DE202017007359U1 - Washroom arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Washroom arrangement (L) comprising a vacuum flushing system, characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) comprises a swiveling toilet bowl (9).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a washroom arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to an aircraft according to claim 13.

State of the art

In small aircraft (e.g. aircraft for about 6 to 15 passengers) it is often problematic to properly install a lavatory. Ideally, different requirements should be met: The washroom should be easily accessible and comfortable to use, but should also not take up too much space and should not add too much weight to the aircraft.

It is known, for example, to install a washroom in the rear of an aircraft. However, this solution has the disadvantage that the space for luggage is limited, which is typically stored in the rear of the aircraft, or that at least access to the luggage is blocked during the flight.

It is also known to install a toilet in a front area of the cubicle and to allow a part of the front area of the cubicle to be converted into a closed lavatory compartment when the toilet is used. However, because typically not much space is available at this location in the aircraft, chemical toilets are typically used in this case. However, this is not the most convenient solution. One reason for this is that maintenance and / or emptying of such chemical toilets is typically only possible from inside the aircraft, and these actions can therefore lead to contamination of the aircraft interior. In general, chemical toilets also have the disadvantage that they produce bad smells.

Description of the invention

The aim of the invention is to remedy or at least reduce the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, it is the object of the invention to provide a washroom arrangement for a small aircraft which can be used comfortably and which does not require much space.

This problem is solved by a washroom arrangement comprising a vacuum flushing system, the washroom arrangement comprising a swiveling toilet bowl. “Pivotable” is to be understood as meaning that the washroom arrangement is set up so that the toilet bowl has two possible operating states, namely a swiveled-out operating state and a swiveled-in operating state. In its swiveled-out operating state, the toilet bowl can be used by a passenger. In its swiveled operating state, the toilet bowl is stowed away and does not take up much space. The term "vacuum flushing system" is to be understood as follows: Waste water that is in the toilet bowl after use by a passenger can be suctioned off under pressure and can be added to a waste water container which is separated from the toilet bowl at least by means of a waste water hose . Due to the fact that the lavatory arrangement comprises such a vacuum flushing system, the lavatory arrangement is comparatively comfortable because wastewater that is in the toilet bowl after use by a passenger can be sucked off under pressure - instead of simply into a container being dropped with chemicals, as is the case in chemical toilets. In this way, the risk of bad smells can be significantly reduced and user comfort is increased.

In a typical embodiment, the lavatory arrangement is an aircraft lavatory arrangement. The washroom arrangement is particularly advantageous in an aircraft because space is always a problem in an aircraft. The washroom arrangement can, however, also be used, for example, in mobile homes, caravans, buses, boats, trains, military vehicles, bunkers or also in space vehicles.

In a typical embodiment, the washroom arrangement comprises a pivotable flap, wherein the pivotable flap is preferably suitable for supporting pivoting of the toilet bowl. The inventors have found that such a pivotable flap - which typically has a certain mass - can advantageously be used to help pivot the toilet bowl - that is, to move it from its pivoted operating state to its pivoted operating state. The washroom arrangement is typically designed such that the pivotable flap is in a partially raised state when the toilet bowl is in its pivoted-in operating state and that the pivotable flap is gradually released in the direction of a lowered state when the toilet bowl is transferred into its pivoted-out operating state wherein the movement of the pivoting flap assists the movement of the toilet bowl. Such a pivoting flap also has the advantage that it can be used to close the toilet bowl to partially cover in their swiveled operating state and to free up space - by swinging in their lowered state - when the toilet bowl is swung out and the washroom arrangement is thus used. Such a pivotable flap is of course not absolutely necessary: the toilet bowl in its pivoted operating state could also be covered by a simple removable cover and / or the pivoting of the toilet bowl could be supported by a user pulling a handle or the like.

In a typical embodiment, the pivotable flap is connected to the toilet bowl by means of a lever arrangement. Such a lever arrangement is a reliable yet simple way of connecting the toilet bowl to the hinged flap. In addition, the use of a lever arrangement has the added advantage that it can also perform other tasks when it is moving. In certain exemplary embodiments, the lever arrangement comprises a first lever component and a second lever component, which are connected to one another by means of a lever joint. In typical embodiments, the pivotable flap is arranged above the toilet bowl and the lever arrangement extends substantially vertically from the pivotable flap to the toilet bowl. Here, “substantially vertical” means that there is no horizontal component in the path of the lever assembly, but it does not necessarily mean that the lever has a straight shape. An alternative to using a lever arrangement to connect the hinged flap to the toilet bowl is to use a cable or a pulley.

