Food disposer

Abstract

A food disposer according to the present invention comprises: a drying container for accommodating food; a heater for heating the food in the drying container; a heat exchanger which can cool down and condense air; an air intake flow path connected from the drying container to the heat exchanger; an exhaust flow path connected from the heat exchanger to the drying container; and a circulation fan for circulating air from the drying container to the heat exchanger along the air intake flow path and from the heat exchanger to the drying container along the exhaust flow path.

Description

food waste disposer

[0001] The present invention relates to a food waste disposer.

[0002] Food waste disposers are increasingly used as a means of easily disposing of food waste in the home. Food waste disposers can be used in a variety of ways, including grinding food waste and discharging it into the sink drain, or grinding it and then decomposing it through microorganisms before disposal. The former is legally prohibited due to its potential for environmental pollution, while the latter has the disadvantage of producing unpleasant odors due to the microorganisms.

[0003] An alternative is to heat and dry the food. Conventional food waste disposers typically utilize a filter to filter the internal air before discharging it to the outside. However, this approach requires periodic filter replacement, making it cumbersome and expensive to maintain.

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a food waste disposer having a simple structure and reducing costs by omitting a conventional filter.

[0005] A food waste disposer according to the present invention comprises: a drying container for receiving food; a heater for heating the food in the drying container; a heat exchanger for cooling and condensing air; an intake path leading from the drying container to the heat exchanger; an exhaust path leading from the heat exchanger to the drying container; and a circulation fan for circulating air from the drying container to the heat exchanger along the intake path, and from the heat exchanger to the drying container along the exhaust path.

[0006] The above heat exchanger may include an upper space communicating with the intake passage; a lower space communicating with the exhaust passage; and a condenser tube formed in a tubular shape and provided in multiples, each upper end communicating entirely with the upper space and each lower end communicating entirely with the lower space.

[0007] The above condenser tubes can be arranged in parallel.

[0008] The above condenser can be oriented vertically.

[0009] The above condenser can be oriented inclined.

[0010] The above condenser can be made of heat-exchangeable metal or plastic.

[0011] The above condenser tube can be made of aluminum or Teflon.

[0012] The inner wall of the above condenser can be formed smoothly.

[0013] The above condenser can be formed to have a circular cross-section.

[0014] The above lower space may include a drain for discharging condensate.

[0015] The above drain may be formed at the bottom of the lower space.

[0016] The floor of the above lower space may be formed to be inclined toward the drain.

[0017] A reservoir may further be included to collect condensate, arranged below the drain.

[0018] The above lower space and the above reservoir can be formed as one piece.

[0019] The above lower space further includes an exhaust port for discharging air, and the exhaust port can be formed at a higher position than the drain port.

[0020] The above exhaust port may be formed on a side of the lower space.

[0021] The lower space includes an exhaust port for discharging air, the heat exchanger further includes an exhaust pipe extending between the exhaust port and the exhaust path, and the circulation fan can be disposed between the exhaust port of the lower space and the exhaust pipe.

[0022] The above circulation fan may be placed upstream or downstream of the intake passage or on the intake passage.

[0023] A cooling fan for cooling the above heat exchanger may be further included.

[0024] The above heat exchanger may include a condenser packing having a hole for inserting the condenser tube; and a condenser cover disposed on the outside of the condenser packing and having a hole communicating with the condenser tube.

[0025] The above condenser cover can be coupled to the above condenser packing.

[0026] The hole of the above condenser packing may be formed stepwise inside so that it has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the condenser tube on one side into which the condenser tube is inserted and a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the condenser tube on the opposite side.

[0027] The hole of the above condenser cover may have a diameter equal to or larger than the hole of the above condenser packing.

[0028] The above lower space may include a pressure relief port communicating with the outside.

[0029] A filter may be installed downstream of the above pressure relief port.

[0030] The food waste disposer according to the present invention utilizes a heat exchanger to cool and condense the high-temperature, humid air within the drying chamber, thereby lowering the temperature and drying the air. This not only effectively dries food, but also removes odor particles from the air through the condensation process. Therefore, unlike conventional food waste disposers, it does not require a filter, thereby reducing costs associated with filter use and replacement.

