Food waste disposer

Abstract

A food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a decomposition unit which decomposes food waste; a collection unit which stores the decomposed food waste; and a transfer unit which transfers the food waste decomposed in the decomposition unit to the collection unit, wherein the decomposition unit includes a decomposition tank providing a space in which the food waste is decomposed, a stirrer rotationally installed in the decomposition tank and stirring the food waste, and a stirring motor providing rotational force to the stirrer, and the stirrer includes a stirring shaft connected to a rotary shaft of the stirring motor, a stirring screw coupled to the stirring shaft to move the food waste by rotation of the stirring shaft, and a blade coupled to the stirring shaft to move along one side surface of the decomposition tank in an area adjacent to one side surface of the decomposition tank by rotation of the stirring shaft.

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 food waste disposers according to the food waste disposal method and installation method, taking into account various factors such as environmental conditions and preferences.

[0007] However, both built-in and stand-alone food waste disposers capture food waste for a set amount of time to process it. During this time, the food waste decomposes, generating a foul odor. Microbial-based food waste disposers, in particular, face the problem of generating a particularly strong odor due to the high temperatures and humidity required for decomposition.

[0008] Korean Patent No. 2017-0107837 discloses a food waste treatment device installed under a sink to process food waste. In this patent, microorganisms are used in the decomposition unit to mix food waste with the food waste, resulting in fermentation and the formation of compost. However, this technology uses a method whereby the generated compost particles, once small enough to pass through perforations and be discharged into the sewer along with water, are discharged.

[0009] Furthermore, if food waste is continuously discharged through the perforations on the underside of the decomposition unit as small particles without additional food input, the problem of all food and microorganisms being discharged from the decomposition unit arises. In particular, if the food waste disposer is not used for an extended period of time, the problem of microorganisms dying within the decomposition unit arises.

[0010] In order to prevent the discharge of these microorganisms, there are cases where a microbial medium is placed in the decomposition unit, but in most cases, when the decomposition unit is used for a long period of time, the medium becomes deformed due to friction between the stirring body and the perforation, and loses its function.

[0011] Meanwhile, Japanese Patent No. 4022036B2, a prior art technology, relates to a dehydration and shredding device for food waste. The device comprises a plurality of separate treatment chambers for dehydration and shredding. In the treatment chambers, dehydrated food waste passes through a fermentation chamber and a drying chamber, where it is stirred by a stirrer to undergo fermentation and drying.

[0012] In this type of treatment room, when drying progresses by stirring and the first space is filled, it overflows and moves to the second space, and when the second space is filled, it overflows again and moves to the third space, and is then discharged through the discharge port.

[0013] However, this overflow method only discharges processed food that exceeds the bulkhead height, making precise control of the discharged food impossible. Furthermore, there is the problem of fermented food being discharged through a sloped discharge outlet.

[0014] In addition, in the prior art, Korean Patent No. 101229655 discloses a food waste treatment device including an inlet into which dehydrated food waste is input and an outlet through which dried food waste is discharged.

[0015] In the conventional technology, when dehydrated food waste is fed into a dryer, the stirring blade rotates in reverse to transport the food waste toward the crushing section, causing friction with the crushing blade and crushing the food waste into small particles.

[0016] The crushed food waste is stirred in the dryer, and when drying is complete, the stirring blade rotates forward to discharge the crushed and dried food waste through the discharge port on the opposite side of the crushing unit.

[0017] Because the exhaust port is located below the dryer, debris can accumulate between the dryer and its outlet. This can cause debris to accumulate inside the dryer, hindering smooth mixing, straining the agitator, and potentially causing mold growth. Furthermore, stagnant debris can clog the outlet, hindering the smooth discharge of dried food.

[0018] Furthermore, in conventional technology, even after the agitator has completed agitation and drying, new food waste entering through the inlet is mixed with already dried and ground food waste. Discharging food waste through the agitator's rotation also presents a problem: food waste that has not yet been ground and dried is discharged.

[0019] And, International Patent Publication No. 201210856 discloses a structure in which a blade is coupled to an impeller shaft that rotates within a stirring tank, a stirring blade is foldably coupled to the blade in the direction of rotation of the shaft, and a buffer spring is installed at a foldable portion between the blade and the stirring blade. The buffer spring is in the form of a torsion spring, and the buffer spring reinforces the structural strength of the impeller by buffering the rotational resistance of the impeller caused by friction between the stirring blade and food when the shaft rotates.

[0020] Food waste disposers are fed with various types of food. These various types of food also have various properties. When a food waste disposer is used for a certain period of time, various types of food dry and decompose, and stick to and get stuck on the surface of the agitator shaft or agitator blade. As in International Patent Publication No. 201210856, if the agitator blade has joints, springs, or complex structures, there is a high probability that foreign substances will get stuck in the gaps and joints of the structure or stick and settle like clay. In the case of the agitator blade, there is also a probability that it will not be foldable. The more complex the device, the more likely it is that these substances will settle in the joints or connecting parts of the device, which can have a negative impact on hygiene, fatigue, and durability.

