System for waste disposal in a means of transport

Abstract

System for the disposal of waste in a means of transport (4), comprising - a collection device (8) for collecting waste in a cabin (2) of the means of transport (4), - a separate receiving facility (10, 60) for receiving collected waste from the collection facility (8) and - a connecting device (12) for selectively connecting the collection device (8) with the receiving device (10, 60) for transporting collected waste from the collection device (8) to the receiving device (10, 60), wherein the receiving device (10, 60) is arranged in an underfloor area (20) below a cabin floor (6), wherein the connecting device (12) extends at least partially from the cabin floor (6) to the receiving device (10, 60) and has a closure (13) arranged on or in the cabin floor (6), and wherein the collecting device (8) can be mechanically coupled to the connecting device (12) and has a lockable dispensing opening (42) which is aligned with the closure (13) of the connecting device (12) when coupled.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a system for disposing of waste in a means of transport, a method for disposing of waste in a means of transport and a means of transport, in particular an aircraft, comprising a cabin and at least one system for disposing of waste. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] On board passenger transport vehicles, food and drinks are often consumed, generating waste. This waste, particularly on passenger aircraft, is primarily collected by cabin crew and must be disposed of after the journey. Since disposal at each destination incurs fees, waste is frequently stored on board the aircraft and subsequently disposed of at a home airport.

[0003] Especially in transport vehicles for short journeys, the cabins are designed for a high number of passenger seats and have only a limited capacity for storing food and drinks or waste.

[0004] From EP 1 132 293 B1, passenger seats for aircraft are known that are equipped with adapters allowing the integration of waste containers. While personal waste storage does not require storage facilities for waste from the entire cabin, these containers must be emptied one after the flight by cabin or cleaning staff and then disposed of or stored.

[0005] For example, DE 10 129 905 B4 also mentions containers in aircraft kitchens that can hold waste and, for example, compress the waste to increase the storage volume. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a system for the disposal of waste in a means of transport which can be used in particular in cabins with limited space and requires as few modifications as possible to the cabin fittings, while at the same time being lightweight, easy and quick to operate and reliable.

[0007] The problem is solved by a system for removing waste in a means of transport with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be found in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] A system for waste disposal in a means of transport is proposed, comprising a collection device for gathering waste in a cabin of the means of transport, a separate receiving device for receiving the collected waste from the collection device, and a connecting device for selectively connecting the collection device to the receiving device for conveying the collected waste from the collection device to the receiving device. The receiving device is located in an underfloor area beneath the cabin floor. The connecting device extends at least partially from the cabin floor to the receiving device and has a closure located on or in the cabin floor. The collection device can be mechanically coupled to the connecting device and has a lockable discharge opening that, when coupled, is aligned with the closure of the connecting device.

[0009] The system according to the invention thus has three main components, which are designed separately from each other and are explained below.

[0010] The waste collection device can be designed in any way that allows cabin crew to collect waste in the cabin, for example, after passengers have consumed food or drinks. The collection volume, and thus the size of the device, is determined by the size of the cabin or the area for which a single collection device is practical. To allow cabin crew to collect waste with particular ease, the collection device is preferably movable on the cabin floor and, since the aircraft is usually in motion during use, can also be locked in place as needed. Especially when using the system according to the invention in a commercial aircraft, it is advantageous to design the collection device as a cabin trolley or serving cart, or in a similar manner.The collection device may preferably accommodate a sealable bag that can be filled and removed from the collection device when full.

[0011] The receiving unit, designed separately from the collection unit, serves to receive the waste collected from the collection unit and therefore has a receiving volume that preferably significantly exceeds that of the collection unit itself. The collected waste can be stored in the receiving unit until a home location or home airport is reached where the waste can be disposed of. The use of a receiving unit thus eliminates storage space directly in the cabin and reduces the costs that would otherwise be incurred by frequently disposing of waste at different destinations.

[0012] To avoid wasting the limited and valuable space available in a cabin for passenger transport, the receiving device is located in an underfloor area where, depending on the type of transport, loose freight, shipping containers, or similar items are typically found. The receiving device could be positioned in a suitable location that offers sufficient receiving volume and thus provides an adequate capacity for collected waste. The receiving device can be positioned directly below the floor or in areas further below, as long as a connection between the receiving device and a collection system can be established.

