DE102005045343A1 - Grey water e.g. toilet grey water, transfer unit for e.g. aircraft, has control valve block sucking floating body upwards such that valve disc moves away from connection for selectively opening valve unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit (100) has a connection (15) arranged for connecting the transfer unit to a vacuum waste-water system (7). A valve unit has a floating body (9) arranged for independent drainage of grey water, from a wash basin to the vacuum waste-water system when the grey water held in an interim storage in the transfer unit exceeds a predetermined fill level height. A control valve block (13) sucks the floating body upwards such that a valve disc (6) moves away from the connection for selectively opening the valve unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for the disposal of grey water from a wash basin to a vacuum waste-water system.

Description

The The present invention relates to greywater disposal in vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a transfer unit for a vehicle for disposal of greywater from a sink into a vacuum sewer system, the use of such a transfer unit in an aircraft, an aircraft comprising such a transfer unit, and a method to dispose of greywater from a sink into a vacuum sewer system.

gray water is the water that arises when using sinks and in the conventional aircraft technology used by a drain studs (Drain mast) is discharged below the hull to the environment.

One such drainage forms a connection between the sewage system and the outside world (the environment of the aircraft). Consequently, this is for example an opening required in the hull structure. So that opening does not lead to stability losses the structure leads, are additional reinforcements necessary, which to an increased Lead weight. Furthermore, such an opening provides for turbulence and thus serves to increase Air resistance, resulting in a reduced cruising speed and / or to an increased Kerosinbedarf leads. Furthermore, icing may occur due to the low outside temperatures of the drainage nozzle occur, which can lead to failure of the drainage system (because the nozzle is blocked).

It An object of the present invention is an improved greywater disposal for vehicles, especially for Aircraft to provide.

According to one embodiment The present invention is a transfer unit for a vehicle to dispose greywater from a sink into a vacuum sewer system, the transfer unit comprising a first port, executed for Connect the transfer unit to an outlet of the washbasin, a second Connection, executed to connect the transfer unit to the vacuum sewer system, and a self-opening Valve with a float, accomplished for self-draining from cached gray water in the transfer unit the sink into the vacuum sewer system when in the transfer unit Cached gray water exceeds a predetermined level height.

By this embodiment of the transfer unit, which on the one hand to the Sink and on the other hand connected to the vacuum sewer system is, is a cache for Gray water provided, which can empty itself, if one reached certain level is. The discharge of the transfer unit takes place sequentially (Whenever a certain volume of liquid from the sink into the transfer unit). Is the predetermined level height of the transfer unit reached, opens the valve by moving it from the float, which in the cached Greywater floats, is pulled up. Below you will find an at least partial emptying of the transfer unit into the vacuum sewer system instead, so that then (after automatically closing the valve) another Caching of wash water (gray water) can be done.

Of the drain studs (Drain Mast) can be omitted.

According to one another embodiment of the The present invention further provides the self-opening valve Valve plate for sealing the second port on, so that gray water from a buffer tank of the Transfer unit flows into the vacuum sewer system.

For example the valve plate is mounted below the float and such with the float connected to it when floating (ascending) of the float is pulled up so that opens the second connection to the vacuum sewer system.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention, the float on a rolling membrane, wherein the rolling diaphragm for unrolling on a housing inside and for sealing a transition between the float and the inside of the housing accomplished is.

For example, the floating of the float (and the associated upward movement) forces rolling of the rolling membrane on the inside of the housing, which creates a force opposite to the rolling direction (for example, because the membrane expands due to rolling and corresponding tensile forces develop). The tensile or return forces created by rolling cause the float with the rolling diaphragm (and therefore the entire valve) to move down again. As soon as the Pressure of the water from the bottom decreases (because the water has expired), so the valve will automatically move down again and close the drain to the vacuum sewer system again.

Of course they are also other return mechanisms, such as the use of spring elements against which the float at to work on his upward movement, or rubber elements or like that, possible.

According to one another embodiment of the In the present invention, the transfer unit further comprises a Control valve block with a vacuum connection, wherein the control valve block for optional opening executed the valve is, and wherein the control valve block for opening the valve, the float after sucks up so that the valve plate from the second port removed and thus releases the vacuum sewer system.

