CN105644463B - Vacuum toilet system for vehicle - Google Patents
Vacuum toilet system for vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- CN105644463B CN105644463B CN201511015986.0A CN201511015986A CN105644463B CN 105644463 B CN105644463 B CN 105644463B CN 201511015986 A CN201511015986 A CN 201511015986A CN 105644463 B CN105644463 B CN 105644463B
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- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 240
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 claims description 39
- 238000012279 drainage procedure Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 201000009032 substance abuse Diseases 0.000 description 10
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009795 derivation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000246 remedial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R15/00—Arrangements or adaptations of sanitation devices
- B60R15/04—Toilet facilities
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61D—BODY DETAILS OR KINDS OF RAILWAY VEHICLES
- B61D35/00—Sanitation
- B61D35/005—Toilet facilities
- B61D35/007—Toilet facilities comprising toilet waste receiving, treatment, storage, disposal or removal devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B29/00—Accommodation for crew or passengers not otherwise provided for
- B63B29/02—Cabins or other living spaces; Construction or arrangement thereof
- B63B29/14—Closet or like flushing arrangements; Washing or bathing facilities peculiar to ships
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
- B64D11/02—Toilet fittings
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a vacuum toilet system for a vehicle, comprising: a bedpan with a bedpan water outlet; a transfer box connected to the bowl drain by means of a bowl drain line, wherein the transfer box comprises a transfer drain, wherein a switchable bowl drain valve is arranged in the bowl drain line to close or open the bowl drain, wherein the transfer box is connected to a vacuum source and an air pressure source, wherein the transfer box is connected to a transfer box pressure sensor adapted to detect a pressure inside the transfer box; a waste water tank connected to the transit drain port by means of a transit drain line, wherein a switchable transit drain valve is arranged in the transit drain line to close or open the transit drain line. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling the vacuum toilet system. Vacuum toilet systems are mainly used on vehicles such as trains, planes, buses or boats.
Description
Technical Field
The invention relates to a vacuum toilet system for a vehicle, comprising: a bedpan with a bedpan water outlet; a transfer box connected to the bowl drain by means of a bowl drain line, wherein the transfer box comprises a transfer drain, wherein a switchable bowl drain valve is arranged in the bowl drain line to close or open the bowl drain, wherein the transfer box is connected to a vacuum source and an air pressure source, wherein the transfer box is connected to a transfer box pressure sensor adapted to detect a pressure inside the transfer box; a waste water tank connected to the transit drain port by means of a transit drain line, wherein a switchable transit drain valve is arranged in the transit drain line to close or open the transit drain line. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling the vacuum toilet system.
Background
Vacuum toilet systems are mainly used on vehicles such as trains, planes, buses or boats. The basic principle and naming function of this vacuum toilet is to drain waste water out of the bowl by applying a vacuum in the discharge opening of the bowl. Thereby, waste water can be safely removed from the bowl and a clean bowl is obtained through this procedure.
Vacuum toilets of conventional construction for use in vehicles are known from ZL2005/80001631 and ZL 2005/80000994. In addition, vacuum toilets with improved function are known from ZL201180008521 and ZL 201080041694. Specific valves for use in the vacuum toilet are known from ZL201130343246 and ZL 02812229.
Typically, these vacuum toilet systems and components allow for safe and correct operation of the vacuum toilet on the vehicle. However, in practice, the abuse and destruction of the vacuum toilet bowl, which is often installed in public places such as public trains, has become a significant problem. Such abuse and damage may even reach the point where a component of the vacuum toilet, such as a gasket, is removed and the accessible technical components are manipulated thereafter. In addition, even if some specific instructions are clearly shown and indicated, abuse still occurs, such as often throwing large or inflated waste into the bowl and attempting to flush the waste away using the vacuum toilet system.
The first approach to address these abuses and vandalism is shown in ZL201010140582, where an improved hinge for the toilet bowl of the vacuum toilet is described. The hinge is effective in preventing damage to the hinge or toilet seat during improper use and vandalism, as its mechanical construction prevents such abuse and vandalism. However, this approach does not overcome many different types of abuse and vandalism.
Disclosure of Invention
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum toilet system with improved functionality and safety to overcome these abuses and vandalism.
This object is achieved by a vacuum toilet system as explained in the background section above, having a toilet control unit connected to a bowl drain valve, a transfer tank pressure sensor, a vacuum source for signal transmission and an air pressure source, wherein the toilet control unit is adapted to control a bowl drain program of a toilet bowl, comprising the steps of: controlling the vacuum source to create a vacuum in the transfer box; controlling a bowl drain valve to switch from a closed state to an open state; and wherein the toilet control unit is further adapted to read the pressure sensor signal of the relay pressure sensor to compare the pressure sensor signal with a predetermined vacuum level and to only open the bowl drain valve if the pressure sensor signal is below the predetermined vacuum level.
The particular improvements achieved by the present invention address the problems caused by abuse and destruction of vacuum toilets. Operation of the toilet hardware prevents the vacuum source from generating a sufficient vacuum level in the transfer tank, for example because the vacuum source itself is damaged or may leak due to an incompletely closed valve, or damage prevents the vacuum in the transfer tank from reaching a certain sufficient vacuum level, as may occur in situations where the transfer tank is only set at ambient pressure, or even maintained at a high pressure above ambient pressure level, for example if the aforementioned transfer tank is evacuated by this high pressure. In conditions where there is an inappropriate vacuum level in the transfer box, serious contamination may result if the bowl drain valve is opened. In the worst case, high pressure in the transfer box can result in transporting waste out of the transfer box into the bowl.
According to the present invention, the occurrence of such a malfunction is prevented in that the bowl drain valve opens only when a sufficient vacuum level, e.g., a pressure significantly below ambient pressure, is present in the transfer tank. The vacuum level required to allow the bowl drain valve to open may range between 0.3-0.8 bar, in particular 0.45 bar to 0.65 bar. It should be understood that the predetermined vacuum level is a predetermined condition for opening the bowl drain valve, but is not to be construed as an indicator or trigger of the procedure for opening the bowl drain valve. This means that a different control program, such as a time program, can be used to control the opening of the bowl drain valve, but the control program will monitor the pressure sensor signal and only continue the bowl drain valve opening program if the pressure sensor signal is below the predetermined vacuum level.
