System and method for cleaning waste bin in aircraft

Abstract

A system for cleaning a waste bin (4) in an aircraft is proposed, the system comprising a service device, at least one spray nozzle and a first adapter (12) for each of the at least one spray nozzle, the service device comprises a descaling fluid tank (14), a service device outlet, a service device inlet and a pump in fluid communication with the service device outlet, where the at least one spray nozzle is coupled with the service device outlet or the pump via a first conduit (30), where the at least one spray nozzle is adapted to spray at least one descaling fluid jet into the waste tank, where the at least one descaling fluid jet is coupled with the service device outlet or the pump via a second conduit (30). The service device inlet is coupled with a second conduit (38) attachable to the waste bin outlet, and wherein the first adapter is coupleable with a respective spray nozzle and comprises fastening means for attaching the first adapter to the opening of the waste bin in a substantially fluid-tight manner, and wherein the first adapter is coupled with a second conduit (38) attachable to the waste bin outlet. The service device is designed to continuously circulate the descaling fluid through the service device outlet, the first conduit, the at least one spray nozzle, the waste bin outlet, the second conduit and the service device inlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for cleaning a waste bin in an aircraft. Background Art

[0002] In commercial aircraft designed for the transportation of passengers, a number of facilities for increasing the comfort of individual passengers are usually provided. These facilities include mandatory features in the form of a toilet / washroom, which requires a water supply tank for flushing water and a waste tank. The waste tank is usually emptied by opening an outlet and sucking or pressing the contents of the waste tank to an external treatment device. During maintenance operations, the waste tank is usually cleaned manually by using a high-pressure water jet device to remove residues from the inner surface of the waste tank. However, a hard layer of residues and / or scale may remain, which may impair the correct functioning of the filling sensor of the waste water tank, etc. The manual cleaning process poses health and injury risks to workers. In addition, due to the narrow space of the waste tank and its installation space, it is cumbersome to manually clean the interior of the waste tank. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cleaning method or a cleaning device or the like which enables complete cleaning of such a waste tank, preferably with reduced manual labour, significantly reduced risks to health and injury, preferably with reduced or eliminated risks of erroneous operation of the waste tank filling sensor and with increased efficiency.

[0004] The object of the invention is achieved by a system for cleaning a waste container in an aircraft having the features according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be gathered from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0005] A system for cleaning a waste tank in an aircraft is proposed, the system comprising: a service device; at least one spray nozzle, the at least one spray nozzle having a spray nozzle head and a spray nozzle inlet; and a first adapter for each of the at least one spray nozzle, wherein the service device comprises a descaling fluid tank, a service device outlet, a service device inlet and a pump in fluid communication with the service device outlet, wherein the at least one spray nozzle is connected to the service device outlet or the pump via a first conduit, wherein the at least one spray nozzle is suitable for spraying at least one descaling fluid jet into the waste tank, wherein the service device inlet is connected to a second conduit that can be attached to the waste tank outlet, wherein the first adapter can be connected to the respective spray nozzle and comprises fastening means for attaching the first adapter to an opening of the waste tank in a substantially fluid-tight manner, and wherein the service device is designed to circulate the descaling fluid continuously through the service device outlet, the first conduit, the at least one spray nozzle, the waste tank outlet, the second conduit and the service device inlet.

[0006] The size and shape of the waste bin can vary depending on the type and configuration of the respective aircraft. The waste bin can include a cylindrical shape with rounded ends. As an alternative, the waste bin can have a tapered conical shape. Combinations of these shapes are also possible. The waste bin is typically arranged with a longitudinal axis that is substantially horizontally aligned or at an angle of 30° or less to the horizontal axis.

[0007] Typically, a waste bin includes one or more waste bin inlets for introducing waste, for example from a toilet, into the waste bin. The waste bin inlet is typically arranged on an upper portion of the waste bin. In addition, filters, filter caps, correction covers and other components are typically arranged on the waste bin. These accessories are typically connected to a dedicated opening and can be removed for maintenance, replacement, modification or upgrading.

