US010159986B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 10 , 159,986 B2

Lee et al. (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 25 , 2018
(54 ) FOOD WASTE TREATMENT APPARATUS (58 ) Field of Classification Search
AND DISCHARGE UNIT OF FOOD WASTE CPC ..... .. E03C 1 / 266 ; E03C 1 / 2665 ; B02C 23 /10 ;
TREATMENT APPARATUS B02C 23/ 20 ; B02C 18 /0092; B02C
18 /142 ; B02C 18/ 182; B02C 18 /2216 ;
(71) Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC ., Seoul BO2C 18/0084
(KR ) USPC .. .. ... . ......... 241/ 46 .013 , 101.8 , 65
See application file for complete search history .
(72 ) Inventors: Sunki Lee , Seoul (KR ); Daeyun Park ,
Seoul (KR ); Jongseok Kim , Seoul
(KR )
(56 ) References Cited
U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
(73 ) Assignee: LG Electronics Inc., Seoul (KR ) 2, 148 ,447 A * 2/1939 Dundas ........ .......... CO2F 11/ 12
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 110 / 193
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 2 , 148,981 A * 2/1939 Dundas ......... ... CO2F 11/ 12
110 /222
U .S .C . 154 (b ) by 574 days. (Continued )
(21) Appl. No.: 14/800,857 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(22) Filed : Jul. 16, 2015 H10 - 165930 6 / 1998
H11 -019629 1 / 1999
(65 ) Prior Publication Data (Continued )
US 2016 /0017582 A1 Jan . 21, 2016 Primary Examiner — Jessica Cahill
(30 ) Foreign Application Priority Data Assistant Examiner — Smith O Bapthelus
(74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Fish & Richardson P .C .
Jul. 16 , 2014 (KR ) .................. 10 -2014 -0090067 (57) ABSTRACT
(51) Int . Cl. A food waste treatment apparatus is described . The appara
B02C 23/ 10 ( 2006 . 01) tus includes a housing that defines a space that is configured
B02C 23 /20 ( 2006 .01) to dehydrate and dry food waste , the housing having a drain
E03C 1/266 ( 2006 .01) pipe that is configured to discharge water included in the
B02C 18 /00 ( 2006 . 01) food waste and an exhaust duct that is configured to exhaust
BO2C 18 / 14 ( 2006 .01) air that dried the food waste . The apparatus further includes
a dryer that is configured to dry the food waste by supplying
(Continued ) dry air to the housing. The apparatus further includes an
(52 ) U .S . CI. exhaust unit connected to the drain pipe and the exhaust
CPC .... ... B02C 18 / 0092 (2013 .01); B02C 18 / 142 duct, the exhaust unit being configured to prevent the air
( 2013 .01); B02C 18 / 182 ( 2013 .01 ); B02C exhausted from the exhaust duct from flowing back into the
18 /2216 ( 2013 .01); B02C 23 /10 (2013.01 ); drain pipe.
B02C 23 /20 ( 2013 .01) ; E03C 1/266 ( 2013 .01) ;
E03C 1/2665 ( 2013.01) 16 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets

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 US 10 ,Page
159 ,2986 B2

(51) Int. Cl.

B02C 18 / 18 ( 2006 .01)
B02C 18 /22 ( 2006 .01)
(56) References Cited
U .S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
3,366 ,339 A * 1/ 1968 Fair ..... E03F 3 /00
241/ 101.5
3,376 ,718 A * 4/ 1968 Kahn ............. D06F 3413 //8700
4 ,072 ,273 A * 2/ 1978 Reiniger ................ B02C 13 / 14
241/ 19
7,240,865 B2 * 7/ 2007 Choi ..................... A61L 11 /00
241/ 100
7 , 954 ,739 B2 * 6 /2011 Shin - Ya ............. B02C 18/0084
241/ 100
8 ,782 ,824 B2 * 7/ 2014 Shoop .................... E03C 1/232
4 /539
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
2002-011446 1 /2002
&
se 3629734 3 / 2005
2007 - 303798 11/2007
* cited by examiner
U . S . Patent Dec . 25, 2018 Sheet 1 of 16 Us 10 ,159 ,986 B2

FIG . 1
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FIG . 2
28 11 2 - 29

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U . S . Patent Dec. 25 , 2018 Sheet 2 of 16 US 10 ,159,986 B2

FIG . 3
1 11 100
21. 29
26
27

733
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735 731
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U . S . Patent Dec . 25, 2018 Sheet 3 of 16 | US 10,159,986 B2

FIG . 4

28 11 213 211 33 21 100

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U . S . Patent Dec . 25 , 2018 Sheet 4 of 16 US 10 ,159,986 B2

FIG . 5
B2 31 Bl 47 483 B1
taktittet :

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51 4 F1 F2 B1 31 B1 483
U . S . Patent Dec. 25, 2018 Sheet 5 of 16 US 10 ,159,986 B2

FIG . 6
22 225 221 223

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U . S . Patent Dec . 25 , 2018 Sheet 6 of 16 US 10 ,159 ,986 B2

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Sheet 7 of 16 US 10 ,159,986 B2

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U . S . Patent Dec. 25, 2018 Sheet 8 of 16 US 10, 159,986 B2
FIG . 10
92 481

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U . S . Patent Dec. 25 , 2018 Sheet 9 of 16 US 10 ,159 ,986 B2

FIG . 12
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U . S . Patent Dec. 25 , 2018 Sheet 10 of 16 US 10 , 159, 986 B2

FIG . 14
START

DEHYDRATOR OPENING S110

(FOOD WASTE INTRODUCTION )

PRIMARY GRINDING .

FOOD WASTE WASH -OFF - $ 120

(PRE - TREATMENT)

SECONDARY GRINDING t $130

DEHYDRATOR CLOSING S140

FOOD WASTE DEHYDRATION $ 150

FOOD WASTE DRYING (DEHYDRATOR - S160

AGITATOR ROTATION )

FOOD WASTE DISCHARGE $ 170

RESIDUAL FOOD WASTE WASH-OFF $ 190

END
U . S . Patent Dec. 25, 2018 Sheet 11 of 16 US 10 , 159, 986 B2

FIG . 15

110
112 111 / 114

140

JAZZ

?/ / / / / / / // / / / // // / // // / / / / / // / / // / / / / / // /
U . S . Patent Dec. 25, 2018 Sheet 12 of 16 US 10 , 159, 986 B2

FIG . 16

100

21 110
112 11 1 114
WAZILIZZA
140

- - - _ .- . 3 — 101
T?T?ZLIKTIZIZZINITTTTTTTÖIZZZZZZZZZZ
U . S . Patent Dec . 25, 2018 Sheet 13 of 16 US 10 , 159 ,986 B2

FIG . 17

220 210

36
212 TTTT ALZA 101
1214
211
U . S . Patent Dec . 25, 2018 Sheet 14 of 16 US 10 , 159 ,986 B2