[0013] The connecting device acts as an interface between the collection device and the receiving device, enabling the transfer of collected waste from the collection device to the receiving device. The connecting device can be implemented in many different ways, depending on the positioning of the receiving device within the vehicle. For example, if a receiving device is located directly beneath a cabin floor and is therefore accessible through an opening in the cabin floor, the connecting device can be limited to a closable opening that connects a discharge opening of the collection device to the receiving device.However, if the receiving device is located in a place that is difficult to reach from the passenger cabin, the connecting device could also have a shaft-like structure through which collected waste can be transported not only vertically but also laterally by gravity.

[0014] Opening the closure of the connecting device and / or the dispensing opening is preferably limited to situations where the collection device is coupled to the connecting device. This reliably prevents the collection device from emptying when it is not near the connecting device. Furthermore, limiting the opening of the closure to the coupling is useful to prevent a person from accidentally entering the closure, thus avoiding a potential risk of injury.

[0015] Furthermore, the connecting device is preferably designed such that, in a closed state, it completely prevents any obstruction of passengers or cabin crew and does not create a tripping hazard or an unexpected depression in the cabin. Therefore, the connecting device is preferably completely flush with the surface of the cabin floor and can only be activated or deactivated as needed.

[0016] A particularly advantageous feature is that the closure and / or the dispensing opening can only be opened when the collecting unit is coupled to the connecting device. This eliminates operating errors, which in no way impairs safety in the cabin compared to a conventional cabin without the system according to the invention.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the receiving device is arranged directly below the cabin floor. A cargo hold or baggage compartment, which can be filled with loose cargo, freight containers, or luggage as needed, is particularly suitable for this purpose. Especially when using a cargo hold, a standard container or other type of receptacle that can be positioned and locked in the cargo hold can be used. Preferably, the receiving device can be easily replaced, so that instead of manually removing collected waste from the receiving device directly on the vehicle, only a replacement of the receiving device is necessary, thus ensuring that the overall operating frequency of the vehicle is not affected.Using the aircraft example, it might be advantageous to utilize the cargo hold with a container that can be easily removed and has a standard depth or a preferably shallow depth selectable from a grid. Naturally, it must be ensured that the receiving device remains securely in its designated position during operation of the aircraft, so adequate locking mechanisms should be employed. This ensures, in particular, that other cargo items are not endangered and that any receiving opening in the receiving device is always aligned with the connecting device.If a means of transport can be equipped with such an interchangeable receiving device which preferably has standardized dimensions, it is useful to mark an area in the cargo space accordingly so that the correct positioning of the receiving opening in the receiving device relative to the cabin is always achieved.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, the closure has a flap mounted to be slidable parallel to the cabin floor, which can be moved between a closed and an open position. For this purpose, the flap has a size that is at least equal to or larger than the size of the discharge opening of the collection device. Moving the flap parallel to the cabin floor offers several advantages. Firstly, the flap can always be moved freely, regardless of the fill level of the collection device, since the flap is not pivoted towards or into the collection device. Secondly, it is conceivable that the collection device and the connecting device are coordinated in such a way that a movement of the flap can be coupled with a movement of the collection device, which is particularly advantageous for collection devices that can roll on the cabin floor.The fact that the flap can move parallel to the cabin floor does not necessarily mean that it can only move parallel to the cabin floor. It can also be advantageous if the flap is raised or lowered vertically, at least partially, before initiating its movement. This prevents the flap from being accidentally opened by a person or object on the cabin floor, as in these cases the flap will abut the edges of an opening in the cabin floor and thus remain in its position.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, instead of a sliding flap, a device consisting of several articulated segments that can be moved like blinds or roller shutters can be used. It is advantageous to position the closing device on or below the cabin floor and, if necessary, depending on the size of the segments or the opening in the cabin floor, to provide a winding mechanism below the cabin floor.