[0021] [Prior Art Literature]

[0022] [Patent Document]

[0023] Korean Patent Publication No. 2017-0107837 (Published: September 26, 2017)

[0024] Japanese Patent Publication No. 4022036B2 (Published: December 18, 2001)

[0025] Korean Patent No. 101229655

[0026] International Patent Publication No. 201210856

[0027]

[0028] 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.

[0029] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a solid-liquid separation module having a horizontal movement structure that, when food waste is input, moves horizontally in a solid state with liquid removed from the input inlet and is transferred to a lower decomposition unit.

[0030] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a detachable and assembleable structure that can be washed and maintained by separating all individual food contacting components from a horizontal transport structure.

[0031] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a solid-liquid separation module having a suction module that can form negative pressure inside a food waste disposer and suck odors inside from an inlet connected to a sink drain and discharge them through a sewer pipe.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste treatment device that allows food to be sufficiently mixed with microorganisms and stirred in a decomposition section, facilitates removal and cleaning of the stirrer, and prevents damage to the stirrer.

[0034] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a food waste disposer that restricts food waste discharged from a solid-liquid separation unit from flowing directly into a collection unit and prevents food waste not decomposed in a decomposition unit from flowing into the collection unit.

[0035] 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.

[0036]

[0037] The present disclosure is characterized in that the agitator includes a stirring shaft connected to the rotational axis of the stirring motor, a stirring screw coupled to the stirring shaft to move food by the rotation of the stirring shaft, and a blade coupled to the stirring shaft to move along one side of the decomposition tank in an area adjacent to one side of the decomposition tank by the rotation of the stirring shaft.

[0038] In addition, the present disclosure is characterized in that the stirrer includes a stirring shaft connected to the rotational axis of the stirring motor, a stirring screw coupled to the stirring shaft and providing thrust to the food in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft by rotation of the stirring shaft, and a blade extending radially from the stirring shaft and providing a lower thrust than the stirring screw, wherein the blade is positioned closer to one side of the decomposition tank than the stirring screw.

[0039] Specifically, a food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a decomposition unit in which food is decomposed by microorganisms, a collection unit for storing the decomposed food, and a transport unit for transporting the decomposed food in the decomposition unit to the collection unit, wherein the decomposition unit includes a decomposition tank that provides a space in which the food is decomposed, an agitator that is rotatably installed within the decomposition tank and stirs the food, and a stirring motor that provides rotational force to the agitator, wherein the agitator includes a stirring shaft connected to a rotational axis of the stirring motor, a stirring screw coupled to the stirring shaft and providing thrust to the food in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft by rotation of the stirring shaft, and a blade that extends radially from the stirring shaft and includes a surface parallel to a surface that is perpendicular to the stirring shaft.

[0040] The above blade can be attached to one side of the above decomposition tank or can scrape out compressed food.

[0041] The blade includes a first surface parallel to the direction of movement of the blade and a second surface intersecting the first surface, and an area of ​​the first surface may be greater than an area of ​​the second surface.

[0042] The above blade may be positioned closer to the side of the decomposition tank than the above stirring screw.

[0043] The above blade includes a first blade and a second blade, and the stirring screw can be positioned between the first blade and the second blade.

[0044] The above stirring motor may be positioned outside the decomposition tank, and the first blade may be positioned closer to the stirring motor than the second blade.

[0045] The length of the second blade may be longer than the length of the first blade.

[0046] The first blade and the second blade may further include a stirring rib that protrudes in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft from a plane parallel to the plane perpendicular to the stirring shaft.

[0047] The above stirring rib can extend in a direction away from the stirring screw.

[0048] The above blade may further include a stirring rib protruding in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft from a plane parallel to the plane perpendicular to the stirring shaft.

[0049] The above stirring rib may be positioned closer to the side of the decomposition tank than the blade.

[0050] The above stirring screw may include a screw body extending from the stirring shaft in a direction intersecting the stirring shaft and including a surface inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to the stirring shaft, and a screw hole formed in the screw body in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft.

[0051] The above stirring screw may further include a plurality of screw forks protruding from the screw body in a direction away from the stirring shaft.

[0052] The above decomposition unit may further include a heater that provides heat to the decomposition tank.

[0053] The above heater may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the decomposition tank.

[0054] The above decomposition unit may further include a dryness sensor that detects the dryness of food in the decomposition tank.

[0055] The above dryness sensor may include an electrode sensor that measures the resistance of food in the decomposition tank to calculate the dryness.

[0056] The above dryness sensor may include a capacitance sensor that measures the dielectric constant of food in the decomposition tank to calculate the dryness.

[0057] The above stirring motor can be positioned facing the collection unit based on the decomposition tank.

