300) to the collection unit (500). The transfer unit (400) is arranged horizontally with the decomposition unit (300) and is arranged above the collection unit (500) so that food in the decomposition unit (300) can be moved through the upper opening of the collection unit (500) via the inlet (361) of the side wall (360). The transfer unit (400) moves food in the decomposition unit (300) to the collection unit (500) by mechanical drive.

[0121] That is, when light and small particles of decomposition material are moved upward by the stirring of the decomposition unit (300), they are introduced into the transfer unit (400) through the inlet (361) of the side wall (360) and are discharged into the upper opening of the collection unit (500) through the outlet (12) by the mechanical driving of the transfer unit (400).

[0122] The main body (700), which determines the appearance and volume of the internal space of the food waste disposer (10), mounts each module.

[0123] Specifically, the input section (100) and the solid-liquid separation section (200) are formed integrally within the housing of the main body (700) that forms the exterior of the food waste disposer (10) as an upper module (710), and the decomposition section (300), the collection section (500), and the transport section (400) are mounted within a drawer-type lower module (750) that is physically separable from the housing of the main body (700).

[0124] Below, the detailed configuration of each functional module is described with reference to each drawing.

[0125] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the input section of the food waste disposer (10) of Fig. 1, Fig. 6a is a partial cross-sectional view of the input section (100) of Fig. 5 taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ', and Fig. 6b is a detailed perspective view of the input cover and cover guide.

[0126] The food waste disposer (10) according to the present disclosure includes an inlet (100) that protrudes from the upper surface of the main body (700) and is aligned with the drain (4) on the bottom surface of the sink bowl (2) of the sink (1).

[0127] The inlet (100) includes a sink lock (120) that is coupled to the inlet of the high-liquid separation unit (200), an inlet cover (111), and a cover guide (130) that is assembled with the inlet cover (111) and detects the presence and start of operation of the inlet cover (111).

[0128] The inlet (2011) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is inserted into the drain (4) on the bottom surface of the sink bowl (2) and is connected to the upper opening of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) in the sink (1) to form the input inlet (11) of the food waste disposer (10).

[0129] The inlet (2011) of the high-liquid separation unit (200) is formed to have a diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the drain (4) on the bottom surface of the sink bowl (2), but since the diameter of the drain (4) is generally standardized, the inlet (2011) of the high-liquid separation unit (200) can also be manufactured / distributed / sold according to the standard.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6a, the inlet (2011) of the high-liquid separation unit (200) is formed to have a cylindrical side inserted into the drain (4) of the sink bowl (2) and to extend from the side to the upper surface of the sink bowl (2) to cover and compensate for the gap caused by the diameter difference between the drain (4) of the sink (1) and the side.

[0131] At this time, the inlet (2011) of the high-liquid separation unit (200) is formed with a step on the side to form a mounting surface (137) having a narrower diameter than the upper opening, and the mounting surface is formed so that the cover guide (130) is mounted.

[0132] The sink lock (120) is formed on the side of the inlet (2011) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) and completely covers the space between the sink (1) and the sink bowl (2) and is screw-connected to the side of the inlet (2011) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) so as to be in close contact with the upper surface of the sink bowl (2). Therefore, the food waste disposer (10) and the sink (1) are connected without a space within the sink bowl (2) by the sink lock (120).

[0133] A cover guide (130) is placed on the side of the sink lock (120).

[0134] The cover guide (130) has a mounting surface (137) on which the insertion cover (111) is mounted, and guides the mounting of the insertion cover (111).

[0135] Specifically, referring to FIG. 6b, the cover guide (130) has a cylindrical structure having a diameter smaller than the side of the sink lock (120).

[0136] The cover guide (130) includes a side (132) that overlaps the side of the sink lock (120) within the side of the sink lock (120), a mounting surface (137) that is bent inward from the lower side of the side (132), and on which the insertion cover (111) is mounted.

[0137] Additionally, the cover guide (130) includes an expansion rim (131) having a step (133) so that the cover guide (130) is mounted on the mounting surface (137) of the inlet of the high-liquid separation unit (200) from the upper side (132).

[0138] The inner surface of the expansion rim (131) has a slope so that it has a predetermined slope from the top to the bottom, and can be formed so that the diameter of the cross-section decreases as it goes downward.

[0139] At this time, the outer surface of the expansion rim (131) can be formed vertically in the up-down direction. Accordingly, a step (133) is formed between the expansion rim (131) and the side surface (132), and the cover guide (130) is supported while the step (133) hangs over the mounting surface of the inlet (2011) of the high-liquid separation unit (200).

[0140] A locker slot (134) is formed on at least a portion of the side (132) of the cover guide (130).

[0141] The locker slot (134) is an opening through which the cover locking unit (280) is inserted into the slot (134) to secure the insertion cover (111) and the cover guide (130).

[0142] The locker slot (134) may be formed as a rectangular opening that is long and opens to have a predetermined width along the side (132), and may include a mountain whose middle region is inclined upwards to correspond to the shape of the arm of the cover locking unit (280).

[0143] At this time, the lower mounting surface (137) may be removed corresponding to the area where the locker slot (134) is formed, but is not limited thereto. That is, when the mounting surface (137) is removed, the mounting surface (137) may have a C shape with a portion removed rather than a ring shape.

[0144] Meanwhile, a guide portion (136) is formed on the inner surface of the expansion rim (131) of the cover guide (130).

[0145] The guide unit (136) provides a light path for guiding and transmitting the guidance indication received from the control unit (not shown) located in the lower high-liquid separation unit (200) to the upper part.

[0146] That is, the guide section (136) is formed of a light-transmitting light-guiding material and is connected to the control section located adjacent to the solid-liquid separation section (200) below by penetrating the expansion rim (131).