[0008] The gist of the invention is to provide at least one and preferably a plurality of spray nozzles which can be temporarily connected to the opening of the waste bin so that they extend into the interior of the waste bin to continuously spray a descaling fluid in the form of a fluid jet into the waste bin. Preferably, at least one spray nozzle is adapted to provide a plurality of fluid jets directed onto the inner surface of the waste bin so that at least a major portion of the inner surface of the waste bin will be impacted. By continuously spraying the fluid jets onto the inner surface of the waste bin, residues and scale are partially dissolved or etched, thereby at least partially removed from the inner surface and washed off. Thus, the fluid jets subsequently remove residues and scale layer by layer, resulting in complete cleaning of the inner surface.

[0009] The service device contains a sufficiently large amount of descaling fluid that circulates between the service device and the waste tank. The descaling fluid can circulate for a predetermined amount of time sufficient to clean the interior surfaces so that all residue and scale are removed. In doing so, residue and scale are washed off the interior surfaces and entrained by the circulating descaling fluid. When a sufficiently large amount of descaling fluid is used, the chemical activity of the descaling fluid is hardly reduced by the entrained residue and scale, so that the descaling fluid removes residue and scale substantially during the entire time of the circulation.

[0010] The service device can be a movable platform, which can be moved to the corresponding aircraft and can be stopped at the desired position. Then, the service device can be connected to the waste bin outlet and corresponding opening to introduce at least one jet nozzle. All accessories should be removed, i.e., waste bin inlet, filter, correction cover, etc. At least one opening in the resulting opening will be equipped with a jet nozzle. The opening that the cleaning process does not need can be covered by a suitable covering member. By attaching at least one jet nozzle to the corresponding opening, attaching the covering member to the remaining opening and attaching the service device inlet to the waste bin outlet, a closed loop is provided. Then, the pump can pump the descaling fluid to the service device outlet, and at least one jet nozzle is connected to the service device outlet. The descaling fluid is collected at the bottom side of the waste bin, and arrives at the waste bin outlet to be pumped to the service device outlet again.

[0011] At least one jet nozzle can comprise a jet nozzle head, which is inserted into the inside of the waste bin. For this reason, the jet nozzle head can be connected to a pipe or pipeline that protrudes into the waste bin. The corresponding jet nozzle will be connected to the existing opening of the waste bin, and a correction cover, a filter, a waste inlet or another accessory is otherwise connected to the opening. In order for the jet nozzle to be attached to the corresponding opening, a first adapter is used. The first adapter comprises a shape consistent with the size and shape of the opening and the size and shape of the corresponding jet nozzle. Therefore, system according to the present invention allows to be used for multiple different types of aircraft and / or waste bins of different designs by simply using a suitable first adapter group.

[0012] As a result, the system according to the invention provides a simple and effective way of cleaning the waste tank to remove residues and scale. Thus, the filling sensors and other equipment of the waste tank can be thoroughly cleaned and maintained and do not need to be replaced frequently. The system can be operated autonomously and does not pose any health or injury risks to the workers. However, the cleaning process is much more effective than a manual cleaning process. In addition, in particular when citric acid is used as the descaling fluid, the waste is harmless. Due to the self-sufficient operation of the system, ergonomics is greatly improved.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the first adapter comprises a plate with a central through hole, wherein the corresponding jet nozzle comprises a pipe with a first end and a second end, the pipe passing through the through hole, wherein the jet nozzle head is arranged on the first end, and wherein a coupler is arranged on the second end. The pipe can be welded to one of the sides of the plate and can terminate there. By combining the pipe and the plate, a fluid communication from the outside of the plate to the inner space of the waste box can be provided, wherein the jet nozzle is maintained in the inner space of the waste box. The first adapter can be attached to the surface of the waste box around the corresponding opening so that the pipe is maintained in the opening. The first end is placed inside the waste box, and the second end is placed outside the waste box, wherein the coupler is accessible to be connected to the first conduit. By selecting the length of the pipe, the first end can be placed in the desired position in the waste box. The descaling fluid can be transmitted to the jet nozzle head through the pipe. A sealing device can be arranged between the first adapter and the corresponding surface of the waste box to provide a fluid-tight attachment. However, the surrounding surface of the first adapter and / or the corresponding opening may already include such a sealing device. The first adapter piece of the spray nozzle should have the same design as the flange of the correction cover or another accessory for the waste bin and may therefore include the same thickness, the same screw holes, etc., in order to reuse existing screw holes and screws. The first adapter piece may be made of a metal material, and in particular stainless steel or a metal material coated or treated with a substance that prevents corrosion.