In a typical embodiment, the washroom arrangement comprises an outer casing, the outer casing comprising a guide channel for a waste water hose, the guide channel preferably at least partially forming an elongated concavity when viewed from the direction of the toilet bowl. The provision of such a guide channel for the waste water hose is based on the following consideration: In order to connect the underside of the toilet bowl to a waste water container, a waste water hose is required. This sewer hose must be long enough to ensure a sufficient distance between the toilet bowl and the sewage container to reduce the risk of bad smells, and it must not have too sharp turns to avoid overloading or clogging. The inventors have found that a suitable way to achieve this is not to let the sewer hose move too steeply away from the underside of the toilet bowl and to move it up a certain distance from the toilet bowl to a sewer tank, the path the drain hose is kept as straight as possible. However, such a guide for the sewage hose requires space, in particular space in the opposite direction to that in which the toilet bowl swings out. In other words: in order to guide the sewage hose in this way, a certain depth of the washroom arrangement is required. In order to achieve this depth in an aircraft, the washroom arrangement can either be arranged further in the direction of the interior of the aircraft or, in other words: further into the cabin. However, this obviously reduces cabin space. The alternative is to move the washroom arrangement closer to the outer wall of the aircraft. This solution, however, reduces the space between the outer casing of the lavatory assembly and the outer wall of the aircraft, which leaves less space for insulation material and which therefore results in a less well-insulated aircraft. However, the inventors have surprisingly found that it is possible to compress such insulation material locally without impairing its insulation ability too much. Because of all the components of the vacuum flushing system of the washroom arrangement it is the waste water hose which takes up the most space in the opposite direction to that in which the toilet bowl swings out, it is sufficient to provide sufficient space for this waste water hose. Thus, the provision of the guide channel only gives the sewage hose sufficient space, which only leads to a local compression of the insulation material and leaves more space for the insulation material in places behind the outer housing where there is no such guide channel.

In a typical embodiment, the lavatory assembly comprises a funnel assembly for filling a fresh water tank of the lavatory assembly with fresh water from inside a vehicle, preferably an aircraft, in a case where the lavatory assembly is installed in such a vehicle. Such a funnel arrangement has the advantage that it makes a fresh water supply for the washroom arrangement particularly easy. In a typical embodiment, the funnel arrangement comprises a funnel and a fresh water hose, one end of the hose preferably being adapted to be connected to the fresh water tank and the other end of the hose preferably being adapted to be connected to the funnel. In a special embodiment, the funnel arrangement is accessible through the pivotable flap, which is typically designed in such a way that it locks in an open position can be, thereby providing access to the funnel assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the fresh water hose is long enough to make it possible to remove the funnel from the washroom arrangement through the opened hinged flap and then conveniently pour water into the fresh water tank through the funnel arrangement. Alternatively or in combination therewith, the lavatory arrangement of a typical embodiment is configured in such a way that it can be filled with fresh water from the outside of the vehicle. In a typical embodiment, the washroom arrangement is configured in such a way that wastewater can only be removed from the outside of the vehicle, for example through a wastewater extraction point, and that fresh water can only be provided from the inside of the vehicle, for example by means of the funnel arrangement. This has the advantage that good hygiene is guaranteed because the risk of contaminating fresh water with waste water is reduced.

In a typical embodiment, the lavatory assembly includes a door-and-wall assembly for temporarily building a lavatory compartment within a vehicle, preferably an aircraft, in a case where the lavatory assembly is installed in such a vehicle. In typical embodiments, a first side wall of the lavatory arrangement comprises a sliding door which is suitable for being pulled out of the side wall in order to produce at least a partial separation between a user of the lavatory arrangement and the rest of the cabin. Such a door-and-wall arrangement is a very convenient way of creating privacy for a user of the washroom arrangement.

In a typical embodiment, the lavatory arrangement comprises a toilet cabinet door which is adapted to become part of the door-and-wall arrangement when the toilet bowl is in its swung-out operating state. Such a toilet cabinet door has at least two advantages. The first is that the sliding door can be smaller and therefore lighter because it only needs to create a partial separation. In a typical embodiment, the toilet cabinet door in its open position is adapted to form a lower partition between the lavatory assembly in use and the rest of the cubicle, and the sliding door is adapted to provide an upper partition between the lavatory assembly in use and the rest of the cabin to form. In a typical embodiment, the lower partition and the upper partition create a substantially complete partition between the lavatory assembly in use and the rest of the cubicle. The second advantage of such a toilet cabinet door is the fact that this particular use of the toilet cabinet door provides perfect use of the toilet cabinet door when the toilet bowl is in its swung-out operating position and prevents the toilet cabinet door from interfering with a user of the washroom arrangement. However, such a toilet cabinet door is not absolutely necessary. It would also be possible, for example, not to provide any cover for the toilet bowl in its swiveled-in operating state.

In a typical embodiment, the washroom arrangement comprises a sealing cover which is set up to close a slot between the toilet bowl and a support structure of the washroom arrangement when the toilet bowl is in its swiveled-out operating state. Such a sealing cover is advantageous because it prevents dirt, water and / or other liquids from passing through the slot between the toilet bowl and the support structure of the lavatory arrangement and thereby contaminating an interior of the lavatory arrangement.