[0031] In addition, the heat exchanger has the advantage of a simple structure as it is formed into a relatively thin and long tube shape and is provided in multiple numbers and is composed of condenser tubes arranged in parallel.

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a food waste disposer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 shows the food waste disposer shown in Figure 1 with the main body and cover removed.

[0034] Figure 3 shows the food waste disposer shown in Figure 2 with the drying bin cover removed.

[0035] Figure 4 is a view of the food waste disposer shown in Figure 3 from a higher angle.

[0036] Figure 5 is a view of the food waste disposer shown in Figure 4 from the opposite side.

[0037] Figure 6 is a cross-section taken along plane A of the food waste disposer shown in Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 7 is a cross-section taken along plane B of the food waste disposer shown in Figure 5.

[0039] Fig. 8 is a cross-section taken along plane C of the food waste disposer shown in Fig. 5.

[0040] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the end area of ​​the condensation tube in the food waste disposer shown in Fig. 8.

[0041] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a food waste disposer according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along a plane perpendicular to plane A and plane C.

[0042] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part D in Figure 10.

[0043] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a food waste disposer according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the inside thereof with the upper surface of the cover removed.

[0044] Figure 13 is a view from above of Figure 12 with the handle removed.

[0045] Figure 14 shows the handle in Figure 12 rotated to the open position.

[0046] Figure 15 shows the appearance when the handle in Figure 13 is rotated to the open position.

[0047] Figure 16 shows the handle in Figure 11 when it is rotated to the locked position.

[0048] Figure 17 shows the handle in Figure 12 rotated to the locked position.

[0049] Figure 18 shows the handle in Figure 13 when it is rotated to the locked position.

[0050] A food waste disposer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0051]

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a food waste disposer (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 2 shows the food waste disposer (100) shown in Figure 1 with the main body (111) and cover (112) removed.

[0054] Figure 3 shows the food waste disposer (100) shown in Figure 2 with the drying container cover (120A) removed.

[0055] Figure 4 is a view of the food waste disposer (100) shown in Figure 3 from a higher angle.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a view of the food waste disposer (100) shown in Fig. 3 as viewed from the opposite side. That is, if Fig. 3 is a view of the food waste disposer (100) as viewed from the front upper side, for example, Fig. 5 is a view of the food waste disposer (100) as viewed from the rear upper side.

[0057] Fig. 6 is a cross-section taken along plane A of the food waste disposer (100) shown in Fig. 5.

[0058] Fig. 7 is a cross-section taken along plane B of the food waste disposer (100) shown in Fig. 5.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a cross-section of the food waste disposer (100) shown in Fig. 5, taken along the C plane.

[0060] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the end area of ​​the condensation tube (164) in the food waste disposer (100) shown in Fig. 8.

[0061]

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1-9, a food waste disposer (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body (111), a cover (112), a drying container (120), a heater (130), an intake passage (140), an exhaust passage (150), a heat exchanger (160), a cooling fan (170), a circulation fan (180), and a water storage tank (190).

[0063]

[0064] The main body (111) defines the overall appearance of the food waste disposer (100), and includes an operation button (111A) for operating the food waste disposer (100), a discharge port (111B) for discharging heat from a heat exchanger (160), etc.

[0065] The main body (111) has an open upper surface, so food can be fed into the drying container (120) through the upper surface.

[0066]

[0067] The cover (112) is rotatably connected to the main body (111).

[0068] The cover (112) includes a handle (112A) for fastening and releasing the body (111), which will be described in more detail later.

