Device for moistening the contents of a container

Abstract

Device for moistening the contents of a container to reduce the fire load, the device comprising: - a container (12), wherein the container (12) has a bottom (14); and - a conduit (16, 17) that carries water at least temporarily; wherein the device (10) further comprises: - a distributor (18) for distributing water; and - a connecting line (20) that connects the distributor (18) to the water-carrying line (16, 17) by means of fluid communication; wherein the distributor (18) is arranged above the floor (14) and, in a distribution position, distributes water into the container (12), wherein the water-carrying pipe (16, 17) is a wastewater pipe (16) of a washbasin (24), and wherein the container is a waste container for the successive receipt of waste as container contents, the waste consisting mostly of paper towels.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for moistening the contents of a container, comprising a container for receiving the contents of a container.

[0002] Paper towels are frequently used in restrooms and washrooms, collected in waste bins located beneath the sink. This applies to both public restrooms in buildings and restroom facilities in larger vehicles such as buses, trains, ships, and aircraft. Since these waste bins are typically filled with paper, they represent a significant fire hazard. Especially in passenger aircraft, fire suppression systems are now used to minimize the risk of fire spreading to or from the waste bins in the event of a fire.

[0003] A known device incorporates a fire extinguisher positioned between the washbasin and the waste container. The fire extinguisher is oriented so that it can extinguish a fire in the waste container. Since the fire extinguisher has a limited extinguishing capacity, this arrangement dictates the shape and size of the waste container and the design of the washbasin, which must be able to accommodate the fire extinguisher.

[0004] DE 202 03 969 U1 discloses a waste container with a disposal opening in the upper area, wherein a tank containing extinguishing agent is associated with the waste container and the extinguishing agent is transported from the tank by means of a pressure booster device through a pipeline to a discharge sprayer in the area of ​​the disposal opening and from there sprayed into the interior of the container. The extinguishing agent is sprayed into the interior at irregular intervals by the pressure booster device via hand or foot operation.

[0005] According to the summary, DE 10 2006 048 113 B4 describes a method for using tap water whose temperature is increased by a heater that is switched on after a hot water tap is opened. After the hot water tap is opened, the tap water flowing from the tap is directed into an intermediate tank, the temperature of the tap water is measured, and when a desired tap water temperature is reached, an inlet to the intermediate tank is closed and a drain pipe for the outgoing tap water is opened.

[0006] DE 25 43 250 A1 concerns a system for recovering used water and disposing of waste from toilets and feces. According to the summary available on Espacenet, a compact, self-contained washing and sanitation unit has two separate water tanks and a septic tank. A fresh water tank supplies drinking fountains, sinks, and shower cubicles with fresh drinking water. The used water from these units is collected in a second tank after basic primary filtration. The water from this second tank is used to flush the toilet units. Waste from the toilet units is collected in a septic tank, where it is stirred, aerated, and treated to perform primary bacteriological treatment. At selected locations, such as on trains traveling at high speed outside built-up areas or over drainage points, the septic tank can be emptied remotely.

[0007] DE 602 09 297 T2 discloses a water-based fire suppression system for an aircraft interior. The system comprises a water supply connected via one or more liquid lines to one or more liquid outlet nozzles. A pressure source connected to the liquid lines provides pressure to assist the delivery of a pressurized liquid flow through the flow line(s) to the nozzle(s). The fire suppression system generates a water jet that can be used to extinguish fires. Heat-sensitive valves enable the system to automatically detect an incipient fire.

[0008] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an improved device for reducing fire loads.

[0009] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] The invention provides a device for moistening the contents of a container to reduce fire load, wherein the device comprises: a container, the container having a bottom; and a line that carries water at least temporarily; wherein, according to the invention, the device further comprises: a distributor for distributing water; and a connecting line that fluidly connects the distributor to the line that carries water at least temporarily; wherein the distributor is arranged above the bottom and, in a distribution position, distributes water into the container; wherein the line that carries water at least temporarily is a wastewater pipe from a sink, and wherein the container is a waste container for the successive accumulation of waste as container contents, the waste consisting mostly of paper towels.

[0011] The invention utilizes an existing water reservoir to keep the contents of a waste container moist. The water-carrying pipe, which carries water at least intermittently, provides the necessary water, which is then conveyed via a connecting pipe to a distributor that distributes the water into the container. This moistens the waste in the container, which consists primarily of paper towels, thereby reducing the risk of fire. Fire extinguishers are therefore no longer required and can be replaced by this device. This means that existing systems with fire extinguishers can be retrofitted. This saves weight, which is particularly important in the aerospace industry. Furthermore, the existing water resource is used more efficiently. Additionally, various shapes and sizes are now possible for the waste container.This increases the potential for design variations in the containers and the entire sink area. An additional benefit is that moistening the waste increases its weight, causing the waste itself to compress the underlying layers. This reduces the volume of the waste, making it easier for cleaning staff to handle.