In a typical embodiment, the toilet bowl comprises two essentially Y-shaped support elements, which are preferably essentially made of carbon fiber, and / or the toilet bowl comprises cross members, which are preferably essentially made of metal in order to stabilize the toilet bowl, and / or the toilet bowl comprises at least one housing sheet, preferably a plurality of light metal housing sheets. Such a configuration of the toilet bowl results in a lightweight toilet bowl with sufficient stability. The Y-shaped support elements lead to a good overall stability of the toilet bowl, while they leave space for elements of a folding mechanism such as gas springs and the like and their fastenings. The Y-shaped elements, which are preferably each arranged on a right and a left side of the toilet bowl, also lead to a symmetrical distribution of forces when a user sits on the toilet bowl.

In a typical embodiment, the washroom arrangement comprises at least one gas spring, preferably a plurality of gas springs, the at least one gas spring preferably comprising a heating mechanism. The use of gas springs is advantageous because it is a simple and effective way of changing the toilet bowl and / or the pivoting flap from one state to another. In a typical embodiment, at least one gas spring is attached to the toilet bowl and at least one gas spring is attached to the hinged flap. The inventors surprisingly did found that situations may arise where the movement of the toilet bowl is obstructed. In other words, the toilet bowl may sometimes not swing out as intended. The inventors have also noted that such situations typically occur after the aircraft has been on the ground for a period of time with the engines turned off, and particularly when the outside temperature is low. The inventors have also surprisingly found that the swinging out of the toilet bowl can be improved by making it possible to heat the gas springs, at least temporarily.

In a typical embodiment, the toilet bowl includes a partially sloping top surface. In a particular embodiment, the top surface comprises an inclined area on at least one of its edges. Such a partially inclined surface can be provided in order to optimize the distribution of forces within the toilet bowl when a user is supporting himself on the toilet, in particular by preventing the user from leaning too heavily on the toilet bowl. In a typical embodiment, the toilet bowl comprises a side compartment, preferably in a toilet bowl housing. Such a side compartment can be used for toilet paper, hygiene products or the like and is preferably arranged under the inclined area. In this way, the inclined area also facilitates the user's hand access to the side compartment.

A vehicle according to the invention, which vehicle is preferably an aircraft, comprises a lavatory arrangement according to the invention.

In a typical embodiment, the vehicle comprises a cockpit and a cabin, the lavatory arrangement being arranged between the cabin and the cockpit, the vehicle preferably comprising a cabinet which is arranged between the cockpit and the lavatory arrangement, with a door of the cabinet is designed such that it can be swung against a cockpit door so that it temporarily creates a barrier between a user of the washroom arrangement and the cockpit.

Figure list

• 1: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Waschraum-Anordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, mit der Toilettenschüssel in ihrem eingeschwenkten Betriebszustand und geschlossener Toilettenschranktür;
• 2: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Waschraum-Anordnung aus 1, mit der Toilettenschüssel in ihrem ausgeschwenkten Betriebszustand und der Toilettenschranktür geöffnet;
• 3: eine perspektivische Ansicht der Waschraum-Anordnung aus 1, mit der Toilettenschüssel in ihrem ausgeschwenkten Betriebszustand, der Toilettenschranktür geöffnet und einem Deckel der Toilettenschüssel geöffnet;
• 4: eine schematische Teilansicht der Waschraum-Anordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, mit der Toilettenschüssel in ihrem eingeschwenkten Betriebszustand;
• 5: eine schematische Teilansicht der Waschraum-Anordnung aus 4, mit der Toilettenschüssel in ihrem ausgeschwenkten Betriebszustand;
• 6: eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Hebelanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;
• 7a: eine schematische Visualisierung des Zusammenwirkens der Hebelanordnung aus 6 mit anderen Komponenten einer Waschraum-Anordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung (Toilettenschüssel im eingeschwenkten Betriebszustand);
• 7b: eine schematische Visualisierung des Zusammenwirkens der Hebelanordnung aus 6 mit anderen Komponenten der Waschraum-Anordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung (Toilettenschüssel im ausgeschwenkten Betriebszustand):
• 8: eine perspektivische Teilansicht einer Waschraum-Anordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, mit in einer geöffneten Position arretierter schwenkbarer Klappe;
• 9: eine perspektivische Teilansicht einer Waschraum-Anordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, mit Teilen des Vakuum-Spülsystems;
• 10: eine perspektivische Teilansicht einer Waschraum-Anordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, welche gewisse Komponenten der Toilettenschüssel zeigt;
• 11: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer äußeren Verschalung einer Waschraum-Anordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung; und
• 12: eine perspektivische Teilansicht einer Waschraum-Anordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung, welche gewisse Komponenten der Toilettenschüssel und die äußere Verschalung neben einer Luftfahrzeug-Außenwand montiert zeigt.