Generally, in the present description and claims, vacuum is defined as the absolute pressure value and is generally located between 0 and 1 bar, wherein a vacuum with a smaller value (e.g. 0.3 bar) is defined as a vacuum greater than a vacuum with a larger value, e.g. 0.8 bar. Vacuum may also be defined as a percentage. This definition takes into account the dependence on ambient pressure, which is relevant for some applications of the invention. Whereas at an altitude of 100 meters above sea level an absolute pressure of 0.7 bar may be sufficient for vacuum, but not at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level, the ambient absolute pressure will be 0.6 bar. The vacuum value of the percentage is calculated as:
％Vac＝100×(1-pVac/pAmb)，
wherein,
percent Vac is the value of the vacuum in percent,
pVac is absolute vacuum value (bar),
pAmb-ambient pressure (bar).
Thus, 0% vacuum means ambient pressure and 100% vacuum means a completely empty space.
According to the present invention, a relay pressure sensor is installed in the relay box to read the vacuum level inside the vacuum box. It is to be understood that the pressure sensor may be used for measuring pressures above vacuum and ambient pressure, such as overpressure, according to the present description and claims. This can be achieved by a single pressure sensor with a sufficient measurement range. Alternatively, two different pressure sensor units or pressure switches may be provided, wherein one pressure sensor or switch unit is used for measuring the vacuum level and the other for measuring the overpressure level. According to the invention as described above, at least a vacuum pressure unit is required for controlling the invention, but two units may form a pressure sensor or switch according to the invention and may also provide an additional function for measuring overpressure. In addition, it is to be understood that a relay pressure sensor may be considered a pressure switch or a vacuum switch or a switch having dual functions as a pressure switch and a vacuum switch in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the sensor should be understood to measure a similar signal or determine a numerical state.
According to a first preferred embodiment, the toilet control unit is further adapted to start a transfer drain program, comprising: controlling the air pressure source to create pressure in the transfer box to open the transfer drain valve with a delay after the air pressure source is controlled to create pressure in the transfer box, wherein the delay is achieved by: the method includes reading a pressure sensor signal of the transfer pressure sensor, comparing the pressure sensor signal to a predetermined pressure level (which will be an integral function in the case where the sensor is implemented as a switch), and opening the transfer drain valve immediately upon the predetermined pressure level being reached, or for a predetermined period of time after the air pressure source is controlled to generate pressure in the transfer tank.
After the wastewater is transferred from the bowl to the transfer tank by vacuum, the wastewater needs to be transferred to the wastewater tank. It will be appreciated that this draining of the transfer tank may occur each time after the bedpan draining is performed, but preferably the draining procedure for the bedpan and transfer tank is controlled at a different frequency, for example to drain the transfer tank less often than the bedpan.
According to a particular improvement provided by this embodiment of the invention, the transit drain valve is opened with a certain delay after the start of the high pressure generation in the transit box. This delay has the effect that a certain degree of high pressure is already present in the transfer tank when the transfer drain valve is opened. Thereby, the waste water in the transfer tank is transferred out of the transfer tank at an increased speed under a significant pressure difference inside the transfer tank compared to the pressure in the waste tank which normally corresponds to the ambient pressure. There are advantages in that any solid materials in the wastewater are safely diverted through the transfer drain valve and the transfer drain line, and the risk of clogging due to such solid materials that may be present in the transfer tank due to abuse or damage is significantly reduced. The waste water packet passing through the transit drain line at a high speed may cause a suction effect behind the waste water packet, which helps to clean the transit drain valve and prevent malfunction of the transit drain valve for a long period of time.
According to another preferred embodiment, the toilet control unit is further adapted to start a transfer drain procedure if the pressure sensor signal is not below the predetermined vacuum level for a predetermined period of time after the vacuum source is controlled to create a vacuum in the transfer box, wherein the transfer drain procedure preferably corresponds to the transfer drain procedure explained above. In the event that a sufficient vacuum level is not reached in the transfer tank to effect transfer of wastewater from the bowl to the transfer tank, the transfer tank is preferably empty to allow for maintenance and to prevent contamination. This is achieved by automatically performing a transfer drain sequence in which waste water from the aforementioned bowl drain sequence that may still be present in the transfer tank is transferred to the waste water tank. In general, this transfer drain sequence is preferably performed by the transfer drain sequence described previously as a preferred embodiment, with a delay in opening the transfer drain valve to generate a sufficient high pressure in the transfer tank. Alternatively, however, a simplified transfer drainage procedure is preferably performed in certain situations due to obstacles preventing sufficient vacuum from being established in the transfer box, and may equally be used to establish sufficient pressure in the transfer box. Therefore, an additional procedure for draining the transfer tank can also be used in this case.
According to another preferred embodiment, the toilet control unit is also adapted to start the relay drainage program if the bedpan drainage program has been performed a predetermined number of times since the last relay drainage program or if the contents level sensor indicates that a predetermined level of contents is in the relay box. As discussed previously, preferably the interim drain procedure is performed less often than the bowl drain procedure. In particular, the transfer tank may be configured to present a volume of waste water discharged by a plurality of bowl drain programs, such that waste water flowing out of the bowl may be collected through a series of bowl drain programs before the transfer drain program must be initiated. It is particularly preferred that the transitional drain sequence be initiated after 5-20 bowl drain sequences have been completed, and more particularly, after 10-15 bowl drain sequences have been completed. This will provide a good balance of transfer box volume that is sufficient to undertake a large number of bowl drain procedures, while being small enough to effectively and quickly establish a vacuum within the transfer box within the short time period for performing the bowl drain procedure.
Further preferably, the transfer drainage procedure is started at a minimum pressure level calculated using the following formula:
pT＝EPF×((VT+VTL)×pA)/VUF–pA
wherein:
pT is the minimum pressure level [ bar ] required for the intermediate drainage procedure,
EPF ═ excess pressure coefficient, selected from the range of 1 to 1.5,
VT is the total volume [ liter ] of the transfer box,
VTL is the volume of the transit drain line downstream of the transit drain valve in liters,
pA-ambient pressure [ bar ],
VUF ═ unfilled residual volume [ liter ] if the transfer box is full.