[0020] The connecting device further advantageously features a movable follower that can be moved and locked from a stowed position flush with the cabin floor to a carriage position projecting from the cabin floor into the cabin, and which can be mechanically coupled to the collecting device. The follower is a mechanical component that can be coupled to the collecting device in such a way that the flap or other locking element is carried along with a movement of the collecting device. Consequently, separate actuation of a flap or other locking element is unnecessary, which reduces both the complexity and weight of the connecting device and also prevents the risk of accidental opening when the collecting device is not nearby.

[0021] To enable the conveying action, the carrier must therefore protrude into the cabin, thus coupling with a corresponding component of the collecting device. In a particularly simple case, the carrier is a plate-shaped, elongated component that extends transversely to any expected movement of the collecting device and can be locked in this position, at least temporarily, against the flap or another locking element. In this case, the conveying action can be achieved simply through mechanical surface contact between the carrier and an edge of the collecting device facing the cabin floor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the carrier could be manually moved from its stowed position to its transport position using a handle. If the carrier is flush with the cabin floor in its stowed position and pivotable, for example, via a joint or hinge, a handle spaced from the joint can be used to lift the carrier. A locking device, which might include a locking lever and a corresponding recess, could also be manually triggered. Alternatively, it would be conceivable to couple the movement of the carrier with the engagement of a locking device.

[0023] Alternatively, the connecting device can also include an actuator coupled to the driver, which moves the driver between the stowed position and the operating position via a control command. In this case, the stowed position can be configured so that the driver is completely flush with the cabin floor, and a handle for manually moving the driver does not need to be accessible from a position above the cabin floor. The actuator could preferably be located below the cabin floor and connected to the driver via a lever or shaft. Any commercially available actuator capable of linear or rotary motion can be used. As mentioned previously, it can be advantageous to couple a pivoting movement of the driver with the release of the locking device.The control command for activating the actuator can also originate from different devices. Preferably, the generation of the control command depends on the collection device and / or the position of the collection device.

[0024] It is advantageous if the collection device has at least one pivotably mounted closure flap arranged at the discharge opening, which can be selectively moved into a horizontal closed position and into an open position pivoted towards the connecting device. The collection device thus has a boundary directed towards the cabin floor, which only allows a bag of waste to slide out onto the cabin floor when the closure flap is opened. The use of a single closure flap is not necessary; rather, it would also be conceivable to use two or more closure flaps. When using two closure flaps pivotably mounted on opposite sides, a closed position could be supported by the two closure flaps locking against each other. The at least one closure flap is also vertically downwards, i.e., towards the cabin floor.pivotable towards the connecting device, which allows full utilization of the collection unit's intake volume, as a closing flap does not need to be pivoted upwards towards the collected waste.

[0025] It is also possible that other closure devices could be used on the collection unit. For example, the bottom of a collection unit could also be opened and closed with a closure consisting of louvers, with the louvers being articulated and guided along a side wall of the collection unit.

[0026] The collection device may have suitable means for opening or closing the dispensing opening, which may include, for example, electric actuators, a pedal, a crank, a lever and the like.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the collection device has at least one movable locking element configured to selectively engage in a positive-locking connection with the connecting device or the cabin floor. Since the connecting device is located above the collection device when collected waste is discharged into the receiving device, vertically movable locking elements are conceivable. A positive-locking connection can be achieved, for example, by lowering the locking elements into corresponding openings. To achieve the lowest possible required positional accuracy, the openings can be equipped with a guide that, when the collection device is lowered or moved with the locking elements lowered, allows the locking elements to be guided into a predetermined end position.For example, such an opening could widen conically upwards towards the cabin; alternatively, a particularly large inlet opening could taper in a plane parallel to the cabin floor. Overall, when the collecting device is moved, it is guided into a designated end position.

[0028] The collection device can have at least one operating element that is coupled to the at least one closing flap and the at least one locking element and is configured to move the at least one closing flap and the at least one locking element simultaneously, sequentially, or independently of each other. To increase ease of operation, it is advantageous to operate all necessary components with the fewest possible operating elements. It may therefore be possible to operate both the at least one closing flap and the locking element with just a single operating element, whereby the functions must be logically linked. For example, it should be ensured that the dispensing opening can only be fully opened when the collection device is in the correct position, which is particularly the case when the locking elements are aligned.However, it is also possible to provide multiple controls that can be moved completely independently of each other. In this context, it would also be advantageous to mark the controls to define a specific sequence.