The invention is described in detail below by means of drawings, in which:

• 1 : a perspective view of a washroom arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, with the toilet bowl in its swiveled operating state and the toilet cabinet door closed;
• 2 : a perspective view of the lavatory assembly from FIG 1 , with the toilet bowl in its swiveled-out operating state and the toilet cabinet door open;
• 3 : a perspective view of the lavatory assembly from FIG 1 with the toilet bowl in its swiveled-out operating state, the toilet cabinet door opened and a lid of the toilet bowl opened;
• 4th : a schematic partial view of the washroom arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, with the toilet bowl in its swiveled-in operating state;
• 5 : a schematic partial view of the washroom arrangement from 4th , with the toilet bowl in its swung-out operating state;
• 6th : a schematic side view of a lever arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;
• 7a : a schematic visualization of the interaction of the lever arrangement 6th with other components of a washroom arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention (toilet bowl in the swiveled-in operating state);
• 7b : a schematic visualization of the interaction of the lever arrangement 6th with other components of the washroom arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention (toilet bowl in the swiveled-out operating state):
• 8th : a perspective partial view of a washroom arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, with the pivotable flap locked in an open position;
• 9 : a perspective partial view of a washroom arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention, with parts of the vacuum flushing system;
• 10 Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a lavatory assembly according to one embodiment of the invention showing certain components of the toilet bowl;
• 11 : a perspective view of an outer casing of a washroom arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; and
• 12th Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of a lavatory assembly according to an embodiment of the invention showing certain components of the toilet bowl and outer casing mounted adjacent to an aircraft outer wall.

Description of preferred exemplary embodiments

1 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a lavatory assembly L. according to one embodiment of the invention. The washroom arrangement L. includes a toilet cabinet door 1 , which is at the bottom of the washroom arrangement L. is arranged. The toilet cabinet door 1 is closed and therefore blocks the view of a toilet bowl, which in a swiveled-in operating state behind the toilet cabinet door 1 is hidden. Directly above the toilet cabinet door 1 - and therefore also above the swiveled-in toilet bowl, which is in 1 cannot be recognized - is a hinged flap 2 Installed. The hinged flap 2 is designed to be rotated about a horizontal axis which runs through its upper end and can be positioned in various positions, which are also referred to as states. In 1 is the hinged flap 2 in a position referred to as their partially raised condition.

Above the pivoting flap 2 are other components of the lavatory assembly L. positioned, namely a sink 3 , a mirror 4th , a towel compartment 5 and a faucet 6th . The towel compartment 5 includes a towel box 38 which is suitable for taking up unused clean towels. The towel compartment 5 further comprises a used-towels-disposal opening 39 through which used towels can be thrown.

In typical embodiments, the washroom arrangement comprises at least one lighting element, preferably an LED lighting element. In the 1 Washroom arrangement shown, in particular a side wall of the washroom arrangement L. , further includes a door slot 7th . In this door slot 7th is the sliding door 8th installed which from the door slot 7th can be pulled out to temporarily create a partial separation between a user of the lavatory arrangement L. - Or in other words: the interior of the washroom arrangement L. - and the rest of the cabin.

When the sliding door 8th from the door slot 7th is pulled out, it does not move out horizontally, but moves out in a direction which is inclined toward a ceiling of the cabin (not shown). The sliding door 8th further comprises an upper edge which is shaped such that it forms a counterpart of the ceiling of the cabin when the sliding door 8th completely out of the door slot 7th is pulled out. In this way the sliding door forms 8th a substantially complete separation in an upper area of the cubicle between an interior of a temporary lavatory compartment and the rest of the cubicle. Of course, none of that is in 1 shown because the sliding door 8th in 1 inside the door slot 7th is positioned.

2 Figure 10 shows another perspective view of the lavatory assembly L. out 1 , taking the toilet bowl 9 is now visible. The toilet bowl 9 is in its swiveled-out operating state and the toilet cabinet door 1 is open. The hinged flap 2 is no longer in its partially raised state (like the one in 1 is the case), but rather in a lowered state.

While the hinged flap 2 in the partially raised state in 1 is slightly inclined, is the hinged flap 2 now arranged so that it forms a vertical wall. This creates additional space, especially for a user of the washroom, who is on the toilet bowl 9 seated (user not shown).

When the hinged flap 2 from their partially raised state (in 1 shown) in their lowered state (in 2 shown), their own weight helps the toilet bowl 9 to press from their pivoted operating state in their pivoted operating state. The technical concept through which this function is realized will be explained later.

What from looking at the 2 also becomes clear is the following: When the toilet cabinet door 1 is completely swung up (as in 2 shown), i.e. at about 90 degrees compared to its closed state, it is suitable together with the sliding door 8th an essentially complete separation between the lavatory assembly L. in use and the rest of the cabin (which you can see in the figure on the right of the washroom arrangement L. must imagine) to form if this sliding door 8th completely out of the door slot 7th is pulled out. The toilet cabinet door 1 in its open state thus does not impede a user of the washroom arrangement 1 and is also used to form a lower part of a door-and-wall arrangement 1 , 8th the washroom arrangement L. to form, with the door-and-wall arrangement the toilet cabinet door 1 and the sliding door 8th includes.

2 also shows a side compartment 10 which is in a housing of the toilet bowl 9 is integrated. This side compartment 10 can be conveniently used to store hygiene products, toilet paper or the like and to make such articles easily available for users sitting on the toilet. The side compartment 10 is on the left side of the toilet bowl 9 as seen when looking in 2 look inside. This means that a user who is on the toilet bowl 9 sits on that Side compartment can be accessed with his / her right hand. This is beneficial because most people are right handed.

