Aircraft lavatory system and aircraft lavatory control method
By introducing multiple openings and intelligent control modules into the aircraft lavatory system, the efficiency and safety issues of lavatories and cockpits in civil aircraft have been resolved. This has enabled crew members to use the lavatory in the cockpit with both convenience and safety, while avoiding increased weight and the risk of hijacking.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-14
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the design of lavatories and cockpits in civil aircraft has problems of low efficiency and insufficient safety. In particular, increasing the weight while ensuring cockpit safety will affect the efficiency of use and cannot meet the use needs of the crew at the same time.
Design an aircraft lavatory system comprising multiple openings and corresponding doors. Intelligent control of the openings is achieved through a control module, ensuring that the doors can only be opened or closed under specific conditions, maintaining the isolation and security between the cockpit and the lavatory, and enhancing security through the double locking of the safety doors.
Without significantly increasing weight, the system allows crew members to use the lavatory without leaving the cockpit, improving efficiency and safety, ensuring the interlocking reliability of the doors in any usage scenario, and preventing threats such as hijacking.
Smart Images
Figure CN121849358A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of aircraft design technology, and in particular to an aircraft lavatory system and an aircraft lavatory control method. Background Technology
[0002] The existing technology has the following problems with the lavatories installed on civil aircraft: 1. If crew members need to use the lavatory, they need to leave the cockpit. In order to ensure the safety of cockpit control, two people need to be in the cockpit. In special circumstances, the crew may require the safety officer or crew member to enter, which affects efficiency.
[0003] 2. There is a need for anti-hijacking measures in the aircraft cockpit. From a safety perspective, merging the lavatory with the cockpit would require the entire lavatory to be designed to withstand impacts, which would significantly increase the weight; thus, the safety of the crew using the lavatory and the overall cockpit could not be guaranteed. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This specification provides an aircraft lavatory system and an aircraft lavatory control method to solve one or more technical problems existing in the background art, including how to improve the efficiency and safety of lavatory use.
[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments in this specification provide the following technical solutions: This specification provides an embodiment of an aircraft lavatory system, the system including a lavatory space having multiple openings, the multiple openings including a first opening for connecting the internal space of the lavatory space to the aircraft cockpit space and a second opening for connecting the internal space of the lavatory space to the passenger cabin space. The system includes a first chamber door for opening and closing the first opening, a second chamber door for opening and closing the second opening, and a safety door disposed within the washroom space. The system includes a control module, which is configured as follows: The first chamber door may be opened only when both the second chamber door and the security door have locked the second opening; The second chamber door may be opened only when both the first chamber door and the security door have locked the first opening.
[0006] Preferably, the control module is used to control the safety door to lock the first opening or the second opening according to instructions from the aircraft cockpit.
[0007] Preferably, controlling the safety door to lock the first opening or the second opening according to instructions from the aircraft cockpit includes: Upon receiving a first command from the aircraft cockpit, control the safety door to lock the second opening; Upon receiving a second command from the aircraft cockpit, control the safety door to lock the first opening; The first instruction is used to indicate the use of the restroom, and the second instruction is used to indicate the end of the use of the restroom.
[0008] Preferably, the control module is further configured to: Upon receiving the first command from the aircraft cockpit, lock the second compartment door; And / or, When a second command is received from the aircraft cockpit, the second compartment door is unlocked.
[0009] Preferably, the system further includes a command triggering module located in the aircraft cockpit, which is used to trigger the first command or the second command.
[0010] Preferably, the control module is also used to control the safety door to lock the first opening when the washroom is unoccupied.
[0011] Preferably, the system further includes a track along which the security door closes the first or second opening.
[0012] Preferably, the track is laid along the first opening to the second opening.
[0013] Preferably, the system further includes an indicator module, which provides corresponding indications based on whether there are people in the washroom.
[0014] This specification provides an embodiment of an aircraft lavatory control method, which is applied to the aforementioned aircraft lavatory system; The method includes: The first chamber door may be opened only when both the second chamber door and the security door have locked the second opening; The second chamber door may be opened only when both the first chamber door and the security door have locked the first opening.