[0147] The guide unit (136) provides the user with a guide display that illuminates from the control unit. At this time, the guide display may be an indication of the current operating status of the food waste disposer (10), for example, an indication of operation in progress, operation completion, or an error. The indications of operation in progress, operation completion, and error may be briefly indicated by an emitting color, flicker, or the like. Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize the emitting color of the set guide unit (136) and quickly recognize the current status of the food waste disposer (10).

[0148] Since such a guide member (136) is placed on the slope of the expansion forest (131), it can be recognized with the naked eye when the user looks at the drain (4) of the sink bowl (2) from above.

[0149] A feedback magnet (135) can be placed below the guide portion (136) of the cover guide (130), and the feedback magnet (135) can provide resistance when the input cover (111) rotates in conjunction with the magnet (112) of the input cover (111).

[0150] At this time, the magnetic force of the feedback magnet (135) may be greater than the magnetic force of the magnet (112) of the input cover (111).

[0151] The input cover (111) is introduced into the side of the sink lock (120) of the input section (100) and is inserted so as to be placed on the mounting surface (137) of the cover guide (130).

[0152] At this time, the input cover (111) is installed within the cover guide (130) without a separate connection structure such as a screw connection, and can be used as a cover to prevent food from falling out during operation and operation of the food waste disposer (10).

[0153]

[0154] Below, the main body (700) and the solid-liquid separation unit (200) of the food waste disposer (10) are described.

[0155] Figures 7a and 7b are detailed drawings of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) of the food waste disposer (10) of Figure 1.

[0156] As shown in Fig. 7a, the high-liquid separation unit (200) is placed in the upper module (710) of the main body (700) of the food waste treatment device (10) between the input unit (100) and the decomposition unit (300).

[0157] The solid-liquid separation unit (200) performs the function of filtering liquid from food waste introduced into the inlet unit (100), i.e., food waste introduced directly from the sink bowl (2) of the sink (1), and delivering only solids to the decomposition unit (300).

[0158] The solid-liquid separation unit (200) has an inlet (2011) and an outlet (208). The inlet (2011) is connected to the drain (4) of the sink (1) as described above, and the outlet (208) is arranged on the lower surface of the upper module (710), that is, on the lower surface of the case (201) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200), and communicates with the decomposition unit (300).

[0159] To this end, the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is provided so that at least one area overlaps with the decomposition unit (300), and the outlet (208) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is provided so as to be located in this overlapping area. As a result, food discharged through the outlet (208) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) falls freely and is transferred to the decomposition unit (300).

[0160] The inlet (2011) and outlet (208) of the high-liquid separation unit (200) are arranged so as not to overlap with respect to the second direction, which is the vertical direction.

[0161] For example, the inlet (2011) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) may be positioned rearward from the front and rear of the food waste disposer (10), and the outlet (208) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) may be positioned frontward of the food waste disposer (10). Accordingly, the solid-liquid separation unit (200) may horizontally move the input food waste from the rear to the front and transfer it to the decomposition unit (300).

[0162] The high-value separation unit (200) includes a case (201) defining the interior of the upper module (710).

[0163] The case (201) of the high-liquid separation unit (200) has a shape in which the length and depth are greater than the height, and the height is greater than the height of the filter (210) in which the introduced food is initially received, and an inlet (2011) is provided on the upper surface of the case (201), and an outlet (208) is provided on the lower surface.

[0164] At this time, the case (201) can form a hexahedron, and forming a hexahedron means not only having the exact shape of a hexahedron, but also having a cross-section that has a square shape in some part.

[0165] Food in the input unit (100) is delivered to the inlet (2011) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200), and food that has passed through the solid-liquid separation unit (200) moves horizontally and is delivered to the decomposition unit (300) through the outlet (208) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200). The outlet (208) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is connected to the inlet of the decomposition unit (300) and the entrance (751) of the lower module (750), so that its shape can be identical to the entrance (751) of the lower module (750).

[0166] The internal space of the high-liquid separation unit (200) defined by the high-liquid separation unit (200) case (201) can be divided into a high-liquid separation space (A) and a transfer space (B).

[0167] The high-liquid separation space (A) may be an area located at the rear within the case (201), and is a space between the inlet (2011) and the drain hole (270) that accommodates the filter (210). The filter (210) may be composed of a cylindrical side portion (211) and a bottom portion (212) that covers the lower opening of the side portion (211), and the side portion (211) includes a filter (210) surface forming the main area of ​​the side, an upper rim (2112) that extends upward from the filter (210) surface, and a lower rim (2113) of the side.

[0168] The side part (211) of the filter (210) is mainly cylindrical and can be implemented as a strainer, i.e., a strainer, in which holes of a predetermined size are formed. Liquid flows out through the side part (211) and is injected into the drain hole connection part (271) along the slope of the bottom surface (2016) of the solid-liquid separation space (A).

[0169] The upper rim (2112) is formed as a slope so that the diameter increases as it goes upward, but the lower rim (2113) can be formed to extend from the side portion (211) and function as a border.

[0170] At this time, it may include at least one fixed projection (2111, 2117) that protrudes from a part of the lower rim (2113) and is fixed to the bottom surface of the high-liquid separation space (A), i.e., the bottom part (212) of the filter (210).

[0171] In addition, the lower rim (2113) may further include at least one side fixing protrusion (2115) that fixes the bottom portion (212) of the filter (210) to the side. The filter (210) is formed so that the side portion (211) and the bottom portion (212) can be separated, and the bottom portion (212) is formed in a closed structure without a hole.

[0172] At this time, the bottom part (212) may be bent upward at a part of the edge to form a joining guide (2121, 2122) that guides the side part (211) of the filter (210).

[0173] The filter (210) is separated or combined with the case (201) of the high-liquid separation space (A) in a state where the side part (211) and the bottom part (212) are combined. At this time, the bottom part (212) is a part of the case (201) and the combination guides (2121, 2122), specifically, the area where the combination guides (2121, 2122) extend outside the circumference, and the lower part of the side wall (2015) of the case (201) are combined, and can be separated only by physical pressure.

