Patent Description:
Generally, feces discharged from households are processed all at once at a large-scale excreta treatment facilities. However, in some regions where such large-scale excreta treatment facilities are not sufficiently established, feces may not be properly processed, and may be thrown out near residential areas. This may cause sanitary and environmental problems.

Accordingly, a feces treatment apparatus which enables direct processing of feces in each household is required in such residential areas. As a household feces treatment apparatus is installed in a bathroom of a household, it should be small-sized. In addition, considering the possibility of shortage of available energy, a household feces treatment apparatus that processes faces using as little energy as possible is desired.

<CIT> describes a plant for the transformation of animal manure, in particular swine or bovine, into electrical energy.

<CIT> describes collecting and processing human waste, toilet drainage, raw garbage, and combustible waste.

<CIT> describes a waste treatment method including thermal hydrolysis of waste, separation of solid fuel and liquids.

<CIT> describes a solid waste treatment system including a solid-liquid separator module configured to receive mixed solid and liquid waste.

<CIT> describes a technology for mixing livestock manure and urine sewage in a standard denitrification treatment facility.

<CIT> describes reducing the cost in the drying stage of dehydrated cake of sludge by incinerating dried residue.

<CIT> describes mechanically dewatering human waste collected from human waste and drying the obtained dehydrated human waste.

<CIT> describes a drying unit that heats the object to be processed and performs a drying process.

<CIT> describes a screw type dehydration apparatus having a selfrotated moving ring structure.

<CIT> describes a waste incinerator with a first gas injection mechanism injecting first secondary combustion gas against flame at the side of a drying belt grate.

<CIT> describes drying excreta flowing-in from an excreta storage tank in a vacuum evaporation tank.

<CIT> describes a continuous garbage carbonizing apparatus comprising a garbage introducing means to which garbage is charged.

The present disclosure provides a small-sized solid feces treatment apparatus and an individual feces treatment system.

The present disclosure provides a solid feces treatment apparatus and an individual feces treatment system, which have reduced energy consumption.

The present disclosure provides a solid feces treatment apparatus and an individual feces treatment system, which have reduced harmful gas emission.

However, the technical problems to be solved are not limited thereto.

According to an aspect, there is provided a solid feces treatment apparatus according to claim <NUM>.

The dehydrator may include a dehydration element, and the dehydration element may include a plurality of fixed discs and a plurality of moving discs, which are alternately arranged, and a dehydration screw penetrating the plurality of fixed discs and the plurality of moving discs, wherein the plurality of moving discs may move such that a center of each of the plurality of moving discs rotates around a centerline on which centers of the plurality of fixed discs are arranged.

A distance between a fixed disc and a moving disc immediately adjacent to each other, among the plurality of fixed discs and the plurality of moving discs, may be less than or equal to about <NUM>.

The dehydration element may include a first dehydration area and a second dehydration area arranged sequentially in a transfer direction of the dehydration screw, wherein, among the plurality of fixed discs and the plurality of moving discs, a distance between a fixed disc and a moving disc immediately adjacent to each other in the first dehydration area may be about <NUM>, and a distance between a fixed disc and a moving disc immediately adjacent to each other in the second dehydration area may be about <NUM>.

The dehydrator may further include a discharge element including a discharge hole through which second solid feces produced from the dehydration element are discharged, and a cutting element cutting the second solid feces discharged from the discharge hole, wherein the second solid feces cut by the cutting element may have a pellet shape.

An internal diameter of each of the plurality of moving discs may be less than an internal diameter of each of the plurality of fixed discs.

The dehydrator may further include a pressure element applying pressure on second solid feces discharged from the dehydration element, wherein the second solid feces may be discharged between the pressure element and the dehydration element, and have a flake shape.

The first dry screw may include aluminum, and the second dry screw includes stainless steel.

The first dry screw and the second dry screw may include a plurality of dry holes penetrating a thread of the first dry screw and at thread of the second dry screw.

Each of the first dry screw and the second dry screw may be provided in a pair, wherein a pair of first dry screws may be arranged such that threads of the first dry screws cross each other, and a pair of second dry screws may be arranged such that threads of the second dry screws cross each other.

The dryer may further include a third dry chamber provided between the first dry chamber and the second dry chamber, a third dry screw provided in the third dry chamber, a fourth dry chamber provided between the second dry chamber and the third dry chamber, and a fourth dry screw provided in the fourth dry chamber, wherein the second solid feces may be dried sequentially in the first dry chamber, the third dry chamber, the fourth dry chamber, and the second dry chamber.

The dryer may further include an intake element connected to the first dry chamber, and the intake element may circulate heat generated from the combustor in the dryer.

A lower portion of the second dry chamber may have a thermal conductivity higher than that of the first dry chamber.

The combustor may include a combustion drum defining a combustion path therein, a first grid plate provided at a lower portion of the combustion drum, and an ignition element combusting the third solid feces placed on the first grid plate.