2 also shows a flush button 43 to the toilet bowl 9 to rinse after it has been used. The flush button 43 is arranged so that it is by the hinged flap 2 is covered when the hinged flap 2 is in its partially raised position and the toilet bowl 9 is therefore in its pivoted operating state. In this context, “hidden” is to be understood to mean that it is for a user of the washroom arrangement L. becomes more difficult in a case where the toilet cabinet door 1 is open, but the toilet bowl 9 has not yet been swiveled out of its swiveled-in operating state, the flush button 43 to reach. In other words, if the toilet bowl 9 is in its pivoted operating state, is the pivotable flap 2 suitable at least partially an access to the flush button 43 to block and / or hinder. This has the advantage of reducing the risk that a user will flush the toilet while the toilet bowl is in use 9 is in its pivoted operating state, is reduced - in fact, flushing the toilet in such a situation could lead to liquid in an interior of the washroom arrangement L. leaks, and therefore contamination and / or damage.

3 FIG. 13 is a perspective view of that already in 1 and 2 washroom arrangement shown L. with the toilet bowl 9 in their swung out operating state, the toilet cabinet door 1 opened and a lid 11 the toilet bowl 9 now opened. In 3 can be seen that the housing of the toilet bowl 9 comprises a partially inclined top surface, in particular an inclined region 12th . This sloping area 12th has the advantage that the distribution of forces within the toilet is optimized when a user is in an area of the inclined area 12th props on the toilet, especially when it is on the sloped area 12th supports. In particular, the inclined area steers 12th the force which in such a case acts on the toilet bowl 9 is exercised toward a center of the toilet bowl 9 and thus reduces the risk of damage to the toilet bowl 9 and / or other components of the lavatory assembly L. . In addition, the inclined area has 12th the advantage of having access to the side compartment 10 for one hand one on the toilet bowl 9 seated user is facilitated (user not shown). It should be noted that the lid 11 also includes an inclined portion which is the inclined portion 12th the housing of the toilet bowl 9 corresponds. The reason for this is that a user is also on the lid 11 the toilet bowl 9 Can sit, not just when the washroom arrangement L. is in use, but also, for example, when the toilet bowl 9 is used as a jump seat. Another advantage of the lid 11 , which also includes an inclined area, is the fact that the inclined area of the lid 11 a handle opening 41 forms when the lid 11 is raised (as in 3 shown). This handle opening 41 is in fact between the lid 11 and the pivoting flap 2 and allows a user of the lavatory assembly L. the raised lid 11 easy to grip around the lid 11 close.

4th shows a schematic partial view of the washroom arrangement L. according to one embodiment of the invention with the toilet bowl 9 in their swiveled-in operating state. The toilet bowl 9 is toward an exterior of the lavatory assembly L. partly from the toilet cabinet door 1 covered. The toilet bowl 9 is also from the hinged flap 2 , what a 4th is in its partially raised state, partially obscured. The hinged flap 2 is with the toilet bowl 9 by means of a lever arrangement 13th connected. The lever arrangement 13th comprises a first lever component 14th and a second lever component 15th which are connected to each other by means of a lever joint 16 are connected. The second lever component 15th is at the toilet bowl 9 by means of fastening devices, such as screws, attached. The first leverage component 14th is in contact with the hinged flap 12th but is not attached to it. In particular, the first lever component comprises 14th a rolling device 33 which is designed to guide in a rolling device 34 the pivoting flap 2 to roll back and forth to make it so the rolling device 33 - and therefore the entire lever arrangement 13th - to allow yourself to move relative to the hinged flap 2 to move and still stay in contact with her.

Around the toilet bowl 9 from their swiveled-in operating state (shown in 4th ) in their swiveled-out operating state (not in 4th shown), the first thing to do is to open the toilet cabinet door 1 opens and then a trigger mechanism is activated. This can be done, for example, by pressing a button which is located in the housing of the toilet bowl 9 is integrated. Then the gas spring begins 20a the toilet bowl 9 Push it out in the direction where the toilet cabinet door is 1 has been. The moving toilet bowl 9 transmits their movement to the lever assembly 13th , making the rolling device 33 on the rolling device guide 34 rolls up. This will make the hinged flap 2 gradually released from its partially raised condition and slowly and / or gradually swings down to its lowered condition. This swinging down is on the one hand by the weight of the pivoting flap 2 supported and on the other side by the gas spring 20b which is attached to the upper edge of the hinged flap 2 presses. Therefore the hinged flap helps 2 while moving in its lowered state, also indirectly doing the toilet bowl 9 in their swiveled-out operating state (shown in 5 ) to press.

In the 4th shown pivoting flap 2 comprises two hook elements 36 , of which only one in 4th is visible (because 4th is a partial cross-sectional view). It can be seen that one end of the hook element 36 on a main body of the hinged flap 2 is attached, whereas another end of the hook element 36 on a flap bearing 37 the washroom arrangement is attached.