According to this embodiment The present invention is an additional opening mechanism in shape a control valve block provided. The control valve block can For example, be controlled externally, so that the valve can be opened optionally. in this connection If a vacuum connection to the housing interior is opened, then that the float is sucked up by the vacuum and thus the drain to Vacuum sewage system opens.

According to one another embodiment of the ensured by the present invention the rolling diaphragm internal stability of the float.

For example the rolling diaphragm can be designed as an integral part of the float and its shape define.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention provides the rolling diaphragm for a defined restoring force of the float with the valve plate from an open position back to a closed position.

This can be caused, for example, by the formation of tensile forces rolling the rolling membrane (when the float is moved upwards) be achieved. The tensile forces for example caused by an elongation of the rolling diaphragm while rolling. Also is the use of appropriate rubber or spring elements possible.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention, the transfer unit comprises an upper housing part and a lower housing part, which over a connection flange seal are detachably connected.

Consequently Is it possible, the housing to open the transfer unit, for example, a maintenance, cleaning or replacement of the Valve or just the float.

According to one another embodiment of the In the present invention, the transfer unit further comprises a bistable electromagnet that is at a power shortage or in the event of a system failure, the float with the valve disc automatically pulls up so that the valve plate from the second port removed and thus releases the vacuum sewer system.

Of the Electromagnet pulls, for example, when he is no longer with electricity is supplied, or if a corresponding relay in a power shortage or in case of failure of the system switches, the float and so that the entire valve is up. This is for example allows that the bistable electromagnet is a corresponding stable position would like to take when there is no electricity available stands or the relay has switched. This will make an emergency opening of the Transfer unit ensured in case of emergency.

According to one another embodiment of the According to the present invention, the valve disc has a second port corresponding conical shape, allowing automatic threading of the valve disk ensured in the second port when closing the valve is.

hereby will be an automatic threading and achieved a perfect fit of the valve disk in his seat.

According to one another embodiment of the Present invention, the sink is a sink one Aircraft toilet or an aircraft kitchen. Furthermore, the vacuum sewer system a vacuum sewer system in an airplane.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention is the use of a transfer unit, as described above, indicated in an aircraft.

The Use of such a transfer unit in an aircraft can cause that no drain mast is required anymore. This can lead to increased stability, lesser Weight, lower fuel consumption and lower air resistance to lead.

Farther is a method for disposing gray water from a sink in a vacuum sewer system, comprising the method the steps connecting a transfer unit to a drain of the sink, connecting the Transfer unit to the vacuum sewer system, and self-draining from cached gray water in the transfer unit the sink into the vacuum sewer system when in the transfer unit Cached gray water exceeds a certain level height.

Consequently greywater can work independently emptying a buffer in a vacuum sewer system without therefor an external control of the draining would be necessary. A drain mast is not for this required.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises an automatic Nachobenziehen of the float with the valve disk through a bistable electromagnet, so that the valve plate is removed from the second port and thus the Vacuum sewer system releases when a power shortage or a system failure occurs.

Consequently is also an opening of the valve and thus a discharge of cached gray water ensured if there is a malfunction within the vehicle comes.

According to one another embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of optional opening the valve by a control valve block with a vacuum connection, wherein the control valve block for the opening of the valve the float sucks up so that the valve plate from the second port removed and thus releases the vacuum sewer system.

hereby For example, it allows one Emptying the transfer unit to trigger externally, for example when the float is stuck (due to dirt deposits or due to icing). By switching on the vacuum, the float and thus the entire Valve solved become.

Further embodiments The present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

in the The invention will be described below with reference to exemplary embodiments closer to the drawing described.

1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In The following figure description will be for the same or similar Elements use the same reference numbers.

1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transfer unit 100 consists essentially of an upper housing part 1 and a lower housing part 16 , Furthermore, there is an inlet 5 provided, which the lower housing part 16 with a drain of a sink 17 combines. Furthermore, there is a second connection 15 provided, which is the bottom of the lower housing part 16 with a vacuum sewer system 7 combines.