[0015] The above-described at least one technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this specification can achieve the following beneficial effects: The above-mentioned technical solution, through intelligent control, can achieve the following: while maintaining the physical isolation and safety of the cockpit, flight crew members can use the lavatory facilities without leaving the cockpit; without significantly increasing the weight of the lavatory door, it meets the safety protection requirements of the aircraft and improves the safety of the crew members using the lavatory; and through the control logic configured in the control module, it ensures the interlock reliability of the doors corresponding to the double openings in any usage scenario, thereby improving the safety of the lavatory and the aircraft. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this specification or the prior art will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings used in some embodiments of this application are only described below. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional rendering of a washroom provided in the first embodiment of this specification.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of another washroom provided in the first embodiment of this specification.
[0019] Figure 3 This is a top-view schematic diagram of a washroom provided in the first embodiment of this specification.
[0020] Figure 4 This is another top view of a washroom provided in the first embodiment of this specification.
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the washroom layout provided in the first embodiment of this specification.
[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of the aircraft lavatory system provided in the first embodiment of this specification. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments involved in the specific implementation are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in the specific implementation without creative effort should fall within the protection scope of this application.
[0024] The first embodiment of this specification (hereinafter referred to as "Embodiment 1") provides an aircraft lavatory system. The system includes a lavatory space with multiple openings, including a first opening for connecting the internal space of the lavatory space with the aircraft cockpit space and a second opening for connecting the internal space of the lavatory space with the passenger cabin space. The system also includes a first chamber door for opening and closing the first opening, a second chamber door for opening and closing the second opening, and a safety door disposed within the washroom space. The system also includes a control module, which is configured as follows: The first chamber door may be opened only when both the second chamber door and the security door have locked the second opening; The second chamber door may be opened only when both the first chamber door and the security door have locked the first opening.
[0025] The following is a further explanation: As an example, the lavatory space may include side walls and a ceiling. The lavatory space is located on the aircraft floor, and the internal space formed by the lavatory space and the aircraft floor constitutes the lavatory. The lavatory space may be reinforced, and the necessary lavatory facilities are placed inside. The effects of the lavatory space and its internal facilities are as follows: Figures 1 to 4 As shown.
[0026] As an example, refer to Figure 5 The lavatory space is located near the cockpit, facilitating connection to the cockpit via a first opening and to the passenger cabin via a second opening. The cockpit and passenger cabin are already separated (e.g., by a partition wall). The lavatory space can pass through this partition wall, or the side wall of the lavatory space with the first opening can be on the same plane as the partition wall. The partition wall isolates the space between the cockpit and passenger cabin except for the lavatory. The first opening faces the cockpit side (e.g.,...). Figure 4 As shown in A (cockpit side), the second opening is located on the passenger cabin side (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown in section B (cabin side)). If the first opening is not closed by the first compartment door or the safety door, the lavatory is directly connected to the cockpit through the first opening; if the second opening is not closed by the second compartment door or the safety door, the lavatory is directly connected to the cabin through the second opening.
[0027] Preferably, the control module is used to control the safety door to lock the first opening or the second opening according to instructions from the aircraft cockpit.
[0028] Preferably, controlling the safety door to lock the first opening or the second opening according to instructions from the aircraft cockpit includes: Upon receiving a first command from the aircraft cockpit, control the safety door to lock the second opening; Upon receiving a second command from the aircraft cockpit, control the safety door to lock the first opening; The first instruction is used to indicate the use of the restroom, and the second instruction is used to indicate the end of the use of the restroom.
[0029] Preferably, the control module is also used for: Upon receiving the first command from the aircraft cockpit, lock the second compartment door; And / or, When a second command is received from the aircraft cockpit, the second compartment door is unlocked.
[0030] Preferably, the system further includes a command triggering module located within the aircraft cockpit, used to trigger the first command or the second command. For example, the command triggering module can be a button. Furthermore, the command triggering module can include multiple buttons, some corresponding to the first command and others to the second command, so that operating different buttons can trigger either the first command or the second command respectively.
[0031] Preferably, the control module is also used to control the safety door to lock the first opening when the washroom is unoccupied, i.e., the safety door is locked at this time. In this case, the first door can be in a locked or unlocked state, and this is not limited to the first embodiment.
