DK2031152T3 - MODULAR sanitary SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a modular sanitary system. The term sanitary system relates to devices for providing sanitary systems, such as for example toilets, washing facilities and showers. Sanitary systems are usually integrated into existing buildings, but often it is also necessary to provide sanitary systems outside of buildings. This may be the case, for example, on large building sites, at large events or if sanitary systems in buildings break down.

In the simplest version, mobile toilet cubicles are known, which can be transported on site with suitable vehicles and can be set down there. Such toilet cubicles often do not have any sanitary connections, such as connections for water or electricity. Use is however also made of sanitary containers which have running water or electricity. Such sanitary systems usually have the size of sea containers (approx. 6 x 6 m x 3 x 2.8 m) and can therefore be transported without problem on container vehicles.

For example, a sanitary container which can be used with the aid of skip deposit tipper systems is known from DE 92 09 891. DE 10 2005 045 847 A1 also describes a mobile room module which can be equipped as a sanitary room. Both systems are based on the basic idea of using existing containers or container-like elements as a sanitary facility. Sanitary containers are also known from publications FR 2 817 270 and EP 0 481 246 A2. FR 2 299 843 shows a sanitary module with a rectangular base area. The latter can be arranged in different ways, a plurality of sanitary modules also being able to be used beside one another. In this case, the latter are accessible via passages adjacent to one another. It discloses a modular sanitary system which comprises the features of the preamble of claim 1. A flexible alternative to the aforementioned sanitary containers is offered by portable toilets, which usually also comprise a container of the aforementioned type of design, but which is disposed on a carriage with wheels. Such portable toilets can thus be transported quickly and flexibly to the place of use.

An essential drawback of all the sanitary systems thus consists in the fact that an adaptation to increased or reduced requirement is possible only by changing the number of identical containers, which are then set up beside one another and require a correspondingly large amount of space. This is particularly problematic when a suitable free area is not available, i.e. if for example trees, walls or buildings prevent a plurality of containers from being set up beside one another.

It is also a disadvantage that all the installed containers each have their own entrance, because, for example, more personnel are required for supervision and, if need be, for collecting usage charges.

The problem of the invention consists in creating a flexibly usable sanitary system which does not have or at least reduces the drawbacks of the prior art. The sanitary system should in particular be able to be adapted flexibly both to spatial restrictions on site, as well as to different user numbers.

According to the invention, the problem is solved by a modular sanitary system, comprising a base module having at least two closable passages, sanitary modules having at least two closable passages, wherein the base module and the sanitary modules can be arranged next to each other in such a manner that they are connected to each other by means of open passages and are safe to walk on, which is characterised in that the modules have a rectangular base shape, and the base module has eight passages, of which two passages are arranged on each side, and the sanitary modules each have two passages, which are arranged across the corner, wherein at least one turnstile and one swing door are arranged in the base module.

An essential basic idea of the invention therefore consists in the fact that, instead of individual self-contained systems, a modular sanitary system is created, wherein the individual modules are constituted so as to be connectable to one another. Users are thus able to pass through from one module into the next module through one of the passages. All the modules do not therefore have to have the same fittings, e.g. toilets and wash basins can be accommodated in different sanitary modules.

An important advantage of the modules consists in the fact that the passages are closable. For this purpose, either doors, wall elements or other suitable arrangements can be provided. The effect of this ability to be closed is that the individual modules can be coupled to one another in a flexible manner, e.g. they can be connected to another sanitary module. If, for example, the sanitary modules are arranged next to one another in a row and the passages are arranged at the sides lying next to one another, the last sanitary module of such a row requires only one passage, i.e. to the neighbouring sanitary module.

In a particularly simple variant of embodiment, only one base module is adjoined by a sanitary module respectively on the right-hand and left-hand side, wherein the base module comprises a passage in the direction of each of the two sanitary modules and a further passage on one of the free sides. Users can then pass through the base module into the two sanitary modules through the single free passage, which then serves as an entrance. The two sanitary modules can for example be constituted as toilets for men or women.

In the modular sanitary system according to the invention, a particularly large number of installation options is obtained by the fact that the modules are constituted rectangular and the base module has eight passages and the sanitary modules each have two passages. The base module, with a rectangular or square base shape, has two passages per side, whereas the sanitary modules have two passages arranged across the corner. In principle, the passages of the sanitary modules can also be arranged opposite one another, but the arrangement across the corner offers advantages in respect of space utilisation and the arrangement of the modules with respect to one another. As a result of the relatively large number of passages, the base module can be coupled to many sanitary modules, but there is also the widest possible range of options for installing the sanitary modules with respect to one another.

According to the invention, the arrangement and installation options can be further enhanced by the fact that the fittings of the sanitary modules are provided in variants in a mirror image of each other. The sanitary modules can be used or connected to one another in a left-hand or right-hand alignment. In particular, it is also conceivable for two or more base modules to be used, which each enable access into the sanitary system and to the adjacent sanitary modules. The base modules themselves can also be connected to one another via passages, so that a relatively large entrance space arises.