[0014] The first adapter is designed such that the at least one spray nozzle can be attached to almost any waste bin opening by adapting the design and dimensions of the plate to the respective waste bin opening. Thus, a plurality of different waste bins can be cleaned by the system according to the invention.

[0015] Analogously, at least one second adapter may be provided, which is adapted to the size of a respective waste bin outlet.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the spray nozzle is designed to keep the spray nozzle head in the interior of the waste bin at a certain distance from the corresponding opening. Depending on the overall design of the spray nozzle head, the cleaning process may require a certain minimum and / or maximum distance from the inner surface of the waste bin. The tube length can be selected to place the spray nozzle head in a range of positions that support the cleaning process of a specific spray nozzle head.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the spray nozzle head comprises a plurality of spray openings with a plurality of different spray angles. The spray openings comprise a size and alignment resulting in the formation of a plurality of descaling fluid jets, which leave the spray nozzle head and travel through the interior of the waste bin to impinge on the inner surface of the waste bin. A plurality of spray openings with different spray angles in at least two and preferably three spatial directions are provided on the spray nozzle head, the spray nozzle head of at least one spray nozzle allowing substantially the entire inner surface to be cleaned to be reached.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the jet nozzle head is capable of active rotation. The jet nozzle head can preferably be rotated by supplying the descaling fluid via a pipe. This can be achieved by a specific design of the jet nozzle head. For example, the jet nozzle head can be supported on the pipe in a rotatable manner. Inside the jet nozzle head, a turbine can be provided, which rotates by the flow of the descaling fluid. As an alternative, the jet opening of the jet nozzle head can have a jet opening axis tilted relative to a radial line, so that the jet of the descaling fluid sprayed produces a torque that drives the jet nozzle head to rotate around the axis of rotation. Both principles can be used in combination. The rotating jet nozzle head leads to improved wetting of the inner surface of the waste tank. Then a reduced number of jet openings can be used, which also produces a stronger fluid jet when the flow rate of the descaling fluid is the same as the flow rate with more jet openings.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the service device further comprises a receiving portion for receiving accessories, wherein the receiving portion is removably arranged inside the descaling fluid tank. The accessories may comprise a waste inlet, a filter, a correction cover, a seal, a fastening element and other components which are usually attached to the outer surface of the waste tank during its normal operation. By placing the accessories into the receiving portion, they can be cleaned inside the descaling fluid tank during the cleaning process. Due to the continuous flow of the descaling fluid, the receiving portion can be filled with the descaling fluid and / or flow through and act on the corresponding accessories.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving portion comprises a box with a grid structure through which the descaling fluid can flow. For example, the box may resemble a cage through which the descaling fluid easily flows. During the cleaning process, scale and residues on the accessories will then be removed layer by layer.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the service device further comprises a fresh water tank, wherein the service device comprises a first valve adapted to selectively convey the descaling fluid from the descaling fluid tank or the fresh water from the fresh water tank to the service device outlet. The first valve may be a three-way valve, which may be switched between a first position, a second position and a neutral position. In the first position, the descaling fluid may be conveyed to the service device outlet. In the second position, the fresh water may be conveyed to the service device outlet. In the neutral position, the descaling fluid and the fresh water will not be provided. The first valve may be arranged upstream of the above-mentioned pump.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the system further comprises a control unit coupled to the pump, wherein the control unit is adapted to operate the pump continuously for a predetermined amount of time. The control unit allows controlling at least the length of the entire cleaning process. For example, a predetermined cleaning time may be set and the control unit operates the pump during the predetermined cleaning time. Furthermore, the control unit may be coupled to the above-mentioned first valve to provide the descaling fluid during a first amount of time and thereafter to provide fresh water for flushing the tank during a second amount of time. Additionally, a filling sensor may be provided to monitor the filling levels of the descaling fluid tank and the fresh water tank, and a second valve allowing or interrupting the filling of the two tanks may also be controlled by the control unit. Preferably, the control unit is capable of achieving a completely self-sufficient autonomous cleaning process after completing all required connections to the waste tank, without the need for manual interaction.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the service device further comprises at least one clogging sensor connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to interrupt the operation of the pump according to a clogging signal from the at least one clogging sensor. Thus, the control unit provides a safety feature for stopping the cleaning process when excessive filter clogging is detected. In addition, one or more pressure sensors may be provided to monitor the pressure of the fluid inlet or outlet. By monitoring pressure, flow, clogging status and / or other parameters, the control unit provides a safe and reliable cleaning process and can prevent damage to any part of the system or the waste tank.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the descaling fluid tank comprises a citric acid solution. Thus, the descaling fluid tank can be filled with fresh water and citric acid in powder form can be added to produce the desired solution. Advantageously, a 2% to 10% citric acid solution, and preferably a 5% citric acid solution is provided. However, the invention does not exclude the use of alternative descaling fluids.