FIG . 18

210
2204
DILIZZZ

2124 H 214
w
211
U . S . Patent Dec . 25, 2018 Sheet 15 of 16 US 10 ,159 ,986 B2

FIG . 19

365 1 367 7la

360 ZZ

- 363

368

310
330
340
PIZZA

312m 1

314
ZTIZZZZZTR311
U . S . Patent Dec . 25, 2018 Sheet 16 of 16 US 10 , 159 ,986 B2

FIG . 20
K361

365 -362 367 7la

-- 363
- 368
369

Y || 314

8 315
 US 10 ,159,986 B2
FOOD WASTE TREATMENT APPARATUS configured to prevent air moving through the exhaust duct
AND DISCHARGE UNIT OF FOOD WASTE from flowing back through an inlet of the exhaust duct . An
TREATMENT APPARATUS air inlet port is located above the outlet port and is config
ured to be blocked from allowing air to pass to the outlet port
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED 5 based on water being in the second space .
APPLICATION The exhaust duct includes a check valve that is configured
to prevent airmoving through the exhaust duct from flowing
Pursuant to 35 U .S . C . 8 119 (a ), this application claims the back through an inlet of the exhaust duct. The exhaust duct
benefit of Korean Patent Application No . 10 - 2014 - 0090067, includes a shielding chamber that is configured to block a
filed on Jul. 16 . 2014 . which is hereby incorporated by 10 flow path of air exhausted through the exhaust duct by
reference as if fully set forth herein . supplying additional water to the shielding chamber. The
shielding chamber includes a water supply pipe that is
FIELD configured to supply water to the shielding chamber , a
second drain pipe that is configured to guide water in the
The present disclosure relates to a portable food waste 15 shielding chamber to the drain pipe, and a drain valve that
treatment apparatus. is connected to the second drain pipe and is configured to
control the second drain pipe . The exhaust duct and the
BACKGROUND second drain pipe are located at a top of the shielding
chamber. The exhaust duct and the second drain pipe are
Among methods to treat food waste generated in a 20 configured to be blocked based on water being in the
kitchen , there is a method in which a drain in a sink is shielding chamber. The shielding chamber includes a water
equipped with a garbage disposal unit to allow food waste level sensor located at the top of the shielding chamber. A
discharged from the drain to be shredded prior to passing bottom of the shielding chamber is sloped towards the
through plumbing. second drain pipe .
The conventional garbage disposal unit as described 25 The apparatus includes a grinder located between a drain
above is configured to grind food waste introduced , along and the housing, the grinder being configured to grind the
with water, through the sink 's drain into small pieces using food waste and provide the food waste to the housing . The
grinding blades thereof. The ground food waste may be grinder includes a support body that includes an introduction
discharged separately, ormay pass through plumbing along side that is configured to receive the food waste and a
with waste water . 30 discharge side that is configured to discharge the food waste
A conventional food waste treatment apparatus further has to the housing; and a pair of rotary cutters that is rotatably
a drying function of removing moisture contained in ground installed to the support body, the pair of rotary cutters being
food waste , in order to reduce the weight of the food waste . configured to grind the food waste received through the
The food waste treatment apparatus having the drying introduction side and to move the food waste to the dis
function needs to perform an additional process of treating 35 charge side . The housing includes a cylindrical housing
air used to dry the food waste prior to discharging the same body that is configured to be oriented parallel with ground
into a room . upon proper installation ; an inlet port that is configured to
guide the food waste discharged from the grinder to the
SUMMARY cylindrical housing body; and an outlet port that is config
40 ured to discharge food waste that has been dehydrated and
According to an innovative aspect of the subject matter dried . The apparatus includes a dehydrator configured to
described in this application , a food waste treatment appa - remove water included in the food waste by spinning the
ratus includes a housing that defines a space that is config - food waste inside the housing .
ured to dehydrate and dry food waste , the housing having a The dehydrator includes a storage body that is rotatably
drain pipe that is configured to discharge water included in 45 installed in the housing, the storage body having a commu
the food waste and an exhaust duct that is configured to nication hole that is configured to connect with the inlet port
exhaust air that dried the food waste; a dryer that is config - for receiving the food waste or the outlet port for discharging
ured to dry the food waste by supplying dry air to the food waste based on an orientation of the storage body; and
housing ; and an exhaust unit connected to the drain pipe and a rotating shaft that is configured to rotatably connect the
the exhaust duct, the exhaust unit being configured to 50 storage body with the housing body. The apparatus includes
prevent the air exhausted from the exhaust duct from flow - an agitator that is located in the storage body, that is
ing back into the drain pipe . configured to rotate independent of the storage body , that is
The food waste treatment apparatus may include one or configured to open and close the communication hole of the
more of the following optional features . The exhaust unit storage body, and that is configured to agitate the food waste
includes an exhaust body that defines a space that is con - 55 by rotating. The apparatus includes a drive unit that is
figured to allow air and water to pass through the exhaust configured to rotate the agitator in a clockwise direction and
body ; and a partition configured to divide the space of the a counterclockwise direction . The storage body rotates along
exhaust body into a first space and a second space, the with the agitator based on the agitator being rotated in one
partition defining a gap that is configured to allow water to direction among the clockwise direction and the counter
flow below the partition . The first space includes a water 60 clockwise direction .
inlet port that is configured to connect to the drain pipe . The The agitator includes a base that is located inside the
second space includes an outlet port that is configured to storage body and that is configured to rotate a door blade
discharge water, the water inlet port being located at a higher extending from an outer circumferential surface of the base
position relative to the gap than the outlet port. The second along the inside of the storage body, the door blade being
space includes an air inlet port that is located at a top of the 65 configured to open or close the communication hole based
second space and is configured to connect to the exhaust upon an orientation the base and to agitate the food waste in
duct. The exhaust duct includes a check valve that is the storage body; and a plurality of agitation blades that are
 US 10 , 159, 986 B2
spaced apart from the door blade by a predetermined dis FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic views of example dis
tance , extend along the inside of the storage body , and are charge units in a food waste treatment apparatus .
configured to agitate the food waste in the storage body F IGS. 19 and 20 are schematic views of example dis
based on rotation of the base . The door blade includes a charge units in a food waste treatment apparatus.
scraper that is configured to scrape food waste from the 5
storage body , and each agitation blade includes one or more DETAILED DESCRIPTION
bosses . The apparatus includes a housing door that is located
on the housing body and configured to selectively open or FIG . 1 illustrates an example installation state of a food
close the outlet port; and a drawer that is configured to waste treatment apparatus . FIG . 2 illustrates an example
retract from the housing, the drawer defining a space that is 10 food waste treatment apparatus. FIG . 3 illustrates an
configured to store the food waste discharged from the outlet example food waste treatment apparatus .
port. The food waste treatment apparatus 100a may be sepa
One object of the subject matter described in this appli rably mounted to a drain D in a sink S . In some implemen
cation is to provide a food waste treatment apparatus which
is capable of grinding , dehydrating and drying food waste 15 tations , the food waste treatment apparatus 100a may be an
independent apparatus that is separated from the sink S and
and a discharge unit of the food waste treatment apparatus . configured to grind , dehydrate , and dry food waste intro
In addition , another object of the subjectmatter described duced thereto by a user. For convenience of description , the
in this application is to provide a food waste treatment
apparatus which employs a dryer and a drying method for following description is based on the food waste treatment
removing a great quantity of moisture contained in ground 20 apparatus 100a that is separably mounted to the sink S .
food waste and a discharge unit of the food waste treatment As illustrated in FIGS . 1 and 2 , the food waste treatment
apparatus. apparatus 100a includes a cabinet 1 separably mounted to
In addition , another object of the subjectmatter described the drain D through a connection region 11 , a grinder 2
in this application is to provide a food waste treatment installed in the cabinet 1 to grind food waste supplied from
apparatus which includes a rotating shaft intersecting a food 25 the drain D , a housing 3 into which the food waste , ground
introduction direction and a discharge unit of the food waste in the grinder 2 , is introduced , and a dehydrator 4 rotatably
treatment apparatus. installed in the housing 3 to provide a space for storage of
In addition , a further object of the subject matter the food waste and a space for treatment, for example,
described in this application is to provide a food waste washing, grinding, dehydration , or drying , of the food waste .
treatment apparatus which is capable of preventing air , 30 Here, a drawer 6 may be installed in the cabinet 1 at a
discharged after drying food waste , from flowing backward , position below the housing 3 such that the food waste
thereby preventing user discomfort and a discharge unit of discharged from the housing 3 is stored in the drawer 6 . The
the food waste treatment apparatus . drawer 6 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, may include a
drawer body 61 that is located below the housing 3 and
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 35 provides a space in which the ground food waste is stored ,
and a handle 63 to assist the user in easily retracting the
FIG . 1 is a schematic view of an example installation state drawer body 61. In some implementations, the drawer body
of a food waste treatment apparatus . 61 may be retracted from the cabinet 1 through an opening
FIG . 2 is a front view of an example food waste treatment 13 formed in the cabinet 1.
apparatus. 40 Meanwhile , the grinder 2 includes a support body 21 to
FIG . 3 is a perspective view of an example food waste guide the food waste , supplied from the connection region
treatment apparatus . 11 , to the housing 3, and first and second rotary cutters 22
FIG . 4 is a sectional view of an example internal con - and 23 arranged in the support body 21 to grind the food
figuration of a food waste treatment apparatus. waste .
FIG . 5 is a sectional perspective view of an example shaft 45 As illustrated in FIG . 4 , the support body 21 may take the
support portion of the food waste treatment apparatus. form of a pipe , opposite sides of which are open . That is , the
FIG . 6 is an exploded perspective view of an example support body 21 may have an introduction side 211 that is in
grinder of a food waste treatment apparatus. communication with the connection region 11 for supply of
FIG . 7 is a schematic view of an example ejection of wash the food waste to the first and second rotary cutters 22 and
water in a food waste treatment apparatus. 50 23 and a discharge side 213 for discharge of the food waste ,
FIGS. 8 ( a ), 8 (b ), and 8 ( c ) are views of an example ground by the first and second rotary cutters 22 and 23, to
operating process of a dehydrator of a food waste treatment the housing 3 .
apparatus. The connection region 11 of the cabinet 1 and the intro
FIG . 9 is an exploded perspective view of an example duction side 211 of the support body 21 may be shaped to
dehydrator and agitator of a food waste treatment apparatus. 55 assure coupling of the drain D in the sink S thereto .
FIG . 10 is a partial perspective view of an example lock The first and second rotary cutters 22 and 23 are located
of a food waste treatment apparatus. between the introduction side 211 and the discharge side 213
FIG . 11 is a perspective view of an example dehydrator and adapted to be rotated in opposite directions.
and guide of a food waste treatment apparatus. As illustrated in FIG . 6 , the first rotary cutter 22 may
FIG . 12 is a sectional view of an example dehydrator and 60 include a first shaft 221 rotatably installed to the support
guide of a food waste treatment apparatus. body 21, a plurality of first cutters 225 coupled to the first
FIG . 13 is a perspective view of an example position shaft 221 so as to be located inside the support body 21, and
sensing unit of a food waste treatment apparatus . a first gear 223 secured to the first shaft 221 so as to be
FIG . 14 is a flowchart of an example control method of a located outside the support body 21.
food waste treatment apparatus. 65 The second rotary cutter 23 may include a second shaft
FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic views illustrating an 231 rotatably installed to the support body 21, a plurality of
example discharge unit in a food waste treatment apparatus. second cutters 235 coupled to the second shaft 231 so as to
 US 10 , 159, 986 B2
be located inside the support body 21, and a second gear 233 greater than an ejection width in the direction perpendicular
secured to the second shaft 231 so as to be connected to the to the introduction side 211. The second nozzle 29 may be
first gear 223 . shaped such that an ejection width in the direction perpen
The first cutters 225 may be spaced apart from one dicular to the introduction side 211 is greater than an ejection
another by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal 5 width in the direction parallel to the introduction side 211 .