In a particularly advantageous variant of embodiment, the sanitary fittings are arranged inside the sanitary modules in such a way that the supply lines and discharge lines, for example to the toilets, are always arranged on only one side wall. The supply lines and discharge lines can then be spatially separated from the interior by a partition wall, which creates a visually favourable overall impression. Moreover, maintenance openings for maintenance of the supply lines and discharge lines can be provided on the corresponding side wall. In the case of blockages or defects of the toilets, the latter can thus be maintained or repaired from the outside, which on the one hand is more pleasant for the users, but on the other hand is often also associated with easier accessibility. The connections to the supply-line and discharge-line piping system are correspondingly also arranged on only one side of the sanitary modules, as a result of which rapid and straightforward erection on site is possible. The sanitary modules comprise, as it were, an equipment backpack or compartment, in which all the technical equipment, i.e. for example a fuse box for the electricity, is housed.

The passages can comprise removable wall elements and can also be closed with the latter. Removable wall elements have the advantage over doors in that as few movable elements as possible are arranged inside the sanitary modules. It is precisely in the sanitary area that it is undesirable to use door handles for hygiene reasons. Doors also become soiled more quickly by being touched frequently or they are often opened with the feet or elbows, which can also lead to damage.

In a particularly advantageous variant of embodiment, the removable wall elements can be suspended in mounting devices provided for the purpose in the interior of the modules. In order to convey a visually more appealing impression, the wall elements can be decorated with colours, but they can also display advertising messages or other information. The wall elements can also be fitted on the outside, in order to serve there as information or advertising vehicles. In principle, it is of course also possible to use the external walls of the modules themselves as advertising areas, for example to apply posters.

The individual modules can have different dimensions from the usual container dimensions, for example a length of approx. 4.2 m, a width of approx. 3 m and a height of 2.8 m are sufficient. The spatial requirements on site can be better utilised due to the smaller dimensions.

Instead of a wall element or a standard door, a mixed form can also be provided, i.e. an element which can be swung in the manner of a door, so that it comes to rest against the wall framing the door. Thus, the wall element is, as it were, swung laterally out of the opening and lies against a free area provided for the purpose directly against the wall.

The equipping of the modules can take place virtually arbitrarily, for example showers, nappy changing facilities, toilets, wash facilities etc. can be provided.

According to the invention, an access system with turnstiles or swing doors is also provided in the base module. An access system is particularly advantageous in which the access is released after payment of an amount of money and the user receives a token. The token can itself again be used as a means of payment. In particular, it has proved to be advantageous if the token can be used in the immediate vicinity of the access system, for example for the purchase of food or drinks in a shop or kiosk. The advantage consists in the fact that the users of the access system, although having to make a certain payment, can transfer the same to other services. Such a system is particularly suitable for access to public toilets, even if the requirement for a payment is not possible or desirable for legal or moral reasons. In such a case, the user pays a certain amount, but this entitles him not only to use the toilet, but also allows him to purchase food, drinks or suchlike upon presentation of a token.

If such a payment system is provided, one of the modules can comprise a salesroom in which the tokens can be redeemed. Suitable vending machines are also conceivable that accept tokens and deliver products.

The modules can also comprise the standard equipment for use in the intended manner, for example mention may be made here of equipment such as an air-conditioning system, ventilation system, lighting system, possibly loudspeakers for music or audio information.

Sealing elements can be provided between the modules, said sealing elements sealing the passages against influences from the exterior, such as rain, snow or wind. For example, the passages can be surrounded by rubber seals which are compressed when the modules are placed next to one another and seal the intermediate space between the modules. Alternatively or in addition, a roofing element can be used, which protects the passages or crossovers between the modules against rain. Such roofing elements can for example be constituted by simple flat panels, which are arranged so as to be swivellable on the roof of the modules and, when required, are placed over the passages.

In a particularly advantageous variant, bridging elements can be provided between the modules, which are used when the modules cannot or are not intended to be placed directly next to one another. Users can then pass from one module into the other through the bridging elements, which can be up to several metres long. A gangway safe to walk on, which is surrounded by a kind of bellows with a suitably large diameter, is suitable for example. The bellows adjoins the passages. An advantage of a bellows consists in its ability to be curved, so that the modules do not have to stand exactly next to one another. If a curvature is necessary, only the gangway safe to walk on needs to be adapted accordingly. Apart from the bellows system, however, any other system is in principle feasible that enables passage from one module to the next one.

The modules also comprise height equalisation devices, which enable a horizontal assembly on site. Such height equalisation systems can be constituted by support elements which can be unscrewed, but other suitable devices are also conceivable.

The modules can also comprise electrical connection elements for connecting the modules. The modules are thus connected electrically to one another, only one module having to be connected to the electric mains on site. This also saves installation costs.