[0025] The descaling fluid may comprise a slightly elevated temperature, for example up to 45° C. Before starting the cleaning process, the system may be adapted to preheat the descaling fluid.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the service device comprises a mobile platform with wheels for moving the service device to a desired operating position. The service device may comprise a housing enclosing a descaling fluid tank and a fresh water tank placed on the mobile platform. All additional components, such as control units, pumps, valves and quick connectors etc. are preferably included in the mobile device so that the service device can be simply moved to the aircraft and operated by plugging the service device into a power source and connecting the conduit to the power source.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning a waste bin in an aircraft, the method comprising the following steps: attaching at least one spray nozzle having a spray nozzle head and a spray nozzle inlet to an opening of the waste bin in a substantially fluid-tight manner by means of a first adapter; connecting the at least one spray nozzle to a service device outlet of a service device or a pump fluidically connected to the service device outlet via a first conduit; connecting the service device inlet to the waste bin outlet via a second conduit; and continuously circulating the descaling fluid through the service device outlet, the first conduit, the at least one spray nozzle, the waste bin outlet, the second conduit and the service device inlet by supplying descaling fluid from a descaling fluid tank of the service device into the waste bin via the at least one spray nozzle and receiving the descaling fluid from the waste bin outlet and supplying the descaling fluid into the descaling fluid tank; wherein the at least one spray nozzle head is suitable for spraying at least one descaling fluid jet into the waste bin.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the method comprises, as a preparatory step, removing the accessory from the waste tank; placing the accessory into the receiving portion; and placing the receiving portion into the interior of the descaling fluid tank.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the method further comprises: interrupting the circulation of the descaling fluid after a predetermined amount of time; supplying fresh water from the fresh water tank to the waste tank; and receiving the generated flushing water from the waste tank outlet and supplying the flushing water to the descaling fluid tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In the following, exemplary embodiments are illustrated in more detail using the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. The same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. The accompanying drawings show:

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system for cleaning a waste bin and a waste bin in an aircraft is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the injection nozzle is shown.

[0033] Figures 3 to 9 The waste tank 4 is shown in different views in different installation steps of the spray nozzle.

[0034] Fig.10 A receptacle which can be inserted into a descaling fluid tank is shown schematically. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 A system 2 is shown for cleaning a waste tank 4 in an aircraft 6. The system 2 comprises a service device 8, exemplarily two spray nozzles 10 and a first adapter 12 for each of the spray nozzles 10. The service device 8 comprises a descaling fluid tank 14 and a fresh water tank 16. A service device outlet 18 and exemplarily two service device inlets 20 are provided.

[0036] The descaling fluid outlet 19 is connected to a first filter 22 and then to a first valve 24, which is exemplarily realized in the form of a three-way valve and leads to a service device outlet 18 connected to a pump 26. In this illustration, the first valve 24 is in a neutral state, in which the pump 26 is not in fluid communication with any fluid source. When the first valve 24 is switched into the first position, the first filter 22 is in fluid communication with the pump 26. Figure 1 In the schematic diagram of , the first valve 24 will switch to the left hand side to reach the first position. As further explained below, switching the first valve 24 to the right hand side leads to the second position. The neutral position of the first valve 24 is located between the first position and the second position.