In 4th can also be seen that the rolling device guide 34 has a rounded edge, the rounded edge being asymmetrical, and at a lower end of the roller guide 34 is steeper and more pronounced, with the lower end of the rolling device guide 34 that end is which is further away from the hook element 36 is arranged. When the hinged flap 2 is moved, for example from its partially raised state to its lowered state, the rolling device follows 33 the well-rounded one. The rounded edge is designed in such a way that it prevents the movement of the pivoting flap 2 controlled in such a way that a crash between the hinged flap 2 and the toilet bowl 9 prevented when these two components are in motion.

4th also shows that lever arrangement 13th on a supporting structure 19th the washroom arrangement L. is attached. On this supporting structure 19th is a swiveling sealing cover 18th attached, which is suitable, a slot between the toilet bowl 9 and the supporting structure 19th the washroom arrangement L. to close when the toilet bowl 9 is in its swiveled-out operating state. This is done in 5 to be shown. The first lever component also includes 14th a snub nose 17th which is suitable with the sealing cover 18th get in touch when the toilet bowl 9 is brought from its pivoted operating state to its pivoted operating state, and so is the sealing cover 18th gradually to the desired position.

5 shows a schematic partial view of the already in 4th washroom arrangement shown L. with the toilet bowl 9 now in their swiveled out operating state. It can be seen that - compared to its partially raised state in 4th - the hinged flap 2 has now been completely restored to its lowered state. In addition, the push nose has 17th the sealing cover 18th pressed into the desired position, leaving a slot between the toilet bowl 9 and the supporting structure 19th covers.

5 also shows a used towel container 40 . This used towel container 40 is below the used towels disposal opening 39 (see for example 1 ) arranged. Used towels, which are in the used towels disposal opening 39 are discarded, end in the used-towel container 40 and can be used during the maintenance of the washroom arrangement L. be collected.

6th shows a schematic side view of a lever arrangement 13th according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the lever arrangement 13th the first leverage component 14th with their rolling device 33 and the second lever component 15th , which by means of the lever joint 16 with the first lever component 14th is connected, includes. The push nose is also clearly recognizable 17th . In 6th is also the rolling device guide 34 the pivoting flap (not shown in 6th , but for example in 5 ) shown which are in contact with the rolling device 33 stands.

7a shows a schematic visualization of the interaction of the lever arrangement 13th out 6th with other components of the lavatory assembly L. according to one embodiment of the invention. The visualization corresponds to the case where the toilet bowl 9 is in its steady operating state. This visualization is an enlargement of that part of the lever arrangement 13th , which the push nose 17th includes, and also shows the sealing cover 18th which with the supporting structure 19th is connected by means of a spring, in particular a partially bent spiral spring.

7b shows essentially the same components as 7a , whereby the difference between the two figures is the fact that the toilet bowl is now in its swung-out operating state: the hinged flap 2 is therefore in its lowered state (in 7a it is partially folded up and therefore not visible) and the push nose 17th the lever assembly 13th has the sealing cover 18th pushed forward so that there is a slit between the toilet bowl 9 and the supporting structure 19th covers.

8th Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the lavatory assembly L. according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the pivotable flap 2 is locked in an open position. This open position can typically be achieved by opening the hinged flap 2 is raised as far as possible, ie further high than the partially raised state. The lever assembly is in this open position 13th , which on the supporting structure 19th is attached, no longer in contact with the hinged flap 2 . The open position of the hinged flap 2 is beneficial to the interior of the washroom arrangement L. to achieve, in particular the vacuum flushing system (not in 8th shown), for example to fill the fresh water tank with fresh water.

Furthermore, other maintenance steps of the lavatory arrangement L. easily run when the hinged flap 2 is in its open position. For example, the lavatory arrangement includes L. In a specific embodiment, a control field which is designed to set system parameters of the washroom arrangement L. (e.g. fill level of the waste water container). In typical embodiments, the control panel includes a test button and a status lamp. When the test button is pressed and the washroom arrangement L. is ready for use (e.g. waste water tank emptied, fresh water tank filled), the status lamp shows that it is ready for operation. If the test button is pressed on the other side and the washroom arrangement L. is not ready for use, this fact can also be indicated by the status lamp and / or a second status lamp. When a pilot gets on board the aircraft, one step in his aircraft control sequence could be the hinged flap 2 lift to its open position and press the test button to check the status of the lavatory assembly L. to experience. When this leads to the realization that the washroom arrangement L. is ready for use, the pilot can note this in a logbook or the like or simply take note of it. If pressing the test button leads to the fact that the washroom arrangement L. is not ready for use, the pilot can arrange for the lavatory arrangement L. is being serviced.