[0029] The system according to the invention can further comprise a triggering unit that can be positioned on the connecting device or the cabin floor, is coupled to the actuator, and is configured to control the actuator to move the driver upon receiving a trigger signal. The trigger signal could be generated by the collecting device itself, for example, by a transmitter that is activated when the collecting device is positioned or locked in the intended position. It is conceivable to couple the generation of the trigger signal with the movement of locking elements and / or at least one locking flap on the collecting device. Similarly, it is also conceivable to equip openings in the floor or the connecting device corresponding to locking elements with sensors that generate a corresponding trigger signal when the locking elements reach an end position.

[0030] The triggering unit can further include a sensor configured to detect the presence of the collecting device at the connecting device, wherein the triggering unit is configured to activate the actuator only when the sensor detects the presence of the collecting device. This eliminates the possibility of incorrect operation, as the connecting device only opens when a collecting device is actually located above it.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the receiving device can have at least two chambers separated from each other by a partition and a variable separating device configured to selectively connect the individual chambers to the connecting device. The subdivision of the receiving device allows for the separation of different types of waste. For this purpose, the separating device, which, for example, has a pivotably mounted sliding plate, can be moved into various positions or states that allow for the selective discharge of waste from the collection device into the receiving device. Operation of the separating device from the collection device is preferred, so that a user can select and access a suitable chamber depending on the type of waste to be discharged.

[0032] The invention further relates to a means of transport comprising a cabin with a cabin floor and an underfloor area, as well as a system according to the above descriptions. In an advantageous embodiment, the means of transport is an aircraft. While the implementation of a system is feasible in all means of transport and especially in all aircraft, the aircraft can be, in particular, a so-called "single-aisle" aircraft, which has only one aisle and limited capacity for collecting waste within the cabin, i.e., in galleys or the like. By integrating the system according to the invention into such an aircraft, the necessary frequency of waste disposal can be significantly reduced, which not only saves disposal costs but also the time required for waste disposal.

[0033] Finally, the invention relates to a method for disposing of waste in a means of transport, comprising the steps of collecting waste using a collection device, placing the collection device above a connecting device arranged in or on the cabin floor, opening the connecting device, and discharging the collected waste from the collection device through the connecting device into a receiving device arranged below the cabin floor. Preferably, the method includes locking the collection device before or simultaneously with opening the connecting device. To terminate the method, the steps, except for collecting and discharging the waste, are preferably carried out in reverse order. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0034] Further features, advantages, and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and the figures. All features described and / or illustrated, individually and in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, irrespective of their composition in the individual claims or their cross-references. In the figures, the same reference numerals denote identical or similar objects. Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an aircraft cabin with a system according to the invention. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a detail of the system according to the invention in a three-dimensional representation. Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c shows further details in three-dimensional representations. Fig. Figure 4 shows a locking mechanism for the collecting device on the driver. Fig. Figure 5 shows another three-dimensional detail view. Fig. Figure 6 shows a receiving facility and a collection facility in one section, wherein waste types can be separated in the receiving facility. DETAILED PRESENTATION OF EXEMPLARY EXECUTION FORMS

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a cabin 2 of an aircraft 4, in which a horizontal cabin floor 6, a collection device 8 for collecting waste in the cabin 2, a receiving device 10 for receiving collected waste, and a connecting device 12 for selectively connecting the collection device 8 to the receiving device 10 are visible. The collection device 8 is shown by way of example as a cabin trolley or serving cart having a receiving volume 14 in which waste can be collected. Preferably, this cabin trolley corresponds to a standardized "full-size" trolley or a "half-size" trolley, which can be used particularly in very compact galleys.For example, a bag (not shown) can be suspended or clamped in the receiving volume 14, extending from an upper end 16 of the collecting device to a lower end 18, and can be easily conveyed into the receiving device 10 after being closed. Like a conventional serving trolley, the collecting device 8 can be moved freely on the cabin floor 6 and preferably locked in place as needed by applying brakes.