[0037] Downstream of the pump 26, a first quick coupler 28 is provided, to which a first conduit 30 is connected. The first conduit 30 is connected to the two spray nozzles 10, so that when the first valve 24 is in the first position, descaling fluid can be pumped from the descaling fluid tank 14 into the waste tank 4. The descaling fluid entering the waste tank 4 preferably impinges on the inner surface of the waste tank 4, so that the descaling fluid actively descales the inner surface and flows downwards to the bottom side 32 of the waste tank 4. Here, a waste tank outlet 34 is provided, which is connected to a second quick coupler 36, to which a second conduit 38 is connected, which in turn is coupled to a third quick connector 40, which leads to one of the service device inlets 20. The descaling fluid pumped into the waste tank 4 thus descales and cleans the interior of the waste tank and flows back to the descaling fluid tank 14. Here, the descaling fluid pumped into the waste tank 4 reaches the pump 26 again and thus circulates continuously between the descaling fluid tank 14 and the waste tank 4.

[0038] The fresh water tank 16 includes a fresh water outlet 42, which is connected to a second filter 44, which is in turn connected to the first valve 24. By switching the first valve 24 to the second position, water from the fresh water tank 16 is transferred to the pump 26, which allows the system 2 to flush the waste tank 4. The water flowing into the waste tank 4 leaves the waste tank 4 at the waste tank outlet 34 and flows into the descaling fluid tank 14. The descaling fluid tank 14 is sized to carry a sufficient amount of descaling fluid and allow all flushing water to be received. For safety design purposes, the descaling fluid tank 14 includes an additional buffer volume. For example, the descaling fluid tank 14 can have a volume of 750l and can be filled with an initial volume of 500l of descaling fluid. The fresh water tank 16 can include a volume capable of storing 150l of fresh water. Therefore, the descaling fluid tank 14 can have a buffer volume of 100l as a safety tolerance.

[0039] For the sake of clarity, it should be emphasized that the first filter 22 and the second filter 44 should be understood as any device capable of separating solids from the descaling fluid to filter the descaling fluid. The filter may be implemented by one or more of various different types of filtering devices.

[0040] The control unit 45 is connected to the pump 26, the filter clogging sensor 46, the fill sensor device 48 for sensing the fill levels of the descaling fluid tank 14 and the fresh water tank 16, and the first valve 24. The control unit 45 is capable of operating the pump 26, selecting the fluid source by operating the first valve 24, and monitoring the fill levels and potential clogging events. Preferably, the control unit 45 is adapted to continuously circulate the descaling fluid from the descaling fluid tank 14 through the waste tank 4, and after a predetermined amount of time, flush the waste tank 4 with fresh water by switching the first valve 24 from the first position to the second position. Thereafter, the process of cleaning the waste tank 4 can be stopped by switching the valve 24 to the neutral position and stopping the pump 26.

[0041] Downstream of the pump outlet 50, a pressure sensor 52 may be provided which can influence the control of the pump 26 or which, in the event of an overpressure, interrupts the operation of the pump 26. Furthermore, a pressure relief valve 54 arranged downstream of the pump outlet 50 and connected to one of the service inlets 20 allows the maximum pressure in the first conduit 30 to be limited.

[0042] For filling the fresh water tank 16 and the descaling fluid tank 14, a second valve 56 is provided, which is connected to an external fresh water tank 58. By switching the second valve 56 to a first position, i.e. by moving the second valve 56 to the left-hand side in the schematic diagram, water is supplied to the descaling fluid tank 14. After a certain filling volume has been reached, a descaling agent, such as citric acid, can be added. For example, the descaling fluid is a 5% citric acid solution. By switching the second valve 56 to a second position, the fresh water tank 16 can be filled. A fourth quick connector 60 is provided, which allows coupling the service device 8 with the external fresh water tank 58.