direction of the first shaft 221, and the second cutters 235 This serves to minimize an area of an inner space of the
may be located respectively in a space defined between a support body 21 where no water is supplied by differenti
respective one of the first cutters 225 and a neighboring one ating supply areas of water ejected from the first nozzle 28
of the first cutters 225 . and the second nozzle 29 .
The first and second rotary cutters 22 and 23 as described 10 To maximize this effect, the first nozzle 28 and the second
above may be rotated by a drive unit 8 that is used to rotate nozzle 29 may be secured to the support body 21 so as to
the dehydrator 4 , or may be rotated by a drive unit that is face each other and to ejectwater toward the first and second
provided separately from the drive unit 8 . rotary cutters 22 and 23 . In some implementations, an
In the case where the first and second rotary cutters 22 and ejection angular range ofwater supplied from the first nozzle
23 are rotated by the drive unit 8 , a power transmission 15 28 and an ejection angular range of water supplied from the
mechanism needs to be interposed between the grinder 2 and second nozzle 29 may be perpendicular to each other.
the drive unit 8. The power transmission mechanism may As illustrated in FIG . 8 , the housing 3 may serve to
include a drive shaft 24 connected to the first gear 223, a connect the grinder 2 and the drawer 6 to each other, to
driven pulley 26 coupled to the drive shaft 24 , a driving provide a space in which the dehydrator 4 is received , and
pulley 25 configured to be rotated by the drive unit 8 , and a 20 to guide water discharged from the drain D in the sink S to
belt 27 connecting the driving pulley 25 and the driven a sewage flow path .
pulley 26 to each other. The housing 3 includes a housing body 31 located
When the drive unit 8 rotates the driving pulley 25 , the between the grinder 2 and the drawer 6 . The housing body
first gear 223 is rotated by the belt 27 and the driven pulley 31 has an inlet port 33 that is in communication with the
26 . When the first gear 223 is rotated , the second gear 233 25 discharge side 213 or the discharge holes 215 of the grinder
is rotated in an opposite direction of a rotation direction of 2 , and an outlet port 35 that is in communication with the
the first gear 223 . Thereby , the food waste , supplied through drawer 6 . That is, the housing 3 may take the form of a
the introduction side 211 , may be ground while passing cylinder, opposite sides of which are open .
between the first cutters 225 and the second cutters 235 and The housing 3 is connected to the support body 21
then moved to the discharge side 213 . 30 through a gasket ( 331, see FIG . 2 ), which prevents leakage
Meanwhile , the food waste treatment apparatus 100a is of water between the support body 21 and the housing 3 .
capable of not only dehydrating the food waste using the Meanwhile, when the gasket 331 is formed of a vibration
dehydrator 4 ,but also drying the food waste using a dryer 73 dampening material such as rubber, the gasket 331 may also
that will be described below . The dehydration and drying serve to attenuate vibration between the supportbody 21 and
efficiencies of the food waste may be enhanced by main - 35 the housing 3 .
taining the particle size of food waste discharged from the The outlet port 35 of the housing body 31 is opened or
grinder 2 at a given size or less . closed by a housing door 37 installed to the housing body 31 .
To maintain the particle size of food waste discharged The housing door 37 is rotated by a housing door drive unit
from the grinder 2 at a given size or less , the discharge side
to selectively open the outlet port 35 .
213 of the support body 21 may beprovided with a receiving 40 Meanwhile, the housing body 31 is supported by a vibra
portion 214 that defines a space in which the first and second tion attenuator ( 38 , see FIG . 2 ) within the cabinet 1 . The
rotary cutters 22 and 23 are received . A plurality ofdischarge vibration attenuator 38 serves to prevent vibration of the
holes 215 may be perforated in the receiving portion 214 drive unit 8 located at the outer circumferential surface of
such that the food waste is discharged from the receiving the housing body 31 or vibration of the grinder 2 connected
portion 214 through the discharge holes 215 . 45 to the housing body 31 from being transmitted to the cabinet
At least a portion of the circumference of each first cutter 1.
225 and at least a portion of the circumference of each The vibration attenuator 38 may have any of various
second cutter 235 are located in the space defined by the configurations so long as it can perform the above -described
receiving portion 214 . As such , the food waste , ground by function . FIG . 2 illustrates the case where the vibration
the respective cutters 225 and 235 and introduced into the 50 attenuator 38 includes a damper and a spring interposed
receiving portion 214 , is subjected to grinding by the respec - between the cabinet 1 and the housing body 31 by way of
tive cutters 225 and 235 until it is ground to a sufficient size example .
to pass through the discharge holes 215 . The housing body 31 is provided at the front side thereof
Meanwhile, in the case of food waste that is difficult to be with a first communication portion 311 for introduction of
ground or has high viscosity , the food waste ground by the 55 outside air during drying of the food waste . In addition , the
cutters 225 and 235 may remain at cutter surfaces , rather housing body 31 is provided at the rear lower side thereof
than being separated from the cutters 225 and 235 . In this with a second communication portion 313 for drainage of
case , foul odors due to decomposition of the food waste may water from the housing body 31 . An exhaust duct 71 for
be generated. exhaust of air from the inside of the housing body 31 is
To solve the problem as described above, the food waste 60 installed to a rear middle portion ( e . g ., at a position higher
treatment apparatus 100a may further include a wash water than the second communication portion 313 ) of the housing
ejector to eject water into the support body 21. The wash body 31. Here , a drain pipe 36 that defines the flow path of
water ejector may include a first nozzle 28 and a second water drained from the second communication portion 313
nozzle 29 which are installed to the support body 21 to eject is connected to the second communication portion 313 .
water supplied from the outside (see FIG . 7 ). 65 Meanwhile , the exhaust duct 71 and the drain pipe 36 are
The first nozzle 28 may be shaped such that an ejection connected to a discharge unit 100; 200 ; 300 that will be
width in the direction parallel to the introduction side 211 is described hereinafter. Air directed to the exhaust duct 71 and
 US 10 ,159,986 B2
water directed to the drain pipe 36 are exhausted and drained convenient than rotation of the storage body 41 about the
to a sewage flow path via the discharge unit 100 ; 200 ; 300 . axis perpendicular to the ground , as described in more detail
Meanwhile , the discharge unit 100 ; 200 ; 300 (see FIGS. below .
15 to 20 ) is connected to the drain pipe 36 and the exhaust The food waste treatment apparatus 100a may further
duct 71 arranged at one side of the food waste treatment 5 include an agitator 5 rotatably installed in the storage body
apparatus 100a to discharge water drained from the food 41, the agitator 5 serving to agitate the food waste inside the
waste treatment apparatus 100a and dry air supplied during storage body 41 and to open or close the communication
drying of the food waste through a sewage flow path . Here , hole 42 .
the discharge unit 100 ; 200 ; 300 is configured to selectively As illustrated in FIG . 9 , the agitator 5 may include a base
discharge the water and air from the food waste treatment 10 51 located inside the storage body 41, a agitator rotating
apparatus 100a through the sewage flow path . Various shaft 53 extending from the base 51 and inserted into the
implementations of the discharge unit 100 , 200 , 300 are shaft through -bore 471 , and a door blade 55 secured to the
possible . The respective implementations of the discharge base 51 and located inside the storage body 41 to close the
unit 100; 200; 300 will be described in detail after comple - communication hole 42.
tion of description related to the food waste treatment 15 Meanwhile , as illustrated in FIGS . 4 and 5 , the agitator
apparatus 100a. rotating shaft 53 is inserted into the shaft through -bore 471
The dehydrator 4 , installed inside the housing body 31 , and serves to connect the base 51 and the drive unit 8 (e . g.,
serves to dehydrate and agitate the food waste ground in the a device that serves to rotate the agitator 5 and is located
grinder 2 and then supplied to the housing 3 . The dehydrator outside the housing 3 ) to each other.
4 includes a storage body 41 located inside the housing body 20 A seal F1 is provided in the shaft through -bore 471 to
31 to provide a food waste storage space , a rotating shaft 47 prevent the food waste or water inside the dehydrator 4 from
oriented in parallel with the ground to rotatably support the entering a space between the shaft through - bore 471 and the
storage body 41 inside the housing body 31 , and a commu - agitator rotating shaft 53. That is, the seal F1 is affixed to the
nication hole 42 perforated in the storage body 41 , the rear surface of the storage body 41 formed with the shaft
communication hole 42 being in communication with the 25 through -bore 471 to prevent the food waste or water from
inlet port 33 or the outlet port 35 according to a rotation entering the shaft through -bore 471 .
angle of the storage body 41. The agitator rotating shaft 53 is rotatably supported by a
The storage body 41 takes the form of an empty cylinder clutch B2 that is located inside the shaft through -bore 471.
and the rotating shaft 47 is secured to the rear surface of the The clutch B2 may be a one -way clutch that transmits
storage body 41. 30 power, provided by the drive unit 8 only in one direction
Meanwhile, the circumferential surface , the front surface among the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise
and the rear surface of the storage body 41 is formed with direction , to the shaft body 473 .
a plurality of through -holes 43 to communicate the inside of Accordingly , when the drive unit 8 rotates the agitator
the storage body 41 with the inside of the housing body 31 . rotating shaft 53 in a first direction , e. g., any one direction
As such , when the storage body 41 is rotated , water con - 35 among the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise
tained in the food waste may be discharged to the housing direction , the clutch B2 transmits rotational power provided
body 31 through the through -holes 43 . by the agitator rotating shaft 53 to the shaft body 473, thus
As illustrated in FIGS . 4 and 5 , the rotating shaft 47 serves causing both the storage body 41 and the agitator 5 to be
to allow the storage body 41 to be rotatable about an axis that rotated together.
is in parallel with the ground . The rotating shaft 47 includes 40 However, when the drive unit 8 rotates the agitator
a shaft body 473 secured to the rear surface of the storage rotating shaft 53 in a second direction, e. g ., the other
body 41 so as to penetrate the housing body 31 of the direction among the clockwise direction and the counter
housing 3 and a shaft through -bore 471 formed through the clockwise direction , or an opposite direction of the first
shaft body 473 in the longitudinal direction of the shaft body direction , the clutch B2 does not transmit rotational power
473 . 45 provided by the agitator rotating shaft 53 to the shaft body
The housing body 31 is provided with a bearing B1. The 473 , thus causing only the agitator 5 to be rotated without
shaft body 473 is inserted into the bearing B1 so as to be rotation of the storage body 41 .
rotatably coupled to the housing body 31 . Meanwhile , a seal D espite the fact that the clutch B2 allows only the agitator
F2 is interposed between the housing body 31 and the shaft 5 to be rotated without rotation of the storage body 41, the
body 473 and serves to prevent water or food waste from 50 food waste treatment apparatus 100a may further include a
entering a space between the housing body 31 and the shaft lock 48 to prevent the storage body 41 from being rotated
body 473 . along with the agitator 5 when the agitator rotating shaft 53
The storage body 41 of the dehydrator 4 has a feature that is rotated in the second direction, e. g., to prevent the storage
it is rotated about an axis in parallel with the ground, rather body 41 from being unintentionally rotated along with the
than being rotated about an axis perpendicular to the ground . 55 agitator 5 .
In the case where the storage body 41 is rotated about the The lock 48 may include a first fastener 481 provided at
axis perpendicular to the ground , the user who attempts to the shaft body 473 and a second fastener 483 provided at the
discharge dehydrated food waste from the storage body 41 housing body 31 so as to be separably fastened to the first
has to directly take the food waste out of the storage body fastener 481.
41 or to separate the storage body 41 from the food waste 60 As illustrated in FIG . 10 , the first fastener 481 may be a
treatment apparatus 100a , which causes user inconvenience . gear that is provided with teeth along the outer circumfer
In some implementations, where the storage body 41 is ence thereof and secured to the shaft body 473 . The second
rotated about the axis in parallel with the ground , the fastener 483 may be a bar that is rotatably coupled to the
dehydrated food waste may be discharged from the storage housing body 31 and has a free end to constrain rotation of
body 41 via position control of the communication hole 42 . 65 the teeth of the first fastener 481 .
Thus , it will be appreciated that rotation of the storage body The second fastener 483 is adapted to receive rotational
41 about the axis in parallel with the ground is more power from a power supply device such as , for example, a
 US 10 , 159, 986 B2
10
motor or a solenoid . Thus, in the food waste treatment second guide 46 may prevent separation of the food waste
apparatus 100a , the agitator 5 and the storage body 41 may remaining on the scrapers 553 .
be rotated together when the drive unit 8 rotates the agitator The food waste treatment apparatus 100a having the