In order to perform a proper transfer drainage procedure, it is necessary to have sufficient pressure in the transfer tank even at the final stage of discharging the final wastewater out of the transfer tank and transferring it to the wastewater tank. At this final stage, the initially pressurized gas volume will expand to nearly the entire volume of the transfer box and must be further able to expand into the transfer drain. Sufficient pressure above ambient pressure must still occur. The inventors have realized that the pressure level suitable for the process may be determined depending on the settings of the vacuum toilet system. Different geometries and surrounding factors affect the level of suitable pressure. The larger the volume of the transfer box and transfer drain line, the higher the expansion rate of the pressurized air and thus the higher the pressure level required. In addition, the smaller the initially pressurized gas volume, the so-called unfilled residual volume in the transfer box, the higher the expansion rate and thus the higher the required pressure level. Typically, a transit drain valve is disposed at the transit box. However, in certain applications, the transfer drain valve may be arranged at a distance from the transfer tank. In this case, the volume of the portion of the transit drain line spanning this distance should be increased to the total volume VT of the transit box.
Still further, preferably, the bowl drain program is initiated at a minimum vacuum level, which is calculated using the following formula:
pvT＝1/EVF×pA×(VUF-VFL)/(VUF+VBL)
wherein:
pvT-the minimum vacuum level bar required for the bowl drain procedure,
EVF ═ excess vacuum coefficient, selected from the range of 1 to 1.5,
VUF-the unfilled residual volume of the transfer tank if it is full, preferably the unfilled volume of the transfer tank after the last flush [ liter ],
VBL is the volume of the bowl drain line downstream of the bowl drain valve in liters,
pA-ambient pressure [ bar ],
VFL is the volume of flush water [ liter ].
According to this preferred embodiment, the principle of determining the pressure level is used for the vacuum level of the bowl drain procedure. In this case, generally the same principles as discussed above are used to determine the minimum vacuum level in the transfer box.
However, the present inventors have found some differences compared to the interim drainage procedure. Typically, the transfer box is full and has a predetermined unfilled volume each time the transfer drainage program is initiated. Thus, there is a constant value with respect to the volume in which the pressure is built up in the transit drainage procedure. This is in contrast to situations where the transfer tank in a bowl drain sequence may have previously stored a variable number of flushes. Thus, the unfilled volume in which vacuum is established in the transfer box is not constant, but will be periodically increased to the entire transfer box volume after each transfer drain sequence and then gradually decreased with each bowl drain sequence. This can be solved by a simplified setting of the minimum vacuum level, wherein the minimum unfilled volume of the transfer box, i.e. the unfilled volume under conditions requiring a transfer drainage procedure, is used as a basis for the calculation.
However, this would produce a very high vacuum level in all of these situations where the transfer box is not in a state just prior to the transfer drain sequence, but may have received only one or two flushes. Thus, according to the preferred setting convention, the actual unfilled volume is considered in the setting of the minimum vacuum level for the bowl drain procedure. This can be achieved by counting the number of flushes after the last transfer drainage procedure and calculating the unfilled volume of the transfer tank therefrom. Alternatively, a transfer case level sensor may be used.
In addition, a bowl drain valve is typically disposed proximate the bowl. Thus, the volume of the bowl drain line is contained in the volume where vacuum is established. It will be appreciated that in the case of mounting the second valve in the bowl drain line disposed close to the transfer tank, the volume of the bowl drain line should not be added to the unfilled residual volume VUF of the transfer tank, but rather to the flush water volume VFL.
The flush water volume is the volume of flush water that is injected into the bowl during the bowl drain procedure.
According to another preferred embodiment, the toilet control unit is adapted to be programmed for a specific flushing program by means of the user interface when the vacuum toilet system is installed, and to thereafter initiate a flushing program in operation of the vacuum toilet system upon receiving an activation signal by means of the user interface, said flushing program comprising the steps of: the vacuum source is controlled to create a vacuum in the transfer chamber, flush water is injected into the bowl for a specific flush period that is programmed by means of the user interface prior to the commencement of said flush water injection, and the bowl drain valve is controlled to open for a predetermined period of time after the commencement of said flush water injection. According to the preferred embodiment, the vacuum toilet system is adapted to perform a specific flushing procedure. A flushing program is to be understood as a program in which the toilet bowl is drained from the waste water and which drainage program is combined with flushing the toilet bowl by means of flushing water.
According to this embodiment, at the beginning of the flush procedure, the vacuum source is controlled, i.e., activated, to create a vacuum in the transfer chamber. This serves to establish the vacuum once a signal for a flushing procedure is received. The signal may be received, for example, by means of a user interface, for example, by a button that may be manually activated by a user. Further, flush water is injected into the bowl. This may be done simultaneously with the activation of the vacuum source, or may be done before or after the activation of the vacuum source. The flush water cleans the bowl and dilutes the waste water therein. Thereafter, a mixture of flush water and waste water may be maintained in the bowl. The injection of the flush water continues for a specific duration. This duration is directly related to the volume of flush water injected into the bowl. In some specific applications, a large volume of flush water may be preferred, and in other applications, a smaller volume of flush water may be preferred. According to the invention, this makes it possible to set a program when installing the toilet. It will be appreciated that this setting procedure only takes place at installation and that thereafter, a time interval thus set, for example the duration of the injection of flushing water, is maintained for the operation of the toilet.
In addition, according to the present embodiment, the toilet bowl drain valve is caused to open for a predetermined period of time after the injection of flush water is turned on. Thus, the time that the bowl drain valve is opened is independent of the duration of flush water injection previously programmed in the installation program. This particular combination of programmable time and fixed time in the practice of the flush procedure results in a time interval between the cessation of flush water injection and the opening of the bowl drain valve that can be shortened (if a large volume of flush water is injected) and lengthened (if a small volume of flush water is injected). Flush water injection may even intersect with the opening of the bowl drain valve. However, this ensures that further flushing procedures can be safely carried out with predetermined routines and time intervals.