[0012] For example, the distributor can be located on a side wall of the container inside the container.

[0013] This arrangement allows the distributor to easily distribute the water within the container. Therefore, any shifting of the container has no effect on the water distribution.

[0014] For example, the distributor can be located outside the container.

[0015] This allows for flexible container design, as the distributor does not need to be supported by the container. Furthermore, placing the distributor outside the container simplifies emptying it and, if necessary, inserting garbage bags.

[0016] According to the invention, the pipe which carries water at least temporarily is a wastewater pipe of the washbasin.

[0017] The fresh water that has already been used can be reused directly to moisten the waste in the container. The water supply can still be a siphon at the sink. A siphon provides a constant water reservoir that is replenished with each use of the sink, so that the distributor has a virtually constant supply of water via the connecting pipe, unless all the water in the siphon has been distributed to the container by the distributor.

[0018] In another example, the connecting pipe above the siphon can be connected to the wastewater pipe, with the connecting pipe collecting some of the water flowing through the wastewater pipe and feeding it to the distributor. The distributor then distributes the water flowing through the connecting pipe directly into the tank as soon as water is supplied to the distributor.

[0019] For better technical understanding, an example is a utility water pipe for the washbasin, which carries water at least temporarily.

[0020] This allows fresh water to be used for moistening the waste, water that is free of foreign substances or objects that could clog the connecting pipe or distributor. Furthermore, the distributor then has access to the entire water supply available via the service water line.

[0021] Furthermore, in another example, the distributor can be an atomizer for water.

[0022] The atomizer can thus atomize the water into a fine mist that spreads evenly over the entire surface of the container contents, resulting in uniform humidification within the container.

[0023] In an alternative example, the distributor can generate a jet of water that travels across the entire surface of the container or extends across the entire surface of the waste container. This allows a large quantity of water to be distributed onto the waste or the container contents in a short time.

[0024] The device can, for example, include a control unit for sending a distribution signal, wherein the distributor is designed to receive the distribution signal, and wherein the distributor is designed to transition from a closed position to the distribution position after receiving the distribution signal.

[0025] In this way, the distributor can be electronically controlled by the control unit. The control unit can be further equipped to transmit a signal to the distributor, causing it to switch from the distributing position to the closed position.

[0026] In another example, the distributor can be designed to transition from the closed position to the distribution position for a predefined period of time.

[0027] This simply transmits a distribution signal to the distributor to moisten the waste for a specific period of time. After this period, the distributor stops distributing water and returns to the closed position. This simplifies the design and control of the device.

[0028] Furthermore, the device can, by way of example, include a flap that is arranged at least partially above the bottom of the container and a sensor for determining the opening state of the flap and for sending a status signal, wherein the control unit is designed to receive the status signal and to send the distribution signal depending on the status signal.

[0029] The flap can be located directly on the container as a lid or on a structure positioned above the container, such as a washbasin. By determining the flap's open / closed state, the distributor can initiate humidification as soon as the flap is opened and closed. The opening and closing of the flap can indicate that waste has been placed in the container. This means that the waste is immediately humidified after being placed in the container. This further reduces the risk of fire, as, for example, burning objects placed in the container can be immediately moistened or extinguished before the rest of the waste catches fire.

[0030] The control unit can, for example, be further configured to send the distribution signal at predefined time intervals.

[0031] The control unit regulates the distributor to moisten the waste at regular intervals. This prevents the waste from drying out in the container. Especially when items or waste are rarely added to the container, this reliably reduces the fire load.

[0032] Furthermore, in another example, the device can have a moisture sensor for detecting the moisture content of the contents of the container and for sending a moisture signal, wherein the control unit is designed to receive the moisture signal and to send the distribution signal depending on the moisture signal.

[0033] By determining the moisture content of the container's contents, humidification via the distributor can be precisely controlled and only occurs when a specific moisture level in the container has been reached. This prevents the moisture level from falling below a certain threshold and thus avoids an increased fire load resulting from drying out of the container's contents or from heating by external or internal heat sources.

[0034] In another example, the device can have a motion sensor for detecting movement in the container and for sending a motion signal when movement is detected, wherein the control unit is configured to receive the motion signal and to send the distribution signal depending on the motion signal.

[0035] The motion sensor detects whether waste is being placed in the container. Since the waste is usually inserted from the top, it will move within the sensor's range, triggering a motion signal. This allows the freshly added waste to be moistened by the distributor immediately after it enters the container.

[0036] In a further aspect, the invention provides a means of transport comprising a washbasin area with a washbasin; and a device according to the preceding description, wherein the water-carrying line is fluidly connected to the washbasin.