5 in the first direction , and only the agitator 5 may be rotated above- described configuration may further include a first
when the drive unit 8 rotates the agitator 5 in the second 5 position sensing unit to sense a position of the communica
direction in a state in which the second fastener 483 and the tion hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 and a second position
first fastener 481 are engaged with each other . sensing unit to sense a position of the door blade 55 .
Meanwhile , as illustrated in FIG . 9 , the agitator 5 may As illustrated in FIG . 13 , the first position sensing unit
further include an agitation blade 57 that is secured to the may include a first magnetic substance 92 fixed to the
base 51 so as to be rotatable inside the storage body 41. The 10 rotating shaft 47 of the dehydrator 4 , the first magnetic
agitation blade 47 serves to enhance agitation efficiency of substance 92 being located next to the communication hole
the food waste stored in the storage body 41. 42 in the longitudinal direction of the storage body 41, a first
The agitation blade 47 may include a first agitation blade sensor 94 located at the housing body 31 at a position next
471 and a second agitation blade 573 which are spaced apart to the inlet port 33 to sense the magnetic force of the first
from the door blade 55 by the same angle on the basis of the 15 magnetic substance 92 , and a second sensor 96 located at the
agitator rotating shaft 53 . That is , in the case where the housing body 31 at a position next to the outlet port 35 to
agitation blade 57 includes the first agitation blade 571 and sense the magnetic force of the first magnetic substance 92 .
the second agitation blade 573 , the door blade 55 , the first The first magnetic substance 92 may be attached to the
agitation blade 571 and the second agitation blade 573 are first fastener 481 secured to the shaft body 473 , and the first
spaced apart from one another by 120 degrees about the 20 sensor 94 and the second sensor 96 may be attached to a first
agitator rotating shaft 53 . sensor support member 91 that is located outside the housing
To facilitate easy agitation of the food waste , the first body 31 .
agitation blade 571 and the second agitation blade 573 may In the case where the inlet port 33 and the outlet port 35
be provided with a plurality of bosses . of the housing body 31 are located respectively at the top
The door blade 55 included in the agitator 5 may have a 25 surface and the bottom surface of the housing body 31
plurality of door through -holes 551 perforated in the door (spaced apart from each other by 180 degrees on the basis of
blade 55 to communicate the inside of the storage body 41 the shaft body 473 ), the first sensor 94 and the second sensor
with the inside of the housing body 31. 96 need to be spaced apart from each other by 180 degrees .
Assuming that the door blade 55 has no door through - Meanwhile , the second position sensing unit may include
holes 551 , water separated from the food waste during 30 a second magnetic substance 95 fixed to the agitator rotating
rotation of the storage body 41 cannot be discharged in the shaft 53, and a third sensor 97 located outside the housing
direction in which the door blade 55 is located , which may body 31, the third sensor 97 judging whether or not the door
cause eccentric rotation of the storage body 41. The door blade 55 closes the communication hole 42 by sensing the
through -holes 551 serve to prevent this problem . magnetic force of the second magnetic substance 95 .
In addition , the door through -holes 551 serve to enhance 35 The second magnetic substance 95 may be spaced apart
drying efficiency by allowing air supplied by the dryer 73 from the door blade 55 by a predetermined angle about the
that will be described below to be supplied into the storage agitator rotating shaft 53 and may be located next to the door
body 41. blade 55 in the longitudinal direction of the agitator rotating
Meanwhile , to facilitate easy agitation of the food waste shaft 53.
by the door blade 55 , the door blade 55 may be provided 40 Meanwhile , as illustrated in FIG . 13 , there is illustrated ,
with scrapers 553. by way of example , the case where the second magnetic
As illustrated in FIGS . 11 and 12 , the scrapers 553 may substance 95 is spaced apart from the door blade 55 by 90
protrude from the surface of the door blade 55 so as to come degrees about the agitator rotating shaft 53 and the third
into contact with the surface of the storage body 41 and may sensor 97 is fixed to a second support member 93 that is
be located respectively at both facing longitudinal ends of 45 located outside the housing body 31 , the third sensor 97
the door blade 55 that are in parallel with the rotation axis being spaced apart from the first sensor 94 by 90 degrees .
of the storage body 41 . The scrapers 553 may be formed of Meanwhile , the food waste treatment apparatus 100a may
an elastic material such as rubber. further include the dryer 73 to dry the food waste stored in
When the door blade 55 provided with the scrapers 553 is the dehydrator 4 by supplying air to the housing 3 .
rotated , the food waste stored inside the storage body 41 is 50 As illustrated in FIG . 3, the dryer 73 may include a supply
easily agitated by the scrapers 553. However, the scarpers duct 731 to guide air to the housing body 31, a fan 733 to
553 may cause the food waste inside the storage body 41 to supply air to the supply duct 731 , a heater 755 to heat air
leak from the storage body 41 when the door blade 55 passes introduced into the supply duct 731, and the exhaust duct 71
through the communication hole 42 . to communicate the inside of the housing body 31 with the
To solve this problem , the dehydrator 4 may further 55 outside of the cabinet 1 .
include a guide to prevent the food waste inside the storage The supply duct 731 may be connected to the first
body 41 from leaking from the storage body 41 through the communication portion 311 of the housing body 31, and the
communication hole 42 . exhaust duct 71 may be in communication with the rear
The guide may include a first guide 45 protruding from middle region of the housing body 31 and connected to a
the communication hole 42 toward the rotation center of the 60 plughole located outside the cabinet 1 .
storage body 41, and a second guide 46 protruding from the As such , when the fan 733 is operated , air inside the
communication hole 42 away from the rotation center of the cabinet 1 is moved to the housing body 31 through the
storage body 41. supply duct 731 and heated by the heater 735 .
Accordingly, assuming that the second direction for rota - The air introduced into the housing body 31 is supplied to
tion of the agitator 5 alone is set to the clockwise direction , 65 the inside of the storage body 41 through the through -holes
upon rotation of the door blade 55 , the first guide 45 may 43 formed , for example , in the circumferential surface and
guide the food waste toward the storage body 41 and the the front surface of the storage body 41. Then , the air heat
 US 10 , 159 ,986 B2
exchanged with the food waste is discharged from the Upon judging that the communication hole 42 is located
cabinet 1 through the exhaust duct 71 . below the inlet port 33 , the controller stops operation of the
Hereinafter , operation of the food waste treatment appa drive unit 8 to stop rotation of the dehydrator 4 and the
ratus 100a will be described in detail. The respective com agitator 5 .
ponents mentioned below should be understood with refer - 5 In some implementations , the controller may change the
ence to the above description and the accompanying rotation direction of the drive unit 8 to allow the agitator 5
drawings . to be rotated in the second direction , e. g., so that the
An operation process of the food waste treatment appa dehydrator 4 stops and only the agitator 5 is rotated , thereby
ratus 100a will be described below in detail with reference causing the door blade 55 to open the communication hole
to FIG . 14 .
FIG . 14 illustrates an example controlmethod of a food 10 42.That is , since the second magnetic substance 95 and the
waste treatment apparatus . third sensor 97 are provided respectively at the agitator
First, a controller performs a dehydrator opening step
S110 of communicating the dehydrator 4 and the housing 3 rotating shaft 53 and the housing 3 so as to face each other
with each other to enable introduction of food waste . When 155 when the door blade 55 closes the communication hole 42 ,
the food waste is introduced by the user as the dehydrator the controller may determine that the door blade 55 closes
opening step S110 is completed , the controller proceeds to the communication hole 42 when the third sensor 97 senses
a primary grinding step S115 of primarily grinding the the magnetic force of the second magnetic substance 95 and
introduced food waste and guiding the ground food waste to may also determine that the door blade 55 opens the com
the dehydrator 4 . Then , the controller performs a food waste 20 munication hole 42 when the third sensor 97 cannot sense
wash - off step S120 of removing, for example , highly vis - the magnetic force of the second magnetic substance 95 .
cous grounds or fine powder included in the food waste, Accordingly , upon judging that the third sensor 97 senses
primarily ground and introduced into the dehydrator 4 . Once the second magnetic substance 95 , the controller rotates only
the food waste has been washed off in the food waste the agitator 5 until the third sensor 97 cannot sense the
wash -off step S120 , the controller proceeds to a secondary 25 second magnetic substance 95 , thereby opening the com
grinding step S130 of grinding the food waste inside the munication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 . In this case, a
dehydrator 4 . After completion of the secondary grinding positional relationship between the housing 3 , the dehydra
step S130 , the controller proceeds to a closing step S140 of tor 4 , and the agitator 5 is as illustrated in FIG . 8 ( a ).
closing the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 . Subsequently , the grinding step S115 of primarily grind
Then , the closing step S140 is followed by a food waste 30 ing the introduced food waste is performed . The grinding
dehydration step S150 of removing moisture contained in step S115 is a step in which the controller rotates the first
the ground food waste . Then , the controller proceeds to a rotary cutter 22 and the second rotary cutter 23 via the drive
food waste drying step S160 and a food waste discharge step unit 8 or a separate drive unit. The grinding step S115 may
S170 in sequence. Finally, once the dried food waste has further include ejecting water via the wash water ejector 28
been discharged , the controller proceeds to a residual food 35 and 29 during rotation of the first rotary cutter 22 and the
waste wash -off step S190 of washing the housing 3 and the second rotary cutter 23 . This serves to prevent the food
dehydrator 4 having undergone the washing , grinding, and waste from remaining on the first and second rotary cutters
drying of the food waste . 22 and 23 .
Meanwhile , among the steps as described above, the food Meanwhile, upon completion of the primary grinding step
waste wash -off step S120 of removing highly viscous 40 S115 , the controller may perform the food waste wash -off
grounds or fine powder included in the food waste from the step S120 of washing off the food waste received in the
food waste and the residual food waste wash - off step S190 dehydrator 4 . Here , the food waste wash -off step S120
of washing off food waste residues inside the food waste serves to remove highly viscous food waste grounds or fine
treatment apparatus 100a , which has performed the washing, food waste powder,which may hinder implementation of the
grinding and drying of the food waste , after completion of 45 grinding step S130 , included in the food waste received in
all of the aforementioned steps may be selectively per - the dehydrator 4 .
formed according to user selection , and may be omitted as The food waste wash -off step S120 includes a wash water
needed . supply process of washing off highly viscous grounds and
The dehydrator opening step S110 includes communicat fine powder included in the food waste, a food waste rinsing
ing the communication hole 42 with the inlet port 33 of the 50 process of removing the highly viscous grounds and fine
housing 3 by rotating the dehydrator 4 and opening the powder included in the food waste using the supplied wash
communication hole 42 by the door blade 55 via rotation of water , and a wash water drainage process of draining the
the agitator 5 alone. Here , whether or not the communication wash water used to wash off the food waste .
hole 42 reaches a position for communication with the inlet First, prior to supplying wash water to the housing body
port 33 is judged based on whether or not the first sensor 94 55 31, the housing door 37 provided at the bottom of the
senses the magnetic force of the first magnetic substance 92 . housing body 31 is closed . Here , in a state in which the
That is , since the firstmagnetic substance 92 is fixed to the housing door 37 has already been closed , a process of
rotating shaft 47 of the dehydrator 4 so as to be located next closing the housing door 37 may be omitted .
to the communication hole 42 and the first sensor 94 is Subsequently, wash water for rinsing off the food waste is
attached to the housing 3 so as to be located next to the inlet 60 supplied to the housing body 31 . The supply of wash water
port 33 , a controller, e .g ., a device to control operation of the may be performed via the first nozzle 28 and the second
drive unit 8 , change in the rotation direction of the drive unit nozzle 29 of the wash water ejector included in the grinder
8 , operation of the dryer 73 and the dehydrator 4 , and 2 , and may be directly performed within the housing body
operation of the wash water ejector, may determine that the 31 via a separate water supply aperture .
communication hole 42 is located below the inlet port 33 65 Meanwhile , upon completion of the supply of wash water,
when the first sensor 94 senses themagnetic force of the first a process of rinsing off the food waste stored in the dehy
magnetic substance 92 . drator 4 is performed . Here , the process of rinsing off the
 US 10 , 159, 986 B2
13 14
food waste may selectively include rotating the agitator 5 agitator 5 in a state in which rotation of the dehydrator 4