Still further, it is preferred that the toilet control unit is further adapted to detect an incomplete closing state of the bowl drain valve and to initiate a flush sequence if the incomplete closing state is detected, the flush sequence comprising the steps of: the flush water in the flush tank is injected into the bowl through at least one flush water nozzle, the vacuum source is controlled to create a vacuum in the transfer tank, and the bowl drain valve is controlled to switch from a closed state to an open state. A problematic situation may often occur in vacuum toilets due to abuse or damage. This situation can occur when smaller or larger products are thrown into the bowl and are captured in the bowl drain valve. In this situation, the bowl drain valve may not be able to close completely due to blockage by movement of the valve. Due to the large frequency of such situations, it would be very disadvantageous if in each such situation the toilet would be closed and would require servicing. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the toilet control unit is adapted to detect this incomplete closing state and will try to overcome this situation by performing a flushing program which is named "repair flush cycle". Through this flushing procedure, product or particles clogging the bowl drain valve may be flushed out of its clogged position into the transfer tank and thus allow the vacuum toilet system to thereafter operate in a normal state. The flushing procedure may be performed by the steps of the flushing procedure described previously. However, given that the flush sequence must begin with a partially clogged, i.e., not fully closed, bowl drain valve, the flush sequence can be performed under different conditions and with different parameters. For example, a flush procedure may inhibit the need for a particular vacuum level in the transfer tank, as it may not be possible due to an incomplete closing of the bowl drain valve. In addition, the flush sequence may be performed with a large volume of flush water to increase the effectiveness of flushing away particles or products clogging the bowl drain valve. Other improvements may also be made.
Further, a specific aspect of this embodiment is the manner in which incomplete closing of the bowl drain valve is detected. According to a first modification, the toilet control unit is adapted to detect an incomplete closed state of the toilet bowl drain valve by reading a pressure signal of the transfer tank pressure sensor and comparing the pressure signal to a minimum vacuum level for a predetermined period of time after the vacuum source is activated to create a vacuum in the transfer tank or to a minimum rate of increase in the vacuum level after the vacuum source has been activated to create a vacuum in the transfer tank. In addition, the toilet control unit is adapted to set the parameter indicative of the incomplete closing status of the bowl drain valve to a "YES" status if the minimum vacuum level is not reached or the minimum vacuum level increase rate is not achieved within a predetermined period of time. According to the present embodiment, detection of the incompletely closed state is achieved by monitoring the pressure inside the transfer box. The advantage of this approach is to use the sensor signal of the pressure sensor at the transfer box, in any case often requiring other procedures for the vacuum toilet. Therefore, no additional sensor is required. The principle relies on the effect that if leakage occurs through a bowl drain valve that is not fully closed, the vacuum inside the transfer tank cannot be established under normal conditions. Alternatively, the vacuum in the transit will not achieve the required level and this can be used as an indicator or increase to indicate an incomplete closing of the bowl drain valve, i.e. the first derivation (first derivative) of the pressure at the time rate of the vacuum level in the transit tank is lower than if the bowl drain valve were to be fully closed and this would allow a quick determination of this incomplete closing. Both approaches result in the determination of an incomplete shut-down state and thus allow the flushing procedure to be initiated for removing the situation.
According to another alternative or additional embodiment, the bowl drain valve comprises a valve housing connected to the source of air pressure to generate a pressure in the valve housing that is higher than ambient pressure, and wherein the toilet control unit is adapted to detect the incomplete closing state of the bowl drain valve by monitoring a pressure signal of a bowl drain valve pressure sensor measuring the pressure inside the valve housing, and wherein the toilet control unit is further adapted to set a parameter indicative of the incomplete closing state of the bowl drain valve in a "yes" state if the pressure signal of the bowl drain valve pressure sensor is not higher than a minimum pressure level. This particular embodiment relies on a bowl drain valve having a particular design in which the housing of the bowl drain valve is set at a pressure above ambient pressure. This is a specific setting that helps prevent clogging and leakage of the bowl drain valve because overpressure is prevented and any particles or product that may clog during operation will be prevented from entering the gap of the bowl drain valve. The high pressure in the housing will push the particles and product back into the line and help transfer them into the transfer box. In addition, pressure will be a good indicator of an incomplete close condition because in such an incomplete close condition, the pressure will permanently drop due to the air introduced into the bowl drain line. Thus, in this particular situation, monitoring the pressure signal of the bowl drain valve pressure sensor will allow for a reliable determination of the incomplete closed state of the bowl drain valve.
According to another preferred embodiment, the flushing program is repeated if the toilet control unit detects an incompletely closed state of the bowl drain valve after said flushing program, wherein the toilet control unit is further adapted to limit the number of repetitions of the flushing program to a predetermined number of times, and to switch the vacuum toilet to a disabled state if the toilet control unit detects an incompletely closed state of the bowl drain valve after said predetermined number of flushing programs has been performed. This further improved embodiment is adapted to perform a plurality of repair flush cycles if an incomplete closed condition of the bowl drain valve is detected. This can be done in such a way that as soon as an incomplete shut-off state is detected, a total of three flushing programs are carried out in succession one after the other; or in such a way that a first repair flush sequence is initiated whenever an incomplete shut down condition is detected and another repair flush sequence is initiated in the event that an incomplete shut down condition of the bowl drain valve is still detected, and this may be repeated a number of times. According to this embodiment, the number of repetitions is limited and if an incomplete closed state of the bowl drain valve is also detected after a limited number of restorative flush procedures have been performed, the vacuum toilet system will automatically switch to the error state and not allow further operation. Preferably, the number of repair flush cycles is limited to 2-5, especially 3.