[0069]

[0070] The drying container (120) has an internal space for accommodating food, and is provided with a drying container cover (120A) for opening and closing the drying container (120) (see FIG. 2). The drying container cover (120A) is coupled to the cover (112), and can open and close the drying container (120) by moving together when the cover (112) rotates with respect to the main body (111). The drying container cover (120A) can be provided with a packing (P1) so that it can be in close contact with the drying container (120). Therefore, when the drying container cover (120A) closes the drying container (120), the packing (P1) can prevent odor from leaking from the internal space of the drying container (120) into the gap between the drying container (120) and the drying container cover (120A). In addition, the intake passage (140) and the exhaust passage (150) may extend into the interior of the drying container (120) by penetrating the drying container cover (120A), and the drying container cover (120A) may be provided with a packing (P2) between the drying container cover (120A) and the intake passage (140). Therefore, the packing (P2) can prevent odor from leaking from the internal space of the drying container (120) into the gap between the drying container cover (120A) and the intake passage (140). Similarly, the drying container cover (120A) may be provided with a packing (P3) between the drying container cover (120A) and the exhaust passage (150). Therefore, the packing (P3) can prevent odor from leaking from the internal space of the drying container (120) into the gap between the drying container cover (120A) and the exhaust passage (150).

[0071] Additionally, the drying tank (120) includes a blade (121) (see Fig. 4). The blade (121) is connected to a motor (not shown) and rotates to crush and stir food within the drying tank (120).

[0072]

[0073] The heater (130) heats the drying container (120) to dry the food inside the drying container (120).

[0074] The heater (130) may be, for example, a resistance heating type, and in the drawing, the heater (130) is illustrated as being in contact with the lower surface of the drying container (120). However, as long as the heater (130) can properly dry the food inside the drying container (120), the heater (130) may be of a type other than the resistance heating type, and may be installed in a location other than the lower surface of the drying container (120).

[0075]

[0076] The intake passage (140) connects the drying tank (120) to the heat exchanger (160) and serves to suck air from the drying tank (120) to the heat exchanger (160).

[0077]

[0078] The exhaust path (150) is connected from the heat exchanger (160) to the drying tank (120) and serves to discharge air from the heat exchanger (160) to the drying tank (120).

[0079]

[0080] These intake passages (140) and exhaust passages (150) can be integrated into the cover (112) and installed so that they move together when the cover (112) rotates with respect to the main body (111).

[0081] More specifically, referring to FIG. 6, the intake passage (140) includes an extension (141), an opening (142), and a connection (143).

[0082] The extension (141) can extend substantially parallel to the cover (112) between the drying tank (120) and the heat exchanger (160). Furthermore, the extension (141) can be built into the cover (112).

[0083] The opening (142) can be bent downwards at a substantially right angle from one end (front end) of the extension (141) and open toward the inside of the drying tank (120).

[0084] The connecting portion (143) can be connected to the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160) by being bent laterally at a substantially right angle from the other end (rear end) of the extension portion (141). In particular, the connecting portion (143) can be connected to the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160) in a hinged manner. In the drawing, the connecting portion (143) is formed to have a circular cross-section, and the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160) is formed to have a circular cross-section whose inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the connecting portion (143), so that the connecting portion (143) is inserted into the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160) so as to be rotatable within the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160). However, as another embodiment, the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160) may be formed to have a circular cross-section, and the connecting portion (143) may be formed to have a circular cross-section whose inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160), so that the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160) may be inserted into the connecting portion (143) so that the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160) can rotate within the connecting portion (143), and a rotary joint or coupling may be mounted between the connecting portion (143) and the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160). The central axes of the connecting portion (143) and the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160) coincide with the central axis about which the cover (112) rotates with respect to the main body (111). Accordingly, when the cover (112) rotates relative to the main body (111), the intake passage (140) can be allowed to move together, while maintaining the connection (communication) between the connection portion (143) and the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160). Furthermore, an O-ring or other sealing member may be installed between the connection portion (143) and the inlet (161) of the heat exchanger (160) to prevent air or odor leakage.

[0085] The exhaust passage (150) can also be formed in the same manner as the intake passage (140). That is, the exhaust passage (150) includes an extension (151), an opening (152), and a connection (153).

[0086] The extension (151) can extend substantially parallel to the cover (112) between the drying tank (120) and the heat exchanger (160). Furthermore, the extension (151) can be built into the cover (112).

[0087] The opening (152) can be bent downwards at a substantially right angle from one end (front end) of the extension (151) and opened toward the inside of the drying tank (120).