[0043] Exemplarily, both the fresh water tank 16 and the descaling fluid tank 14 include separate visual level indicators 62 for simplifying the filling process before operating the system 2. The service device 8 may be connected to a power source 64, which may be an AC power source and may be simply switched on by a switch 66. Preferably, the service device 8 is provided as a stand-alone unit and may include a mobile platform 67 with wheels 68 to enable the service device 8 to be moved to the aircraft 6 in a convenient manner.

[0044] In order to empty the descaling fluid tank 14 after the cleaning process and, if necessary, the fresh water tank 16, a drain pipe 70 is provided, which is connected just downstream to a drain valve 72 which opens into a drain port 74. After cleaning the waste tank 4, the fluid contained in the two tanks 14 and 16 of the service device 8 can be easily disposed of.

[0045] An additional ventilation line 11 is provided, which is exemplarily connected to the waste tank 4 in its upper region. The ventilation line 11 is connected to an additional service inlet 20 and allows conveying air and fluids and other substances entrained therein into the descaling fluid tank 14. Overpressure within the waste tank 4 is prevented. An additional pressure sensor 53 is connected to the ventilation line 11 and to the control unit 45. Thus, the control unit 45 is able to detect an excessive pressure in the ventilation line 11 and in this case to interrupt the operation of the system 2.

[0046] Figure 2A spray nozzle 10 is shown, which includes a spray nozzle head 76 and a spray nozzle inlet 78. The spray nozzle inlet 78 includes a coupler 80 that can be connected to the first conduit 30. The spray nozzle inlet 78 is connected to a tube 82, which in turn is connected to the spray nozzle head 76. When the spray nozzle head 76 is arranged on the first end 84 of the tube 82, the spray nozzle inlet 78 is arranged on the second end 86 of the tube 82. The tube 82 passes through the through hole 88 of the first adapter 12, and the coupler 80 is connected to the first adapter 12. The first adapter 12 includes a plate 90, which includes a plurality of screw holes 91 distributed on the plate 90. The size and shape of the plate 90 are consistent with the shape and size of the opening to which the first adapter 12 will be attached. Fastening the first adapter 12 to the surrounding surface of such an opening of the waste tank 4 positions the spray nozzle head 76 in a desired position. This will be further explained below.

[0047] The spray nozzle head 76 comprises a plurality of spray openings 92 distributed on the spray nozzle head 76, which cause the fluid jet to be sprayed in different spatial directions. The spray openings 92 are exemplarily shown on two circumferential lines extending 360° around the rotation axis 94. However, fewer and more spray openings 92 are also possible.

[0048] Exemplarily, the spray nozzle head 76 can rotate about the rotation axis 94 so that multiple fluid jets are sprayed on several circulation paths. The distance between the first adapter 12 and the spray nozzle head 76 can be selected according to the size and shape of the waste tank 4 and the desired position of the spray nozzle head 76 inside the waste tank 4.

[0049] As illustrated in detail A, the injection opening 92 may include an opening axis 93 which is inclined relative to a radial line 95, i.e., an angle α between the radial line 95 and the opening axis 93 in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 94 is greater than zero or less than zero. If the nozzle head 76 is supported in a rotatable manner, this allows the nozzle head 76 to rotate. However, this is only an example, and the corresponding angle α may also be zero.

[0050] Figure 3 A waste bin 4 with a tapered shape is shown. Exemplarily, the narrower end is placed behind the wider end in the fuselage of the respective aircraft 6. On the top surface 96, several accessories in the form of two waste inlets 98, a filter 100 and two correction covers 102 are provided.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , these accessories 98 to 102 may be removed to release waste bin openings 104 , 106 , and 108 .

[0052] exist Figure 5In the embodiment, two spray nozzles 10 are attached to the waste tank 4 and use the two openings 104 previously covered by the correction cover 102. The opening 106 previously connected to the waste inlet 98 is now covered by the blind cover 110. The cap 112 closes the opening 108 previously carrying the filter 100. The cap 112 includes a flange 113 to which the ventilation line 11 can be connected, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0053] As from Figure 6 Obviously, the first adapter 12, and in particular the plate 90, is designed so that the waste tank opening 102 can be simply equipped with the spray nozzle 10. The screw 114 can be screwed through the screw hole 91 into the thread previously used to fasten the correction cover 102. Here, the coupling 80 is placed on top of the waste tank 4 and is ready to be connected to the first pipe 30.