[0036] Below the cabin floor 6, that is, in an underfloor area 20, the receiving device 10, shown here as a cargo container, is arranged and serves to collect waste from the collection unit 8 as needed and store it for a certain period of time, preferably for disposal after the receiving device 10 has been removed from the aircraft 4. This can save on disposal costs that would otherwise be incurred with each disposal of small quantities of waste. The time required to prepare the cabin 2 before a flight between the landing and takeoff of the aircraft 4 can thus be reduced.

[0037] The underfloor area 20, in which the receiving device 10 is arranged, is preferably designed as a cargo compartment. The receiving device 10 can be locked in a predetermined position therein, so that its correct alignment with the connecting device 12 can always be ensured during flight.

[0038] For the transport of waste from the collection unit 8 to the receiving unit 10, a connecting device 12 is provided, which is, for example, integrated directly into the floor 6 and has a closure 13 that can establish a connection between an area located above the connecting device 12 and an area located below the cabin floor 6 via a closable opening. The collection unit 8 can be mechanically coupled to the connecting device 12, for example, to align a discharge opening of the collection unit 8 (not shown in this illustration) and the closure 13 of the connecting device 12, so that after the closure 13 is opened, the collected waste falls into the receiving unit 10 below by gravity.

[0039] The connecting device 12 is shown as an example in a central area of ​​the cabin floor 6 relative to a transverse cabin axis 22, for instance in an aisle 24 located between two seating groups 26. This corresponds to the cabin of a so-called "single-aisle" aircraft, in which six seats are arranged in a row with only a single aisle 24 between them. This allows for particularly advantageous use of a cargo space located below the floor 6.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a detail of the system according to the invention. Only an upper portion of the receiving device 10 is partially shown here; this device has an opening 28 through which waste is received. The connecting device 12 is also shown schematically and has a type of frame 30 in which a flap 32 is slidably mounted along a first axis 34, which, for example, runs parallel to an extension axis of the passage 24, i.e., transversely to the transverse axis 22. By moving the flap 32, which is a component of the closure 13, the closure 13 is consequently opened or closed.

[0041] The flap 32 can, for example, be displaceable exclusively in a single plane parallel to the cabin floor 6. However, it may also be advantageous to slightly recess the flap 32 into the cabin floor 6 in a closed position and, when required, to pull it vertically out of the cabin floor 6. This movement can be performed, in particular, by an actuator (not shown here) controlled by an electronic unit 58. Details on this can be found in the descriptions of Fig. 5 can be seen.

[0042] The flap 32 is equipped with a driver 36, which can be manually pivoted from a horizontal position flush with the floor 6 to a vertical position and can be locked in place by means of a lever 38, which is also mounted to be movable on one side and, in particular, pivotable, so that it can be moved along the first axis 34 by an edge 40 of the collecting device 8, which acts as a bumper. The lever 38 could be moved into a locking position manually or solely by the unfolding movement of the driver 36, thus blocking the driver 36 from folding back and allowing the flap 32 to be moved.

[0043] The impact edge 40 can therefore be mechanically coupled to the driver 36 and thus to the connecting device 12 by means of surface contact, and allows the closure 13 to be opened successively by moving the closure flap 32 when the collecting device 8 is moved along the axis 34. If the opening 28 of the receiving device 10 is aligned with the connecting device 12, waste can consequently be discharged into the receiving device 10.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the collection device 8 in an open position of the flap 32, in which waste can be discharged through the opening 28 of the receiving device 10. By way of example, the connecting device 12 has a rigid or retractable shaft 29 that extends at least partially to the receiving device 10 and serves as a guide, preventing waste from being misplaced between the connecting device 12 and the receiving device 10.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3a, the collection device 8 can have a discharge opening 42 which can be closed by means of pivotally mounted flaps 44. These are pivotally mounted at the outer edges 43a and 43b and can optionally lock against each other at the inner edges 45a and 45b to reduce the holding force of the two flaps 44 in a closed position. The flaps 44 can be pivoted by either an actuator or a manually operated mechanism, the latter potentially resulting in a lower overall weight for the collection device 8 than an actuator-based solution.