9 Figure 11 shows a partial perspective view of a washroom arrangement L. according to one embodiment of the invention with parts of the vacuum flushing system. In particular shows 9 a sewer hose 21st . The open end of the sewer hose, ie the loose end that the viewer of 9 closest is suitable to an underside of the toilet bowl 9 (not shown in 9 ) to be connected. The sewer hose moves from this open end 21st backwards, then upwards (this part of the sewer hose 21st is in 9 partly from a sewage tank 22nd hidden), then make a long and not too tight bend to finally reach the waste water tank 22nd to reach. The sewage tank 22nd can through a wastewater withdrawal point 23 be emptied, which is typically in an aircraft outer wall (in 9 not shown) is integrated and / or on a rear side of the washroom arrangement L. is arranged. 9 also shows a fresh water tank 35 , which is suitable to be attached to a funnel device (not shown in 9 ) to be connected and is suitable from an inside of the aircraft and / or a front of the washroom arrangement L. to be filled with fresh water.

10 Figure 11 shows a partial perspective view of a washroom arrangement L. according to one embodiment of the invention, which certain components of the toilet bowl 9 shows. In particular, it is shown that the toilet bowl 9 an inner bowl 24 comprises, which of two lateral Y-shaped support elements 25a , 25b will be carried. These Y-shaped elements 25a , 25b are also adapted to support a toilet bowl housing. This toilet bowl housing - which for example in 3 with partially inclined top surface and side compartment 10 was shown - is in 10 not shown to make it possible those components of the toilet bowl 9 to see which are normally hidden under the toilet bowl housing. The toilet bowl 9 also includes two cross members 26a , 26b . Cross member 26a connects a lower part of the Y-shaped support member 25a with a fore-upper arm of the Y-shaped support element 25b .

Cross member 26b connects a lower part of the Y-shaped support member 25b with a fore-upper arm of the Y-shaped support element 25a . In this way the cross members lend 26a , 26b the toilet bowl 9 Stability. Additionally shows 10 that the toilet bowl 9 on an outer casing 27 attached and is partially encircled by this. Among other features, this includes external cladding 27 a guide channel 28 , which is designed, the sewage hose 21st (please refer 9 ) to lead, at least when the toilet bowl 9 is in its collapsed operating state.

It should be noted that the “toilet bowl 9”, as it is referred to throughout this application, could also be described as a “toilet arrangement”, typically comprising elements such as the inner bowl 24 , a toilet bowl housing (e.g. visible in 2 and 3 , but not provided with a reference number), the Y-shaped support elements 25a , 25b , the cross members 26a , 26b and other elements such as a push button for swinging out the toilet bowl 9 .

11 Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an outer casing 27 a washroom arrangement L. according to one embodiment of Invention. The elongated guide channel 28 is now visible in its entirety, and it can be seen that the guide channel 28 which has an elongated, concave shape when looking at the outer casing 27 looks from above, the part of the outer cladding 27 is furthest from the outer casing 27 toward a rearward direction (i.e. from one of the 11 looking away) protrudes. In particular, a left side protrudes 30th the outer casing 27 out less far in the rearward direction than the guide channel 28 , and a right side 29 the outer casing 27 protrudes even less towards the rearward direction. In other words: the guide channel 28 stands out from the back of the outer casing 27 out.

In the 11 Outer casing shown 27 further comprises a liquid retention system comprising three retention basins 42a , 42b , 42c . The fluid retention system is configured such that substantially all of the fluid it creates is any fluid retaining parts of the lavatory assembly L. - for example the waste water tank 22nd , the sewage hose 21st , the fresh water tank 35 and / or any connecting hoses or the like - to leave at some point in one of the retention basins 42a , 42b , 43c is directed. The liquid retention system also works well to keep liquid spilling the lavatory arrangement L. Reached from the outside to collect, for example in cases where the sealing cover 18th is defective or not working properly. The liquid retention system thus prevents liquid from flowing out of the washroom arrangement L. out and into a vehicle fuselage, specifically an aircraft fuselage in which it is installed. This has the advantage that the fuselage is prevented from getting dirty.

12th Figure 11 shows a partial perspective view of a washroom arrangement L. according to one embodiment of the invention, which certain components of the toilet bowl 9 and the outer casing 27 which is next to the aircraft outer wall 32 is mounted shows. 12th also shows some aircraft structural elements 31 of an aircraft. The outer casing is used where necessary 27 around the aircraft structural elements 31 shaped. When an insulation material (not explicitly shown) next to the aircraft outer wall 32 is present - and thus also between the outer casing 27 and the aircraft outer wall 32 (i.e. behind the outer casing 27 ), then this insulation material is the strongest of the guide channel 28 compressed, less strongly or not at all from the left side 30th the outer casing 27 and even less strongly or not at all from the right 29 the outer casing 27 . This means that a reduction in insulation efficiency is prevented because of the external cladding 27 is shaped so that the insulation material is only compressed locally when absolutely necessary, e.g. B. because the sewer hose 21st (please refer 9 ) Space required.
In a typical embodiment, the toilet bowl is suitable for use as a jump seat. For this purpose, the toilet bowl preferably comprises a seat cushion and / or the washroom arrangement comprises a seat belt and / or the washroom arrangement is designed in such a way that a backrest can be installed temporarily in connection with the toilet bowl used as a jump seat, with the pivoting flap preferably comprises a device for installing the backrest.