alone and rotating the agitator 5 and the dehydrator 4 stops. Here , through rotation of the agitator 5 , the food waste
simultaneously . stored in the dehydrator 4 is agitated within the dehydrator
First, the case where the dehydrator 4 remains stationary 4 by the door blade 55 and the agitation blade 57 of the
and only the agitator 5 is rotated in the food waste rinsing 5 agitator 5 and , simultaneously , ground by friction with the
process will be described below . inner surface of the dehydrator 4 . However, only the primary
The controller maintains communication between the grinding step S110 using the grinder 2 may be performed
communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 and the inlet port and the secondary grinding step S130 may be omitted
3 of the housing body 31 as in the above -described dehy - according to the amount and kind of the food waste .
drator opening step S110 and rotates the agitator 5 at 10 Subsequently , upon completion of the food waste wash
predetermined RPM for a predetermined time to mix the off step S120 or the secondary grinding step S130 , the
food waste stored in the dehydrator 4 with wash water. dehydrator closing step S140 of closing the dehydrator 4 for
Thereby, as the food waste received in the dehydrator 4 is dehydration of the food waste is performed . The food waste
mixed with the wash water stored in the housing body 31, treatment apparatus 100a is adapted to perform dehydration
highly viscous grounds and fine powder included in the food 15 of the food waste by simultaneously rotating the agitator 5
waste are diluted or separated . and the dehydrator 4 .
Next, the case where the agitator 5 and the dehydrator 4 Accordingly, when the agitator 5 and the dehydrator 4 are
are rotated simultaneously in the food waste rinsing process rotated in a state in which the communication hole 42 of the
will be described . dehydrator 4 is not closed , the food waste introduced into the
To rotate the agitator 5 and the dehydrator 4 simultane - 20 dehydrator 4 may leak from between the dehydrator 4 and
ously , first, it is necessary to close the communication hole the housing body 31. Accordingly , it is necessary to close the
42 formed in the dehydrator 4 . That is, when the agitator 5 communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 using the door
and the dehydrator 4 are rotated in a state in which the blade 55 of the agitator 5 prior to simultaneously rotating the
communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 5 is not closed , the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 .
food waste introduced into the dehydrator 4 may leak from 25 Meanwhile, the controller judges whether or not the
between the dehydrator 4 and the housing body 31. There - grinder 2 is operated and stands by the operation stop of the
fore, the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 needs grinder 2 upon judging that operation of the grinder 2 does
to be closed using the door blade 55 of the agitator 5 before not stop. Here , upon checking the operation stop of the
the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 are rotated simultane - grinder 2 , the controller begins sensing of the third sensor
ously . 30 97 .
Here, closing of the communication hole 42 of the dehy . Here , closing of the communication hole 42 of the dehy
drator 4 is performed based on judgment of whether or not drator 4 is performed based on judgment of whether or not
the third sensor 97 senses the magnetic force of the second the third sensor 97 senses the magnetic force of the second
magnetic substance 95 . Since that the third sensor 97 cannot magnetic substance 95 . Since that the third sensor 97 cannot
sense the magnetic force of the second magnetic substance 35 sense the magnetic force of the second magnetic substance
95 means that the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 95 means that the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator
4 is opened , the controller rotates the drive unit 8 in the 4 is opened , the controller rotates the drive unit 8 in the
second direction , e. g ., so as to rotate only the agitator 5 , until second direction, e.g ., so as to rotate only the agitator 5 , until
the third sensor 97 senses the magnetic force of the second the third sensor 97 senses the magnetic force of the second
magnetic substance 95 . A positional relationship between 40 magnetic substance 95 . A positional relationship of the
the housing 3 , the dehydrator 4 , and the agitator 5 in a closed housing 3 , the dehydrator 4 , and the agitator 5 in a closed
state of the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 is as state of the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 is as
illustrated in FIG . 8 (b ). illustrated in FIG . 8 (b ).
Subsequently , the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 remain Subsequently, the controller performs the dehydration
in a state in which the door blade 55 of the agitator 5 closes 45 step S150 of dehydrating the food waste stored in the
the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 . The agitator dehydrator 4 upon completion of the dehydrator closing step
5 and the dehydrator 4 are rotated at predetermined RPM for S140.
a predetermined time to mix the food stored in the dehy- The dehydration step S150 is a step of discharging the
drator 4 with wash water. Thereby, as the food waste water contained in the food waste from the storage body 41
received in the dehydrator 4 is mixed with the wash water 50 of the dehydrator 4 into the housing body 31 by simultane
stored in the housing body 31 , highly viscous grounds and ously rotating the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 at a
fine powder included in the food waste are diluted or predetermined first RPM , e .g., so as to rotate the agitator
separated. rotating shaft 53 in the first direction .
Meanwhile, once impurities such as, for example, the Here, the storage body 41 of the dehydrator 4 may fail to
highly viscous grounds and fine powder have been separated 55 maintain dynamic equilibrium , or dynamic balance , accord
from the food waste via rotation of the dehydrator 4 and /or ing to a position of the food waste stored therein , thereby
the agitator 5 , the wash water mixed with the impurities such being rotated . Dynamic equilibrium means a state in which
as , for example , the highly viscous grounds and fine powder centrifugal force or moment created by the centrifugal force
is drained . Here , drainage of the wash water may be per-
becomes zero with respect to a rotating shaft during rotation
formed by opening the exhaust duct 71 provided at the 60 of a rotator. In the case of a rigid body, the rigid body
housing body 31 . maintains dynamic equilibrium when mass distribution is
Subsequently , the food waste wash -off step S120 of the constant about a rotating shaft .
dehydrator 4 is completed , and the controller performs the Dynamic equilibrium in the food waste treatment appa
secondary grinding step S130 of secondarily grinding the ratus 100a may be understood as the case where mass
food waste stored in the dehydrator 4 . Here, the secondary 65 distribution of the food waste about the rotating shaft 47 of
grinding step S130 is a process of mixing and grinding the the storage body 41 is within an allowable range during
food waste stored in the dehydrator 4 by rotating only the rotation of the storage body 41 in which the food waste is
 US 10 ,159,986 B2
15 16
received , e .g ., the case where the storage body 41 is rotated process ofcontrolling a position of the door blade 55 to close
while vibrating within an allowable range . the communication hole 42 when rotation of the agitator 5
In some implementations , an unbalanced state in the food stops may be performed .
waste treatment apparatus 100a occurs in the case where In addition , the supply of water for unbalance removal
mass distribution of the food waste about the rotating shaft 5 may be performed via the wash water ejector 28 and 29
47 is not uniform , e.g ., not within an allowable range, during included in the grinder 2 and may be performed via a
rotation of the storage body 41. e . g ., the case where the food separate supply pipe that connects the housing body 31 and
waste is not uniformly distributed within the storage body an Water external water supply source to each other.
supplied to the housing body 31 via the water
41.
At this time when the storage body 41 is rotated in an 10 supply process may be introduced into the storage body 41
unbalanced state , this may cause deterioration in dehydra through
fore, the
the through -holes 43 of the storage body 41. There
water supplied to the housing body 31 causes the
tion efficiency and generation of vibration and noise of the
storage body 41 and the housing body 31. Therefore, it is which enablesto removal
food waste be rearranged within the storage body 41,
of the unbalanced state .
necessary to remove such unbalance prior to beginning the 15 Although the unbalance sensing process as described
dehydration step S150 . above has been described based on the case where a UB
For unbalance removal , unbalance of the storage body 41 sensing process of sensing whether or not the storage body
of the dehydrator 4 is sensed and whether the sensed 41 is in the unbalanced state is performed , the sensing
unbalance is a reference UB , or reference value, or less is process included in the control method may further include
judged . 20 a load sensing process of determining the amount of the food
Here , unbalance sensing is sensing an RPM variation of waste stored in the storage body 41 in addition to the
the storage body 41 after rotating the agitator 5 and the above-described unbalance sensing process .
storage body 41 at a second RPM that is lower than the first Here , determining the amount of the food waste stored in
RPM so as to keep the communication hole 42 closed . In the storage body 41 serves to reduce a dehydration time by
addition , judgment of the unbalanced state of the storage 25 increasing the first RPM , which is set for the dehydration
body 41 is based on sensing whether or not the storage body step S150 , so as to be proportional to the amount of the food
41 is in the unbalanced state by comparing the measured waste.
RPM variation with the reference value. In addition , when the amount of the food waste is deter
The RPM variation of the storage body 41 and the agitator mined , the dehydration time set for the dehydration step
5 may be measured using various methods . For example , a 30 S150 may be increased in proportion to the amount of the
Hall sensor may be used to sense the magnetic force of a food waste , which may result in complete dehydration of the
magnetic substance provided at a rotor of the drive unit 8 . food waste .
In some implementations, the controller may determine In addition , when the amount of the food waste is deter
the RPM variation by subtracting the minimum RPM from mined , the output, e. g ., heat emission , of the heater 735 may
the maximum RPM of the storage body 41 based on a signal 35 be increased in proportion to the amount of the food waste
transmitted from the Hall sensor after rotating the storage in the drying step S160 that will be described below , or an
body 41 and the agitator 5 at the second RPM for a given implementation time, e . g ., drying time, of the drying step
time. S160 may be increased in proportion to the amount of the
Meanwhile , when the measured RPM variation is a pre food waste , which may result in reduced drying time and
determined reference value or less, the controller judges that 40 complete drying of the food waste .
the food waste stored in the storage body 41 is not in an Then , the process of determining the amount of the food
eccentric state relative to the rotating shaft 47 . However , waste may be performed by measuring a time from a point
when the measured RPM variation is greater than the in time when supply of power to the drive unit 8 , which
predetermined reference value , the controller judges that the rotates the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 at the second RPM
food waste is in an eccentric state relative to the rotating 45 for unbalance sensing stops to a point in time when rotation
shaft 47 . of the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 stops.
When the food waste stored in the storage body 41 is not The amount of the food waste stored in the storage body
in an eccentric state relative to the rotating shaft 47, the 41 of the dehydrator 4 is proportional to a time required to
controller directly performs the dehydration step S150. stop rotation of the storage body 41 and the agitator 5 that
However , when the food waste stored in the storage body 41 50 are being rotated at the second RPM .
is in an eccentric state relative to the rotating shaft 47 , the Accordingly , when the controller compares a time
controller supplies water to the housing body 31 and rotates required to stop rotation of the storage body 41 that is being
the agitator 5 so as to remove unbalance of the storage body rotated at the second RPM after stopping the supply of
41. power to the drive unit 8 with time data required to stop
More specifically, the controller may remove unbalance 55 rotation of the storage body 41 that is being rotated at the
by rotating only the agitator 5 without rotating the storage second RPM according to the amount of food waste , the
body 41 so as to rearrange the food waste within the storage controller may determine the amount of the food waste
body 41 during rotation of the agitator 5 . stored in the storage body 41.
Meanwhile, when attempting to rotate only the agitator 5 , Meanwhile , when it is desired to perform both the food
this needs to be performed after a position of the dehydrator 60 waste unbalance sensing process and the food waste amount
4 is controlled so that the communication hole 42 of the sensing process, the food waste unbalance sensing process is
storage body 41 is located to be in communication with the followed by the food waste amount sensing process. Sub
inlet port 33 of the housing body 31, in order to prevent the sequently , at least one of a water supply process and an
food waste within the storage body 41 from being dis - agitation process may be performed according to the sensed
charged to the housing body 31 . Thus , when attempting to 65 results of the unbalanced state and amount of the food waste .
rotate only the agitator 5 , a process of controlling a position Meanwhile , upon judging that unbalance of the storage
of the communication hole 42 may be performed and a body 41 of the dehydrator 4 is removed , the control method
 US 10 , 159, 986 B2
17 18