[0088] The connecting portion (153) can be connected to the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160) by being bent laterally at a substantially right angle from the other end (rear end) of the extension portion (151). In particular, the connecting portion (153) can be connected to the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160) in a hinged manner. In the drawing, the connecting portion (153) is formed to have a circular cross-section, and the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160) is formed to have a circular cross-section whose inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the connecting portion (153), so that the connecting portion (153) is inserted into the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160) so as to be rotatable within the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160). However, as another embodiment, the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160) may be formed to have a circular cross-section, and the connecting portion (153) may be formed to have a circular cross-section whose inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160), so that the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160) may be inserted into the connecting portion (153) so that the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160) may rotate within the connecting portion (153), and a rotary joint or coupling may be mounted between the connecting portion (153) and the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160). The central axes of the connecting portion (153) and the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160) coincide with the central axis about which the cover (112) rotates with respect to the main body (111). Accordingly, when the cover (112) rotates with respect to the main body (111), the intake passage (140) can be allowed to move together, while maintaining the connection (communication) between the connection portion (153) and the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160). Furthermore, an O-ring or other sealing member may be installed between the connection portion (153) and the outlet (167) of the heat exchanger (160) to prevent air or odor leakage.

[0089] According to this structure, the intake passage (140) and exhaust passage (150) are integrated into the cover (112), so that the design can be space-efficient and compact.

[0090]

[0091] As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the heat exchanger (160) includes an inlet (161), an inlet pipe (162), an upper space (163), a condenser pipe (164), a lower space (165), an outlet pipe (166), and an outlet (167).

[0092] The inlet (161) is connected to the intake passage (140) as described above, and air is introduced from the drying tank (120) through the intake passage (140) into the inlet (161).

[0093] The inlet pipe (162) extends from the inlet (161) to the upper space (163) and serves to guide air from the inlet (161) to the upper space (163).

[0094] The condensation tube (164) is formed in a relatively thin and long tubular shape and is provided in a plurality. The food waste disposer (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention is, for example, a household food waste disposer. For the sake of simplicity, the condensation tubes (164) may have a diameter of approximately 5 mm to 10 mm and a length of approximately 100 mm to 200 mm, and may be provided in a number of 50 to 120. In the drawing, 54 condensation tubes (164) are provided, 18 horizontally, 3 vertically, and arranged in parallel. However, this is again just an example for simplicity of understanding, and may be appropriately changed depending on the actual application situation. These condensation tubes (164) are oriented substantially vertically (vertically), so that each upper end is entirely connected to the upper space (163), and each lower end is entirely connected to the lower space (165). Of course, the condenser tube (164) can also be oriented at an angle as needed. The condenser tube (164) can be made of a heat-exchangeable metal or plastic, and is preferably made of a material with excellent heat transfer and heat resistance, such as aluminum or Teflon. In addition, the condenser tube (164) is preferably formed with a smooth inner wall so that condensate can smoothly flow down the inner wall from the condenser tube (164). In addition, the condenser tube (164) is preferably formed to have a circular cross-section to ensure uniform cooling and condensation.

[0095] The lower space (165) includes a drain port (165A), an exhaust port (165B), and a pressure relief port (165C). The drain port (165A) is for discharging condensate and may be formed at the bottom of the lower space (165). Furthermore, the bottom of the lower space (165) may be formed to be inclined toward the drain port (165A). The exhaust port (165B) is for discharging air and is preferably formed at a higher position than the drain port (165A). In the drawing, the exhaust port (165B) is illustrated as being formed at the side of the lower space (165). The pressure relief port (165C) is connected to the outside to reduce flow resistance due to internal sealing when the drying tank (120) is closed and to release internal pressure increase when the drying tank (120) is heated. Since the odor may escape together with the air if it is directly discharged to the outside through the pressure relief port (165C), it may be discharged through the filter (F) (see Figures 2, 3, and 4).

[0096] The outlet pipe (166) extends from the exhaust port (165B) of the lower space (165) to the outlet (167) and serves to guide air from the exhaust port (165B) of the lower space (165) to the outlet (167).