[0174] When the filter (210) is placed in the high-liquid separation space (A), a gap is formed between the side part (211) of the filter (210) and the case side wall (2015) as shown in Fig. 7d, and only liquid is separated from food waste through the perforations of the side part (211) of the filter (210) in the space created by the gap and flows into the case (201).

[0175] The liquid flowing into the case (201) flows to the bottom surface (2016) of the case through the gap space (2017) between the bottom part (212) of the filter (210) and the case side wall (2015) formed by the extended area of ​​the coupling guide (2121, 2122) when the bottom part (212) of the filter (210) is located in the solid-liquid separation space (A) and is introduced into the discharge hole connection part (271).

[0176] In this way, the bottom part (212) of the filter (210) is not integrated with the bottom surface of the case (201), but is combined in a structure that can be separated when pressurized, so that it can be separated from the case (201) for washing and drying as needed. In addition, by separating the bottom part (212), it is possible to wash the bottom surface of the case (201), i.e., the inclined surface that guides the flow of liquid to the drain hole (270) connected to the drain (4) of the sink (1), to prevent the growth of bacteria, etc.

[0177] Additionally, one side of the high-value separation unit (200) may further include a cover locking unit (280) for fixing the input cover (111) by penetrating the cover guide (130).

[0178] As described above, the cover locking unit (280) is controlled by the control unit, and when the side of the filter (210) is coupled with the bottom surface of the filter (210) within the solid-liquid separation space (A), the unit detects the coupling, and when the cover guide (130) is seated on the side of the filter (210), the unit detects the seating of the cover guide (130), and when the input cover (111) is seated on the cover guide (130), the unit detects the seating of the input cover (111), and then moves horizontally toward the input cover (111). The cover locking unit (280) includes a fixed hand (281) that is branched to fix one side of the input cover (111), and the fixed hand (281) passes through the locker slit (134) of the cover guide (130) to grasp and fix the side of the input cover (111).

[0179]

[0180] Hereinafter, the detachable lower module (750) of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0181] The lower module (750) that accommodates the disassembly section (300), the transport section (400), and the collection section (500) is packaged as an individual module that can be separated from the main body (700). Since the lower module (750) accommodates the inner case (320) of each module within the lower case (751), each functional module has a double case structure.

[0182] The lower module (750) case (751) can be implemented with the same material as the main body (700) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to be insertable into the main body (700).

[0183] Fig. 8a is a perspective view showing the inside of the lower module (750) of the food waste disposer (10) of Fig. 1.

[0184] The inner case (320) defines the positions of the disassembly section (300), the transport section (400), and the collection section (500) and can be provided in the form of a single injection molded product.

[0185] At this time, the transfer unit (400) and the collection unit (500) may have individual cases placed within the inner case (320), but the disassembly unit (300) may have the inner case (320) itself define the space of the disassembly unit (300).

[0186] That is, the decomposition unit (300) is defined as a space for stirring while containing microorganisms and food. The decomposition unit (300) is a space (310) that is maintained mostly empty on one side of the inner case (320), and occupies 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the volume of the lower module (750).

[0187] The decomposition unit (300) can be positioned to the lower left of the front of the food waste disposer (10), and the collection unit (500) and the transfer unit (400) are positioned to overlap each other to the lower right.

[0188] Accordingly, the space (310) of the disassembly section (300) maintains a deep concave shape that occupies the entire overlapping length of the collection section (500) and the transfer section (400), and the inner case (320) has a partition wall (380) positioned therein that divides the collection section (500) and the transfer section (400) from the disassembly section (300).

[0189] The decomposition unit (300) within the lower module (750) mixes the solid food material from which the liquid transferred to the decomposition unit (300) has been removed with microorganisms. The mixing of the food material and microorganisms increases the decomposition efficiency.

[0190] When the upper part of the decomposition unit (300) is opened, the opened upper part of the decomposition unit (300) is aligned with the outlet (208) of the case (201) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200).

[0191] At this time, the upper part of the decomposition part (300) may be larger than the outlet (208) of the solid-liquid separation part (200). Since the lower module (750) can be packaged in a separate case (751) and can be independently separated, the user's hand can enter the internal space (310) through the opening in the upper part of the decomposition part (300). Therefore, cleaning the internal space (310) of the decomposition part (300), removing stuck or stuck food, etc. can be facilitated, and if a foreign substance (e.g., a spoon, chopsticks, bottle cap, etc.) is introduced into the lower space (310), it can be easily removed.

[0192] A deodorizing port (322) for connection with a rear drain / deodorizing module (600) is formed in the disassembly section (300). A deodorizing port (322) that can be aligned with a deodorizing fan disposed in the main body (700) at the rear of the case (320) of the disassembly section (300) can be implemented.

[0193] The decomposition unit (300) does not have a separate drainage structure and decomposes dehydrated solid food matter and discharges only the vaporized odor or water vapor through deodorization. Therefore, it does not have a structure connected to the outside except for the deodorizing port (322).

[0194] In some cases, when a separate drainage structure is required, the drawer-type lower module (750) may include a module for connecting a drainage structure for connecting the drain to the sink (1) drain pipe, but alternatively, it may further include a tank for separately collecting and then discharging the liquid.

[0195] In the decomposition unit (300), delivered food and food undergoing decomposition by microorganisms are mixed and accumulated. Among the accumulated food, food that has been completely decomposed becomes compost, with particles that are very small and light in weight.

[0196] Such decomposed matter moves further along a larger trajectory due to the rotation of the mixer due to the difference in weight between it and the newly introduced food, and is transferred to the collection unit (500) through the transfer unit (400) located at the top of the decomposition unit (300).

[0197] Below, the detailed structure of the decomposition unit (300) is described.

[0198] Figure 8b is an exploded perspective view of Figure 8a.

[0199] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the decomposition unit (300) may include a decomposition tank (310), a stirrer (350), and a stirring motor (330).