proceeds to the dehydration step S150 of rotating both the waste discharge step S170 of discharging the food waste
storage body 41 and the agitator 5 together so that the stored in the storage body 41 to the drawer 6 .
communication hole 42 of the storage body 41 remains The food waste discharge step S170 may include a
closed by the door blade 55 of the agitator 5 . communication process of communicating the communica
Meanwhile , revolutions perminute , or a first RPM , and a 5 tion hole 42 with the outlet port 35 of the housing 3 by
reference dehydration time of the storage body 41, which are rotating the dehydrator 4 , an outlet port opening process of
set for the dehydration step S150 , may be set to fixed values opening
37 , and a
the outlet port 35 by controlling the housing door
discharge process of discharging the food waste
regardless of the amount of the food waste stored in the from the storage body 41 by rotating only the agitator 5 .
storage body 41 , ormay be set to be increased in proportion 10 The communication process of communicating the com
to the amount of the food waste measured in the second 10 munication hole 42 with the outlet port 35 of the housing 3
sensing step as described above.
In some implementations, the controller may set dehy byand
rotating the dehydrator 4 includes causing the agitator 5
the dehydrator 4 to be rotated together as the drive unit
dration time data corresponding to the amount of the food 8 rotates the agitator rotating shaft 53 in the first direction
waste currently stored in the storage body 41, among a 15 and stopping the rotation of the dehydrator 4 and the agitator
plurality of pieces of dehydration time data that may be 5 when the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4
stored in the controller or a separate storage medium and reaches a position coinciding with the outlet port 35 of the
sorted according to the amount of food waste , to the refer housing 3. Here , judgment of whether or not the commu
ence dehydration time. nication hole 42 reaches the position for communication
When the rotation time, or dehydration time, of the 20 with the outlet port 35 is performed based on whether or not
storage body 41 and the agitator 5 reaches the reference the second sensor 96 senses the magnetic force of the first
dehydration time, the controlmethod proceeds to the drying magnetic substance 92 . That is, since the first magnetic
step S160 of drying the food waste within the storage body substance 92 is fixed to the rotating shaft 47 of the dehy
41. drator 4 so as to be located next to the communication hole
The drying step S160 may include a drying process of 25 42 and the second sensor 96 is attached to the housing 3 so
drying the food waste and a determination process of as to be located next to the outlet port 35 , the controller may
determining a drying time of the food waste . check that the communication hole 42 is located above the
Here , the drying step S160 may include only a process of outlet port 35 when the second sensor 96 senses the mag
supplying hot air into the housing body 31 via the dryer 73 , netic force of the first magnetic substance 92 . Here , upon
or may further include a process of rotating only the agitator 30 judging that the communication hole 42 is located above the
5 that is simultaneously performed with the process of outlet port 35 , the controller stops operation of the drive unit
supplying hot air. 8 to stop rotation of the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 .
In the case where the drying step S160 includes the Meanwhile , when the communication process of commu
process of rotating the agitator 5 , the control method may nicating the communication hole 42 with the outlet port 35
proceed to the drying step S160 after performing a process 35 of the housing 3 by rotating the dehydrator 4 is completed ,
of controlling a position of the dehydrator 4 so that the an outlet port opening process of opening the outlet port 35
communication hole 42 of the storage body 41 communi of the housing 3 by the housing door 37 is performed .
cates with the inlet port 33 of the housing body 31 . When the outlet port opening process of opening the
This serves to prevent the food waste stored in the storage outlet port 35 of the housing 3 by the housing door 37 is
body 41 from leaking to the housing body 31 when the 40 completed , the controller performs a discharge process of
agitator 5 is rotated during implementation of the drying step rotating only the agitator 5 for a given time by changing the
S160 . That is , upon implementation of the drying step 160 rotation direction of the drive unit 8 to the second direction .
in which the agitator 5 is rotated , a process of controlling a When the discharge process is performed for a predeter
position of the communication hole 42 , a process of rotating mined time, the food waste inside the storage body 41 is
only the agitator 5 , and a process of controlling a position of 45 discharged to the drawer 6 through the communication hole
the door blade 55 so as to close the communication hole 42 42 and the outlet port 35 via rotation of the agitator 5 . At this
by the door blade 55 when rotation of the agitator 5 stops time, a positional relationship of the housing 3 , the dehy
may be performed . drator 4 and the agitator 5 is as illustrated in FIG . 8 ( C ). The
Meanwhile , the drying step S160 may be continuously control method may end simultaneously with completion of
performed while hot air is supplied to the housing body 31, 50 the discharge process .
e . g ., for a reference drying time, and may be repeated plural In some implementations, the control method may further
times within the reference drying time. include a step of closing the communication hole 42 by the
The reference drying time, which is set for the drying step door blade 55 or closing the outlet port 35 by the housing
$ 160 , may be preset to a fixed value regardless of the door 37 after completion of the discharge process.
amount of the food waste, or may be set to be increased in 55 In the case where the second position sensing unit
proportion to the amount of the food waste measured in the includes only the second magnetic substance 95 and the
above- described food waste amount sensing process. third sensor 97 , the communication hole closing step may
In some implementations, the controller may set drying include a process of rotating the dehydrator 4 and the
time data corresponding to the amount of the food waste agitator 5 together until the first sensor 94 senses the
currently stored in the storage body 41 , among a plurality of 60 magnetic force of the first magnetic substance 92 , e . g ., until
pieces of drying time data that may be stored in the con - the communication hole 42 reaches a position for commu
troller or a separate storage medium and sorted according to nication with the inlet port 33, and a process of rotating only
the amount of food waste , to the reference drying time. the agitator 5 until the third sensor 97 senses the magnetic
The above - described drying step S160 ends when a time force of the second magnetic substance 95 .
for which hot air is supplied to the food waste , e .g ., drying 65 However, in the case where the second position sensing
time, reaches the reference drying time. When the drying unit a further includes a fourth sensor (99 , see FIG . 13 ) that
step S160 ends, the control method proceeds to the food is fixed to the housing body 31 and spaced apart from the
 US 10 , 159, 986 B2
19 20
third sensor 97 by 180 degrees , the communication hole Thereafter, upon completion of washing of the housing
closing step may include a process of rotating only the body 31 , the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 , the controller
agitator 5 until the fourth sensor 99 senses the magnetic performs a wash water drainage process of discharging the
force of the second magnetic substance 95 . wash water. Here , prior to performing the wash water
Since the second magnetic substance 95 and the third 5 drainage process, it is necessary to perform a process of
sensor 97 are located at positions where whether or not the aligning the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 with
door blade 55 has closed the communication hole 42 may be the bottom of the housing body 31.
judged , in a state in which the fourth sensor 99 is spaced To align the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4
apart from the third sensor 97 by 180 degrees, the door 44 so as to face the bottom of the housing body 31 , first, the
may be located above the outlet port 35 when the fourth controller first rotates the dehydrator 4 and judges whether
sensor 99 senses the magnetic force of the second magnetic or not the communication hole 42 faces the bottom of the
substance 95 . housing body 31 based on whether or not the second sensor
Accordingly, the communication hole 42 , which is located 96 senses the magnetic force of the first magnetic substance
to be in communication with the outlet port 35 after comple - 1692 . Subsequently, the controller opens the drain valve 36a to
tion of the discharge step S170 , is closed by the door blade drain the wash water stored in the housing body 31 . Thereby,
55 when the fourth sensor 99 senses the magnetic force of the wash water used to wash the food waste residues in the
the second magnetic substance 95 . housing body 31, the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 is
Meanwhile , closing the outlet port 35 serves to allow discharged to the drain pipe 36 of the housing body 31
water introduced into the housing 3 through the drain D in 20 through the communication hole 42 of the dehydrator 4 .
the sink S to move to the exhaust duct 71 through the second Meanwhile , in the above - described food waste treatment
communication portion 313 other than the drawer 6 . apparatus 100a , water is drained during the washing and
The process of closing the outlet port 35 may be per dehydration of the food waste and the washing of the food
formed simultaneously with or before the process of closing waste treatment apparatus 100a and air for drying of food
the communication hole 42 by the door blade 55 . 25 the waste is exhausted during drying of the food waste .
Subsequently , upon judging that the discharge of the food in the above -described processes, the discharged air and
waste is completed , the residual food waste wash -off step the exhausted air are normally discharged through plumb
S190 of washing off the residual food waste remaining in the ing. However, when water generated from the food waste
housing body 31 of the housing 3 , the storage body 41 of the and air used to dry the food waste are discharged to the
dehydrator 4 , and the door blade 55 and the agitation blade 30 plumbing , some of the air exhausted to the plumbing may
57 of the agitator 5 is performed . flow backward to the food waste treatment apparatus 100a
The residual food waste wash -off step S190 includes to thereby leak to a room .
closing the housing door 37 provided at the bottom of the In this case, foul odors of the food waste or the plumbing
housing body 31 prior to supplying wash water to the are introduced into the room , causing user discomfort. For
housing body 31 . Here , in a state in which the housing door 35 this reason , there is a demand for a discharge unit capable of
37 has already been closed , the process of closing the efficiently discharging the water and air generated in the
housing door 37 may be omitted . food waste treatment apparatus 100a to the plumbing.
Subsequently , wash water for rinsing off the food waste is Hereinafter, the discharge unit 100; 200; 300 will be
supplied to the housing body 31. The supply of wash water described in detail with reference to the accompanying
may be performed via the first nozzle 28 and the second 40 drawings. Various implementations of the discharge unit
nozzle 29 of the wash water ejector included in the grinder 100 ; 200 ; 300 will be shown and the common components
2 , or may be directly performed within the housing body 31 will be described using the same names and the same
by a separate water supply aperture . reference numerals .
Meanwhile ,upon completion of the supply of wash water, FIGS . 15 and 16 illustrate examples of the discharge unit
a wash -off process of washing off the residual food waste 45 included in a food waste treatment apparatus.
remaining on the housing body 31, the dehydrator 4 , and the As illustrated in FIG . 15 , the discharge unit 100 defines
agitator 5 is performed . Here , the wash -off process may discharge paths for water that is generated during dehydra
selectively include a process of rotating the agitator 5 and a tion after grinding of food waste in the food waste treatment
process of simultaneously rotating the agitator 5 and the apparatus 100a , wash water used during wash - off of the food
dehydrator 4 . 50 waste (hereinafter referred to as " water " ) and air supplied
First, in the case where the dehydrator 4 remains station during drying of the food waste .
ary and only the agitator 5 is rotated in the wash - off process, First, the discharge unit 100 includes a discharge body
the agitator 5 is rotated at predetermined RPM for a prede - 110 internally defining a space for temporary storage and
termined time to separate food waste residues attached to the passage of water and air . A partition 111 is installed inside
respective blades 55 and 57 of the agitator 5 and food waste 55 the discharge body 110 to divide the inner space of the
residues remaining on the inner wall of the dehydrator 4 . discharge body 110 into a first space 112 and a second space
Hereinafter, in the case where the agitator 5 and the 114 which are in communication with each other. Here , the
dehydrator 4 are rotated simultaneously in the wash -off lower end of the partition 111 and the inner bottom space of
process, the dehydrator 4 and the agitator 5 are rotated at the discharge body 110 are spaced apart from each other by
predetermined RPM for a predetermined time to separate 60 a predetermined distance to allow the water staying in the
food waste residues attached to the inner wall of the housing first space 112 to move to the second space 114 .
body 31 and the inner wall of the dehydrator 4 . Meanwhile , a water inlet port 120 for introduction of
The rotation of the agitator 4 as well as the rotation of both water discharged from the food waste treatment apparatus
the agitator 5 and the dehydrator 4 in the wash -off process 100a is located at one side of the first space 112 and an air
as described above may be selectively performed according 65 inlet port 130 for introduction of air discharged from the