[0054] Figure 7 The positions of the spray nozzle heads 76 are shown within the waste bin 4. Here, they include a predetermined distance from the top surface 96 to improve the cleaning action.

[0055] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Different cleaning positions are shown, ie one spray nozzle 10 is arranged in a forward position ( Figure 8 ) and one spray nozzle 10 is arranged in the rearward cleaning position ( Fig. 9 ).

[0056] Fig.10 A schematic illustration of a descaling fluid tank 14 with a lid 116 at a top side 118 is shown, into which a receiving portion 120 in the form of a cage or basket can be inserted by means of the lid 116. In the interior of the descaling fluid tank 14, a holding frame 122 is exemplarily provided, which is arranged below a cutout 124, which can be closed in a sealable manner by the lid 116. The receiving portion 120 itself can also include a lid 126, which can be opened to insert or remove accessories, such as the correction cover 102 and the waste tank inlet 98. By providing a descaling fluid tank outlet 19 and an inlet 20 at opposite sides of the descaling fluid tank 14, the receiving portion 120 can be flowed through in order to clean accessories arranged in the receiving portion 120 during a cleaning process of the waste tank 4.

[0057] Reference numerals

[0058] 2 System

[0059] 4 Waste Bin

[0060] 6 Aircraft

[0061] 8 Service Devices

[0062] 10 Spray Nozzle

[0063] 11 Ventilation lines

[0064] 12 First adapter

[0065] 14 Descaling fluid tank

[0066] 16 Fresh water tank

[0067] 18 Service outlet

[0068] 19 Descaling fluid outlet

[0069] 20 Service unit entrance

[0070] 22 First Filter

[0071] 24 First valve

[0072] 26 Pumps

[0073] 28 First quick coupler

[0074] 30 First catheter

[0075] 32 bottom side

[0076] 34 Waste bin outlet

[0077] 36 Second quick connector

[0078] 38 Second catheter

[0079] 40 Third quick connector

[0080] 42 Freshwater Export

[0081] 44 Second filter

[0082] 45 Control Unit

[0083] 46 Filter clogging sensor

[0084] 48 Filling sensor device

[0085] 50 Pump outlet

[0086] 52 Pressure Sensor

[0087] 53 Pressure sensor

[0088] 54 Pressure relief valve

[0089] 56 Second valve

[0090] 58 External fresh water tank

[0091] 60 Fourth quick connector

[0092] 62 Visual level indicator

[0093] 64 Power Supply

[0094] 66 Switch

[0095] 67 Mobile Platforms

[0096] 68 rounds

[0097] 70 Drain pipe

[0098] 72 Drain valve

[0099] 74 Drain port

[0100] 76 Spray Nozzle Head

[0101] 78 Injection nozzle inlet

[0102] 80 Connector

[0103] 82 tubes

[0104] 84 First end

[0105] 86 Second end

[0106] 88 Through Hole

[0107] 90 Plate of the first adapter

[0108] 91 Screw holes

[0109] 92 Injection nozzle opening

[0110] 93 Opening axis

[0111] 94 Rotation axis

[0112] 95 Radial

[0113] 96 Top surface

[0114] 98 Waste Inlet

[0115] 100 Filters

[0116] 102 Calibration cover

[0117] 104 Waste Bin Opening

[0118] 106 Waste Bin Opening

[0119] 108 Waste Bin Opening

[0120] 110 Blind Cap

[0121] 112 Cap

[0122] 113 Flange

[0123] 114 Screws

[0124] 116 Lid

[0125] 118 top side

[0126] 120 Reception Department

[0127] 122 Keep Frame

[0128] 124 Incision

Claims

1. A system (2) for cleaning a waste tank (4) in an aircraft, comprising: Service device (8), at least one spray nozzle (10) having a spray nozzle head (76) and a spray nozzle inlet (78), and a first adapter (12), the first adapter (12) being used for each of the at least one injection nozzle (10), The service device (8) comprises a descaling fluid tank (14), a service device outlet (18), a service device inlet (20), and a pump (26) in fluid communication with the service device outlet (18). wherein the at least one spray nozzle (10) is connected to the service device outlet (18) or the pump (26) via a first conduit (30), wherein the at least one spray nozzle head (76) is adapted to spray at least one descaling fluid jet into the waste tank (4), wherein the service device inlet (20) is coupled to a second conduit (38) attachable to a waste tank outlet (34), wherein the first adapter (12) is connectable to a corresponding spray nozzle (10) and comprises fastening means for attaching the first adapter (12) to the opening (104, 106, 108) of the waste tank (4) in a substantially fluid-tight manner, and The service device (8) is designed to continuously circulate the descaling fluid through the service device outlet (18), the first conduit (30), the at least one spray nozzle (10), the waste tank outlet (34), the second conduit (38) and the service device inlet (20).