[0200] The decomposition tank (310) provides a space where food is decomposed. The decomposition tank (310) can be defined as the internal space of the internal case (320) of the decomposition unit (300).

[0201] The inner case (320) of the disassembly unit (300) may have a structure in which the cross-sectional area becomes narrower as it goes downward.

[0202] In addition, the bottom of the decomposition tank (310) may have a curved surface. The bottom of the decomposition tank (310) is formed with a curved surface following the trajectory of the agitator (350), so that the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the agitator (350) uniformly affects each space below, thereby enabling uniform stirring of food and microorganisms from below.

[0203] A driving space (325) in which a stirring motor (330) is positioned can be defined on the outside of the inner case (320) of the disassembly unit (300). The positioned driving space (325) can be formed by the inner case (320) of the disassembly unit (300) being sunken inward.

[0204] Specifically, the drive space (325) may be sunken to the right on the lower left side of the decomposition tank (310). In particular, the bottom of the drive space (325) that is sunken in the inner case (320) of the decomposition unit (300) is formed to have a curved surface to prevent food or waste from remaining at the corners.

[0205] The stirring motor (330) provides rotational force to the stirrer (350). The stirring motor (330) may be located outside the decomposition tank (310). Specifically, the stirring motor (330) is located in the driving space (325).

[0206] The stirring motor (330) can be positioned facing the collection unit (500) with respect to the decomposition tank (310).

[0207] The stirring motor (330) can be connected in series with the stirrer (350). Specifically, the shaft of the stirring motor (330) and the rotation shaft of the stirrer (350) are connected by a motor-stirrer coupler (332), and the motor-stirrer coupler (332) can be installed through the decomposition tank (310).

[0208] Between the motor-stirrer coupler (332) and the decomposition tank (310), a stirring sealing member (333) may be placed to seal between the motor-stirrer coupler (332) and the decomposition tank (310).

[0209] Accordingly, the agitator (350) is connected in series to the motor shaft, and the motor is located outside the decomposition tank (310), so that the driving force can be efficiently transmitted without using a chain or belt between the motor shaft and the agitator (350), assembly is easy, the rotation direction and stirring direction of the motor can be freely switched, and there are advantages in that the motor is prevented from being damaged by food or moisture in the food.

[0210] The decomposition unit (300) may further include a heater (328) that provides heat to the decomposition tank (310). The heater (328) may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the decomposition tank (310).

[0211] For example, the heater (328) may be a heating wire embedded in the decomposition tank (310). As another example, the heater (328) may be a flexible film shape with the heating wire embedded in it that wraps around the outer surface of the decomposition tank (310).

[0212] The heater (328) is provided on the outer surface of the case (320) of the disassembly unit (300), thereby indirectly transferring heat to the internal space of the disassembly unit (300) through the case (320) of the disassembly unit (300). The case (320) of the disassembly unit (300) includes a metal plate with high thermal conductivity, thereby enabling efficient heat transfer. For this purpose, the case (320) of the disassembly unit (300) may have some surfaces made of a heterogeneous material of metal and non-metal, as needed.

[0213] The decomposition tank (310) is heated so that microorganisms can reach a temperature suitable for decomposing food, and also so that moisture in the food can sufficiently evaporate or vaporize, thereby facilitating processing.

[0214] The agitator (350) is rotatably installed within the decomposition tank (310) and agitates the food. In addition, the agitator (350) provides pressure or thrust in one direction to the food within the decomposition tank (310). The thrust of the agitator (350) causes the food within the decomposition tank (310) to accumulate on one side of the decomposition tank (310) and to be transported to the transport section.

[0215] The agitator (350) may have a structure that reduces the resistance of the food while generating sufficient thrust to move the food in one direction within the decomposition tank (310).

[0216] The decomposition unit (300) may further include a dryness sensor that detects the dryness of food in the decomposition tank (310).

[0217] For example, the dryness sensor may include an electrode sensor (371) that measures the resistance of food in the decomposition tank (310) to calculate the dryness. The electrode sensor (371) has two electrodes placed in a space where stirring is active in the decomposition tank (310).

[0218] The electrode sensor (371) detects the resistance of the by-product located between the two electrodes by supplying voltage between the two electrodes. If the moisture content within the by-product is high, current flows well, so the resistance value between the electrode sensors is low. On the other hand, if the moisture content within the by-product is low (dry), current does not flow well, so the resistance value between the electrode sensors is high. The difference in these resistance values ​​can be used to indirectly determine the dryness of the by-product.

[0219] As another example, the dryness sensor may include a capacitance sensor (372) that measures the dielectric constant of food within the decomposition tank (310) to calculate the dryness. The capacitance sensor (372) may be installed on the outer surface of the decomposition tank (310) to detect the dryness of the byproduct in a non-contact manner.

[0220] The capacitance sensor (372) may include two capacitance sensors (372) with different sensitivities.

[0221] Since a high sensitivity capacitive sensor can detect low permittivity, it is designed to send a LOW signal when the by-product reaches a certain dryness level, and when this sensor signal goes LOW, it is determined that drying is complete.

[0222] Since the low sensitivity capacitance sensor can detect high permittivity, it is designed to send a HIGH signal when the by-product exceeds a certain moisture content, and when this sensor signal is sent as HIGH, it is determined that the internal state of the decomposition tank (310) is over-humidified, and thus food input can be restricted.

[0223]

[0224] Hereinafter, the transfer unit (400) and the collection unit (500) will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0225] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the interior of a lower module of a food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0226] Referring to Fig. 9, the transfer unit (400) can implement a transfer function through a transfer screw (430) and a decomposition tank propeller (410).

[0227] The transfer unit (400) is located on one side of the disassembly unit (300), for example, on the right side, and is located on the top of the collection unit (500).

[0228] The transfer unit (400) may be positioned higher than the center of the decomposition unit (300). Specifically, the transfer unit (400) may be positioned higher than the center of the decomposition tank (310). Preferably, the decomposition tank propeller (410) and the transfer screw (430) may be positioned higher than the stirring member (352).