[0058] In addition, a food waste disposer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a decomposition tank that provides a space where the food is decomposed, a stirrer that is rotatably installed in the decomposition tank and stirs the food, and a stirring motor that provides a rotational force to the stirrer, wherein the stirrer includes a stirring shaft connected to a rotational axis of the stirring motor, a stirring screw that is coupled to the stirring shaft and provides a thrust to the food in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft by rotation of the stirring shaft, and a blade that extends radially from the stirring shaft and provides a thrust lower than that of the stirring screw, and the blade is characterized in that it is positioned closer to one side of the decomposition tank than the stirring screw.

[0059]

[0060] Through the above solution, the food waste disposer is easy to post-process and environmentally friendly as it decomposes food into microorganisms.

[0061] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, in a sink-integrated food waste disposer, fermentation is performed in a solid state without crushing food waste, thereby preventing discharge of food waste into a drain due to crushing, making it environmentally friendly.

[0062] The present disclosure provides various structures that can transfer solids to the lower decomposition unit by horizontally moving them in a solid state with liquid removed from the input inlet when food waste is input, thereby utilizing a minimum space and moving them to the lower decomposition unit.

[0063] In addition, the present disclosure can provide a food waste disposer that can be used hygienically because all individual components that come into contact with food in a horizontal transport structure can be separated and washed and managed.

[0064] In addition, it can form negative pressure inside the food waste disposer and suck odors inside from the inlet connected to the sink drain and discharge them through the sewer pipe, thereby minimizing the user's discomfort caused by odors.

[0065] In addition, the lower module including the decomposition section and the collection section is formed in a drawer shape and can be completely separated from the main body, allowing for easy removal of microorganisms and decomposed matter and removal of lost items.

[0066] In addition, the limited space under the sink can be optimally utilized by performing horizontal-vertical movement where moisture is removed from the inlet and food is thrown into the lower decomposition section by moving horizontally, and horizontal movement from a high position considering particle size and vertical drop to the collection section for the movement of the decomposed matter generated in the decomposition section to the adjacent collection section.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In addition, the present disclosure has an advantage in that the agitator includes a blade of a different shape from the agitator screw, a screw hole is formed in the agitator screw, so that food is sufficiently mixed with microorganisms and stirred in the decomposition section, and when the agitator screw rotates, thrust is generated in the direction of the agitator shaft to transport the food, the screw hole provides a space through which the food can pass, thereby reducing the resistance of the agitator screw, and the blade has an I-shape, thereby scraping the food stuck to the wall of the decomposition tank, thereby preventing the food from sticking to the wall of the decomposition tank, thereby preventing damage to the agitator.

[0069] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantages of being able to efficiently transmit driving force without using a chain or belt between the motor shaft and the stirrer, with the stirrer being connected in series to the motor shaft and the motor being located outside the decomposition tank, being easy to assemble, and being able to freely switch the rotation direction and stirring direction of the motor.

[0070] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage of allowing the user to recognize the correct position by inserting a protrusion that extends downward from the bottom of the filter and is positioned eccentrically from the center of the filter into a discharge hole positioned at the bottom of the filter in order for the filter used in the solid-liquid separation unit to move back and forth by the moving means, and if the filter is incorrectly attached, the filter is exposed to the outside of the solid-liquid separation space, so that the user can attach the filter at the correct position.

[0071] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage that the discharge portion and the stirring space do not constantly contact each other, so that food that has not been stirred or dried is restricted from being moved from the decomposition tank to the collection portion.

[0072] In addition, the present disclosure has the advantage that the decomposition unit that decomposes food and the transport unit that transports the decomposed food to the collection unit are operated by separate motors and / or sensors, so that the user can select the time to collect the fermented and dried food.

[0073] 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.

[0074]

[0075] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a food waste disposer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] 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.

[0077] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the food waste disposer of Figure 1.

[0078] Figure 4 is a front view showing the inside of the food waste disposer of Figure 1.

[0079] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the input portion of the food waste disposer of Fig. 1.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Figures 7a and 7b are detailed drawings of the solid-liquid separation unit of the food waste disposer of Figure 1.

[0082] Fig. 8a is a perspective view showing the inside of the lower module of the food waste disposer of Fig. 1.

[0083] Figure 8b is an exploded perspective view of Figure 8a.

[0084] Figure 8c is a perspective view of the stirrer shown in Figure 8b.

[0085] Figure 8d is a side view of the stirrer illustrated in Figure 8c.

[0086] FIG. 8e is a drawing illustrating the operation of a stirrer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] FIG. 8f is a drawing illustrating the operation of a stirrer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Figures 10a and 10b are state diagrams showing the combination of a transport unit and a collection unit.

[0090]

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] Hereinafter, a food waste disposer (10) according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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).

[0105] 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).

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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).

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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).

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] Below, the configurations according to the food waste processing process of the food waste disposer (10) of the present disclosure are described.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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. 11a). 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.

[0124] The solid separation unit (200) separates only the solids from which liquid has been separated from the food input from the input unit (100) and moves linearly or rotationally on a horizontal plane to drop them into the lower decomposition unit (300).