[0037] The advantages and effects of this means of transport are analogous to those of the device described above. Therefore, reference is made to the description given above in this regard.

[0038] Furthermore, the invention provides, in another aspect, a retrofit kit for a washbasin area, comprising a washbasin with a water-carrying line (at least temporarily), a container for receiving the contents of a container (the container having a bottom), and a distributor for distributing water. The retrofit kit includes a distributor for distributing water and a connecting line that is fluidly connected to the distributor and is designed for fluidly connecting to the water-carrying line (at least temporarily). The distributor is designed to be positioned above the bottom and, in a distribution position, distributes water into the container. The connecting line has an adapter designed to establish a fluid-communicating connection between the connecting line and the water-carrying line (at least temporarily) in the form of a wastewater pipe from the washbasin.

[0039] The advantages and effects of the retrofit kit are analogous to those of the device described above. Therefore, reference is made to the description given above in this regard.

[0040] The invention is described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an example of a device; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of another example of the device; Fig. 3a-e schematic representations of means of transport with the device; and Fig. 4 A schematic representation of a retrofit kit.

[0041] The device as a whole will hereinafter be referred to by reference numeral 10, as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0042] The device 10 comprises a container 12 for receiving the contents of a container and a line that carries water at least temporarily, which in the example consists of Fig. 1. A wastewater pipe 16 of a washbasin 24. The wastewater pipe 16 can also be a siphon that is filled with water each time the washbasin 24 is used. The device 10 can be arranged in a washbasin area 38.

[0043] The device further comprises a distributor 18 for distributing water, which is arranged above a base 14 of the container 12. The distributor 18 can be designed as an atomizer. The distributor 18 is connected via a connecting line 20 to the line 16, which carries water at least temporarily. In the example of Fig. 1 The distributor 18 is arranged on a side wall 22 of the container 12.

[0044] The distributor 18 can draw water from the at least temporarily water-bearing pipe 16 via the connecting pipe 20 and distribute it into the container 12. The contents of the container 12 are moistened by the water distributed from the distributor 18.

[0045] The distributor 18 can be controlled by a control unit 26, and the distributor 18 has a distribution position and a closing position. In the distribution position, the distributor 18 is configured to distribute water into the container. In the closing position, the distributor 18 stops distributing water into the container.

[0046] A flap 28 can be arranged above the container 12, through which items such as used paper towels can be inserted into the container 12. A sensor 30 is arranged on the flap 28 in such a way that it can determine the open state of the flap 28. The sensor 30 sends out a status signal indicating the open state of the flap 28.

[0047] The control unit 26 can be configured to receive the status signal and thus obtains information about the opening state of the flap 28. Depending on the opening state of the flap 28, the control unit 26 can send a distribution signal that instructs the distributor 18 to switch from the closed position to the distribution position. This means that the control unit 26 controls the distributor 18 to distribute water depending on the opening state of the flap 38.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control unit 26 can transmit a closing signal to the distributor 18 after a certain time interval to instruct the distributor 18 to switch from the distribution position to the closed position. Alternatively or additionally, in another embodiment, the distributor 18 can automatically switch from the distribution position to the closed position after a predefined time interval.

[0049] In another example, the connecting pipe 20 can be designed to collect water flowing through the wastewater pipe 16. The connecting pipe 20 can be connected to the wastewater pipe 16 above a siphon between the sink 24 and the siphon. The connecting pipe 20 then supplies water to the distributor 18 whenever water flows through the wastewater pipe 16. The distributor 18 can then automatically discharge the water into the container 12 as soon as water is available. The distributor 18 can only have a single state, which corresponds to a constant distribution state.

[0050] According to Fig. In an example shown for better technical understanding of the device 10, the water-carrying line can be a service water line 17 of a washbasin 24, at least temporarily. The connecting line 20 is then fluidly connected to the service water line 17 and fluidly connects the distributor 18 to the service water line 17. The service water line 17 carries water at all times as long as a water reservoir supplying the service water line 17 is filled.

[0051] Fig. Figure 2 shows further additional or alternative examples of sensors that can be provided on the device in addition to or instead of sensor 30. For example, a humidity sensor 32 can detect the moisture content of the contents of container 12. The humidity sensor 32 transmits a humidity signal that includes information about the moisture content in container 12. The control unit 26 can receive the humidity signal and, depending on the humidity signal, transmit the distribution signal to the distributor 18.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, a motion sensor 34 can be provided on the device 10. The motion sensor 34 is designed to detect movement in the container 12. This allows objects being placed in the container 12 to be detected during the process of being placed inside. The motion sensor 34 is designed to emit a motion signal when movement is detected. The control unit 26 can be designed to receive the motion signal and emit the distribution signal depending on the motion signal.