[0229] More preferably, the decomposition tank propeller (410) and the transfer screw (430) may be positioned higher than the rotation axis of the stirrer.

[0230] The conveying unit (400) can be positioned to vertically overlap with the collecting unit. Accordingly, food falling through the conveying unit (400) can fall to the collecting unit by gravity.

[0231] Due to the height difference between the agitator of the transfer unit (400) and the decomposition unit (300), only the decomposition materials with a small weight can selectively reach the transfer unit (400). In other words, only the decomposition materials that move by agitation and form a large trajectory in height due to the weight difference are introduced into the transfer unit (400), and the transfer unit (400) is implemented so that the introduced decomposition materials are moved to the collection unit (500).

[0232] The transport unit (400) transports food decomposed in the decomposition unit (300) to the transport unit (400), and includes a decomposition tank propeller (410) rotatably installed in the decomposition unit (300), a transport screw (430) that transports food transferred through the decomposition tank propeller (410) to a collection unit, and a motor that rotates the decomposition tank propeller (410) and the transport screw (430).

[0233] The decomposition tank propeller (410) is located inside the decomposition tank (310) and transfers food products decomposed and dried in the decomposition tank (310) to the transfer unit (400).

[0234] The decomposition tank propeller (410) can be rotated by a separate motor. Preferably, the decomposition tank propeller (410) is coupled to the rotation axis (451) of the transfer screw (430) and can be rotated together with the transfer screw (430).

[0235] The disassembly tank propeller (410) and the transfer screw (430) can be connected to each other by penetrating the bulkhead (380). The disassembly tank propeller (410) and the transfer screw (430) can be connected to each other by connectors (412, 452). Specifically, the disassembly tank propeller (410) and the transfer screw (430) can be connected by a forced fit or a groove and projection combination. A connecting hole (382) through which the connector (412, 452) passes is formed in the bulkhead (380).

[0236] The decomposition tank propeller (410) and the transfer screw (430) can be arranged to face each other with respect to the bulkhead (380). The decomposition tank propeller (410) is positioned to the left of the bulkhead (380), and the transfer screw (430) is positioned to the right of the bulkhead (380).

[0237] The decomposition tank propeller (410) prevents the decomposition tank propeller (410) from being rotated by food accumulated in the decomposition tank, and transports the food to the transport section (400) through the transport port (381).

[0238]

[0239] A passage (not shown) is formed in the bulkhead (380) to allow only food smaller than a certain size to pass through and prevent food larger than a certain size from passing through.

[0240] The conveying screw (430) conveys the food waste introduced into the conveying space (401) to the collection unit (500). The conveying screw (430) may be provided with a rotation axis (451) for conveying the food waste in the direction of conveying, and as the spiral blade protruding from the rotation axis (451) rotates, the food waste may be pushed toward the collection unit (500) or moved in the opposite direction.

[0241] The transport section (400) may further include a door (433) that opens and closes the transport port (381) by rotation of the transport screw (430). The door (433) is constrained by the rotation of the transport screw (430) and rotates together with the transport screw (430) to open or close the transport port.

[0242] The motor (450) rotates the transfer screw (430) in one direction so that the waste material moves from the decomposition section (300) area to the collection section (500) area.

[0243] At this time, if a signal is received that the collection bin (510) equipped in the collection unit (500) is full, the waste material can be moved back from the collection unit (500) area to the decomposition unit (300) area, or the motor (450) can be stopped. The rotational drive of the motor (450) can be controlled by the control unit (C).

[0244]

[0245] Below, the structure of the collection unit and the combined structure of the collection unit and the transfer unit (400) will be described in detail.

[0246] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the transfer unit and the collection unit are separated, Fig. 10b is a perspective view showing a state in which the transfer unit and the collection unit are combined, Fig. 10c is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the transfer unit and the collection unit are separated, and Fig. 10d is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the transfer unit and the collection unit are combined.

[0247] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10D, the collection unit (500) may be positioned on the lower right side within the inner case (320) of the lower module (750) in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0248] The collection unit (500) is inserted into the collection space (326) of the inner case (320) of the lower module (750).

[0249] The collection unit (500) can be individually assembled and separated from the main body (700) as a single module, and can also be assembled and separated from the lower module (750).

[0250] That is, the collection unit (500) is a module that is inserted into the collection space (326) in a state similar to an insertable trash can.

[0251] The collection unit (500) is composed of a collection unit (500) cover (520) and a collection box (510).

[0252] A hinged cover (521) is placed on the cover (520) of the collection unit (500).

[0253] The hinged cover (521) opens when combined with the transfer unit (400) and connects the internal space of the collection box (510) with the exit (12) of the transfer unit (400).

[0254] The hinged cover (521) is closed when the user separates the collection unit (500) from the collection space (326) and takes it out, and when the user re-mounts the collection unit (500) on the food waste disposer (10), it rises up and opens along the inclined surface (475) of the bracket (470) of the transport unit (400). For this purpose, the hinged cover (521) is hinged on the front side.

[0255] Accordingly, when the collection unit (500) is taken out, the user can prevent the garbage from being seen and the foul odor of the garbage can be prevented from escaping.

[0256] The collection box (510) has a concave shape to have an internal collection space, and may have a stepped structure so that it can be used by covering it with vinyl.

[0257] It includes a sensor (530) that can measure the amount of waste in the collection unit (500) so that the user can collect and discard it when a certain amount accumulates in the collection unit (500).

[0258] The sensor (530) of the collection unit (500) may be a weight sensor, and a weight plate (540) is formed on the bottom surface of the collection box (510), and the weight of the waste material can be detected through a load cell at the bottom of the weight plate 540 and transmitted to the control unit (C).

[0259] The collection unit (500) sensor (530) may, on the other hand, be a water level sensor placed inside the collection space, and various sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, and an image sensor can be applied as the water level sensor.