Another aspect of the invention is a method for controlling a vacuum toilet system for use in a vehicle, wherein a bowl drain procedure for a bowl having a bowl drain opening is performed, comprising the steps of: controlling a vacuum source to create a vacuum inside a transfer box connected to a bowl drain by way of a bowl drain line, wherein the transfer box is connected to the vacuum source and includes a transfer drain; reading a pressure sensor signal of a transfer case pressure sensor to determine a vacuum level inside the transfer case; comparing the pressure sensor signal to a predetermined vacuum level; and controlling a switchable bowl drain valve arranged in the bowl drain line to switch from a closed state to an open state when the pressure sensor signal is below a predetermined vacuum level; and in the transit drain procedure, transferring the wastewater in the transit tank to a wastewater tank connected to the transit drain by means of the transit drain line by disabling the vacuum source, closing the bowl drain valve, activating the air pressure source connected to the transit tank to generate a pressure inside the transit tank that is higher than the ambient pressure, opening a switchable transit drain valve disposed in the transit drain line to open the transit drain line.
The method may be further improved wherein the transfer drainage program comprises the steps of: disabling the vacuum source, closing the bowl drain valve, controlling the air pressure source to create pressure in the transfer tank, and opening the transfer drain valve with a delay after the air pressure source is controlled to create pressure in the transfer tank by reading a pressure sensor signal of the transfer pressure sensor, comparing the pressure sensor signal to a predetermined pressure level, and opening the transfer drain valve immediately upon reaching the predetermined pressure level; alternatively, the wastewater in the transfer tank is transferred to the wastewater tank by a transfer drain process and the transfer drain valve is opened a predetermined period of time after the air pressure source is controlled to generate pressure in the transfer tank.
The method may be further developed wherein the toilet control unit is further adapted to be switched on if the pressure sensor signal is not below a predetermined vacuum level within a predetermined time period after the vacuum source is controlled to create a vacuum in the transfer box, wherein the transfer drainage program preferably corresponds to the transfer drainage program as described above.
In addition, the method may be further modified wherein the interim drain sequence is initiated if a predetermined number of bedpan drain sequences have been performed since the last interim drain sequence or if the contents level sensor indicates that a predetermined level of contents is in the interim tank.
In addition, the method can be further improved by: the vacuum toilet is installed with a specific flushing time period programmed by means of a user interface, and thereafter in operation of the vacuum toilet a flushing program is initiated upon receiving an activation signal by means of the user interface, said flushing program comprising the steps of: controlling the vacuum source to create a vacuum in the transfer box, injecting flush water into the bowl for the predetermined flush period and controlling the bowl drain valve to open for a predetermined period of time after the flush water injection begins.
In addition, the method can be further improved by: detecting an incomplete shut-off condition of the bowl drain valve and initiating a flush sequence if such an incomplete shut-off condition is detected, the flush sequence comprising the steps of: flush water is injected into the bowl from the flush tank through at least one flush water nozzle, the vacuum source is controlled to create a vacuum in the transfer tank, and the bowl drain valve is controlled to switch from a closed state to an open state.
Additionally, the method may be further developed wherein the incompletely closed state of the bowl drain valve is detected by reading a pressure signal of a transfer box pressure sensor and comparing the pressure signal to a minimum vacuum level for a predetermined period of time after the vacuum source is activated to create a vacuum in the transfer box, or to a minimum vacuum level increase rate after the vacuum source is activated to create a vacuum in the transfer box; and wherein the parameter indicative of an incomplete shut down state of the bowl drain valve is set to a "yes" state if the minimum vacuum level is not reached within the predetermined period of time or the minimum vacuum level increase rate is not achieved.
Additionally, the method may be modified wherein the bowl drain valve includes a valve housing connected to a source of air pressure and creating a pressure within the valve housing above ambient pressure, wherein an incomplete closed state of the bowl drain valve is detected by: a pressure signal of a bowl drain valve pressure sensor that measures the pressure inside the valve housing is detected, and if the pressure signal of the bowl drain valve pressure sensor is not above a minimum pressure level, a parameter indicating an incomplete closed state of the bowl drain valve is set to a "yes" state.
In addition, the method can be further improved by: if the toilet control unit detects the incomplete closing state of the drain valve of the toilet bowl after the flushing program, repeating the flushing program; limiting the number of times the flush procedure is repeated to a predetermined number of times; and after the predetermined number of times of flushing programs are carried out, if the toilet control unit detects the incomplete closing state of the toilet bowl drain valve, switching the vacuum toilet to the failure state.
It is to be understood that the method according to the invention and preferred embodiments of the method may preferably be performed by a vacuum toilet system as explained before. The modifications and advantages of the method and of the preferred embodiments of the method correspond to the characteristics of the vacuum toilet system explained before, and it is to be understood that the functionality explained before applies in the same way to the method of controlling a vacuum toilet system.
Drawings
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1-5 show cross-sectional views of a vacuum toilet system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which a bowl drain procedure and a transfer tank drain procedure are performed in sequence.
Detailed Description
As can be seen from the figures, the vacuum toilet system comprises a bowl 10 having a bowl drain 11.
The bowl drain 11 is connected to the transfer case 20 by means of a bowl drain line 12. A bowl drain valve 13 is inserted into this bowl drain line and is disposed proximate to the transfer case 20. It is generally understood that a single bowl drain valve may be used as shown. However, in other applications, two valves may be inserted in the bowl drain line, one near the bowl outlet and one near the inlet of the transfer tank. This provides sufficient safety against leakage and counter pressure.
The bowl drain line is connected to the transfer box at a level near the upper end of the transfer box. A transfer box drain 21 is arranged at the bottom of the transfer box and is connected to a waste water tank 30 by means of a transfer drain line 22. The relay drain valve 23 is inserted into the relay drain line 22 close to the relay box.
At the top of the transfer box, a vacuum line 41 connects to the transfer box and connects the transfer box to a vacuum source 40. In addition, at the top of the vacuum box, a pressure line is connected to and connects the transfer box to a pressure source 50.
Starting now with fig. 1, a flush cycle is initiated by the user manually pushing button 15, as shown in fig. 1. The button 15 is connected to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 is connected to the pressure sensors of the transfer box 20, to the valves 13, 23, to the vacuum source 40 and to the pressure source 50, which lines are not shown in the drawing. Thereby, the vacuum source 40 is activated and a vacuum is created in the transfer box 20. In addition, flush water 16 is injected into the bowl 10 and mixed with the waste water in the bowl. The volume of flushing water is determined by the duration of the injection, which is programmed through a user interface at the control unit 100 when the vacuum toilet system is installed.