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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).

[0130] The main body (700), which determines the appearance and volume of the internal space of the food waste disposer (10), mounts each module.

[0131] 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).

[0132] Below, the detailed configuration of each functional module is described with reference to each drawing.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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).

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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).

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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).

[0141] A cover guide (130) is placed on the side of the sink lock (120).

[0142] 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).

[0143] 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).

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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).

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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).

[0148] A locker slot (134) is formed on at least a portion of the side (132) of the cover guide (130).

[0149] The locker slot (134) is an opening through which the locker (280) is inserted into the slot (134) to secure the insertion cover (111) and the cover guide (130).

[0150] 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 corresponding to the shape of the arm of the locker (280).

[0151] 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.

[0152] Meanwhile, a guide portion (136) is formed on the inner surface of the expansion rim (131) of the cover guide (130).

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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).

[0155] 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).

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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).

[0158] 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).

[0159] 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).

[0160] 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).

[0161] Specifically, the input cover (111) can be formed into a disc shape having a predetermined thickness so as to be rotatable over the cover guide (130), as shown in FIG. 6b.

[0162] The insertion cover (111) can be implemented with a cover housing (1111) forming a disc and an upper plate (1112) covering the upper portion of the cover housing (1111).

[0163] The cover housing (1111) has a space inside and can be formed in a cylindrical shape. At this time, the diameter of the cover housing (1111) may be smaller than the diameter of the upper plate (1112).

[0164] A predetermined number of magnets (112) can be arranged spaced apart from each other inside the cover housing (1111).

[0165] The magnets (112) are magnets of the same size and magnetic force and are formed to have the same polarity. Such magnets (112) are arranged to have the same spacing distance, and can be formed to be spaced apart from the center point of the cover housing (1111) by a predetermined distance, for example, an angle of 360 / n. n is defined as the number of magnets (112).

[0166] For example, when six magnets (112) are arranged, the magnets (112) can be arranged to have a separation angle of 60 degrees.

[0167] The upper plate (1112) covers the cover housing (1111) and can be finished smoothly and flat to form the upper surface of the input cover (111).

[0168] After the insertion cover (111) is seated on the seating surface (137) of the cover guide (130), it can be rotated by a predetermined angle or more to command the start of operation.

[0169] The food waste disposer (10) of the present disclosure does not rotate to grind or dehydrate food input from the input unit (100) and the solid-liquid separation unit (200). Therefore, the input cover (111) is not required to be completely sealed to the input unit (100), and only a covering force equivalent to that required to prevent the emission of unpleasant odors that may occur during the operation of the food waste disposer (10) by covering the drain (4) is required. Therefore, an engaging shape such as a screw structure is not necessarily required.

[0170] However, the input cover (111) rotates after being installed in the inlet (11), and the rotation of the input cover (111) is recognized by the magnet (112) mounted on the input cover (111) and the Hall sensor mounted on the control unit of the solid-liquid separation unit (200).

[0171] By rotating the input cover (111) in this manner, a command for the settling and operation initiation of the input cover (111) can be artificially generated. That is, the rotation of the input cover (111) can also be used as an operation switch of the food waste disposer (10).

[0172] Specifically, after the insertion cover (111) is installed in the inlet (11) and rotates, the Hall sensor periodically detects the magnet (112) to recognize the rotational motion, and accordingly, recognizes the operation start command.

[0173] That is, the control unit can distinguish and recognize the operation of the insertion cover (111) being installed and the operation start command of the food waste disposer (10). 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 distinguished, enabling accurate operation start while minimizing user intervention.

[0174]

[0175] Below, the main body (700) and the solid-liquid separation unit (200) of the food waste disposer (10) are described.

[0176] Figures 7a and 7b are detailed drawings of the solid-liquid separation unit (200) of the food waste disposer (10) of Figure 1.

[0177] 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).

[0178] 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).

[0179] 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).

[0180] 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).

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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).

[0183] The high-value separation unit (200) includes a case (201) defining the interior of the upper module (710).

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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).

[0187] 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).

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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).

[0190] 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.

[0191] 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).

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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).

[0194] 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.

[0195] 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).

[0196] 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).

[0197] 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.

[0198] The filter (210) can be removed externally by the user lifting it from the inlet (11) of the inlet (100). This has a structure similar to the drain (4) strainer of a conventional sink (1), and the filter (210) can be removed externally for washing and drying, thereby enabling individual management of the space where food comes into contact.

[0199] The case (201) includes a side wall (2015) surrounding the filter (210), and the side wall (2011) can be formed to have a curved surface in an area corresponding to the filter (210). A transfer space (B) is formed in front of the solid-liquid separation space (A).

[0200] The transport space (B) is mainly an empty space, and may be empty when the filter (210) is placed due to movement of the filter (210) by the transport unit (400) or when the filter (210) is retreated.