[0260] In this way, the combination and communication of the collection unit (500) and the transfer unit (400) are carried out by sliding combination of the outlet (12) of the transfer unit (400) and the opening / closing cover (521) of the cover (520) of the collection unit (500), so that the user does not feel discomfort due to internal deterioration when removing the collection unit (500), and the two modules can be easily connected and separated.

[0261] In addition, the present disclosure may further include a collection withdrawal detection sensor (496) that detects withdrawal of the collection unit (500). The collection withdrawal detection sensor (496) detects that the collection unit (500) has been separated from the main body (700) and coupled to the main body (700).

[0262] The collection withdrawal detection sensor (496) may include various configurations that detect the position of the collection unit (500). For example, the collection withdrawal detection sensor (496) may detect the position of the opening / closing cover (521) to detect whether the collection unit (500) is engaged. The collection withdrawal detection sensor (496)

[0263] When the collection unit (500) is withdrawn from the main body, the operation of the transport unit (400) is stopped. Specifically, when a signal is input from the collection withdrawal detection sensor (496) that the collection unit (500) has been withdrawn from the main body (700), the control unit can stop the operation of the motor (450) of the transport unit (400).

[0264] Accordingly, even if the collection unit (500) is withdrawn from the main body, the operation of the motor (450) of the transport unit (400) is stopped, so that damage to the user's body can be prevented even if the user's body enters the inside of the main body (700).

[0265] Meanwhile, the food waste disposer (10) of the present disclosure may further include a drainage / deodorization module (not shown) in the space between the main body (700) and the lower module (750), i.e., the rear space.

[0266]

[0267] By means of such an alarm, the user can separate only the collection unit (500) from the lower module (750) case (751) and empty the debris (830) inside.

[0268] In this way, the food waste disposer (10) of the present disclosure is built into a sink (1) and communicates with the drain (4) of the sink (1), and is connected to the water supply pipe and the drain pipe of the sink (1) so as to receive water and discharge liquid and odor from food waste into the drain pipe. Accordingly, the output from the food waste disposer (10) is limited to the spoiled matter in the collection unit (500), and the user can use it without various modules for ventilation and deodorization for separate exhaust by emptying only the spoiled matter in response to an alarm.

[0269] As described above, the food waste disposer (10) of the present disclosure is configured separately by an upper module (710) that mounts an input unit (100) and a solid-liquid separation unit (200), and a lower module (750) that mounts a decomposition unit (300), a transport unit (400), and a collection unit (500). The lower module (750) is packaged in a separate case (751) and can be attached to and detached from the main body (700) in a drawer-like manner.

[0270]

[0271] Below, the cover locking unit (280') that locks the input cover (111) so that it does not come off from the input port is described in detail.

[0272] FIG. 11a is a cross-sectional view showing a locked state of an inlet cover and a cover locking unit (280') according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 11b is a cross-sectional view showing an open state of the inlet cover and the cover locking unit (280') shown in FIG. 11a, FIG. 11c is a drawing showing the inlet cover and the cover locking unit (280') of FIG. 11a and its surroundings, and FIG. 11d is a drawing showing the cover locking unit (280') of FIG. 11a.

[0273] Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11D, a food waste treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure has differences in the structures of the input cover (111) and the cover locking unit (280') from those of FIGS. 1 to 13. Hereinafter, the differences from the structures of FIGS. 1 to 13 will be mainly described, and configurations without special description are considered to be the same as those of FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0274] Of course, the structure of the input cover (111) and cover locking unit (280') of Fig. 11 can be combined with the structures of Figs. 1 to 13.

[0275] The cover locking unit (280') locks the input cover (111) so that it does not come off from the input port. That the cover locking unit (280') locks the input cover (111) means that the cover locking unit (280') directly contacts the input cover (111) to limit movement of the input cover (111), or that the cover locking unit (280') does not directly contact the input cover (111) and has a mutual structure that limits movement in one direction.

[0276] The cover locking unit (280') may have a structure capable of locking the input cover (111) while maintaining its balance. The cover locking unit (280') can stably lock the input cover (111) by locking the input cover (111) on both sides of the input cover (111) through one motor, one pinion gear, and two lockers.

[0277] For example, the cover locking unit (280') may include a cover motor (282), a cover pinion gear (283), a first locking arm (285), and a second locking arm (286).

[0278] The cover motor (282) rotates the cover pinion gear (283). The cover motor (282) can be installed in the case (201) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200). The shaft of the cover motor (282) can extend parallel to the vertical direction.

[0279] The cover pinion gear (283) is axially coupled to the cover motor (282) and transmits the rotational power of the cover motor (282) to the first locking arm (285) and the second locking arm (286).

[0280] The first locking arm (285) receives the rotational force of the cover pinion gear (283) and moves in translation to lock or unlock the input cover (111).

[0281] The first locking arm (285) includes a first rack gear (2853) that engages with the cover pinion gear (283) and a first locker (2851) that is connected to the first rack gear (2853) and locks one side of the input cover (111).

[0282] The first locker (2851) moves horizontally through the cover guide (130). The first locker (2851) can lock the input cover (111) through the cover guide (130).

[0283] The first locking arm (285) may further include a first connecting portion (2852) connecting the first locker (2851) and the first rack gear (2853).

[0284] The first locking arm (285) may further include a first guide slot (2854) guided by a locking guide (2231) installed in the high-liquid separation unit (200). The locking guide (2231) may be a protrusion protruding from the case (201) of the high-liquid separation unit (200), and the first guide slot (2854) may be a hole formed in the first connecting unit (2852).

[0285] The second locking arm (286) receives the rotational force of the cover pinion gear (283) and moves in translation to lock or unlock the input cover (111).

[0286] The second locking arm (286) includes a second rack gear (2863) that engages with the cover pinion gear (283) and a second locker (2861) that is connected to the second rack gear (2863) and locks one side of the input cover (111).

[0287] The second locker (2861) moves horizontally through the cover guide (130). The second locker (2861) can lock the input cover (111) through the cover guide (130).