[0032] Preferably, the system further includes a track along which the security door closes the first or second opening.
[0033] Preferably, the track is laid along the path from the first opening to the second opening. For example, the track is laid along the upper and lower edges of the inner wall of the washroom space, and extends from the first opening to the second opening. The lower edge of the safety door is embedded in the track laid along the lower edge of the inner wall of the washroom space, and the upper edge of the safety door is embedded in the track laid along the upper edge of the inner wall of the washroom space. In this way, when the safety door slides along the track, it can close either the first opening or the second opening.
[0034] In Embodiment 1, the track may have a curved section, so the safety door itself can be flexible or foldable, making it easy for the safety door to slide along the track.
[0035] Preferably, the system further includes an indicator module that provides corresponding indications based on whether there are people in the lavatory. For example, the indicator module may include indicator lights, and a detection module (e.g., an infrared sensor) may be installed in the lavatory to detect the presence of people. Based on the detection result, the indicator lights provide corresponding indications. In Embodiment 1, the indicator module is located in the cockpit.
[0036] In Example 1, the security door can perform functions such as preventing hijacking and vandalism, and its material and manufacturing method are not limited.
[0037] In Example 1, locking the first room door, the second room door, or the security door means prohibiting or preventing human intervention from opening them.
[0038] The first compartment door, the second compartment door, and the security door can all use electronic locks. The security door can be equipped with a corresponding electric drive device (e.g., a motor) to drive its operation. The control module can have a corresponding processor or chip. The control module can be connected to each electronic lock, electric drive device, and command triggering module in an appropriate manner to achieve mutual transmission or control functions. The control module may be a single entity or may include multiple distributed parts. These distributed parts may be located in different locations and play different roles. For example, some parts are connected to the first compartment door electronic lock to control the locking and unlocking of the first compartment door; some parts are connected to the second compartment door electronic lock to control the locking and unlocking of the second compartment door; and some parts are connected to the security door electronic lock and / or electric drive device to control the locking and unlocking of the security door and / or the operation of the security door. Embodiment 1 does not specifically limit these aspects.
[0039] The following is combined with Figure 6 The working process of the aircraft lavatory system provided in Embodiment 1 is explained below: When the restroom is unoccupied, the control module moves the safety door along the track to the first opening and locks it, thus closing the first opening (locking means sealing, the same applies below). At this time, the second room door can be unlocked.
[0040] If personnel in the cabin area (such as passengers or crew members) need to use the lavatory, they can open the second lavatory door to enter. When the second lavatory door is opened, the control module can control the first lavatory door to close and lock (this step can be ignored if the first lavatory door was previously locked).
[0041] The indicator module (taking an indicator light as an example) displays the corresponding indicator effect based on whether there is someone in the washroom.
[0042] For personnel in the cockpit area (hereinafter, taking crew members as an example), the indicator module can determine whether there is anyone in the lavatory. If no one is in the lavatory, the crew member operates a specific button (e.g., use button) in the cockpit command trigger module to issue the first command.
[0043] The control module, based on the first command, controls the safety door to move along the track to the second opening and lock it, thereby locking the second opening within the lavatory. Simultaneously, the control module, based on the first command, closes and locks the second compartment door. This allows the crew to open the first compartment door (if the first compartment door was previously locked, the control module has already unlocked it upon issuing the first command), thus enabling direct access from the cockpit to the lavatory. Furthermore, both the safety door and the second compartment door have locked the second opening.
[0044] After the crew members finish washing up, they leave the lavatory and enter the cockpit. They then operate a specific button (such as the "End Use" button) in the command trigger module in the cockpit to issue a second command.
[0045] The control module, based on the second command, controls the safety door to move along the track to the first opening and lock it, thus locking the first opening inside the lavatory. Simultaneously, the control module, based on the second command, unlocks the second compartment door (at which point the first compartment door can be locked or unlocked). This allows passengers in the cabin area to access the lavatory by opening the second compartment door. Furthermore, regardless of whether anyone enters the lavatory from the cabin, the safety door has already locked the first opening.