[0201] The transfer space (B) is open at the bottom, and the open bottom serves as the outlet (208) of the high-liquid separation unit (200) and is connected to the inlet of the decomposition unit (300).

[0202] The case (201) of the high-liquid separation unit (200) surrounding the transfer space (B) can have a bent square shape, and a transfer cover that seals the front of the case (201) can be separately arranged. When the transfer cover that seals the front is separately provided and combined, it can be opened and closed for cleaning and repair.

[0203] The high-liquid separation unit (200) includes a transfer module on one side of the case (201) for moving the filter (210) on a horizontal plane between the transfer space (B) and the high-liquid separation space (A).

[0204] The transfer module may include a transfer motor (220), a pinion (221) connected to a shaft of the transfer motor (220), and a linear rack (222) that moves forward and backward by the pinion (221).

[0205] In addition, the linear rack (222) may further include a guide bar (223) for moving and a transfer body (230) that is bent from the linear rack (222) and has a planar structure facing forward.

[0206] Meanwhile, the high-liquid separation unit (200) further includes a separate upper deodorizing module (250) for absorbing and discharging odors and water vapor inside the case (201) outside the case (201).

[0207] Additionally, one side of the high-value separation unit (200) may further include a locker (280) for fixing the input cover (111) by penetrating the cover guide (130).

[0208] As described above, the locker (280) is controlled by the control unit, and when the side of the filter (210) is combined with the bottom surface of the filter (210) within the solid-liquid separation space (A), the combination is detected, and when the cover guide (130) is seated on the side of the filter (210), the seating of the cover guide (130) is detected, and when the input cover (111) is seated on the cover guide (130), the seating of the input cover (111) is detected, and then moves horizontally toward the input cover (111). The locker (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).

[0209] By fixing the locker (280) in this way, it is possible to prevent the input cover (111) from coming off due to shaking of food inside the filter (210) when the side of the filter (210) moves horizontally due to the movement of the transfer body (230) under the input cover (111).

[0210] Therefore, even if there is vibration inside, the injection cover (111) can be kept firmly sealed, thereby preventing odor from leaking outside.

[0211] In this way, since the solid-liquid separation unit (200) of this specification does not have an inlet (2011) and an outlet (208) positioned in a straight line in the vertical direction, it performs a filtering (210) of solids and liquids by inputting food, while performing a function of horizontally moving only the filtered solids and dropping them into the lower decomposition unit (300) and introducing them.

[0212] There may be various modifications for the basic module and operation of the high-value separation unit (200), and these are not limited to FIG. 7.

[0213] In addition, the positions of the motor (220), the locker (280), and the upper deodorization module (250) are only an example for the high-liquid separation unit (200) of the first embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0214] The structure is greatly simplified by the high-liquid separation unit (200) in which only a part of the filter (210), for example, the side part (211), moves horizontally from the rear to the front, and isolation of the decomposition unit (300) is possible.

[0215]

[0216] Hereinafter, the detachable lower module (750) of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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).

[0219] Fig. 8a is a perspective view showing the inside of the lower module (750) of the food waste disposer (10) of Fig. 1.

[0220] 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.

[0221] 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).

[0222] 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).

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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).

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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).

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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.

[0229] 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).

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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).

[0233] Below, the detailed structure of the decomposition unit (300) is described.

[0234] Figure 8b is an exploded perspective view of Figure 8a, Figure 8c is a perspective view of the stirrer illustrated in Figure 8b, and Figure 8d is a side view of the stirrer illustrated in Figure 8c.

[0235] Referring to FIGS. 8a to 8d, the decomposition unit (300) may include a decomposition tank (310), a stirrer (350), and a stirring motor (330).

[0236] 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).

[0237] 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.

[0238] 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.

[0239] 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.

[0240] 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.

[0241] 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).

[0242] The stirring motor (330) can be positioned facing the collection unit (500) with respect to the decomposition tank (310).

[0243] 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).

[0244] 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).

[0245] 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.

[0246] 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).

[0247] 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).

[0248] 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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).

[0252] For example, the stirrer (350) may include a stirring shaft (351), a stirring screw (352), and blades (353, 354).

[0253] The stirring shaft (351) is connected to the rotation axis of the stirring motor (330) and transmits the rotational power of the stirring motor (330) to the stirring shaft (351) and blades (353, 354). The stirring shaft (351) extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the stirring motor (330).

[0254] The stirring shaft (351) is rotatably installed within the decomposition tank (310), is positioned below the decomposition tank (310), and can extend in the left-right direction. One side of the stirring shaft (351) having a horizontal rotation axis in the first direction, which is the left-right direction, can be rotatably fixed to the outer wall of the decomposition unit (300), and the other side can be rotatably fixed to the inner wall facing the outer wall.

[0255] Specifically, one side of the stirring shaft (351) may be rotatably fixed to the left side (312) of the decomposition tank (310), and the other side may be rotatably fixed to the right side (311) of the decomposition tank (310).