At a predetermined time after the button 15 is manually activated, the control unit reads the pressure sensor at the transfer box to determine if a vacuum level of 30% or less is present in the transfer box. Normally in normal operation this vacuum level has been achieved and so the control unit will control the bowl drain valve to open at this predetermined time.
In case the predetermined time does not achieve the required vacuum level of 30% or less, the control unit will wait for an additional time and thereafter read the pressure sensor signal of the transfer box again. If the desired vacuum level is achieved after this additional time, the control unit will control the bowl drain valve to open after this additional time.
The control unit will detect incomplete closing of the bowl drain valve even in the event that the desired vacuum level is not achieved for additional time. In this case, a repair flush cycle will be initiated by the control unit. First, it will be detected by means of a reading sensor whether at least a small vacuum level is present in the transfer box or whether there is no pressure above ambient level in the transfer box. If a pressure above ambient is present in the transfer tank, the flush cycle will not be initiated because the opening of the bowl drain valve may cause contamination by the back flow of the transfer tank into the bowl. Alternatively, in this case, the transit drainage process will be started as explained below.
In the event that no pressure above ambient is detected inside the pressure tank, a flush cycle will be initiated in which the bowl drain valve is opened and flush water is drained from the bowl into the transfer tank. Thereafter, the closed state of the bowl drain valve will be detected, and if a fully closed state is detected, the vacuum toilet system will enter a ready sequence and be ready for the next operation. In case an incomplete shut down condition is still detected, another flushing cycle will be initiated and this will be repeated immediately upon later detection of an incomplete shut down condition again. When a total of three remedial flush procedures are completed and the bowl drain valve is still not fully closed, the toilet will automatically go into a trouble state and will not be ready for further operation thereafter.
In the event that a vacuum level of 30% or less occurs after a predetermined or additional time, the bowl drain valve will be controlled to open by the control unit. The mixture of waste water and flush water will be discharged out of the bowl into the transfer box. At a predetermined time after the bowl drain valve opens, it will be closed again.
After the bowl drain valve is closed again, the vacuum toilet system will be ready and ready for a new operation, i.e. a new flush cycle. As soon as a total of 12 flushing programs have been completed after the last intermediate drainage program or if a level sensor inside the intermediate box indicates that a certain maximum level has been achieved by the waste water inside the intermediate box, the intermediate drainage program will be initiated by the control unit. In this case, the pressure source will be activated and the transfer box will be placed at a pressure above the ambient pressure level. At a predetermined time after the pressure source is activated, the intermediate drain valve 23 will open. At this predetermined time, a considerable pressure above the ambient pressure will occur in the transfer box, for example a pressure of 2 bar will occur in the transfer box. By applying this pressure to the waste water in the transfer box, the waste water inside the transfer box will exit the transfer box at a considerable speed. This will help push any particles or items out of the transfer box and into the waste tank through the transfer drain. The control unit will control the transit drain valve to close again a predetermined period of time after the transit drain valve is opened, and the transit box will be completely emptied under this condition. The vacuum toilet system will then switch to ready mode and will be ready for operation and a new flushing program.
It will be appreciated that a pressure level of 2 bar is not a fixed value for any vacuum toilet system. Instead, the level depends on the total volume of the transfer box, the remaining unfilled volume of the transfer box at the time of the transfer drainage procedure, and the length (or, precisely, the volume) of the transfer drainage line. The smaller the total volume of the transfer tank and the remaining unfilled volume and the longer the transfer drain line, the higher vacuum level is required for a proper bowl drain procedure. For example, if a transfer box with a volume of 35 liters is installed, wherein a transfer drainage procedure is started at least if the transfer box is filled with 50% (corresponding to an unfilled residual volume of 17.5 liters) and the transfer drainage line has a length of 0.8 liters volume, a pressure level of 1.25 bar may be sufficient. However, if only a 20 litre volume transfer box is installed (with 9 litres of unfilled residual volume therein) and the same length of bowl drain line is installed, the pressure level must be higher, i.e. possibly 1.5 bar. Vice versa, if a transfer box of 35 liter volume is installed, wherein the transfer drainage program is started if the transfer box is filled by 50% and the transfer drainage line has a length of 5 liter volume, a higher pressure level, for example 1.5 bar, is also required. In general, the pressure level may be calculated using the following formula:
pT＝EPF×((VT+VL)×pA)/VUF–pA
wherein:
pT-pressure level required for intermediate drainage procedure
EPF-excess pressure coefficient
VT is the total volume of the transfer box
VL is volume of transit drainage line
pA-ambient pressure
VUF ═ unfilled residual volume
It is to be understood that the EPF is selected from the range of 1 to 1.5 to adapt the vacuum toilet system to geometrical specifications such as the diameter of the transit drain, the curvature of the transit drain at the transit outlet and the slope of the transit drain. The coefficient should be higher if the curvature has a small radius or a large angle of curvature and if the inclination angle and the diameter are small. Vice versa, a large radius or small angle of curvature, a large slope and a large diameter may result in a smaller EPF.
The principle of calculating an appropriate pressure level in the transfer box for controlling an appropriate transfer drain program can be used in the same manner to calculate an appropriate vacuum level in the transfer box for controlling an appropriate bowl drain program.