2. The system (2) according to claim 1, in, The first adapter (12) comprises a plate (90) having a central through hole (88), The respective spray nozzle (10) comprises a tube (82) having a first end (84) and a second end (86), wherein the tube (82) passes through a through hole (88), wherein the spray nozzle head (76) is arranged on the first end (84), and A coupling (80) is arranged at the second end (86).

3. The system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, in, The spray nozzle (10) is designed to hold the spray nozzle head (76) in the interior of the waste bin (4) at a distance from the respective opening (104, 106, 108).

4. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The spray nozzle head (76) is capable of active rotation.

5. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The spray nozzle head (76) includes a plurality of spray openings (92) having a plurality of different spray angles.

6. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The service device (8) further comprises a receiving portion (120) for receiving accessories (98, 102), and The receiving portion (120) can be arranged in the descaling fluid tank (14) in a removable manner.

7. The system (2) according to claim 6, in, The receiving portion (120) comprises a box having a grid structure through which the descaling fluid can flow.

8. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The service device (8) further comprises a fresh water tank (16), Therein, the service device (8) comprises a first valve (24) adapted to selectively convey the descaling fluid from the descaling fluid tank (14) or the fresh water from the fresh water tank (16) to the service device outlet (18).

9. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, It also includes a control unit (45) connected to the pump (26), and in, The control unit (45) is adapted to continuously operate the pump (26) for a predetermined amount of time.

10. The system (2) according to claim 9, in, The service device (8) further comprises at least one clogging sensor (46) connected to the control unit (45), and Therein, the control unit (45) is adapted to interrupt the operation of the pump (26) based on a clogging signal from the at least one clogging sensor (46).

11. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The descaling fluid tank (14) includes a citric acid solution.

12. System (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The service device (8) comprises a mobile platform with wheels for moving the service device (8) to a desired operating position.

13. A method for cleaning a waste tank in an aircraft, comprising the steps of: attaching at least one spray nozzle (10) having a spray nozzle head (76) and a spray nozzle inlet (78) to an opening (104, 106, 108) of the waste tank (4) in a substantially fluid-tight manner by means of a first adapter (12), connecting the at least one spray nozzle (10) to a service device outlet (18) of a service device (8) or to a pump (26) in fluid communication with the service device outlet (18) via a first conduit (30), connecting the service device inlet (20) to the waste tank outlet (34) via a second conduit (38), by supplying descaling fluid from a descaling fluid tank (14) of the service device (8) through the at least one spray nozzle (10) into the waste tank (4) and receiving descaling fluid from the waste tank outlet (34) and supplying the descaling fluid into the descaling fluid tank (14), so that the descaling fluid is continuously circulated through the service device outlet (18), the first conduit (30), the at least one spray nozzle (10), the waste tank outlet (34), the second conduit (38) and the service device inlet (20), Therein, at least one of the spray nozzle heads (76) is adapted to spray at least one descaling fluid jet into the waste tank (4).

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of: As a preparatory step, the accessories (98, 100, 102) are removed from the waste bin, placing the accessory (98, 100, 102) into the receiving portion, and The receiving portion is placed into the interior of the descaling fluid tank (14).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the steps of: interrupting the circulation of the descaling fluid after a predetermined amount of time, supplying fresh water from a fresh water tank (16) to the waste tank (4), and The generated flushing water is received from the waste tank outlet (34) and supplied to the descaling fluid tank (14).

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