In principle, the use of a stairway module is also conceivable, as a result of which a two-storey or even multi-storey arrangement of the modules is possible. Such a stairway module correspondingly comprises a plurality passages above one another.

The invention is explained in greater detail with the aid of the following figures, the latter showing only preferred variants of embodiment, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the latter. In the figures:

Fig. 1 shows a variant of embodiment of the sanitary system according to the invention from above in cross-section,

Fig. 2 shows an alternative arrangement of the modules from figure 1,

Fig. 3 shows a further arrangement according to the invention with a base module and four sanitary modules,

Fig. 4 shows a further variant of embodiment with two base modules and eight sanitary modules,

Fig. 5 shows a second preferred variant of embodiment of a sanitary module with an equipment compartment.

According to the shown variants of embodiment, a modular sanitary system 20 according to the invention comprises at least one base module 22 and at least two sanitary modules 24. Modules 22, 24 comprise closable passages 26, via which modules 22, 24 can be accessed on foot when passages 26 of two modules 22, 24 are arranged lying next to one another. Passages 26 are closable by means of suitable wall elements 28. Wall elements 28 can be constituted as doors, but they can also be constituted by removable panels. Passages 26, in which wall elements 28 have been removed, are represented with broken lines in the shown examples of embodiment. In particular, passages 26 of base module 22 can also be constituted by doors, as indicated in figures 2 to 5.

Figures 1 to 4 further illustrate that sanitary system 20 is very variable, especially because base module 22 comprises eight passages 26, of which two passages are arranged in each case at one side of a rectangular base shape. Associated sanitary modules 24 each comprise two passages 26, which in the shown example of embodiment are arranged across the corner. Furthermore, sanitary modules 24 are present in a total of four variants of embodiment, i.e. sanitary module 24 constituted as a men's toilet, sanitary module 24 constituted as a women's toilet, wherein, for each of the two variants of embodiment, two variants of embodiment in a mirror image of each other are present in each case. This is shown particularly clearly by figure 5, which includes the use of such sanitary modules 24.

Shown base modules 22 each include two turnstiles 30 and a swing door 32 beside the latter. Swing door 32 is advantageously an opening through which children can pass, preferably in the shape of a child's outline. Swing door 32 thus serves equally as an entrance or exit for handicapped people, children, and as an emergency exit.

By way of example, sanitary modules 24 are equipped with sitting toilets 34, standing toilets 36 and wash basins 28. A fold-down nappy changing table 40 is also shown. Modules 22, 24 can however also comprise other suitable sanitary fittings.

Figures 1 to 5 further illustrate that sitting toilets 34 and standing toilets 36 are arranged in each case at an external wall. Figure 6 shows that precisely then, with the aid of an intermediate wall 42, an equipment compartment 44 can be separated off, said equipment compartment comprising all the supply lines and discharge lines to toilets 34, 36. Equipment compartment 44 is accessible from the exterior through at least one maintenance opening 46. Figure 6 shows equipment compartment 46 behind sitting toilets 34, but corresponding equipment compartments 46 can also be arranged behind standing toilets 36.

It is clear from the shown variants of embodiment that sanitary system 20 according to the invention can be used in an extremely flexible manner, as a result of which the most varied requirements on site can be catered for. Modules 22, 24 can for example be arranged around existing walls or trees, it also being possible without problem to adapt the number of toilets to the actual visitor profiles, i.e. if there is a greater number of women, correspondingly more women's toilets can be provided.

The invention is not limited to the represented variants of embodiment, but also includes further possible embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims. For example, the modules can also comprise more than eight doors.

Claims (7)

1. Modular sanitary system (20) comprising: a basic module (22) having at least two passages (26) which can be closed, the sanitary modules (24) with at least two passages (26) which can be closed where the basic module (22) and the sanitary modules (24) can be placed in such a way next to each other that the through opening vias (26) are connected to each other and are safe to walk on, in which the modules (22, 24) has a rectangular basic shape, and the basic module is provided with eight passageways (26), of which in each case are formed two passages (26) on the one hand, and the sanitary modules (24) are each provided with two passages (26 ) that is located transversely, characterized in that the basic module (22) is located at least one twist lock (30) and a swing door (32).

2. Sanitary system (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that there are provided two sanitary modules (24), the identical devices are located mirror-inverted relative to each other.

3. Sanitary system (20) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a sanitary module (24) is designed as a sanitary unit for men, and a sanitary module (24) is designed as a sanitary unit for women.

4. Sanitary system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that there is placed in the sanitary connections in a technical room (44) defined bya intermediate wall (42) and a maintenance opening (46) which is accessible from the outside.

5. Sanitary system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that there is located toilets (34, 36) of in each case one side of the sanitary modules (24).

6. Sanitary system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the modules (22, 24), each insert is provided with a height adjustment device.

7. Sanitary system (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the latch (30) is released upon payment of a sum of money, and the user receives a værdibon.