[0097] The outlet (167) is connected to the exhaust path (150) as described above, so that air flows out from the drying tank (120) through the exhaust path (150) from the outlet (167).

[0098]

[0099] The cooling fan (170) serves to promote the condensation action described later by cooling the condensation tube (164) of the heat exchanger (160).

[0100]

[0101] The circulation fan (180) circulates air in the following order: [drying tank (120) → intake path (140) → inlet (161) of heat exchanger (160) → inlet pipe (162) → upper space (163) → condensation pipe (164) → lower space (165) → outlet pipe (166) → outlet (167) → exhaust path (150) → drying tank (120)].

[0102] In the drawing, the circulation fan (180) is illustrated as being arranged between the exhaust port (165B) of the lower space (165) of the heat exchanger (160) and the outlet pipe (166). In this case, relatively dry air passes through the condensation pipe (164) to the circulation fan (180), so that the circulation fan (180) can be prevented from easily aging or being damaged due to the continuous action of humid air on the circulation fan (180). In addition, since the circulation fan (180) can be positioned relatively lower in the product, the structural stability is improved and the product can be designed to be space-efficient. However, the present specification does not exclude cases where the circulation fan (180) is installed in other locations, and if the circulation fan (180) can properly circulate the air as described above, the circulation fan (180) may be installed in other locations. For example, the circulation fan (180) may be installed upstream or downstream of the intake passage (140) or on the intake passage (140).

[0103]

[0104] As can be seen in Fig. 8, the reservoir (190) is placed below the drain (165A) of the lower space (165) of the heat exchanger (160) and serves to collect condensate.

[0105] The reservoir (190) may include a water level sensor (191) (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 7) to automatically discharge the condensate using a pump (not shown) when the condensate in the reservoir (190) reaches a certain level, or to provide a notification to the user to manually empty the reservoir (190).

[0106] The lower space (165) and the reservoir (190) can be formed as one piece, which has the advantage of a simple structure.

[0107]

[0108] Meanwhile, as can be seen in Fig. 9, the condenser tube (164) may be provided with a condenser tube packing (164A) and a condenser tube cover (164B) in the end region. In Fig. 9, the upper end region of the condenser tube (164) is illustrated.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 9, the condenser packing (164A) may be formed as a plate-shaped member having a hole for each condenser tube (164) to be inserted upward from the lower side of the condenser tube packing (164A), for example. In this case, the hole of the condenser tube packing (164A) may be formed steppedly therein so that the lower surface of the condenser tube packing (164A) has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the condenser tube (164) and the upper surface of the condenser tube packing (164A) has a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the condenser tube (164). Accordingly, when the condenser tube (164) is inserted until it comes into contact with the stepped portion in the hole of the condenser tube packing (164A), the end of the condenser tube (164) is completely surrounded by the condenser tube packing (164A), thereby effectively preventing odor from leaking from the condenser tube (164) into the gap between the condenser tube (164) and the condenser tube packing (164A).

[0110] The condensation tube cover (164B) is disposed on the outside (i.e., the upper side) of the condensation tube packing (164A) and may be formed, for example, as a plate-shaped member having holes communicating with each condensation tube (164). The condensation tube cover (164B) is coupled to the condensation tube packing (164A) and may be, for example, screw-coupled. The holes of the condensation tube cover (164B) may have a diameter equal to or larger than the diameter of the holes of the condensation tube packing (164A).

[0111] Furthermore, the condenser (164) may also be provided with a condenser packing and condenser cover, such as the condenser packing (164A) and condenser cover (164B) described above, in a vertically symmetrical structure in the lower end region. Since a person skilled in the art can easily understand and reproduce the related configuration based on the above description, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0112]

[0113] Based on the configuration described above, the following describes how the food waste disposer (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention operates.

[0114]

[0115] First, the user opens the cover (112), puts food into the drying container (120), and then presses the start button. Then, the blade (121) rotates to crush and stir the food.

[0116]

[0117] In addition, the heater (130), cooling fan (170), and circulation fan (180) operate.