The combustion drum may further include a plurality of first air holes provided under the first grid plate.

The combustion path may further include an air compression area in which air is compressed, and have a relatively narrow width in the air compression area.

The combustion drum may further include a plurality of second air holes provided adjacent to the air compression area.

The dryer includes a first dry chamber into which the second solid feces are input, a first dry screw provided in the first dry chamber, a second dry chamber discharging the third solid feces, and a second dry screw provided in the second dry chamber, wherein the second dry screw has a thermal resistance higher than that of the first dry screw, and the combustion path may be connected to an internal space of the second dry chamber.

The dry chamber may further include a transfer element provided between the second dry chamber and the combustion drum, wherein the transfer element may transfer the third solid feces to the combustion path.

According to another aspect, there is provided an individual feces treatment system according to claim <NUM>.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method for solid feces treatment according to claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure may provide a small-sized solid feces treater and an individual feces treatment system.

The present disclosure may provide a solid feces treater and an individual feces treatment system with reduced energy consumption.

The present disclosure may provide a solid feces treater and an individual feces treatment system with reduced harmful gas emission.

However, the effects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

According to an aspect, a solid feces treater includes a dehydrator extracting a liquid component from first solid feces to produce second solid feces, a dryer evaporating a liquid component of the second solid feces to produce third solid feces, and a combustor burning the third solid feces, wherein the second solid feces may have a solid content of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> %, and the third solid feces may have a solid content greater than or equal to about <NUM> % and less than about <NUM> %.

According to another aspect, an individual feces treatment system includes a toilet bowl, a liquid feces treatment apparatus receiving and treating liquid feces from the toilet bowl, a first solid feces treater receiving solid feces from the toilet bowl and water-treating the solid feces to produce first solid feces in a state of sludge, and a second solid feces treater receiving the first solid feces from the first solid feces treater and treating the first solid feces, wherein the second solid feces treater includes a dehydrator, a dryer, and a combustor, and wherein the dehydrator dehydrates the first solid feces to produce second solid feces having a solid content of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> %, the dryer dries the second solid feces to produce third solid feces having a solid content of about <NUM> % to about <NUM> %, and the combustor combusts the third solid feces.

In the drawings, Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements, and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. Meanwhile, embodiments described below are provided only as an example, and thus can be embodied in various forms.

Hereinafter, it will be understood that when a component is "on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or indirectly over the other component in a non-contact manner.

When a portion "includes" an element, another element may be further included, rather than excluding the existence of the other element, unless otherwise described.

Further, the term "part" used herein refers to a unit processing at least one function or operation.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a solid feces treater according to an example embodiment. <FIG> is another perspective view of the solid feces treater of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the solid feces treater of <FIG> taken along the line I-I'. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III' of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the AA region of <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the dehydration element of <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the ring assembly of <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the fixed ring of <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the moving ring of <FIG>. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the discharger and the cutter of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the BB region of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the dry screw of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the CC region of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the DD region of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, a solid feces treater <NUM> may be provided. The solid feces treater <NUM> may reduce or remove liquid components in solid feces and then incinerate the solid feces. The solid feces treater <NUM> may be installed and used in each household or portable toilet. For example, the solid feces treater <NUM> may treat solid feces discharged from a single toilet bowl. The solid feces treater <NUM> may include a dehydrator <NUM>, a dryer <NUM>, a first pipe <NUM>, a combustor <NUM>, a recollect container <NUM>, and a second pipe <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the dehydrator <NUM> may include a first solid feces input element <NUM>, a dehydration element <NUM>, a liquid component discharge pipe <NUM>, a discharger <NUM>, a cutter <NUM>, and a second solid feces discharger <NUM>. The first solid feces input element <NUM> may receive first solid feces from the outside of the dehydrator <NUM>. The first solid feces may refer to sludge obtained by water-treating the feces. A solid content of the first solid feces may be <NUM> % to <NUM> %. The solid content may refer to a ratio of solid components in the feces. The first solid feces input element <NUM> may include a first solid feces input hole <NUM> through which the first solid feces are input.

The dehydration element <NUM> may include a ring assembly <NUM> and a dehydration screw <NUM>. The dehydration element <NUM> may dehydrate the first solid feces to generate second solid feces. A solid content of the second solid feces may be higher than that of the first solid feces. For example, the solid content of the second solid feces may be <NUM> % to <NUM> %.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the ring assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of fixed rings 122a and a plurality of moving rings 122b. For concise description, two fixed rings 122a and one moving ring 122b are illustrated. The plurality of fixed rings 122a may be arranged in a first direction DR1. The plurality of fixed rings 122a may each have a fixed position. For example, the plurality of fixed rings 122a may be arranged on a centerline CL formed of center points cp1 of the plurality of fixed rings 122a extending in the first direction DR1. An internal diameter dm2 of the plurality of fixed rings 122a may be greater than a diameter dm1 of the dehydration screw <NUM>.