[0288] The second locking arm (286) may further include a second connecting portion (2862) connecting the second locker (2861) and the second rack gear (2863).

[0289] The second locking arm (286) may further include a second guide slot (2864) guided by a locking guide (2231) installed in the high-liquid separation unit (200). The locking guide (2231) may be a protrusion protruding from the case (201) of the high-liquid separation unit (200), and the second guide slot (2864) may be a hole formed in the second connecting unit (2862).

[0290] The second locking arm (286) may further include an arm guide (2865) that guides the first rack gear (2853) of the first locking arm (285). The arm guide (2865) may include a groove formed by recessing a portion of the second rack gear (2863).

[0291] The first locker (2851) and the second locker (2861) may be arranged to face each other with respect to the input cover (111). The first rack gear (2853) and the second rack gear (2863) may be arranged to face each other with respect to the cover pinion gear (283).

[0292] Specifically, the first rack gear (2853) may be gear-coupled to one end of the cover pinion gear (283), and the second rack gear (2863) may be gear-coupled to the other end of the cover pinion gear (283). Accordingly, when the cover pinion gear (283) rotates in one direction, the first rack gear (2853) and the second rack gear (2863) move in opposite directions.

[0293] The first rocker (2851) and the second rocker (2861) can move toward each other when the cover pinion gear (283) rotates forward. The first rocker (2851) and the second rocker (2861) can move toward each other when the cover pinion gear (283) rotates backward.

[0294] Accordingly, when the cover motor (282) rotates forward, the first locker (2851) and the second locker (2861) move toward each other, so that the input cover (111) is locked (in a locked state) as shown in FIG. 11a, and when the cover motor (282) rotates backward, the first locker (2851) and the second locker (2861) move toward each other, so that the input cover (111) is unlocked (in an open state) as shown in FIG. 11b.

[0295] When the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is in operation, the cover locking unit (280') maintains a locked state to prevent the inlet cover (111) from being removed from the inlet. The control unit detects the operation of the solid-liquid separation unit (200), and when the operation of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is detected, the control unit controls the cover motor (282) to rotate forward. When the operation of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is not detected, the control unit controls the cover motor (282) to rotate in reverse.

[0296] The input cover (111) may further include a cover catch that catches the first locker (2851) and the second locker (2861). The cover catch vertically overlaps the first locker (2851) and the second locker (2861) in a locked state, thereby restricting vertical movement of the input cover (111) by the first locker (2851) and the second locker (2861). The cover catch may be a protrusion that protrudes outward from a side surface of the input cover (111).

[0297] The cover locking unit (280') may further include a locking detection sensor (287) that detects the locking state of the first locking arm (285) and the second locking arm (286). The locking detection sensor (287) may detect the position of a specific marker of the first locking arm (285) or may be configured as a contact switch that comes into contact with the first locking arm (285).

[0298] The solid-liquid separation unit (200) can be operated only when the first locking arm (285) and the second locking arm (286) are in a locked state. Specifically, the control unit can output a signal for operating the solid-liquid separation unit (200) only when a signal indicating that the first locking arm (285) and the second locking arm (286) are in a locked state is received from the locking detection sensor (287).

[0299]

[0300] Below, the lower locking unit (910) that fixes the disassembly part (300) so that it does not come off from the main body (700) is described in detail.

[0301] FIG. 12a is a drawing showing a food waste disposer and a lower locking unit (910) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 12b is an exploded view of the lower locking unit (910) shown in FIG. 12a, and FIG. 12c is a drawing showing a coupled state of the lower locking unit (910) and the exploded part (300) shown in FIG. 12a.

[0302] Referring to FIGS. 12a to 12c, a food waste disposer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure additionally includes a lower locking unit (910) in the structure of FIGS. 1 to 11. Hereinafter, differences from the structure of FIGS. 1 to 11 will be mainly described, and configurations without special description are considered to be the same as the configuration of FIGS. 1 to 15.

[0303] The lower locking unit (910) locks the disassembly part (300) so that it does not come off from the main body (700). The lower locking unit (910) may have various structures for locking the disassembly part (300).

[0304] For example, it may include a lower motor (911) installed in the main body (700), a lower gear (913) axially coupled to the lower motor (911), a lower rack gear (915) coupled to the lower gear (913), and a lower locker (914) connected to the lower rack gear (915) to lock the disassembly part (300). The lower locker (914) moves in translation in the rotational direction of the lower motor (911).

[0305] The lower locking unit (910) may further include a lower bracket (912) that secures the lower motor (911) to the main body (700). The lower bracket (912) may be installed on the main body (700). The lower bracket (912) may accommodate the lower gear (913) and guide the lower rack gear (915).

[0306] The disassembly section (300) may further include a lower slot (3201) into which a lower locker (914) is inserted. Specifically, the lower slot (3201) may be formed at one end of the inner case (320) to define a space through which the lower locker (914) passes.

[0307] Specifically, the lower slot (3201) may be a hole that penetrates in the vertical direction. The lower rocker (914) moves downward when the lower motor (911) rotates forward, and moves upward when the lower motor (911) rotates backward.

[0308] When the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is in operation, the locking unit maintains a locked state to prevent the disassembly unit (300) from being separated from the main body (700). Specifically, when the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is in operation, the control unit rotates the lower motor (911) forward to maintain a locked state to prevent the disassembly unit (300) from being separated from the main body (700). At this time, the lower locker (914) is positioned to overlap the lower slot (3201) in the horizontal direction.

[0309] As shown in Fig. 12e, in the locked state of the lower locking unit (910), the lower locker (914) is inserted into the lower slot (3201) to prevent the disassembly part (300) from being detached.

[0310] When the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is not operating, the lower locking unit (910) maintains an open state in which the decomposition unit (300) can be separated from the main body (700). Specifically, when the solid-liquid separation unit (200) is not operating, the control unit rotates the lower motor (911) in reverse to maintain the open state in which the decomposition unit (300) can be separated from the main body (700). At this time, the lower locker (914) is positioned so as not to overlap the lower slot (3201) in the horizontal direction.