Claims (16)
1. A vacuum toilet system for a vehicle, comprising:
-a bowl having a bowl discharge opening,
-a transfer box connected to the bowl drain by means of a bowl drain line, wherein the transfer box comprises a transfer drain,
wherein a switchable bowl drain valve is arranged in the bowl drain line to close or open the bowl drain line,
wherein the transfer box is connected to a vacuum source and an air pressure source,
wherein the transfer case is connected to a transfer case pressure sensor adapted to detect a pressure inside the transfer case,
-a waste water tank connected to the transit drain by means of a transit drain line, wherein a switchable transit drain valve is arranged in the transit drain line to close or open the transit drain line,
characterized in that the toilet control unit is also included and is connected to the toilet bowl drain valve, the transfer tank pressure sensor, the vacuum source and the air pressure source for signal transmission,
wherein the toilet control unit is adapted to control a bowl drainage program of the toilet bowl, comprising the steps of:
-controlling the vacuum source to create a vacuum in the transfer box,
-controlling the bowl drain valve to switch from a closed state to an open state, and
-wherein the toilet control unit is further adapted to:
reading a pressure sensor signal of the transfer box pressure sensor,
comparing the pressure sensor signal with a predetermined vacuum level, and
opening only the bowl drain valve if the pressure sensor signal is below the predetermined vacuum level;
wherein if the pressure sensor signal is not below the predetermined vacuum level within a predetermined time period after the vacuum source is controlled to create vacuum in the transfer box, the toilet control unit is further adapted to detect whether a pressure above ambient pressure is present in the transfer box, and to initiate a transfer drain procedure such that the transfer box is empty when a pressure above ambient pressure is present in the transfer box;
wherein the transfer drainage program comprises:
controlling the air pressure source to create a pressure in the transfer box,
opening the transit drain valve with a delay after the air pressure source is controlled to create pressure in the transit box, wherein the delay is achieved by either:
reading a pressure sensor signal of the transfer box pressure sensor, comparing the pressure sensor signal with a predetermined pressure level, and opening the transfer drain valve immediately after the predetermined pressure level is reached; or
Opening the transit drain valve a predetermined period of time after the air pressure source is controlled to create pressure in the transit box.
2. A vacuum toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the toilet control unit is also adapted to start the transfer drain sequence if a predetermined number of the bowl drain sequences have been performed since the last transfer drain sequence or if a content level sensor indicates a predetermined level of content in the transfer tank.
3. The vacuum toilet system according to claim 1,
the transfer drain procedure begins at a minimum pressure level calculated using the following equation:
pT = EPF × ((VT+VTL) ×pA ) / VUF – pA
wherein:
pT = minimum pressure level required for the transit drainage procedure,
EPF = excess pressure coefficient, selected from the range of 1-1.5,
VT = the total volume of the transfer box,
VTL = volume of the transit drainage line,
pA = the pressure of the surroundings and the ambient pressure,
VUF = unfilled residual volume under the condition that the transfer box is full.
4. A vacuum toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the bowl drain procedure is initiated at a minimum vacuum level calculated using the formula:
pvT = 1/EVF × pA × (VUF-VFL) / (VUF+VBL)
wherein:
pvT = minimum vacuum level [ bar ] required for the bowl drain procedure,
EVF = excess vacuum coefficient, selected from the range of 1-1.5,
VUF = unfilled residual volume if the transfer tank was full, or unfilled volume of the transfer tank after the last flush [ liter ],
VBL = volume [ liter ] of the bowl drain line downstream of the bowl drain valve,
pA = ambient pressure [ bar ],
VFL = volume of wash water [ liter ].
5. The vacuum toilet system according to claim 1,
-wherein the toilet control unit is adapted to be programmed for a specific flushing program by means of a user interface when installing the vacuum toilet system, and
-adapted to initiate a flushing procedure in the operation of the vacuum toilet system thereafter upon receiving an activation signal by means of the user interface, the flushing procedure comprising the steps of:
controlling the vacuum source to create a vacuum in the transfer box,
injecting flush water into the bowl for a specific flush period previously programmed by means of the user interface, and
controlling the bowl drain valve to open for a predetermined period of time after the start of the flush water injection.
6. The vacuum toilet system according to claim 1,
wherein the toilet control unit is further adapted to detect an incomplete closing state of the bowl drain valve and to initiate a flushing sequence if the incomplete closing state is detected, the flushing sequence comprising the steps of:
-injecting flushing water from a flushing water tank into the bedpan through at least one flushing water nozzle,
-controlling the vacuum source to create a vacuum in the transfer box,
-controlling the bowl drain valve to switch from a closed state to an open state.
7. The vacuum toilet system according to claim 6,
wherein the toilet control unit is adapted to detect an incompletely closed state of the bowl drain valve by:
-reading a pressure signal of the transfer box pressure sensor and comparing the pressure signal with the pressure signal
The vacuum source is activated to compare a minimum vacuum level for a predetermined period of time after the vacuum is created in the transfer box, or
Comparing the minimum vacuum level increase rate after the vacuum source has been activated to create a vacuum in the transfer box,
-and wherein the toilet control unit is further adapted to set a parameter indicative of an incompletely closed state of the bowl drain valve to a "yes" state under the following conditions:
if the minimum vacuum level is not reached within a predetermined period of time, or
If the minimum vacuum level increase rate is not achieved.
8. The vacuum toilet system according to claim 6,
wherein the bowl drain valve comprises a valve housing connected to the air pressure source to generate a pressure in the valve housing above ambient pressure, and wherein the toilet control unit is adapted to detect an incompletely closed state of the bowl drain valve by monitoring a pressure signal of a bowl drain valve pressure sensor measuring the pressure inside the valve housing, and
wherein the toilet control unit is further adapted to set a parameter indicative of an incomplete closing state of the bowl drain valve in a "yes" state if the pressure signal of the bowl drain valve pressure sensor is not above a minimum pressure level.
9. The vacuum toilet system according to claim 6,
wherein if the toilet control unit detects an incompletely closed state of the bowl drain valve after the flush procedure, the flush procedure is repeated,
wherein the toilet control unit is further adapted to limit the number of repetitions of the flush sequence to a predetermined number and to switch the vacuum toilet system to a disabled state if the toilet control unit detects an incomplete closing state of the bowl drain valve after a predetermined number of the flush sequences have been performed.