[0256]

[0257] The stirring screw (352) is coupled to the stirring shaft (351) and provides thrust to the food in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft (351) by the rotation of the stirring shaft (351). The stirring screw (352) moves the food by the rotation of the stirring shaft (351).

[0258]

[0259] For example, the stirring screw (352) may be a screw type that spirally surrounds the stirring shaft (351) with the axis thereof. The stirring screw (352) may branch in a radial direction perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351). The stirring screw (352) may be formed as an integral screw type. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the stirring screw (352) may be arranged in a plurality of pieces.

[0260] Specifically, the stirring screw (352) may include a screw body (3522) and a screw hole (3521).

[0261] The screw body (3522) is rotationally constrained to the stirring shaft (351) and rotates together with the stirring shaft (351) to move food in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft (351). The screw body extends from the stirring shaft (351) in a direction intersecting the stirring shaft and may include a surface inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351).

[0262] When the stirring shaft (351) rotates, the food is moved by the inclined surface with respect to the surface perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351) of the screw body (3522).

[0263] A screw hole (3521) is formed in the screw body (3522) in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft (351). The screw hole (3521) is formed by penetrating a portion of the screw body (3522).

[0264] When the stirring shaft (351) rotates, thrust is generated in one direction by the screw body (3522). As food accumulates and is compressed toward one side of the decomposition tank (310), the resistance of the screw body (3522) increases, which causes the screw body (3522) to be damaged or not rotate.

[0265] The screw hole (3521) provides a space in which the food can move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the screw body (3522) is moved when the screw body (3522) rotates, thereby reducing the resistance between the screw body (3522) and the food.

[0266] The stirring screw (352) may further include a plurality of screw forks (3523) that protrude away from the stirring shaft (351) from the screw body (3522). The screw forks (3523) may protrude in the radial direction of the stirring shaft (351) from the outer end of the screw body (3522).

[0267] A stirring gap (3524) through which food is moved can be defined between adjacent screw forks (3523). The plurality of screw forks (3523) and the stirring gap (3524) are irregularly arranged to create turbulence to smoothly mix the small particles of decomposed waste produced by decomposition.

[0268]

[0269] The blades (353, 354) extend radially from the stirring shaft (351) and generate lower thrust than the stirring screw (352).

[0270] In the case where there is only a stirring screw (352), when the stirring screw (352) rotates, the food moves to the side of the decomposition tank (310) and rises along the side of the decomposition tank (310) to accumulate. In this case, as the food is continuously compressed between the side of the decomposition tank (310) and the stirring screw (352), a large resistance is generated, and the problem of the stirring shaft (351) being locked or the stirring screw (352) being damaged occurs.

[0271] The blades (353, 354) generate a lower thrust than the stirring screw (352) and scrape the side of the decomposition tank (310) while stirring, thereby preventing food from being over-compressed on the side of the decomposition tank (310). The blades (353, 354) rotate to scrape off food attached to or compressed on one side of the decomposition tank (310).

[0272] The blades (353, 354) move along one side of the decomposition tank (310) in an area adjacent to one side of the decomposition tank (310) by the rotation of the stirring shaft (351). Here, the area adjacent to one side of the decomposition tank (310) broadly means an area between one side of the decomposition tank (310) and the stirring screw (352), and narrowly means an area inside the decomposition tank (310) close to one side of the decomposition tank (310).

[0273] The blades (353, 354) moving along one side of the decomposition tank (310) means that the blades (353, 354) move on a plane that is parallel to one side of the decomposition tank (310) or has an incline within a certain range.

[0274] For example, the blades (353, 354) may include a plane that is perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351) and a plane that is parallel to the stirring shaft (351). Here, the fact that the blades (353, 354) are parallel to the plane that is perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351) does not mean perfect parallelism in the mathematical sense, but rather parallelism within an engineering range that includes errors.

[0275] Specifically, the blades (353, 354) may include a first surface (3531, 3541) that is parallel to a surface perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351), and a second surface (3532, 3542) that intersects a surface perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351). Of course, the first surface (3531, 3541) may be parallel to the blades (353, 354). The second surface (3532, 3542) may intersect the first surface (3531, 3541).

[0276] The area of ​​the first surface (3531, 3541) may be larger than the area of ​​the second surface (3532, 3542). Accordingly, the blades (353, 354) may have a plate shape parallel to a surface perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351). The second surface (3532, 3542) may be perpendicular to the first surface (3531, 3541) or may have a curvature.

[0277] When the stirring shaft (351) rotates, the resistance between the food and the first surface (3531, 3541) and the second surface (3532, 3542) having a small area and being parallel to the surface perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351) is greatly reduced, and almost no thrust is generated to move the food in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the resistance between the stirrer (350) and the food generated at an adjacent position on the side of the decomposition tank (310) can be reduced.

[0278] The blades (353, 354) can be positioned closer to the side of the decomposition tank (310) than the stirring screw (352). Therefore, the large resistance generated by the food being continuously compressed against the side of the decomposition tank (310) by the stirring screw (352) can be reduced.