The plurality of moving rings 122b may be arranged between a pair of adjacent fixed rings 122a. Although <FIG> illustrates that one moving ring 122b is arranged between a pair of fixed rings 122a, this is only an example. In another example, two or three moving rings 122b may be provided between a pair of immediately adjacent fixed rings 122a. An internal diameter dm3 of the plurality of moving rings 122b may be less than the internal diameter dm2 of the plurality of fixed rings 122a and the diameter dm1 of the dehydration screw <NUM>. One moving ring 122b may be in contact with a thread of the dehydration screw <NUM> at one point at a time. When the dehydration screw <NUM> rotates, a contact point of the thread and one moving ring 122b may move along an internal circumference of the moving ring 122b. As the internal diameter dm3 of the moving ring 122b is less than the diameter dm1 of the dehydration screw <NUM>, the thread of the dehydration screw <NUM> may push the moving ring 122b at the contact point. The moving ring 122b may be pushed by the thread of the dehydration screw <NUM> and moved in an outward direction (i.e., a radial direction). When the dehydration screw <NUM> rotates, a point at which the moving ring 122b is pushed by the thread of the dehydration screw <NUM> may move along the internal circumference of the moving ring 122b. Accordingly, the plurality of moving rings 122b may move such that center points cp2 of the plurality of moving rings 122b rotate around the centerline CL.

A distance between immediately adjacent rings (e.g., immediately adjacent fixed ring 122a and moving ring 122b or a pair of immediately adjacent moving rings 122b) may be less than or equal to <NUM>. The ring assembly <NUM> may include a first dehydration area SR1 and a second dehydration area SR2 arranged in the first direction DR1. For example, a length ratio between the first dehydration area SR1 and the second dehydration area SR2 may be <NUM>:<NUM>. A distance between a pair of immediately adjacent rings may be less in the second dehydration area SR2 than in the first dehydration area SR1. For example, a distance between a pair of immediately adjacent rings may be about <NUM> in the first dehydration area SR1, and a distance between a pair of immediately adjacent rings may be about <NUM> in the second dehydration area SR2. Due to the varying distance between a pair of immediately adjacent rings in the first dehydration area SR1 and the second dehydration area SR2, the dehydration efficiency of the first solid feces may be improved. The liquid component removed from the first solid feces in the first and second dehydration areas SR1 and SR2 may be discharged to the outside through the liquid component discharge pipe <NUM>. The first solid feces which have passed through the first and second dehydration areas SR1 and SR2 may be referred to as the second solid feces.

The dehydration screw <NUM> may extend in the first direction DR1. The dehydration screw <NUM> may transfer the first solid feces in the first direction DR1. The dehydration screw <NUM> may pass through the ring assembly <NUM>. The dehydration screw <NUM> may supply the second solid feces to the discharger <NUM>.

The discharger <NUM> may discharge the second solid feces transferred from the dehydration screw <NUM> in a required thickness. As illustrated in <FIG>, the discharger <NUM> may discharge the second solid feces through a discharge hole <NUM>. The size of the discharge hole <NUM> may be determined such that the second solid feces have a required thickness. Although the drawings illustrate that the discharge hole <NUM> has a circular shape, this is only an example. In another example, the discharge hole <NUM> may have a polygonal shape.

The cutter <NUM> may cut the second solid feces discharged from the discharge hole <NUM> such that the second solid feces have a required length. The cutter <NUM> may include a blade <NUM> rotating at a steady speed. The blade <NUM> may be arranged adjacent to the discharge hole <NUM>. During when the second solid feces are discharged from the discharge hole <NUM>, the blade <NUM> may rotate and cut the second solid feces into a certain length. The second solid feces may have a pellet shape by the discharger <NUM> and the cutter <NUM>.

The second solid feces discharger <NUM> may be provided below the discharger <NUM> and the cutter <NUM>. The second solid feces discharger <NUM> may include a second solid feces discharge outlet <NUM>. The second solid feces cut by the cutter <NUM> may be inserted into the second solid feces discharge outlet <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the dryer <NUM> may include a first dry chamber <NUM>, a second dry chamber <NUM>, a third dry chamber <NUM>, a fourth dry chamber <NUM>, a first dry screw <NUM>, a second dry screw <NUM>, a third dry screw <NUM>, a fourth dry screw <NUM>, a dry screw driving element <NUM>, an intake element <NUM>, and a transfer element <NUM>. The dryer <NUM> may evaporate liquid components of the second solid feces. The first dry chamber <NUM>, the second dry chamber <NUM>, the third dry chamber <NUM>, and the fourth dry chamber <NUM> may be arranged in order in a second direction DR2. The first dry chamber <NUM> may be arranged most adjacent to the dehydrator <NUM>. The fourth dry chamber <NUM> may be arranged most adjacent to the combustor <NUM>. The fourth dry chamber <NUM> may include a material having a higher heat conductivity than the first to third dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, the fourth dry chamber <NUM> may include copper alloy, and the first to third dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include stainless steel (e.g., SUS). Accordingly, the heat generated from the combustor <NUM> may be conducted smoothly along the fourth dry chamber <NUM>.