[0118] As the heater (130) operates to heat and dry the food, the air inside the drying tank (120) gradually becomes hotter and more humid. This hot and humid air inside the drying tank (120) is sucked into the heat exchanger (160) along the intake path (140) by the circulation fan (180).

[0119] In the heat exchanger (160), the air moves to the upper space (163) through the inlet (161) and the inlet pipe (162), and then branches into a plurality of condensation tubes (164), and is cooled and condensed as it passes along each condensation tube (164). As described above, since the condensation tubes (164) are formed in a relatively thin and long tubular shape and are provided in a plurality, the surface area is relatively large, and in addition, since the cooling fan (170) cools the condensation tubes (164), high-temperature / high-humidity air can be effectively cooled and condensed.

[0120] Thus, the low-temperature / dry air is now moved to the exhaust port (165B), outlet (166) and outlet (167) of the lower space (165) by the circulation fan (180) and returns to the drying tank (120) along the exhaust path (150), and thereafter repeats the condensation process while circulating along the aforementioned path.

[0121] In this way, by using the heat exchanger (160) to make the high temperature / high humidity air in the drying tank (120) low temperature / dry, food can be dried more effectively, and odor particles in the air can be removed through the condensation action.

[0122]

[0123] Meanwhile, the condensate in the condenser (164) is discharged downward and stored in the reservoir (190) through the drain (165A) of the lower space (165). In this process, since the condenser (164) is oriented vertically, i.e. in the direction in which gravity acts, the condensate can be discharged effectively.

[0124]

[0125] Now, the structure for opening and closing and locking the cover (112) using the handle (112A) will be described.

[0126]

[0127] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a food waste disposer (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along a plane perpendicular to plane A and plane C.

[0128] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of part D in Figure 10.

[0129] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a food waste disposer (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the inside thereof with the upper surface of the cover (112) removed.

[0130] Figure 13 is a view from above of Figure 12 with the handle (112A) removed.

[0131] Fig. 14 shows the handle (112A) in Fig. 12 rotated to the open position.

[0132] Fig. 15 is an image of the handle (112A) in Fig. 13 when it is rotated to the open position.

[0133] Figure 16 shows the appearance when the handle (112A) in Figure 11 is rotated to the locked position.

[0134] Figure 17 shows the handle (112A) in Figure 12 rotated to the locked position.

[0135] Figure 18 shows the appearance when the handle (112A) in Figure 13 is rotated to the locked position.

[0136]

[0137] In a food waste disposer (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention, a structure for opening and closing and locking a cover (112) using a handle (112A) includes a handle (112A), a latch groove (210), a latch base (220), a latch bar (230), a cam (240), a guide (250), and a sensor (260).

[0138]

[0139] The handle (112A) can assume a neutral position, an open position and a locked position.

[0140] FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13 are for a state in which the handle (112A) is in a neutral position, FIGS. 14 and 15 are for a state in which the handle (112A) is rotated about 30° in one direction, for example, counterclockwise, from the neutral position to the open position, and FIGS. 16, 17, and 18 are for a state in which the handle (112A) is rotated about 90° in another direction, for example, clockwise, from the neutral position to the locked position.

[0141] Here, 'counterclockwise' and 'clockwise' can be interchanged. That is, in another embodiment, the handle (112A) can be brought into the open position by rotating clockwise from the neutral position, and the handle (112A) can be brought into the locked position by rotating counterclockwise from the neutral position. Similarly, '30°' and '90°' can be interchanged. That is, in another embodiment, the handle (112A) can be brought into the open position by rotating counterclockwise from the neutral position at an angle other than 30°, and the handle (112A) can be brought into the locked position by rotating clockwise from the neutral position at an angle other than 90°. Of course, in another embodiment, the handle (112A) can be brought into the open position by rotating clockwise from the neutral position at an angle other than 30°, and the handle (112A) can be brought into the locked position by rotating counterclockwise from the neutral position at an angle other than 90°.

[0142] However, for the convenience of understanding and explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the handle (112A) is rotated 30° counterclockwise from the neutral position as shown in the drawing to take the open position, and the handle (112A) is rotated 90° clockwise from the neutral position to take the locked position.