[0046] According to Fig. Figure 3b shows that the collecting device 8 has an exemplary control element in the form of a pedal 46, which, among other things, can be used to initiate the opening of the flaps 44. It is conceivable that the flaps 44 can only be opened if the collecting device 8 is mechanically coupled to the connecting device 12. This could be achieved by a mechanical lock that is overcome when the collecting device 8 is coupled to the connecting device 12, or, alternatively, by sensor control. A sensor-controlled variant could, for example, lock the control element, which only unlocks it when the collecting device is located above the connecting device 12. A suitable sensor for this purpose could, for example, detect an approach to the connecting device 12.Furthermore, it is conceivable to implement a compact radio or induction link that has a very short range and strong directional characteristics, thus supplying a receiver in the collecting device with a signal or voltage only when the collecting device is located directly above the connecting device 12.

[0047] As further in Fig. As indicated in Figure 3c, locking elements 48 can be located on a side of the collecting device 8 facing the driver 36, which lock the collecting device 8 in a position fixed relative to the connecting device 12. The locking elements 48 are, by way of example, displaceable and lockable in a direction perpendicular to the floor 6 and are designed as elongated bodies that can be inserted into corresponding openings 49 within the cabin floor 6. It is particularly conceivable that the locking elements 48 are also connected to the pedal 46 or to another operating element coupled to the pedal 46 or designed separately. In this context, it would be conceivable to unlock the flaps 44 only when the locking elements 48 are arranged in the corresponding openings 49.

[0048] Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the collecting device 8, which makes surface contact with the driver 36 at its butt edge 40. A plate 36a is also shown, which is arranged between the driver 36 and the butt edge 40 and compensates for a vertical offset between the butt edge 40 and the driver 36. Particularly in the previously mentioned embodiment with a flap 32 that can be moved perpendicular to the cabin floor 6 before a sliding movement, this can increase the contact reliability between the collecting device 8 and the driver 36.

[0049] Connecting elements 50, which are connected to the plate 36a, can engage in corresponding openings of the driver 36. These also have locking elements 52 which are in Fig. 3c are more easily visible and can lock into place when the connecting elements 50 are fully inserted into the driver 36. This allows for a reliable mechanical coupling between the collecting device 8 and the connecting device 12.

[0050] It is conceivable to release the connecting elements 50 or the locking elements 52 via a cable pull mechanism 54, so that the collection device 8 is freely movable again after the waste has been discharged. For this purpose, the cable pull mechanism 54 is connected, by way of example, to a handle 56 located on a top surface 16 of the collection device 8. This mechanical coupling also allows the flap 32 to be closed by pulling back the collection device 8. In all other cases, this can be done manually or by actuators integrated into the connecting device 12.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a receiving device 10, a connecting device 12, and a collecting device 8 directly above one another. The electronic unit 58, located under the cabin floor 6, is also shown. The electronic unit 58 can, for example, have a sensor that can detect the presence of the collecting device 8 and only then initiate a [missing information - likely a measurement or action]. Fig. 5 actuator not shown could be used to move flap 32 when the presence of the collecting device 8 is detected. This can lead to a particularly high level of security inside the cabin, as accidental opening can be ruled out.

[0052] Finally, it reveals Fig. 6 a receiving device 60, which is divided into two chambers 62 and 64, which are separated from each other by a partition wall 66 running parallel to the passage 24. At an upper end of the partition wall 66, facing the floor 6, a pivotally mounted sliding plate 68 is arranged, which extends by way of example approximately over the upper third in the receiving device 60.

[0053] The sliding plate 68 is mounted at an end facing away from the floor 6 on a hinge 70 and can shield one of the two chambers 62 and 64 from the connecting device 12 when the sliding plate 68 is pivoted into a position such that it extends from the hinge to an outer lateral end of the connecting device 12. In the illustration in Fig.In section 6, chamber 62 is completely shielded by the slide plate 68, which is pivoted to the left in the plane of the drawing. Waste that enters the receiving device 60 through the connecting device 12 slides down the slide plate 68 into chamber 64 on the right side of the plane of the drawing.

[0054] To allow sufficient space for the waste falling from the collection device 8 to slide down the slide plate 68, while simultaneously enabling the precisely limited pivoting of the slide plate 68, the receiving device 60 has, for example, a shaft 72 that widens from the connecting device 12 to the interior of the receiving device 60 and is equipped with side walls 74. The slide plate 68 can be aligned parallel to each side wall 74, for example, so that, depending on the position of the slide plate 68, a temporary shaft is formed consisting of the slide plate 68 and the parallel side wall 74.