The internal spaces of the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend in a third direction DR3 intersecting with the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The internal spaces of the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be connected to each other in order. Each of the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may have an entrance and an exit. The entrances of the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be openings through which the second solid feces are input into the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The exits of the first to third dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be openings through which the second solid feces are discharged from the first to third dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The exit of the fourth dry chamber <NUM> may be an opening through which third solid feces are discharged from the fourth dry chamber <NUM>. The entrance of the first dry chamber <NUM> may be connected with the second solid feces discharge outlet <NUM>. The internal space of the fourth dry chamber <NUM> may be connected with an internal space of the transfer element <NUM> and an internal space of a combustion drum <NUM> to be described. The entrances of the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be respectively apart from the exits of the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the third direction DR3. The exits of the first to third dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be respectively connected with the entrances of the second to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Accordingly, the internal spaces of the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be connected to each other in zigzags.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first dry screw <NUM>, the second dry screw <NUM>, the third dry screw <NUM>, and the fourth dry screw <NUM> may be provided in the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively. The first to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be substantially identical to each other. Each of the first to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be provided in pairs. For concise description, a pair of first dry screws <NUM> is described, and any redundant descriptions on the second to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are omitted. The first dry screws <NUM> of the pair of first dry screws <NUM> may be substantially identical to each other. The pair of first dry screws <NUM> may be arranged such that threads of the first dry screws <NUM> intersect with each other. The pair of first dry screws <NUM> may extend in the third direction DR3.

The first to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be operated by the dry screw driving element <NUM>. For example, the dry screw driving element <NUM> may include a motor. Chains and gears transmitting power of the dry screw driving element <NUM> to the first to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be provided between the first to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The second solid feces input into the first dry chamber <NUM> may be transferred along a zigzag path in the internal spaces of the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Specifically, the second solid feces may be transferred in the third direction DR3 by the first and third dry screws <NUM> and <NUM> in the first and third dry chambers <NUM> and <NUM>, and may be transferred in an opposite direction of the third direction DR3 by the second and fourth dry screws <NUM> and <NUM> in the second and fourth dry chambers <NUM> and <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a plurality of dry holes <NUM> penetrating the threads of the first to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Although the drawings illustrate that the dry holes <NUM> have a circular shape, this is only an example. In another example, the plurality of dry holes <NUM> may have a polygonal shape. The plurality of dry holes <NUM> may move hot air generated by the combustor <NUM> inside the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> or facilitate the flow of hot air. The hot air may be supplied into the fourth dry chamber <NUM> and may sequentially pass through the third dry chamber <NUM>, the second dry chamber <NUM>, and the first dry chamber <NUM>, drying the second solid feces in the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The intake element <NUM> may be connected with the first dry chamber <NUM>. An inlet of the intake element <NUM> may be arranged adjacent to an area in which the second solid feces are input into the first dry chamber <NUM>. The intake element <NUM> may suck air in the first dry chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, the hot air generated by the combustor <NUM> may move from the fourth dry chamber <NUM> to the first dry chamber <NUM>. An outlet of the intake element <NUM> may be connected with the first pipe <NUM>. The hot air that has flowed to the intake element <NUM> from the first dry chamber <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the solid feces treater <NUM> through the first pipe <NUM>.

The transfer element <NUM> may receive the third solid feces from the fourth dry chamber <NUM>. The third solid feces may refer to the second solid feces dried by passing through the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The transfer element <NUM> may transfer the third solid feces to the combustor <NUM> by using a transfer screw <NUM>. For example, the transfer element <NUM> may input the third solid feces to a combustion path <NUM> to be described.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the combustor <NUM> may include the combustion drum <NUM>, a first grid plate <NUM>, a second grid plate <NUM>, an igniter <NUM>, an igniter case <NUM>, a first combustion drum case <NUM>, and a second combustion drum case <NUM>. The combustion path <NUM> may be defined by the combustion drum <NUM>. The combustion path <NUM> may extend in the second direction DR2. The combustion path <NUM> may be connected with the internal space of the fourth dry chamber <NUM>. The hot air generated by combusting the third solid feces may pass through the combustion path <NUM> and flow into the fourth dry chamber <NUM>.