[0143]

[0144] A latch groove (210) is provided on the body (111) side, and a latch base (220) is provided on the cover (112) side. A latch bar (230) is installed so as to be slidable along the length direction in the latch base (220). As a result, the latch bar (230) can move between a fastening position (see FIG. 11) where the distal end (231) of the latch bar (230) is inserted into the latch groove (210) and a releasing position (see FIG. 16) where the distal end (231) of the latch bar (230) is removed from the latch groove (210).

[0145] The latch base (220) may be formed in a form that surrounds the latch bar (230) on both sides so that the latch bar (230) can move stably along the longitudinal direction without moving laterally. Alternatively, in order to guide the movement direction of the latch bar (230), the latch base (220) and the latch bar (230) may be formed with grooves and protrusions extending in a straight line along the longitudinal direction so that they are interlocked (not shown).

[0146] In addition, slots and protrusions may be formed on the latch base (220) and the latch bar (230) to limit the range of movement of the latch bar (230). In the drawing, it is illustrated that the slot (232) on the latch bar (230) is formed to be elongated so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and the protrusion (221) on the latch base (220) is formed to be positioned within the slot (232). Accordingly, the range of movement of the latch bar (230) can be limited to the length of the slot (232).

[0147] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 13, 15, and 18, it can be seen that a gap (G) exists between the latch base (220) and the proximal end (233) of the latch bar (230). An elastic member (not shown) is installed in this gap (G) to urge the latch bar (230) into the engaging position. Accordingly, the latch bar (230) is in the engaging position when no external force (e.g., user operation) is applied.

[0148] The bottom surface of the distal end (231) of the latch bar (230) may be formed to be inclined. Accordingly, when closing the cover (112), if more force is applied to press the cover (112) while the distal end (231) of the latch bar (230) is in contact with the edge of the main body (111), the latch bar (230) is naturally pushed toward the release position, and the distal end (231) of the latch bar (230) can go over the edge of the main body (111). In this way, when the cover (112) is completely closed, the latch bar (230) is returned to the fastening position by the elastic member.

[0149]

[0150] The cam (240) is supported on the latch base (220) and is connected to the handle (112A) so that it can rotate together with the handle (112A).

[0151] As an element interacting with the cam (240), a hole (234) is further formed in the latch bar (230).

[0152] The cam (240) and the hole (234) are formed in a specific shape. More specifically, the cam (240) and the hole (234) can be formed so that, for example, by rotating the handle (112A) counterclockwise by 30° from the neutral position, the cam (240) rotates in such a manner to press the latch bar (230) to the release position. In the drawing, the hole (234) is exemplified as being formed in an approximately square shape. More specifically, the hole (234) can be formed in a square shape having two sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the latch bar (230) and two sides parallel thereto. In addition, the cam (240) is exemplified as being formed with a length corresponding to the sides of the square. Referring to FIG. 13, the cam (240) can be oriented so as to be in contact with the side near the proximal end (234) of the latch bar (230) in the hole (234). The rotation axis (241) of the cam (240) may be located at the left end of the cam (240) (in which case the cam (240) takes the open position by rotating counterclockwise and takes the locked position by rotating clockwise), or may be located at the right end of the cam (240) (in which case the cam (240) takes the open position by rotating clockwise and takes the locked position by rotating counterclockwise). The former case is illustrated in the drawing.

[0153] Therefore, in this state, as the cam (240) rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis (241), the distal end (242) of the cam (240) can press the latch bar (230) to the release position, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0154] On the other hand, when, for example, the handle (112A) is rotated 90° clockwise from the neutral position, i.e., the cam (240) is rotated 90° clockwise around the rotation axis (241), the distal end (242) of the cam (240) comes into vertical contact with the bottom of the hole (244). In this case, the latch bar (230) is caught by the cam (240) and cannot move to the release position, and thus a 'lock' is implemented that is maintained in the engaged position.

[0155]

[0156] The guide (250) is connected to the handle (112A) and rotates together with the handle (112A).

[0157] As an element interacting with these guides (250), a sensor (260) is further installed on the cover (112).