[0046] Example 1 can achieve the following beneficial effects: In Embodiment 1, the lavatory has a first opening connecting to the cockpit, allowing personnel in the cockpit to directly access the lavatory without leaving the cockpit, thus improving the convenience of using the lavatory. Meanwhile, the second opening does not affect the use of the lavatory by personnel in the passenger cabin area, ensuring efficient use of the lavatory.
[0047] In Embodiment 1, based on the control logic (referred to as the door linkage control mechanism) embodied in the control module, the lavatory and cockpit remain connected when personnel enter the lavatory (the first door can be opened freely, while the second door and safety door lock the second opening). This ensures that even if the aircraft has only one pilot, the cockpit remains within the pilot's reach and control, and others cannot open the second door or safety door (i.e., cannot access the pilot). This improves the safety of personnel using the lavatory, preventing the pilot from being maliciously locked or controlled outside the cockpit, and preventing hijacking or other situations that endanger flight safety. Therefore, Embodiment 1 is applicable to future intelligent cockpits with single-person cruise capability.
[0048] In Example 1, the control logic of the control module ensures the interlock reliability of the first and second chamber doors under any usage scenario, thereby improving the safety of the lavatory and the aircraft.
[0049] In Embodiment 1, the first opening and the second opening can be closed not only by the first compartment door and the second compartment door respectively, but also by a security door. That is, both the first and second openings are equipped with double-layered doors, further enhancing the locking security of both openings. Furthermore, the security door can be moved to close either the first or second opening separately, eliminating the need for separate security doors for each opening, thus improving security while reducing the weight required for the security doors.
[0050] Example 1 achieves a balance between safety design and ease of use in the washroom, and has broad application prospects.
[0051] The second embodiment of this specification (hereinafter referred to as "Embodiment Two") provides a method for controlling an aircraft lavatory, which is applied to the aircraft lavatory system described in Embodiment One; The method includes: The first chamber door may be opened only when both the second chamber door and the security door have locked the second opening; The second chamber door may be opened only when both the first chamber door and the security door have locked the first opening.
[0052] Example 2 uses the control logic of the control module in Example 1. The specific details have been explained in Example 1 and will not be repeated in Example 2.
[0053] The contents not described in detail in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 can be referred to each other. Embodiment 2 can achieve the same beneficial effects as Embodiment 1. The above embodiments can be used in combination.
[0054] The above description is merely an embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.
Claims
1. An aircraft lavatory system, characterized in that, The system includes a lavatory space with multiple openings, including a first opening for connecting the lavatory space to the aircraft cockpit space and a second opening for connecting the lavatory space to the passenger cabin space. The system includes a first chamber door for opening and closing the first opening, a second chamber door for opening and closing the second opening, and a safety door disposed within the washroom space. The system includes a control module, which is configured as follows: The first chamber door may be opened only when both the second chamber door and the security door have locked the second opening; The second chamber door may be opened only when both the first chamber door and the security door have locked the first opening.
2. The system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is used to control the safety door to lock the first opening or the second opening according to instructions from the aircraft cockpit.
3. The system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Controlling the safety door to lock the first or second opening according to instructions from the aircraft cockpit includes: Upon receiving a first command from the aircraft cockpit, control the safety door to lock the second opening; Upon receiving a second command from the aircraft cockpit, control the safety door to lock the first opening; The first instruction is used to indicate the use of the restroom, and the second instruction is used to indicate the end of the use of the restroom.
4. The system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control module is also used for: Upon receiving the first command from the aircraft cockpit, lock the second compartment door; And / or, When a second command is received from the aircraft cockpit, the second compartment door is unlocked.
5. The system as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The system also includes a command triggering module located in the cockpit of the aircraft, which is used to trigger the first command or the second command.
6. The system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is also used to control the safety door to lock the first opening when the washroom is unoccupied.
7. The system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a track along which the security door closes the first or second opening.
8. The system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The track is laid from the first opening to the second opening.
9. The system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes an indicator module, which provides corresponding instructions based on whether there are people in the washroom.
10. A method for controlling an aircraft lavatory, characterized in that, The method is applied to the aircraft lavatory system according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The method includes: The first chamber door may be opened only when both the second chamber door and the security door have locked the second opening; The second chamber door may be opened only when both the first chamber door and the security door have locked the first opening.