The first grid plate <NUM> may be provided at a lower portion of the combustion path <NUM>. The first grid plate <NUM> may move in the third direction DR3 of in the opposite direction of the third direction DR3 to open or close the combustion path <NUM>. When the third solid feces are input to the combustion path <NUM> by the transfer element <NUM>, the first grid plate <NUM> may block the combustion path <NUM>. The third solid feces input to the combustion path <NUM> by the transfer element <NUM> may be transferred onto the first grid plate <NUM>. For example, the third solid feces may drop on the first grid plate <NUM>. The first grid plate <NUM> may support the third solid feces while the third solid feces are incinerated. After the incineration of the third solid feces is completed, the first grid plate <NUM> may open the combustion path <NUM>. The ashes generated by the incineration of the third solid feces may be transferred to the recollect container from the first grid plate <NUM>. The first grid plate <NUM> may include a plurality of grid holes <NUM> extending in the second direction DR2. The plurality of grid holes <NUM> may be a passage through which oxygen and combustion gases flow.

The second grid plate <NUM> may be provided on the first grid plate <NUM>. The first grid plate <NUM> and the second grid plate <NUM> may be apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The second grid plate <NUM> may move in the third direction DR3 of in the opposite direction of the third direction DR3 to open or close the combustion path <NUM>. During when the third solid feces are input from the transfer element <NUM> to the first grid plate <NUM>, the second grid plate <NUM> may open the combustion path <NUM>. During the incineration of the third solid feces, the second grid plate <NUM> may close the combustion path <NUM>. The second grid plate <NUM> may include a plurality of grid holes <NUM> extending in the second direction DR2. The plurality of grid holes <NUM> may be a passage through which oxygen and combustion gases flow.

The combustion drum <NUM> may include a plurality of first oxygen holes <NUM>, a plurality of second oxygen holes <NUM>, and an air compression area 302R. The plurality of first oxygen holes <NUM> and the plurality of second oxygen holes <NUM> may supply oxygen to the combustion path <NUM> from the outside of the combustion drum <NUM>. The plurality of first oxygen holes <NUM> may be provided adjacent to the first grid plate <NUM>. For example, the plurality of first oxygen holes <NUM> may be provided below the first grid plate <NUM>. The plurality of first oxygen holes <NUM> may be arranged in a circumferential direction of the combustion drum <NUM>. The plurality of second oxygen holes <NUM> may be arranged adjacent to the transfer element <NUM>. The plurality of second oxygen holes <NUM> and the plurality of first oxygen holes <NUM> may be apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The plurality of second oxygen holes <NUM> may be arranged in a circumferential direction of the combustion drum <NUM>.

The air compression area 302R may be an area of the combustion path <NUM>, defined by an inner side of the combustion drum <NUM> protruding convexly. The air compression area 302R may be provided between the transfer element <NUM> and the plurality of second oxygen holes <NUM>. A width of the air compression area 302R may be less than a width of areas of the combustion path <NUM> other than the air compression area 302R. Accordingly, air passing through the air compression area 302R may be compressed, and the temperature of the air may increase. The harmful gases generated during the combustion of the third solid feces may be burned and removed in the air compression area 302R. For example, nitrogen oxide (NOx) may be burned and decomposed into nitrogen (N<NUM>) in the air compression area 302R, and carbon monoxide (CO) may be burned and oxidized into carbon dioxide (CO<NUM>) in the air compression area 302R.

The igniter <NUM> may be provided between the first grid plate <NUM> and the second grid plate <NUM>. The igniter <NUM> may ignite the third solid feces on the first grid plate <NUM>. The ignition method of the igniter <NUM> may be determined according to the need. For example, the igniter <NUM> may use an electric ignition method or a gas ignition method.

The first combustion drum case <NUM> may surround the combustion drum <NUM>. The first combustion drum case <NUM> may be apart from the combustion drum <NUM>.

The second combustion drum case <NUM> may surround the first combustion drum case <NUM>. The second combustion drum case <NUM> may apart from the first combustion drum case <NUM>. Oxygen may move between the first combustion drum case <NUM> and the combustion drum <NUM> and flow into the combustion path <NUM> through the plurality of first oxygen holes <NUM> and the plurality of second oxygen holes <NUM>.

A first window SH1, a second window SH2, and a third window SH3 may be provided at the combustion drum <NUM>, the first combustion drum case <NUM>, and the second combustion drum case <NUM>, respectively to see the combustion path <NUM> from the outside of the second combustion drum case <NUM>. The first to third windows SH1, SH2, and SH3 may be arranged to overlap each other in a fourth direction DR4. The first to third windows SH1, SH2, and SH3 may be transparent and have thermal resistance. For example, the first to third windows SH1, SH2, and SH3 may include glass or plastic.

The igniter case <NUM> may be apart from the igniter <NUM> and surround the igniter <NUM>. A space between the igniter case <NUM> and the igniter <NUM> may be connected with a space between the first combustion drum case <NUM> and the combustion drum <NUM>. The igniter case <NUM> may be connected with the second pipe <NUM>. The second pipe <NUM> may be a pipe into which oxygen flows from the outside of the solid feces treater <NUM>. The oxygen which has flowed through the second pipe <NUM> may pass through the space between the igniter case <NUM> and the igniter <NUM> and flow between the first combustion drum case <NUM> and the combustion drum <NUM>.