In a typical embodiment, the washroom arrangement is configured in such a way that the swiveling in and swiveling out of the toilet bowl can be accomplished electrically. In particular, the washroom arrangement preferably comprises at least one electrical actuator for moving the toilet bowl.

In a particular embodiment, the washroom arrangement is configured in such a way that waste water generated through the use of the washroom arrangement is emptied from the outside of a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, in which the washroom arrangement is installed. In special embodiments, the washroom arrangement comprises a mechanism for flushing at least certain parts of the washroom arrangement, for example the waste water container and / or the waste water hose and / or at least certain components of the vacuum flushing system, when the waste water is emptied. The washroom arrangement is preferably designed to carry out this rinsing automatically every time the waste water is emptied from the washroom arrangement.

In a certain embodiment, the washroom arrangement is designed such that it can be attached to an outer wall of an aircraft fuselage, the toilet bowl preferably being suitable for swinging out in the direction of an interior of the aircraft cabin, with a swing-out direction preferably perpendicular to the outer wall is directed.

List of reference symbols

1

Toilet cabinet door

2

pivoting flap

3

sink

4th

mirror

5

Towel compartment

6

water tap

7th

Door slot

8th

sliding door

9

Toilet bowl

10

Side compartment

11

cover

12

inclined area

13

Lever arrangement

14th

first lever component

15th

second lever component

16

Lever joint

17th

Snub nose

18th

Sealing cover

19th

Support structure

20a, 20b

Gas springs

21st

Sewer hose

22nd

Waste water tank

23

Wastewater withdrawal point

24

inner bowl

25a, 25b

Y-shaped support elements

26a, 26b

Cross member

27

outer cladding

28

Guide channel

29

right side of the outer casing

30th

left side of the outer casing

31

Aircraft structural element

32

Aircraft exterior wall

33

Rolling device

34

Rolling device guide

35

Fresh water tank

36

Hook element

37

Flap storage

38

Towel box

39

Used-towels-disposal opening

40

Used-towel-container

41

Handle opening

42a, 42b, 42c

Retention basin

43

Flush button

L.

Washroom arrangement

Claims (14)

Washroom arrangement (L) comprising a vacuum flushing system, characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) comprises a swiveling toilet bowl (9). Washroom arrangement (L) Claim 1 , characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) is an aircraft washroom arrangement (L). Washroom arrangement (L) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) comprises a pivotable flap (2), the pivotable flap (2) preferably being suitable for pivoting the toilet bowl (9) support. Washroom arrangement (L) Claim 3 , characterized in that the pivotable flap (2) is connected to the toilet bowl (9) by means of a lever arrangement (13). Washroom arrangement (L) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) comprises an outer casing (27), the outer casing (27) comprising a guide channel (28) for a waste water hose (21) wherein the guide channel (28) preferably at least partially forms an elongated concavity when viewed from the direction of the toilet bowl. Washroom arrangement (L) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) has a funnel arrangement for filling a fresh water tank (35) of the washroom arrangement (L) with fresh water from the inside of a vehicle, preferably an aircraft , in a case where the lavatory assembly (L) is installed in such a vehicle. Washroom arrangement (L) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) comprises a door-and-wall arrangement for the temporary construction of a washroom compartment within a vehicle, preferably an aircraft, in one Case where the lavatory assembly (L) is installed in such a vehicle. Washroom arrangement (L) Claim 7 , characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) comprises a toilet cabinet door (1) which is suitable to become part of the door-and-wall arrangement when the toilet bowl (9) is in its swung-out operating state. Washroom arrangement (L) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) comprises a sealing cover (18) which is set up a slot between the toilet bowl (9) and a support structure (19) of the washroom - To close the arrangement (L) when the toilet bowl (9) is in its swiveled-out operating state. Washroom arrangement (L) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toilet bowl (9) comprises two essentially Y-shaped support elements (25a, 25b), which are preferably made essentially of carbon fiber, and / or the toilet bowl ( 9) comprises cross members (26a, 26b) which are preferably made essentially of metal in order to stabilize the toilet bowl (9), and / or the toilet bowl comprises at least one housing sheet, preferably a plurality of lightweight metal housing sheets. Washroom arrangement (L) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washroom arrangement (L) comprises at least one gas spring (20a, 20b), preferably a plurality of gas springs (20a, 20b), the at least one gas spring (20a, 20b) preferably comprises a heating mechanism. Washroom arrangement (L) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toilet bowl (9) comprises a partially inclined top surface and / or the toilet bowl comprises a side compartment (10). Vehicle, wherein the vehicle is preferably an aircraft, wherein the vehicle comprises a washroom arrangement (L) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle after Claim 13 , characterized in that the vehicle comprises a cockpit and a cabin, the lavatory arrangement (L) being arranged between the cabin and the cockpit, the vehicle preferably comprising a cabinet which is located between the cockpit and the lavatory arrangement (L ) is arranged, wherein a door of the cabinet is designed such that it can be swung against a cockpit door so that it temporarily creates a barrier between a user of the washroom arrangement (L) and the cockpit.

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