10. A method for controlling a vacuum toilet system for use in a vehicle, wherein
The toilet control unit performs a toilet bowl drainage program for a toilet bowl having a toilet bowl drain port, and includes the steps of:
controlling a vacuum source to create a vacuum inside a transfer box connected to the bowl drain by way of a bowl drain line, wherein the transfer box is connected to the vacuum source and includes a transfer drain;
reading a pressure sensor signal of a transfer case pressure sensor to determine a vacuum level inside the transfer case;
comparing the pressure sensor signal to a predetermined vacuum level; and is
Controlling a switchable bowl drain valve disposed in the bowl drain line to switch from a closed state to an open state when the pressure sensor signal is below the predetermined vacuum level; and is
In a transit drain sequence, transferring waste water in the transit tank to a waste water tank connected to a transit drain by means of the transit drain line by disabling the vacuum source, closing the bowl drain valve, activating an air pressure source connected to the transit tank to create a pressure inside the transit tank that is higher than ambient pressure, opening a switchable transit drain valve disposed in the transit drain line to open the transit drain line;
wherein if the pressure sensor signal is not below the predetermined vacuum level for a predetermined period of time after the vacuum source is controlled to create vacuum in the transfer box, the toilet control unit is further adapted to detect whether a pressure above ambient pressure is present in the transfer box, and to initiate the transfer drain procedure such that the transfer box is empty when a pressure above ambient pressure is present in the transfer box;
wherein the transfer drainage program comprises the following steps:
-disabling the vacuum source(s),
-closing the bowl drain valve,
-controlling the air pressure source to create a pressure in the transfer box,
-opening the transfer drain valve with a delay after the air pressure source is controlled to create pressure in the transfer tank,
wherein the delaying is accomplished by reading a pressure sensor signal of the transfer box pressure sensor, comparing the pressure sensor signal to a predetermined pressure level, and immediately opening the transfer drain valve when the predetermined pressure level is reached; alternatively, the wastewater in the transfer tank is transferred to the wastewater tank by the transfer drain process and the transfer drain valve is opened a predetermined period of time after the air pressure source is controlled to generate pressure in the transfer tank.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,
wherein the transit drain sequence is initiated if a predetermined number of the bowl drain sequences have been performed since the last of the transit drain sequences or if a content level sensor indicates a predetermined level of content in the transit box.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,
further comprising the steps of:
programming a predetermined flushing time period by means of a user interface when installing the vacuum toilet system, and
thereafter in operation of the vacuum toilet system, a flushing procedure is initiated upon receiving an activation signal by means of the user interface, the flushing procedure comprising the steps of:
controlling the vacuum source to create a vacuum in the transfer box, injecting flush water into the bowl for the predetermined flush time period, and controlling the bowl drain valve to open for a predetermined time period after the flush water injection begins.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,
further comprising the steps of:
detecting an incomplete closing state of the toilet bowl drain valve, an
Initiating a flush sequence if such an incomplete shutdown condition is detected, the flush sequence comprising the steps of:
injecting flush water from a flush tank into the bowl through at least one flush water nozzle, controlling the vacuum source to create a vacuum in the transfer tank, controlling the bowl drain valve to switch from a closed state to an open state.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,
wherein the incompletely closed state of the bowl drain valve is detected by reading a pressure signal of the transfer box pressure sensor and comparing the pressure signal to a minimum vacuum level for a predetermined period of time after the vacuum source is activated to create a vacuum in the transfer box or to a minimum vacuum level increase rate after the vacuum source is activated to create a vacuum in the transfer box;
and wherein the parameter indicative of said incomplete closing state of said bowl drain valve is set to a "yes" state if said minimum vacuum level has not been reached within said predetermined period of time or if said minimum vacuum level growth rate has not been achieved.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,
wherein the bowl drain valve includes a valve housing connected to the source of air pressure and creating a pressure within the valve housing above ambient pressure, and wherein the incomplete closed state of the bowl drain valve is detected by:
monitoring the pressure signal of a pressure sensor of the drain valve of the toilet bowl which measures the pressure inside the valve housing, and
setting a parameter indicative of the incomplete closing state of the bowl drain valve to a "yes" state if the pressure signal of the bowl drain valve pressure sensor is not above a minimum pressure level.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,
further comprising the steps of:
repeating the flushing sequence if the toilet control unit detects the incomplete closed state of the toilet bowl drain valve after the flushing sequence;
limiting the number of times the flush procedure is repeated to a predetermined number of times; and
switching the vacuum toilet system to a disabled state if the toilet control unit detects the incomplete closed state of the bowl drain valve after the predetermined number of times of the flush sequence.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201511015986.0A CN105644463B (en) | 2015-12-29 | 2015-12-29 | Vacuum toilet system for vehicle |
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| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| CN201511015986.0A CN105644463B (en) | 2015-12-29 | 2015-12-29 | Vacuum toilet system for vehicle |
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| CN105644463A CN105644463A (en) | 2016-06-08 |
| CN105644463B true CN105644463B (en) | 2021-10-29 |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CN106049615B (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2018-11-13 | 中国航空工业集团公司西安飞机设计研究所 | A kind of control device of aircraft clear water and waste water system |
| DE202020101760U1 (en) * | 2020-04-01 | 2020-04-21 | Sanivac Gmbh | Vacuum toilet and container body for a vacuum toilet |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE469832B (en) * | 1992-02-05 | 1993-09-27 | Evac Ab | Vacuum toilet system with odor filter |
| ES1046525Y (en) * | 2000-06-12 | 2001-06-01 | Tecn Modulares E Ind S A | TOILET WITH MODULAR VACUUM EVACUATION SYSTEM. |
| CN1288019C (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2006-12-06 | 浙江大学 | Toilet excrement discharge system for high speed train |
| CN201214423Y (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2009-04-01 | 南车四方机车车辆股份有限公司 | Rail vehicle dirt collection system |
| EP2400071A1 (en) * | 2010-06-25 | 2011-12-28 | Tecnicas Modulares E Industriales, S.A. | Vacuum toilet system |
| CN102407814A (en) * | 2011-10-14 | 2012-04-11 | 安徽金诚汽车科技有限公司 | Sewerage system of coach toilet |
| CN202850155U (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2013-04-03 | 青岛斯坦博交通机电装备有限公司 | Transfer type vacuum toilet bowl |
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Effective date of registration: 20220425 Address after: German Weddle Patentee after: Evac Co.,Ltd. Address before: 124 Field Road, Weddell 22880, Germany Patentee before: YIWEIKE Co.,Ltd. |