The recollect container <NUM> may be provided below the combustor. The ashes generated by the incineration of the third solid feces may be transferred to the recollect container <NUM> when the first grid plate <NUM> is open. For example, the ashes may drop into the recollect container <NUM>. A separable drawer (not shown) may be provided in the recollect container <NUM>. The ashes may be collected in the drawer. A user of the solid feces treater <NUM> may separate the separable drawer from the recollect container <NUM> and remove the ashes.

Hereinafter, a process of treating solid feces by using the solid feces treater <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> is described.

<FIG> is a diagram corresponding to the AA region of <FIG> to illustrate a process of treating solid feces. <FIG> is a diagram corresponding to the BB region of <FIG> to illustrate a process of treating solid feces. <FIG> is a diagram corresponding to the CC region of <FIG> to illustrate a process of treating solid feces. <FIG> is a diagram corresponding to the DD region of <FIG> to illustrate a process of treating solid feces. For concise description, reference numerals for the components of the solid feces treater <NUM> are omitted. The reference numerals for the components of the solid feces treater <NUM> are as shown in <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, first solid feces <NUM> may be input to the dehydrator <NUM> through the first solid feces input hole <NUM>. The first solid feces <NUM> may refer to sludge obtained by water-treating the feces. For example, a solid content of the first solid feces <NUM> may be <NUM> % to <NUM> %.

The first solid feces <NUM> may be transferred by the dehydration screw <NUM>. A liquid component <NUM> included in the first solid feces <NUM> may be discharged between the plurality of fixed rings 122a and the plurality of moving rings 122b. The liquid component <NUM> may be discharged to the outside of the dehydrator <NUM> through the liquid component discharge pipe <NUM>. The dehydration efficiency of the first solid feces <NUM> may be greater when a distance between the rings 122a and 122b arranged in the first dehydration area SR1 adjacent to the first solid feces input hole <NUM> is greater than a distance between the rings 122a and 122b arranged in the second dehydration area SR2 adjacent to the second solid feces discharge outlet <NUM> than when the distance between the rings 122a and 122b is constant.

The first solid feces <NUM> dehydrated at the dehydration element <NUM> may be referred to as second solid feces <NUM>. A solid content of the second solid feces <NUM> may be <NUM> % to <NUM> %. The second solid feces <NUM> may be input to the discharger <NUM> by the dehydration screw <NUM>. The second solid feces <NUM> may be discharged in a certain width through the discharge hole <NUM>.

The cutter <NUM> may cut the second solid feces <NUM> discharged from the discharge hole <NUM> by using the blade <NUM>. Accordingly, the second solid feces <NUM> may have a pellet shape having a certain width and a certain length. The second solid feces <NUM> having a pellet shape may be transferred to the second solid feces discharge outlet <NUM>. For example, the second solid feces <NUM> may drop into the second solid feces discharge outlet <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the second solid feces <NUM> may be input to the first dry chamber <NUM> through the entrance of the first dry chamber <NUM>. The second solid feces <NUM> may be transferred in the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> by the first to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The hot air generated at the combustor <NUM> may pass through the fourth dry chamber <NUM>, the third dry chamber <NUM>, the second dry chamber <NUM>, and the first dry chamber <NUM> in this order. The plurality of dry holes <NUM> may be formed at the first to fourth dry screws <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to facilitate the flow of hot air. The second solid feces <NUM> may be dried by hot air when passing through the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. When hot air is not supplied in the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (e.g., when the combustion process is not performed at the combustor <NUM>), the second solid feces may be naturally dried in the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. The second solid feces <NUM> which are dried while passing through the first to fourth dry chambers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be referred to as third solid feces <NUM>. A solid content of the third solid feces <NUM> may be <NUM> % to <NUM> %. The third solid feces <NUM> may be transferred from the fourth dry chamber <NUM> to the transfer element <NUM>. For example, the third solid feces <NUM> may drop into the transfer element <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the transfer screw <NUM> in the transfer element <NUM> may transfer the third solid feces <NUM> to the combustor <NUM>. The third solid feces <NUM> may be transferred from the transfer element <NUM> onto the first grid plate <NUM>. For example, the third solid feces <NUM> may drop on the first grid plate <NUM>. When the third solid feces <NUM> are supplied on the first grid plate <NUM>, the second grid plate <NUM> may be in an open state.

With reference to <FIG>, after the third solid feces <NUM> are supplied on the first grid plate <NUM>, the second grid plate <NUM> may be closed. The igniter <NUM> may ignite the third solid feces <NUM> supplied on the first grid plate <NUM>. Combustion of the third solid feces <NUM> may be referred to as a first combustion F1. Hot air <NUM> may be generated by the first combustion F1. The hot air <NUM> may rise through the combustion path <NUM>. The hot air <NUM> may further rise in temperature in the air compression area 302R. In an embodiment, the hot air <NUM> may include harmful gases (e.g., nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO)). The harmful gases may be combusted in the air compression area 302R. Combustion of harmful gases may be referred to as a second combustion F2. The harmful gases may be removed by the second combustion F2. For example, nitrogen oxide (NOx) may be decomposed into nitrogen (N<NUM>), and carbon monoxide (CO) may be oxidized into carbon dioxide (CO<NUM>).