[0055] It is conceivable that the control of the slide plate 68 is carried out via an operating unit at the collection device 8, so that each type of waste present can be directed into the corresponding chamber 62 or 64. This can be done, for example, by radio transmission of a signal, by sliding contacts, or by mechanical operation.

[0056] It is also conceivable that the collection device 8 itself has two or more chambers for collecting different types of waste, which are emptied successively into the receiving device 60. For this purpose, the collection device can, for example, have several lockable discharge openings, which are opened one after the other, whereby the slide plate 68 must be moved into different positions if the waste to be discharged is to enter different chambers.

[0057] It should be further noted that "having" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as a limitation.

Claims

[1] System for removing waste in a means of transport (4), comprising - a collection device (8) for collecting waste in a cabin (2) of the means of transport (4), - a separate receiving device (10, 60) for receiving collected waste from the collecting device (8) and - a connecting device (12) for selectively connecting the collecting device (8) to the receiving device (10, 60) for conveying collected waste from the collecting device (8) to the receiving device (10, 60), wherein the receiving device (10, 60) is arranged in an underfloor area (20) below a cabin floor (6), wherein the connecting device (12) extends at least partially from the cabin floor (6) to the receiving device (10, 60) and has a closure (13) arranged on or in the cabin floor (6), and wherein the collecting device (8) can be mechanically coupled to the connecting device (12) and has a closable discharge opening (42) which, in the coupled state, is aligned with the closure (13) of the connecting device (12). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the closure (13) and / or the discharge opening (42) is only possible when the collecting device (8) is coupled to the connecting device (12). [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the closure (13) comprises a flap (32) which is mounted displaceably parallel to the cabin floor (6) and which is displaceable between a closed position and an open position. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting device (12) further comprises a movably mounted driver (36) which can be moved and locked from a stowed position flush with the cabin floor (6) into a driving position projecting from the cabin floor (6) into the cabin (2), and wherein the driver (36) can be mechanically coupled to the collecting device (8). [5] System according to claim 4, wherein the driver (36) can be moved manually from the stowed position to the carrying position via a handle. [6] System according to claim 4, wherein the connecting device (12) comprises an actuator which is coupled to the driver (36) and moves the driver (36) between the stowed position and the carried position via a control command. [7] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting device (8) has at least one pivotally mounted closure flap (44) arranged on the discharge opening (42), which is selectively movable into a horizontal closed position and into an open position pivoted towards the connecting device (12). [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting device (8) has at least one movable locking body (48) which is adapted to selectively form a positive connection with the connecting device (12). [9] System according to claim 7 and 8, wherein the collecting device (8) has at least one operating element (46) which is coupled to the at least one closure flap (44) and the at least one locking body (48) and is designed to move the at least one closure flap (44) and the at least one locking body (48) simultaneously, one after the other or independently of one another. [10] System according to claim 6, further comprising a trigger unit which is positionable on the connecting device (12) or the cabin floor (6), is coupled to the actuator and is configured to control the actuator upon receipt of a trigger signal for moving the driver (36). [11] System according to claim 10, wherein the triggering unit comprises a sensor configured to detect the presence of the collecting device (8) at the connecting device (12), and wherein the triggering unit is configured to control the actuator only when the sensor detects the presence of the collecting device (8). [12] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving device (10, 60) has at least two chambers (62, 64) separated from one another by a partition wall (66) and a variable separating device (68) which is adapted to selectively connect the individual chambers (62, 64) to the connecting device (12). [13] Means of transport (4), comprising a cabin (2) with a cabin floor (6) and an underfloor area (20) and a system according to one of claims 1 to 12. [14] A method for disposing of waste in a means of transport, comprising the steps of: - collection of waste using a collection facility (8), - placing the collecting device (8) above a connecting device (12) arranged in or on the cabin floor (6), - Opening the connecting device (12) and - Discharge of collected waste from the collection device (8) through the connecting device (12) into a receiving device (10, 60) arranged below the cabin floor (6). [15] The method of claim 14, further comprising - Locking the collecting device (8) before or at the same time as opening the connecting device (12).

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