to user setting, or may be alternately performed at a prede- food waste treatment apparatus 100a is located at the top of
termined interval. the second space 114.
 US 10 , 159, 986 B2
21 22
Here , the drain pipe 36 connected to the housing body 31 this time, the amount of water accumulated in the first and
of the food waste treatment apparatus 100a is connected to second spaces 112 and 114 is kept at the height of the outlet
the water inlet port 120 , and the exhaust duct 71 connected port 140 of the second space 114 . As the level of water is
to the housing body 31 of the food waste treatment apparatus kept at the height of the outlet port 140, the lower end of the
100a is connected to the air inlet port 130 . 5 partition 111 remains submerged in the water. Thus, the first
In addition , the second space 114 is provided at the other space 112 and the second space 114 remain separated from
side thereof with an outlet port 140 , through which the each other by the partition 111 .
water, introduced into the first space 112 and having passed In some implementations, when air is supplied to the air
below the lower end of the partition 111 , is discharged to a inlet port 130 of the second space 114 , the introduced air is
sewage flow path and , simultaneously, air introduced from 10 directed to the outlet port 140 of the second space 114 after
the top of the second space 114 is discharged to the sewage passing through the second space 114 , thereby being
flow path . Plumbing 101 is installed to the outlet port 140 so
as to extend to the sewage flow path . exhausted to the sewage flow path through the outlet port
Meanwhile , the bottom surface of the discharge body 110 140 .
and the lower end of the partition 111 are spaced apart from 15 Meanwhile , in the food waste treatment apparatus 100a ,
each other by a predetermined distance . This provides a the exhaust duct 71 for air movement includes no compo
space for movement of the water from the first space 112 to nent to control the flow of air moving through the exhaust
the second space 114 . The lower end of the partition 111 duct 71.
continuously remains submerged in the water staying in the Accordingly, in the case of air moving to the discharge
first space 112 and the second space 114 . This serves to 20 unit 100 through the exhaust duct 71 , the air may flow
prevent the air introduced through the air inlet port 130 of backward to the exhaust duct 71 according to a discharge
the second space 114 from flowing backward to the first state of the discharge unit 100 , thereby flowing backward to
space 112. the food waste treatment apparatus 100a.
Accordingly, the water inlet port 120 of the first space To prevent the backflow of air from the exhaust duct 71
112 , the outlet port 140 of the second space 114 , and the 25 as described above , when using the discharge unit 100 , the
lower end of the partition 111 need to have different heights. fan 733 of the dryer 73 may be continuously operated to
That is, the height of the outlet port 140 may be lower than assure the flow of air from the food waste treatment appa
the heightof the water inlet port 120 . The height of the lower ratus 100a to the discharge unit 100 .
end of the partition 111 may be between the height of the In some implementations , as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and
water inlet port 120 and the height of the outlet port 140. 30 18 , the exhaust duct 71 connected to the discharge unit 200
Hereinafter, operation of the discharge unit 100 will be may be provided with a check valve 250 to prevent the
described . backflow of air, in order to prevent the backflow of air from
First, the case where water and air are discharged simul - the discharge unit 200 to the food waste treatment apparatus
taneously from the food waste treatment apparatus 100a will 100a .
be described with reference to FIG . 15 . 35 FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate examples of a discharge unit of
As illustrated in FIG . 15 , in the case where water is a food waste treatment apparatus .
discharged through the drain pipe 36 of the food waste As illustrated in FIG . 17 , the discharge unit 200 includes
treatment apparatus 100a according to operation of the food a discharge body 210 internally defining a space for tem
waste treatment apparatus 100a , the discharged water is porary storage and passage of water and air. A partition 211
introduced into the water inlet port 120 through the drain 40 is installed inside the discharge body 210 to divide the inner
pipe 36 and supplied to the first space 112 of the discharge space of the discharge body 210 into a first space 212 and a
body 110 of the discharge unit 100 . The water supplied to the second space 214 which are in communication with each
first space 112 moves to the second space 114 through the other . Here , the lower end of the partition 211 and the inner
space below the partition 111 that separates the first space bottom space of the discharge body 210 are spaced apart
112 and the second space 114 from each other, thus causing 45 from each other by a predetermined distance to allow the
the level of water to gradually rise from the bottom of the water staying in the first space 212 to move to the second
first and second spaces 112 and 114 . As such , when the level space 214 .
of water reaches the height of the outlet port 140 of the Meanwhile , a water inlet port 220 for introduction of
second space 114 , the water introduced into the water inlet water discharged from the food waste treatment apparatus
port 120 of the first space 112 is discharged to the sewage 50 100a is located at one side of the first space 212 and an air
flow path through the outlet port 140 of the second space inlet port 230 for introduction of air discharged from the
114 . food waste treatment apparatus 100a is located at the top of
Here , air discharged from the food waste treatment appa- the second space 214 .
ratus 100a is introduced into the air inlet port 130 formed at Here , the drain pipe 36 connected to the housing body 31
the top of the second space 114 of the discharge body 110 of 55 of the food waste treatment apparatus 100a is connected to
the discharge unit 110 . The introduced air temporarily stays the water inlet port 220, and the exhaust duct 71 connected
in the second space 114 and then discharged to the sewage to the housing body 31 of the food waste treatment apparatus
flow path through the outlet port 140 of the second space 100a is connected to the air inlet port 130 .
114 . Meanwhile , the exhaust duct 71 is provided with the
Meanwhile , the case where only air is discharged from the 60 check valve 250 to limit the movement direction of air
food waste treatment apparatus 100a will be described through the exhaust duct 71 .
below with reference to FIG . 16 . In addition , the second space 214 is provided at the other
As illustrated in FIG . 16 , during the drying step of the side thereof with an outlet port 240, through which the
food waste treatment apparatus 100a or when the food waste water, introduced into the first space 212 and having passed
treatment apparatus 100a is not operated , a predetermined 65 below the lower end of the partition 211, is discharged to a
amount of water remains in an accumulated state in the first sewage flow path and , simultaneously , air introduced from
and second spaces 112 and 114 of the discharge unit 100 . At the top of the second space 214 is discharged to the sewage
 US 10 ,159 ,986 B2
23 24
flow path . The plumbing 101 is installed to the outlet port passing through the second space 214 , thereby being
240 so as to extend to the sewage flow path . exhausted to the sewage flow path through the outlet port
Meanwhile , the bottom surface of the discharge body 210 240 .
and the lower end of the partition 211 are spaced apart from At this time, the check valve 250 installed to the exhaust
each other by a predetermined distance . This provides a 5 duct 71 is opened by the pressure of air passing through the
space formovement of the water from the first space 212 to exhaust duct 71, causing a path from the food waste treat
the second space 214 . The lower end of the partition 211 ment apparatus 100a to the discharge unit 200 to be opened .
continuously remains submerged in the water staying in the However , when movement of air from the discharge unit 200
first space 212 and the second space 214 . This serves toF 10 valve 250 waste
to the food
closes
treatment apparatus 100a occurs , the check
the path of the exhaust duct 71 by the
prevent the air introduced through the air inlet port 230 of 10 pressure of air, thereby preventing the backflow of air.
the second space 214 from flowing backward to the first FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate examples of a discharge unit in
space 212 . the food waste treatment apparatus.
Accordingly , the water inlet port 220 of the first space As illustrated in FIG . 19 , the discharge unit 300 includes
212, the outlet port 240 of the second space 214 , and the 15 a shielding chamber 360 provided at the exhaust duct 71.
lower end of the partition 211 need to have different heights. through which air discharged from the food waste treatment
That is, the height of the outlet port 240 may be lower than apparatus 100a moves, the shielding chamber 360 serving to
the height of thewater inlet port 220 . The heightof the lower actively control the air movementpath , and a discharge body
end of the partition 211 may be between the height of the 310 internally defining a space for temporary storage and
water inlet port 220 and the height of the outlet port 240. 20 passage of water discharged from the food waste treatment
Hereinafter, operation of the discharge unit 200 will be apparatus 100a and air having passed through the shielding
described . chamber 360 .
First, the case where water and air are discharged simul- Here, the shielding chamber 360 serves to control air
taneously from the food waste treatment apparatus 100a will exhausted from the exhaust duct 71 of the food waste
be described with reference to FIG . 17 . 25 treatment apparatus 100a so as to be selectively directed to
As illustrated in FIG . 17 , in the case where water is the sewage flow path or the discharge unit 300 .
discharged through the drain pipe 36 of the food waste The inner space of the shielding chamber 360 defines a
treatment apparatus 100a according to operation of the food space 364 that will be filled with water or allows movement
waste treatment apparatus 100a , the discharged water is of introduced air. The shielding chamber 360 is provided at
introduced into the water inlet port 220 through the drain 30 the top thereof with a water supply port 365 to which a water
pipe 36 and supplied to the first space 212 of the discharge supply pipe 361 is connected to supply water to the shielding
body 210 of the discharge unit 200 . The water supplied to chamber 360 . The shielding chamber 360 is further provided
the first space 212 moves to the second space 214 through at the bottom thereof with an outlet port 363, to which a
the space below the partition 211 that separates the first second drain pipe 368 connected to the discharge unit 300 is
space 212 and the second space 214 from each other, thus 35 connected to discharge the water filled in the shielding
causing the level of water to gradually rise from the bottom chamber 360 .
of the first and second spaces 212 and 214 . As such , when Here , the water supply pipe 361 connected to the water
the level of water reaches the height of the outlet port 240 supply port 365 of the shielding chamber 360 is provided
of the second space 214 , the water introduced into the water with a water supply valve 362 for control of water to be
inlet port 220 of the first space 212 is discharged to the 40 supplied to the shielding chamber 360 . The second drain
sewage flow path through the outlet port 240 of the second pipe 368 connected to the outlet port 363 of the shielding
space 214. chamber 360 is provided with a drain valve 369 to control
Here, air discharged from the food waste treatment appa - the drainage of water stored in the shielding chamber 360.
ratus 100a is introduced into the air inlet port 230 formed at Meanwhile , an exhaust air inlet port 366 for connection of
the top of the second space 214 of the discharge body 210 45 the exhaust duct 71 of the food waste treatment apparatus
of the discharge unit 210 . The introduced air temporarily 100a is formed at one side of the top of the shielding
stays in the second space 214 and then discharged to the chamber 360 and an exhaust air outlet port 367 is formed
sewage flow path through the outlet port 240 of the second next to the exhaust air inlet port 366 to enable discharge of
space 214 . the air introduced into the shielding chamber 360 through
Meanwhile , the case where only air is discharged from the 50 the exhaust air inlet port 366 . Here , the exhaust air inlet port
food waste treatment apparatus 100a will be described 366 and the exhaust air outlet port 367 have the same height
below with reference to FIG . 18 . inside the shielding chamber 360. Meanwhile , the exhaust
As illustrated in FIG . 18 , during the drying step of the air outlet port 367 defines a separate flow path to guide the
food waste treatment apparatus 100a or when the food waste air moving through the exhaust air outlet port 367 to the
treatment apparatus 100a is not operated , a predetermined 55 sewage flow path .
amount of water remains in an accumulated state in the first A water level sensor 364a to sense the level of water
and second spaces 212 and 214 of the discharge unit 200 . At stored in the shielding chamber 360 is installed to the inner
this time, the amount of water accumulated in the first and ceiling surface of the shielding chamber 360 . Here , the water
second spaces 212 and 214 is kept at the height of the outlet level sensor 364a senses the height of water stored in the
port 240 of the second space 214 . As the level of water is 60 shielding chamber 360 that is higher than the height of the
kept at the height of the outlet port 240 , the lower end of the exhaust air inlet port 366 and the exhaust air outlet port 367 .
partition 211 remains submerged in the water. Thus, the first That is, the water level sensor 364a senses the water after the
space 212 and the second space 214 remain separated from water shields the exhaust air inlet port 366 and the exhaust
each other by the partition 211 . air outlet port 367 as the shielding chamber 360 is filled with
In some implementations, when air is supplied to the air 65 the water. That is, the water level sensor 364a senses the