[0279] The blades (353, 354) include a first blade (353) and a second blade (354), and a stirring screw (352) may be positioned between the first blade (353) and the second blade (354). The first blade (353) may be positioned closer to the stirring motor (330) than the second blade (354).

[0280] Specifically, the first blade (353) may be positioned adjacent to the left side (312) of the decomposition tank (310) between the left side (312) of the decomposition tank (310) and the stirring screw (352), and the second blade (354) may be positioned adjacent to the right side (311) of the decomposition tank (310) between the right side (311) of the decomposition tank (310) and the stirring screw (352).

[0281] The length (H2) of the second blade (354) may be longer than the length (H1) of the first blade (353). Here, the length of the blades (353, 354) refers to the length in the radial direction from the stirring shaft (351). In the case of the first blade (353), it is formed shorter than the second blades (353, 354) due to the driving space (325) in which the stirring motor (330) is located.

[0282] The length (H1) of the first blade (353) may be less than the length (H3) of the stirring screw (352). The length (H2) of the second blade (354) may be less than or equal to the length (H3) of the stirring screw (352).

[0283] The blades (353, 354) may further include stirring ribs (355, 356). The stirring ribs (355, 356) stir the food when the blades (353, 354) rotate.

[0284] For example, the stirring ribs (355, 356) may protrude in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft (351) in a plane that is perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351). The stirring ribs (355, 356) may protrude in a direction away from the stirring screw (352).

[0285] The stirring ribs (355, 356) may be positioned closer to the side of the decomposition tank (310) than the blades (353, 354). That is, the stirring ribs (355, 356) are positioned adjacent to the side of the decomposition tank (310) to scrape the food compressed on the side of the decomposition tank (310).

[0286] The first blade (353) may include a first stirring rib (355) that protrudes in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft (351) from a plane that is perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351) and parallel to the stirring shaft (351), and the second blade (354) may include a second stirring rib (356) that protrudes in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft (351) from a plane that is perpendicular to the stirring shaft (351) and parallel to the stirring shaft (351).

[0287] The length (horizontal direction) of the first stirring rib (355) may be greater than the length of the second stirring rib (356). In the case of the first stirring rib (355), since the first blade (353) cannot help but be spaced apart from the side of the decomposition tank (310) to some extent due to the driving space (325), it has a large length and thus plays a role in efficiently scraping the side of the decomposition tank (310).

[0288] The decomposition unit (300) may further include a dryness sensor that detects the dryness of food in the decomposition tank (310).

[0289] 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).

[0290] 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.

[0291] 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.

[0292] The capacitance sensor (372) may include two capacitance sensors (372) with different sensitivities.

[0293] 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.

[0294] 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.

[0295]

[0296] Below, the operation of the stirrer (350) is described.

[0297] FIG. 8e is a drawing illustrating the operation of a stirrer (350) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0298] Referring to Fig. 8e, when the stirring motor (330) rotates the stirring shaft (351) upward, thrust is generated in the right direction by the stirring screw (352), and the food moves to the right and rises along the right side (311) of the decomposition tank (310). The food that rises overflows and falls back down.

[0299] By continuously rotating the stirring screw (352), the pressure of the food on the right side (311) of the decomposition tank (310) increases, and the second blade (354) scrapes and stirs the area near the right side (311) of the decomposition tank (310), thereby helping the smooth rotation of the stirring screw (352) and preventing the food from sticking to the right side (311) of the decomposition tank (310).

[0300]

[0301] FIG. 8f is a drawing illustrating the operation of a stirrer (350) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0302] Referring to FIG. 8F, when the stirring motor (330) rotates the stirring shaft (351) downward, a thrust is generated in the left direction by the stirring screw (352), and the food moves to the left and rises along the left side (312) of the decomposition tank (310). The food that rises overflows and falls back down.

[0303] By continuously rotating the stirring screw (352), the pressure of the food on the left side (312) of the decomposition tank (310) increases, and the first blade (353) scrapes and stirs the area near the left side (312) of the decomposition tank (310), thereby helping the smooth rotation of the stirring screw (352) and preventing the food from sticking to the left side (312) of the decomposition tank (310).

[0304]

[0305] Hereinafter, the transfer unit (400) and the collection unit (500) will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0306] 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.

[0307] Referring to Fig. 9, the transfer unit (400) can implement a transfer function through a transfer screw (430) and a decomposition tank propeller (410).

[0308] 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).

[0309] 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).

[0310] More preferably, the decomposition tank propeller (410) and the transfer screw (430) may be positioned higher than the rotation axis of the stirrer.

[0311] 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.

[0312] 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).

[0313] 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).

[0314] 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.

[0315] 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).

[0316] The conveying unit (400) may include a screen (420) covering the conveying screw (430), and may prevent the waste conveyed by the screen (420) from escaping to the outside. The screen (420) may be formed in a cylindrical shape extending from the bulkhead (380), and accommodates the conveying screw (430) and the motor (450).