The combustion of the third solid feces <NUM> may leave ashes. After the combustion process of the third solid feces <NUM>, the first grid plate <NUM> is opened, and the ashes may be accommodated in the recollect container <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a solid feces treater according to an example embodiment, corresponding to the line II-II' of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the FF region of <FIG>. For the sake of concise explanation, any description substantially identical to the explanations made with reference to <FIG> may be omitted.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a solid feces treater <NUM> may be provided. The solid feces treater <NUM> may be substantially identical to the solid feces treater <NUM> with a difference in the combustor <NUM>.

The combustor <NUM> may include the combustion drum <NUM>, the first grid plate <NUM>, the second grid plate <NUM>, the igniter <NUM>, the igniter case <NUM>, the first combustion drum case <NUM>, and the second combustion drum case <NUM>. The first grid plate <NUM>, the second grid plate <NUM>, the igniter <NUM>, the igniter case <NUM>, the first combustion drum case <NUM>, and the second combustion drum case <NUM> may respectively be substantially the same as described with reference to <FIG>.

However, unlike the description made with reference to <FIG>, the combustion drum <NUM> may include a plurality of third air holes <NUM> instead of the plurality of first air holes and the plurality of second air holes. The plurality of third air holes <NUM> may be arranged in a circumferential direction and a longitudinal direction (i.e., the second direction DR2) of the combustion drum <NUM>. The plurality of third air holes <NUM> may be provided from an area adjacent to the transfer element <NUM> to an area between the first grid plate <NUM> and the recollect container <NUM>. The plurality of third air holes <NUM> may provide more oxygen to the combustion path <NUM> than the plurality of first air holes and the plurality of second air holes. Accordingly, the third solid feces on the first grid plate <NUM> may be completely combusted. As such, a second combustion process (F2 of <FIG>) to remove harmful gases is not required, and the combustion path <NUM> may not include an air compression area (302R of <FIG>) described with reference to <FIG>. For example, the combustion path <NUM> may have a constant width.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an individual feces treatment system according an example embodiment. For the sake of concise explanation, any description substantially identical to the explanations made with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> may be omitted.

With reference to <FIG>, an individual feces treatment system <NUM> may be provided. The individual feces treatment system <NUM> may include a toilet bowl <NUM>, a liquid feces treatment apparatus <NUM>, a first solid feces treater <NUM>, and a second solid feces treater <NUM>.

The toilet bowl <NUM> may collect feces from a user. The toilet bowl <NUM> may separate and collect solid feces and liquid feces. For example, the toilet bowl <NUM> may have a solid-liquid separation structure separating solid and liquid by using surface tension. The method of separating and collecting solid feces and liquid feces may be selected according to the need, and is not limited to one particular method. The solid feces may include excrement and tissues, and the liquid feces may include urine and flushing water.

The toilet bowl <NUM> may provide liquid feces to the liquid feces treatment apparatus <NUM>. The liquid feces treatment apparatus <NUM> may purify the liquid feces and generate flushing water used in a toilet bowl. The liquid feces treatment apparatus <NUM> may supply flushing water to a toilet bowl. Accordingly, the individual feces treatment system <NUM> of the present disclosure may save water supplied from the outside of the individual feces treatment system <NUM>.

The toilet bowl <NUM> may provide solid feces to the first solid feces treater <NUM>. The first solid feces treater <NUM> may water-treat the solid feces. For example, the solid feces may go through a precipitation process, a bio-reaction process, and a disinfection process. Sludge may be generated by the water treatment process. The first solid feces treater <NUM> may provide the sludge to the second solid feces treater <NUM>.

The second solid feces treater <NUM> may be substantially identical to the solid feces treater <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> or the solid feces treater <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The sludge may be the first solid feces. The liquid components discharged from the dehydrator <NUM> may be supplied to and purified by the liquid component treatment apparatus.

The individual feces treatment system <NUM> of the present disclosure may treat liquid feces and solid feces independently. Accordingly, the individual feces treatment system <NUM> of the present disclosure may be suitable to be used in an environment without facilities to collect and treat feces.

<FIG> is a diagram corresponding to the AA region of <FIG> to illustrate a dehydrator according to an example embodiment. For the sake of concise explanation, any description substantially identical to the explanations made with reference to <FIG> may be omitted.

With reference to <FIG>, a dehydrator <NUM> may be provided. The dehydrator <NUM> may be applied to the solid feces treater <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> instead of the dehydrator <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. The dehydrator <NUM> may include the first solid feces input element <NUM>, the dehydration element <NUM>, the liquid component discharge pipe <NUM>, a pressure element <NUM>, and the second solid feces discharger <NUM>. The first solid feces input element <NUM>, the dehydration element <NUM>, the liquid component discharge pipe <NUM>, and the second solid feces discharger <NUM> may be substantially the same as described with reference to <FIG>.