[0311] As shown in FIG. 12d, in the open state of the lower locking unit (910), the lower locker (914) is positioned outside the lower slot (3201) to allow the disassembly part (300) to be removed.

[0312]

[0313] Below, the disassembly withdrawal detection sensor (920) that detects withdrawal of the disassembly unit (300) is described in detail.

[0314] FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b are drawings showing the operation of a disassembly extraction detection sensor (920) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0315] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 13b, a food waste treatment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure additionally includes a disassembly and extraction detection sensor (920) in the structure of FIGS. 1 to 12. Hereinafter, differences from the structure of FIGS. 1 to 12 will be mainly described, and configurations without special description are considered to be the same as the configuration of FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0316] The disassembly and withdrawal detection sensor (920) can detect whether the disassembly part (300) is withdrawn from the main body (700). In addition, the disassembly and withdrawal detection sensor (920) can cut off the power between the stirring motor (330) and the power supply (not shown) when the disassembly part (300) is withdrawn from the main body (700), and can connect the power between the stirring motor (330) and the power supply when the disassembly part (300) is coupled to the main body (700).

[0317] The disassembly extraction detection sensor (920) may include a press switch (921) that is pressed by the disassembly unit (300) to electrically connect the stirring motor (330) and the power supply. A roller (9211) may be arranged on the press switch (921). The press switch (921) may selectively connect a terminal (922) connected to the stirring motor (330) and a terminal (923) connected to the power supply.

[0318] The push switch (921) can cut off the stirring motor (330) and the power supply by elastic force when the disassembly part (300) is pulled out from the main body (700).

[0319] When the high-liquid separation unit (200) is in operation, the cover locking unit (280') can lock the input cover (111) to prevent it from being removed from the input port, and the lower locking unit (910) can lock the decomposition unit (300) to prevent it from being removed from the main body (700). The operation of the decomposition unit (300) can be stopped when the withdrawal of the decomposition unit (300) is detected. The stirring motor (330) can be stopped when the withdrawal of the decomposition unit (300) is detected.

[0320] The motor (220) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) can be stopped when the withdrawal of the decomposition unit (300) is detected. The control unit can stop the motor (220) and the stirring motor (330) of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) when the withdrawal of the decomposition unit (300) is detected.

[0321]

[0322] The present disclosure encompasses various variations of each embodiment and embodiment discussed herein. According to the present disclosure, at least one feature described in one embodiment or example may be equally applicable to other embodiments or examples described above. Features of one or more of the aforementioned embodiments or examples may be combined with each of the aforementioned embodiments or examples. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure, or a combination of all or part of the embodiments, are also part of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A solid-liquid separation unit that transports only food with at least some of the liquid removed from the food flowing in from the inlet and drops it downward; A decomposition unit in which the food dropped from the high-liquid separation unit is decomposed; an input cover that opens and closes the input port; and Includes a cover locking unit that locks the above-mentioned input cover so that it does not come off from the input port, The above cover locking unit, cover motor; A cover pinion gear coupled to the above cover motor; A first locking arm including a first rack gear that engages with the cover pinion gear and a first locker that is connected to the first rack gear and locks one side of the input cover; A food waste disposer comprising a second locking arm including a second rack gear that engages with the cover pinion gear and a second locker that is connected to the second rack gear and locks the other side of the input cover.

2. In paragraph 1, A food waste disposer in which the first rocker and the second rocker move toward each other when the cover pinion gear rotates forward.

3. In paragraph 2, A food waste disposer in which the first rocker and the second rocker move away from each other when the cover pinion gear rotates in reverse.

4. In paragraph 1, A food waste disposer in which the first rack gear and the second rack gear are arranged facing each other.

5. In paragraph 1, The above first locking arm further includes a first guide slot guided by a locking guide installed in the high-liquid separation unit, A food waste disposer wherein the second locking arm further includes a second guide slot guided by the locking guide.

6. In paragraph 1, The above input cover is, A food waste disposer further comprising a cover catch that catches the first locker and the second locker.

7. In paragraph 1, A food waste disposer characterized in that when the high-liquid separation unit is in operation, the cover locking unit maintains a locked state to prevent the input cover from being removed from the input port.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a main body that accommodates the high-value separation unit, The above disassembly part is retractably accommodated in the main body, A food waste disposer further comprising a lower locking unit that locks the disassembly part so that it does not come off from the main body.

9. In paragraph 8, The above lower locking unit, A lower motor installed in the above body; A lower gear coupled to the lower motor; A food waste disposer comprising a lower rack gear coupled to the lower gear and a lower locker connected to the lower rack gear to lock the disassembly part.

10. In paragraph 9, The above decomposition part, A food waste disposer further comprising a lower slot into which the lower locker is inserted.

11. In paragraph 8, A food waste disposer characterized in that when the high-liquid separation unit is in operation, the lower locking unit maintains a locked state to prevent the separation unit from being separated from the main body.

12. In paragraph 8, A food waste disposer characterized in that when the high-liquid separation unit is not operating, the lower locking unit maintains an open state so that the separation unit can be separated from the main body.

13. In paragraph 1, The above cover locking unit, Further comprising a locking detection sensor that detects the locking state of the first locking arm and the second locking arm, A food waste disposer in which the high-liquid separation unit operates only when the first locking arm and the second locking arm are locked.

14. In paragraph 8, Further comprising a disassembly extraction detection sensor that detects the extraction of the above disassembly part, The above decomposition part, A decomposition tank providing a space where the above food is decomposed; A stirrer rotatably installed in the decomposition tank and stirring the food; and A food waste disposer comprising a stirring motor that provides rotational force to the stirring motor.

15. In paragraph 14, A food waste disposer in which the stirring motor is stopped when the withdrawal of the decomposition part is detected.

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