The lower housing part 16 serves for intermediate storage of greywater, which via the inlet 5 from the sink or from a sink. The level of the cached greywater, for example, via a level gauge 19 which is inside the lower housing part 16 is arranged to be monitored. However, such a level gauge is not required.

The valve unit 2 . 6 . 9 consists of a float 9 with a rolling membrane 2 and a valve disk 6 , The valve unit 2 . 6 . 9 can move up and down to the port 15 to the vacuum sewer system 7 to open or close. To further increase the tightness, there are one or more gaskets 8th provided, which either on the valve plate 6 or on the inside of the lower housing part 16 are attached.

The upper housing part 1 and the lower housing part 16 are over the connecting flange 4 and the seal 3 detachably connected to each other, so that an appropriate maintenance of the valve unit 2 . 6 . 9 and the other located within the housing facilities is guaranteed.

To open the valve 2 . 6 . 9 To ensure power failure or other malfunction is a bistable solenoid 12 in the upper housing part 1 attached, which has a pull rope 11 with a fastening 10 on the float 9 is appropriate. In case of power failure, power shortage or the like (which is signaled for example by switching a relay) pulls the bistable solenoid 12 the float over the pull rope 11 up to the drain 15 to the vacuum sewer system 7 to open.

Furthermore, a valve block 13 with vacuum connection 14 provided which via a controller, eg in the valve block, can be controlled. In the control (not shown in 1 ) may be, for example, an electronic controller connected to a central control and control unit (not shown in FIG 1 ) connected. Furthermore, a ventilation 18 intended.

In the 1 shown transfer unit 100 Can be used for disposal of kitchen and toilet water in air, sea and land vehicles.

The transfer unit 100 consists of a round lightweight container 1 . 16 , which can be made of metal or plastic and which avoids dead spaces by its shape. Thus, the uniform outlet of the accumulating gray water is guaranteed. Inside the container is the float 9 with rolling membranes 2 and valve plates 6 that the container to the lower spout 15 closes.

As already described, the seal is with a suitable seal 8th , z. B. an O-ring provided. The floating float 9 is vibration resistant.

The two rolling diaphragms are designed in such a way that they hold the floating body in position during vibrations. In the float, an air tank (air cushion) is used, which floats at the moment in which the transfer unit 100 their max. Filling limit reached.

The transfer unit is required for this function 100 no sensory measuring technology or electric drives.

To the volume of the float 9 To reduce, a vacuum compensation at the connection 14 be created, the negative pressure at the outlet 7 counteracts.

Furthermore, the application of a vacuum 14 the opening of the valve 2 . 6 . 9 accelerate.

The transfer unit 100 is through a feed 5 filled.

To complete emptying of the transfer unit 100 in case of emergency or parking conditions in negative temperature ranges, the upper connection becomes 14 with a valve body 13 to the vacuum system 7 , which in this case transports the toilet wastewaters of the aircraft into the waste tank. When draining (drainage), the valve 13 pressed and the vacuum sucks the float 9 up, which causes the transfer unit 100 automatically emptied. This process can be repeated at certain intervals, so that a freezing and odors are avoided.

When the system is completely switched off, the bistable electromagnet acts 12 such that he has the pull rope 11 pulls up, what about the attachment 10 for lifting the float 9 leads. This will make the valve plate 6 pulled out of the valve seat and the transfer unit 100 empties.

The transfer unit is for assembly and maintenance 100 from two parts 1 . 16 , which communicate with each other via the connecting flange 4 and seals 3 connected to each other.

The transfer unit 100 replaces the conventional drain mast completely and directs the wastewater from sink into the vacuum sewer system 7 from.

Due to the purely mechanical operation and the simple structure of the transfer unit 100 is a low susceptibility and high durability of the device allows. Electrical components, such as sensors, are not needed, reducing maintenance costs and increasing reliability.

Due to the special shape can contamination of the transfer unit 100 do not enter. The flawless operation as well as the complete closure capability is thus ensured over long periods of time. The tailor-made rolling diaphragm / cylinder combination ensures a high vibration resistance and immunity to contamination.

The automatic emptying of the transfer unit 100 is realized by means of a simple assembly (valve block) via the vacuum system. In the absence of power, a bistable electromagnet switches the system to "open".