The pressure element <NUM> may apply pressure to the second solid feces to turn the second solid feces into a plurality of flakes (i.e. thin pieces). The pressure element <NUM> may include a supporting plate <NUM>, a pressuring plate <NUM>, a plurality of alignment members <NUM>, and a spring <NUM>. The supporting plate <NUM> may be coupled to a screw axis 124A extending from the dehydration screw <NUM> in the first direction DR1. The supporting plate <NUM> may have a fixed position. A distance between the supporting plate <NUM> and the dehydration element <NUM> may be constant. When the screw axis 124A rotates, the supporting plate <NUM> may also rotate. The supporting plate <NUM> may include a protruding portion 171R inserted into the spring <NUM>. The supporting plate <NUM> may include alignment holes penetrating the alignment members <NUM>.

The pressuring plate <NUM> may be provided between the supporting plate <NUM> and the dehydration element <NUM>. The pressuring plate <NUM> and the supporting plate <NUM> may be arranged in order in the first direction DR1. Unlike the supporting plate <NUM>, the pressuring plate <NUM> may not have a fixed position. The pressuring plate <NUM> may move in the first direction DR1. In an embodiment, the pressuring plate <NUM> may be arranged to be parallel with the supporting plate <NUM>. The pressuring plate <NUM> may apply pressure to the second solid feces discharged from the dehydration element <NUM>. The pressuring plate <NUM> may include alignment grooves into which the alignment members <NUM> are inserted and an elastic groove into which the spring <NUM> is inserted.

The alignment members <NUM> may extend in the first direction DR1 and penetrate the pressuring plate <NUM>. The alignment members <NUM> may respectively be inserted into the alignment holes of the supporting plate <NUM>. The alignment members <NUM> may not be coupled to the supporting plate <NUM>. The alignment members <NUM> may move in the first direction DR1. When the pressuring plate <NUM> rotates, the alignment members <NUM> may rotate around the screw axis 124A. One end of the alignment members <NUM> may be inserted into the alignment groove of the pressuring plate <NUM>.

The spring <NUM> may be provided between the pressuring plate <NUM> and the supporting plate <NUM>. When the pressuring plate <NUM> and the supporting plate <NUM> are arranged farthest from each other, the spring <NUM> may apply force to the supporting plate <NUM> and the pressuring plate <NUM> in a direction to increase a distance between the supporting plate <NUM> and the pressuring plate <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may push the supporting plate <NUM> and the pressuring plate <NUM> with more power when the pressuring plate <NUM> moves towards the supporting plate <NUM>, compared to when the pressuring plate <NUM> and the supporting plate <NUM> are arranged farthest from each other. The protruding portion 171R of the supporting plate <NUM> may be inserted into one end of the spring <NUM>. For example, an internal diameter of the spring <NUM> may be substantially identical to a diameter of the protruding portion 171R.

Hereinafter, a process of generating second solid feces in a shape of flakes, by the pressure element <NUM> is described.

<FIG> is a diagram corresponding to the AA region of <FIG> to illustrate a process of treating solid feces. For the sake of concise explanation, any description substantially identical to the explanations made with reference to <FIG> may be omitted. For concise description, reference numerals for the components of the dehydrator <NUM> are omitted. The reference numerals for the components of the dehydrator <NUM> are as shown in <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, before the second solid feces <NUM> are provided, the pressuring plate <NUM> may be in contact with the dehydration element <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may push the pressuring plate <NUM> towards the dehydration element <NUM>.

The dehydration element <NUM> may receive the first solid feces <NUM> and generate the second solid feces <NUM>. After the second solid feces <NUM> reach the pressuring plate <NUM>, the pressuring plate <NUM> may be pushed by the second solid feces <NUM>. When the force of second solid feces <NUM> pushing the pressuring plate <NUM> is greater than the force of the spring <NUM> pushing the pressuring plate <NUM>, the pressuring plate <NUM> may be apart from the dehydration element <NUM>. The second solid feces <NUM> may flow into an area between the pressuring plate <NUM> and the dehydration element <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A solid feces treatment apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a dehydrator (<NUM>) extracting a liquid component from first solid feces to produce second solid feces;
a dryer (<NUM>) evaporating a liquid component of the second solid feces to produce third solid feces; and
a combustor (<NUM>) burning the third solid feces,
characterized in that the dryer comprises:
a first dry chamber (<NUM>) into which the second solid feces are input;
a first dry screw (<NUM>) provided in the first dry chamber;
a second dry chamber (<NUM>) discharging the third solid feces; and
a second dry screw (<NUM>) provided in the second dry chamber, and
wherein the second dry screw (<NUM>) has a thermal resistance higher than that of the first dry screw (<NUM>).