[0158] The sensor (260) detects whether the handle (112A) is currently in the open position or the locked position by recognizing the position of the guide (250).

[0159] For example, the sensor (260) may be a magnetic or proximity sensor, and may be positioned at a point corresponding to the distal end (251) of the guide (250) when the handle (112A) is in the open position, at a point corresponding to the distal end (251) of the guide (250) when the handle (112A) is in the open position, or the like, to detect whether the handle (112A) is in the open position or the locked position. In another embodiment, the sensor (260) may be a contact sensor.

[0160]

[0161] The food waste disposer (100) described above is merely one of the various food waste disposers according to the present invention. The technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and encompasses all modifications that can be easily made by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, as described in the claims.

Claims

1. Drying container for containing food; A heater for heating food in the drying tank; A heat exchanger capable of cooling and condensing air; An intake path leading from the above drying tank to the above heat exchanger; An exhaust path leading from the heat exchanger to the drying tank; and Including a circulation fan for circulating air from the drying tank to the heat exchanger along the intake path, and from the heat exchanger to the drying tank along the exhaust path. Food waste disposer.

2. In paragraph 1, The above heat exchanger, An upper space communicating with the above intake passage; A lower space connected to the above exhaust passage; and A condenser tube formed in a tubular shape and provided in multiples, each upper end communicating entirely with the upper space and each lower end communicating entirely with the lower space, Food waste disposer.

3. In paragraph 2, The above condenser tubes are arranged in parallel, Food waste disposer.

4. In paragraph 2, The above condenser is oriented vertically, Food waste disposer.

5. In paragraph 2, The above condenser is oriented inclined, Food waste disposer.

6. In paragraph 2, The above condenser is made of heat-exchangeable metal or plastic. Food waste disposer.

7. In paragraph 2, The above condenser is made of aluminum or Teflon. Food waste disposer.

8. In paragraph 2, The above condenser has a smooth inner wall, Food waste disposer.

9. In paragraph 2, The above condenser is formed to have a circular cross-section, Food waste disposer.

10. In paragraph 2, The above lower space includes a drain for discharging condensate, Food waste disposer.

11. In paragraph 10, The above drain is formed at the bottom of the lower space, Food waste disposer.

12. In paragraph 11, The floor of the above lower space is formed to slope toward the drain, Food waste disposer.

13. In paragraph 10, Further comprising a reservoir disposed below the drain for collecting condensate, Food waste disposer.

14. In paragraph 13, The above lower space and the above reservoir are formed as one piece, Food waste disposer.

15. In paragraph 10, The above lower space further includes an exhaust port for discharging air, The above exhaust port is formed at a higher position than the drain port. Food waste disposer.

16. In paragraph 15, The above exhaust port is formed on the side of the lower space, Food waste disposer.

17. In paragraph 2, The above lower space includes an exhaust port for discharging air, The above heat exchanger further includes an outlet pipe extending between the exhaust port and the exhaust path, The above circulation fan is placed between the exhaust port of the lower space and the outlet pipe. Food waste disposer.

18. In paragraph 2, The above circulation fan is placed upstream or downstream of the above intake passage or on the above intake passage. Food waste disposer.

19. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a cooling fan for cooling the heat exchanger, Food waste disposer.

20. In paragraph 1, The above heat exchanger, A condenser packing having a hole for inserting the condenser; and A condenser cover disposed on the outside of the condenser packing and having a hole communicating with the condenser, Food waste disposer.

21. In paragraph 20, The above condenser cover is coupled to the above condenser packing, Food waste disposer.

22. In paragraph 20, The hole of the condenser packing is formed stepwise inside so that it has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the condenser tube on one side into which the condenser tube is inserted and a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the condenser tube on the opposite side. Food waste disposer.

23. In paragraph 22, The hole of the above condenser cover has a diameter equal to or larger than the hole of the above condenser packing. Food waste disposer.

24. In paragraph 2, The above lower space includes a pressure relief port communicating with the outside, Food waste disposer.

25. In paragraph 24, A filter is installed downstream of the above pressure relief port, Food waste disposer.

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