Complementary to point out that "comprising" no other elements or excludes steps and "one" or "one" does not exclude a multitude. Further It should be noted that features or steps with reference to one of the above embodiments have been described, also in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above can. Reference signs in the claims are not as a limitation to watch.

Claims (15)

Transfer unit for a vehicle for the disposal of gray water from a wash basin into a vacuum sewer system, the transfer unit comprising: a first connection ( 5 ), designed to connect the transfer unit ( 100 ) to a drain of the washbasin; a second connection ( 15 ), designed to connect the transfer unit ( 100 ) to the vacuum sewer system ( 7 ); and a self-opening valve ( 2 . 6 . 9 ) with a float ( 9 ), designed for self-draining in the transfer unit ( 100 ) cached gray water from the wash basin into the vacuum sewer system ( 7 ), if in the transfer unit ( 100 ) cached gray water exceeds a predetermined level height. Transfer unit ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the self-opening valve ( 2 . 6 . 9 ) a valve disc ( 6 ) for sealing the second terminal ( 15 ), so that no gray water from a buffer memory ( 17 ) of the transfer unit ( 100 ) into the vacuum sewer system ( 7 ) flows. Transfer unit ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the float ( 9 ) a rolling membrane ( 2 ) having; the rolling diaphragm ( 2 ) for rolling on a housing inside and for sealing a transition between the float ( 9 ) and the inside of the housing is executed. Transfer unit ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a control valve block ( 13 ) with a vacuum connection ( 14 ); the control valve block ( 13 ) for selectively opening the valve ( 2 . 6 . 9 ) is executed; and wherein the control valve block ( 13 ) for opening the valve ( 2 . 6 . 9 ) the float ( 9 ) sucks up so that the valve plate ( 6 ) from the second port ( 15 ) and thus the vacuum sewer system ( 7 ) releases. Transfer unit ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rolling membrane ( 2 ) an internal stability of the float ( 9 ) guaranteed. Transfer unit ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rolling membrane ( 2 ) a defined restoring force of the float ( 9 ) with the valve plate ( 6 ) from an open position back to a closed position. Transfer unit ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an upper housing part ( 1 ) and a lower housing part ( 16 ), which via a connecting flange ( 4 ) with seal ( 3 ) are releasably connected. Transfer unit ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a bistable electromagnet, which in the event of a power shortage or in the event of a system failure ( 9 ) together with the valve plate ( 6 ) automatically pulls up, so that the valve disc ( 6 ) from the second port ( 15 ) and thus the vacuum sewer system ( 7 ) releases. Transfer unit ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve disk ( 6 ) one to the second port ( 15 ) has corresponding conical shape, so that an automatic threading of the valve disk ( 6 ) into the second port ( 15 ) when closing the valve ( 2 . 6 . 9 ) is guaranteed. Transfer unit ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washbasin is a sink of a show air showroom; and wherein the vacuum sewer system is a vacuum sewer system in an aircraft. Use of a transfer unit ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10 in an aircraft. Airplane comprising a transfer unit ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10. A method of disposing gray water from a sink into a vacuum sewer system, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a transfer unit ( 100 ) to a drain of the washbasin; Connecting the transfer unit ( 100 ) to the vacuum sewer system ( 7 ); and self-draining in the transfer unit ( 100 ) cached gray water from the wash basin into the vacuum sewer system ( 7 ), if in the transfer unit ( 100 ) cached gray water exceeds a predetermined level height. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: automatically pulling the float upward ( 9 ) together with the valve plate ( 6 ) by a bistable electromagnet, so that the valve disc ( 6 ) from the second port ( 15 ) and thus the vacuum sewer system ( 7 ) releases when a power shortage or system failure occurs. The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising the step of: selectively opening the valve ( 2 . 6 . 9 ) by a control valve block ( 13 ) with a vacuum connection ( 14 ); the control valve block ( 13 ) for opening the valve ( 2 . 6 . 9 ) the float ( 9 ) sucks up so that the valve plate ( 6 ) from the second port ( 15 ) and thus the vacuum sewer system ( 7 ) releases.