[0317] A transport space (401) is formed inside the screen (420) through which food is transported. The screen (420) surrounds the outer surface of the transport screw (430) and moves the spoiled material from left to right, and discharges it toward the exit (421) so that it falls into the collection unit (500).

[0318] The bracket (470) transfers the food discharged from the outlet (421) of the screen (420) and the outlet (421) of the screen (420) to the collection unit (500).

[0319] The bracket (470) of the transfer unit (400) protrudes from the bottom of the screen (420) toward the collection unit (500) and can fix the transfer unit (400) to the cover (520) of the collection unit (500). The bracket (470) of the transfer unit (400) has an outlet (12) at the bottom, and the edge of the outlet (12) forms a rail (471) so that it can be fixed and communicated with by slidingly connecting with the opening / closing cover (521) of the collection unit (500).

[0320] The rotation of the feed screw (430) can be realized by driving the motor (450). The driving force of the motor (450) can be transmitted through the feed screw (430) and the fixed shaft (451). At this time, the shaft (451) is fixed together with the propeller (410), so that the feed screw (430) and the propeller (410) can rotate simultaneously by one motor (450). At this time, if they have different rotational speeds, the rotational speeds can be controlled by a separate gear. In this way, the space occupied by the motor (450) is minimized, contributing to the miniaturization of the device and minimizing power consumption.

[0321] In this way, the transport unit (400) exists only above the collection unit (500), and only small, light particles of food waste are selectively introduced into the transport unit (400) through the inlet (361), thereby fundamentally preventing unfermented food waste from entering the transport unit (400).

[0322]

[0323] 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.

[0324] Figures 10a and 10b are state diagrams showing the combination of a transport unit and a collection unit.

[0325] Referring to FIG. 10, 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. 8a and 8b.

[0326] The collection unit (500) is inserted into the collection space (326) of the inner case (320) of the lower module (750).

[0327] 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).

[0328] 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.

[0329] The collection unit (500) is composed of a collection unit (500) cover (520) and a collection box (510).

[0330] A hinged cover (521) is placed on the cover (520) of the collection unit (500).

[0331] 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).

[0332] 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.

[0333] 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.

[0334] 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.

[0335] 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).

[0336] 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).

[0337] 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.

[0338] 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.

[0339] Meanwhile, the food waste disposer (10) of the present invention further includes a drainage / deodorization module (600) in the space between the main body (700) and the lower module (750), i.e., the rear space.

[0340]

[0341]

[0342] 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. Decomposition part where food is decomposed; A collection unit for storing the decomposed food; and It includes a transport unit that transports food decomposed in the above decomposition unit to the above collection unit, 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 It includes a stirring motor that provides rotational force to the above stirrer, The above stirrer, A stirring shaft connected to the rotation axis of the above stirring motor; A stirring screw coupled to the stirring shaft to move food by rotation of the stirring shaft; and A food waste disposer comprising a blade coupled to the stirring shaft and moving along one side of the decomposition tank in an area adjacent to one side of the decomposition tank by rotation of the stirring shaft.

2. In paragraph 1, The above blade, A food waste disposal device that scrapes or compresses food waste attached to one side of the above-mentioned decomposition tank.

3. In paragraph 1, The above blade, A first surface parallel to the direction of movement of the above blade, Including a second surface intersecting the first surface, A food waste disposer in which the area of ​​the first surface is larger than the area of ​​the second surface.

4. In paragraph 1, The above blade, A food waste disposer positioned closer to the side of the decomposition tank than the stirring screw.

5. In paragraph 1, The above blade, Contains a first blade and a second blade, A food waste disposer in which the stirring screw is positioned between the first blade and the second blade.

6. In paragraph 5, The above stirring motor, Located outside the above decomposition tank, A food waste disposer wherein the first blade is positioned closer to the stirring motor than the second blade.

7. In paragraph 6, A food waste disposer wherein the length of the second blade is longer than the length of the first blade.

8. In paragraph 6, A food waste disposer wherein the first blade and the second blade further include a stirring rib extending in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft.

9. In paragraph 8, A food waste disposer in which the above stirring rib extends away from the above stirring screw.

10. In paragraph 1, A food waste disposer wherein the blade further includes a stirring rib extending in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft.

11. In paragraph 9, The above stirring ribs are, A food waste disposer positioned closer to the side of the decomposition tank than the blade.

12. In paragraph 1, The above stirring screw is, A screw body extending from the stirring shaft in a direction intersecting the stirring shaft and including a surface inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to the stirring shaft; and A food waste disposer including a screw hole formed in the screw body in a direction parallel to the stirring shaft.

13. In paragraph 12, The above stirring screw is, A food waste disposer further comprising a plurality of screw forks protruding away from the stirring shaft from the screw body.

14. In paragraph 1, The above stirring motor, A food waste disposer positioned facing the collection unit based on the above decomposition tank.

Images