inlet port 230 of the second space 214 , the introduced air is level of water after the inner space of the shielding chamber
directed to the outlet port 240 of the second space 214 after 360 is filled with the water until the water shields the exhaust
 US 10 , 159, 986 B2
25 26
air inlet port 366 and the exhaust air outlet port 367 and then gradually rise from the bottom of the first and second spaces
provides the sensed result to the controller. 312 and 314 . As such , when the level of water reaches the
The discharge unit 300 includes a discharge body 310 height of the outlet port 350 of the second space 314 , the
internally defining a space for temporary storage and pas water introduced into the first water inletport 320 of the first
sage of water and air and a partition 315 to divide the inner 5 space 312 is discharged to the sewage flow path through the
space of the discharge body 310 into a first space 312 and a outlet port 350 of the second space 314 .
second space 314 which are in communication with each Here , the movement of air discharged from the food waste
other. Here , the lower end of the partition 315 and the inner treatment apparatus 100a is limited by the shielding cham
bottom space of the discharge body 310 are spaced apart ber 360 . That is, water is supplied to the shielding chamber
from each other by a predetermined distance to allow the 10
water staying in the first space 312 to move to the second 360 360
and stored in the inner space of the shielding chamber
while the water of the food waste treatment apparatus
space 314 .
Meanwhile , a first water inlet port 320 for introduction of water isblocks
100a drained through the discharge unit 300 . The stored
the exhaust air inlet port 366 and the exhaust
water discharged from the food waste treatment apparatus
100a is located at one side of the first space 312 and a second 15 outlel port 307, thereby limiting the movement of air
water inlet port 330 for introduction of water discharged Specifically, as drainage of the water generated in the food
from the shielding chamber 360 is located at the top of the waste treatment apparatus 100a begins, the controller con
second space 314 . trols the water supply valve 362 provided at the water supply
Here, a second drain pipe 368 connected to the exhaust air pipe 361 of the shielding chamber 360 to supply water to the
outlet port 367 of the shielding chamber 360 is connected to 20 shielding chamber 360. As the water is supplied to the
the second water inlet port 330 . The drain valve 369 shielding chamber 360, the water level sensor 364a senses
provided at the second drain pipe 368 causes the water the water. At a position where the water level sensor 364a
stored in the shielding chamber 360 to be drained to the senses the water, the water comes into contact with the
sewage flow path through the second water inlet port 330 lowermost portions of the exhaust air inlet port 366 and the
and the discharge unit 300 . 25 exhaust air outlet port 367 so as to block the exhaust air inlet
In addition , the second space 314 is provided at the other port 366 and the exhaust air outlet port 367 . Thereby , the
side thereof with an outlet port 350, through which the shielding chamber 360 continuously blocks a movement
water, introduced into the first space 312 and having passed path of air in the exhaust duct 71 of the food waste treatment
below the lower end of the partition 315 , is discharged to the apparatus 100a.
sewage flow path and , simultaneously , the water introduced 30 Meanwhile , the case where air is discharged from the food
from the second water inlet port 330 of the second space 314 waste treatment apparatus 100a will be described below
is discharged to the sewage flow path . The plumbing 101 is with reference to FIG . 20 .
installed to the outlet port 350 so as to extend to the sewage As illustrated in FIG . 20 , during the drying step of the
flow path . food waste treatment apparatus 100a or when the food waste
Meanwhile , the bottom surface of the discharge body 310 35 treatment apparatus 100a is not operated , a predetermined
and the lower end of the partition 315 are spaced apart from amount ofwater remains in an accumulated state in the first
each other by a predetermined distance. This provides a and second spaces 312 and 314 of the discharge unit 300 . At
space for movement of the water from the first space 312 to this time, the amount of water accumulated in the first and
the second space 314 . The lower end of the partition 315 second spaces 312 and 314 is kept at the height of the outlet
continuously remains submerged in the water staying in the 40 port 350 of the second space 314 . As the level of water is
first space 312 and the second space 314 . This serves to kept at the height of the outlet port 350, the lower end of the
prevent the backflow of foul odors of the sewage flow path partition 315 remains submerged in the water. Thus , the first
through the outlet port 350 of the second space 314 . space 312 and the second space 314 remain separated from
Accordingly, the firstwater inlet port 320 of the first space each other by the partition 315 .
312 , the outlet port 350 of the second space 314 , and the 45 In some implementations , when backflow of air of the
lower end of the partition 315 need to have different heights . sewage flow path connected to the outlet port 350 of the
That is, the height of the outlet port 350 may be lower than second space 314 occurs, the partition 315 that separates the
the height of the first water inlet port 320 . The height of the first space 312 and the second space 314 from each other
lower end of the partition 315 may be between the height of prevents the air introduced into the second space 314 from
the first water inlet port 320 and the height of the outlet port 50 flowing backward to the first space 312 .
350 . Meanwhile , the controller discharges the water stored in
Hereinafter, operation of the discharge unit 300 will be the shielding chamber 360 to the discharge unit 300 in order
described . to assure exhaust of the air through the shielding chamber
First, the case where water and air are discharged simul - 360. Specifically , the controller opens the drain valve 369 of
taneously from the food waste treatment apparatus 100a will 55 the second drain pipe 368 that connects the exhaust air outlet
be described with reference to FIG . 19 . port 367 of the shielding chamber 360 and the second water
As illustrated in FIG . 19 , in the case where water is inlet port 330 of the discharge body 310 to each other so as
discharged through the drain pipe 36 of the food waste to drain some of the water inside the shielding chamber 360
treatment apparatus 100a according to operation of the food to the discharge body 310 . Thereby , as the water of the
waste treatment apparatus 100a , the discharged water is 60 shielding chamber 360 is drained , the exhaust air inlet port
introduced into the first water inlet port 120 through the 366 and the exhaust air outlet port 367 of the shielding
drain pipe 36 and supplied to the first space 312 of the chamber 360 are opened , causing the air introduced into the
discharge body 310 of the discharge unit 300. exhaust air inlet port 366 to move to and be exhausted from
Here, the water supplied to the first space 312 moves to the exhaust air outlet port 367.
the second space 314 through the space below the partition 65 As is apparent from the above description , a food waste
315 that separates the first space 312 and the second space treatment apparatus may be capable of grinding , dehydrating
314 from each other , thus causing the level of water to and drying food waste and include a discharge unit .
 US 10 , 159, 986 B2
27 28
In addition , the a food waste treatment apparatus may to block a flow path of air exhausted through the exhaust
employ a dryer and a drying method for removing a great duct by supplying additional water to the shielding chamber.
quantity of moisture contained in ground food waste and 8 . The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein :
include a discharge unit . the shielding chamber includes a water supply pipe that is
In addition , a food waste treatment apparatus may be 5 configured to supply water to the shielding chamber, a
capable of preventing air, discharged after drying food second drain pipe that is configured to guide water in
waste , from flowing backward , thereby preventing user the shielding chamber to the drain pipe, and a drain
discomfort and include a discharge unit . valve that is connected to the second drain pipe and is
configured to control the second drain pipe,
What is claimed is: 10 the exhaust duct and the second drain pipe are located at
1. A food waste treatment apparatus comprising: a top of the shielding chamber, and
a housing , that includes a cylindrical housing body that is the exhaust duct and the second drain pipe are configured
configured to be oriented parallel with the ground upon to be blocked based on water being in the shielding
installation , that defines a space that is configured to chamber.
dehydrate and dry food waste , that includes a drain pipe 15 9 . The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the
that is configured to discharge water included in food shielding chamber includes a water level sensor located at
waste , that includes an exhaust duct that is configured the top of the shielding chamber.
to exhaust air that dried food waste , that defines an inlet 10 . The apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein a bottom
port that is configured to guide food waste discharged of the shielding chamber is sloped towards the second drain
from a grinder to the cylindrical housing body, and that 20 pipe .
defines an outlet port that is configured to discharge 11 . The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
food waste that has been dehydrated and dried ; exhaust duct includes a check valve that is configured to
a storage body that is rotatably installed in the housing, prevent air moving through the exhaust duct from flowing
the storage body having a communication hole that is back through an inlet of the exhaust duct .
configured to connect with the inlet port for receiving 25 12 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the :
food waste or the outlet port for discharging food waste grinder is located between a drain of a sink and the
based on an orientation of the storage body ; housing, is configured to grind food waste and provide
an agitator that is located in the storage body , that is food waste to the housing , and includes :
configured to rotate independent of the storage body, a support body that includes an introduction side that is
that is configured to open and close the communication 30 configured to receive food waste and a discharge side
hole of the storage body, and that is configured to that is configured to discharge food waste to the
agitate food waste by rotating in a dehydrator; housing; and
a dryer that is configured to dry food waste by supplying a pair of rotary cutters that is rotatably installed to the
dry air to the housing ; and support body, the pair of rotary cutters being con
an exhaust unit connected to the drain pipe and the 35 figured to grind food waste received through the
exhaust duct, the exhaust unit being configured to introduction side and to move food waste to the
prevent the air exhausted from the exhaust duct from discharge side.
flowing back into the drain pipe . 13 . The apparatus according to claim 1, further compris
2 . The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ing a drive unit that is configured to rotate the agitator in a
exhaust unit includes : 40 clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction ,
an exhaust body that defines a space that is configured to wherein the storage body rotates along with the agitator
allow air and water to pass through the exhaust body ; based on the agitator being rotated in one direction
and among the clockwise direction and the counterclock
a partition configured to divide the space of the exhaust wise direction .
body into a first space and a second space , the partition 45 14 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the
defining a gap that is configured to allow water to flow agitator includes :
below the partition . a base that is located inside the storage body and that is
3 . The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the second configured to rotate ;
space includes an air inlet port that is located at a top of the a door blade extending from an outer circumferential
second space and is configured to connect to the exhaust 50 surface of the base along the inside of the storage body,
duct. the door blade being configured to open or close the
4 . The apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein : communication hole based upon an orientation the base
the first space includes a water inlet port that is configured and to agitate food waste in the storage body ; and
to connect to the drain pipe, and a plurality of agitation blades that are spaced apart from
the second space includes an outlet port that is configured 55 the door blade by a predetermined distance , extend
to discharge water, the water inlet port being located at along the inside of the storage body , and are configured
a higher position relative to the gap than the outlet port. to agitate food waste in the storage body based on
5 . The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein an air inlet rotation of the base .
port is located above the outlet port and is configured to be 15 . The apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein :
blocked from allowing air to pass to the outlet port based on 60 the door blade includes a scraper that is configured to
water being in the second space . scrape food waste from the storage body, and
6 . The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the each agitation blade includes one or more bosses.
exhaust duct includes a check valve that is configured to 16 . The apparatus according to claim 1, further compris
prevent air moving through the exhaust duct from flowing ing:
back through an inlet of the exhaust duct. 65 a housing door that is located on the housing body and
7 . The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the configured to selectively open or close the outlet port ;
exhaust duct includes a shielding chamber that is configured and
 US 10 , 159,986 B2
29 30
a drawer that is configured to retract from the housing, the
drawer defining a space that is configured to store food
waste discharged from the outlet port.