[0053] Furthermore, instead of the flap 28, an open opening 40 can be provided above the base 14 of the container 12. This is particularly effective in combination with the motion sensor 34, which can detect any movement through the open opening 40 whose trajectory ends in the container 12. The open opening can be located in a washbasin 42, under which the container 12 can be positioned and which forms a support for the washbasin 24.

[0054] Fig. Figure 3a shows an aircraft 102 as an example of a means of transport 100 in which a washbasin area 38 with the device 10 can be provided. The washbasin area 38 can, for example, be located in a toilet area of ​​the aircraft 102. Alternatively or additionally, the washbasin area 38 with the device 10 can also be located in a kitchen area of ​​the aircraft 102. The water-carrying line, at least temporarily, is a wastewater line 16, which is connected to the washbasin or the tap at the washbasin.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3b shows another example of a means of transport 100 in the form of a train carriage 104. The train carriage 104 includes a washbasin area 38 with a washbasin and a tap, wherein the washbasin area 38 may be located in a train toilet for passengers. The device 10 may be located in the washbasin area 38, wherein the water-carrying line is a wastewater line 16, which is connected to the washbasin and the tap, respectively.

[0056] The means of transport 100 can be used according to the Fig. 3c, Fig. 3D and Fig. 3e, for example, could also be designed as an automobile 106, a ship 108, or a spacecraft 110, each of which has a washbasin area 38. Furthermore, the washbasin area 38 can be located in a building to reduce the fire load in the waste containers within the building.

[0057] A washbasin area 38 can be further extended by means of a retrofit kit 46 according to Fig. 4 can be retrofitted with the components of the device 10. The retrofit kit 46 comprises a distributor 18 for distributing water and a connecting line 20, which is fluidly connected to the distributor 18. The connecting line 20 is further designed to be connected to a line that carries water, at least temporarily.

[0058] The connecting line 20 can have an adapter 44, which can establish a fluid-communicating connection between the connecting line 20 and the line that carries water, at least temporarily. The adapter 44 can be connected to a wastewater line 16.

[0059] Furthermore, the retrofit kit 46 can include the sensor 30, the humidity sensor 32 and / or the motion sensor 34, which are therefore additionally available for retrofitting by means of the retrofit kit 46.

Claims

[1] Device for moistening the contents of a container to reduce the fire load, the device comprising: - a container (12), wherein the container (12) has a bottom (14); and - a conduit (16, 17) that carries water at least temporarily; wherein the device (10) further comprises: - a distributor (18) for distributing water; and - a connecting line (20) that connects the distributor (18) to the water-carrying line (16, 17) by means of fluid communication; wherein the distributor (18) is arranged above the floor (14) and, in a distribution position, distributes water into the container (12), wherein the water-carrying pipe (16, 17) is a wastewater pipe (16) of a washbasin (24), and wherein the container is a waste container for the successive receipt of waste as container contents, the waste consisting mostly of paper towels. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the distributor (18) is arranged on a side wall (22) of the container (12) in the container (12). [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the distributor (18) is arranged outside the container (12). [4] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distributor (18) is an atomizer for water. [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device (10) has a control unit (26) for sending a distribution signal, wherein the distributor (18) is designed to receive the distribution signal, and wherein the distributor (18) is designed to transition from a closed position to the distribution position after receiving the distribution signal. [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the distributor (18) is designed to transition from the closed position to the distribution position for a predefined period of time. [7] Device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the device (10) has a flap (28) which is arranged at least partially above the bottom (14) of the container (12) and a sensor (30) for determining an open state of the flap (28) and for sending a status signal, wherein the control unit (26) is configured to receive the status signal and to send the distribution signal depending on the status signal. [8] Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the control unit (26) is configured to send the distribution signal at predefined time intervals. [9] Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the device (10) has a moisture sensor (32) for detecting the moisture content of the contents of the container (12) and for sending a moisture signal, wherein the control unit (26) is configured to receive the moisture signal and to send the distribution signal depending on the moisture signal. [10] Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the device (10) has a motion sensor (34) for detecting a movement in the container (12) and for sending a motion signal when a movement is detected, wherein the control unit (26) is configured to receive the motion signal and to send the distribution signal depending on the motion signal. [11] Means of transport a washbasin area (38) with a washbasin (24); and a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the water-carrying pipe (16, 17) is connected to the washbasin (24) via fluid communication. [12] Retrofit kit for a washbasin area (38), wherein the washbasin area (38) comprises a washbasin (24) with a water-carrying line (16, 17) at least temporarily and a container (12) for receiving a container contents, wherein the container (12) has a bottom (14), wherein the retrofit kit comprises: a distributor (18) for distributing water; and a connecting line (20) which is fluidly connected to the distributor (18) and is designed for fluidly communicating connection with the line (16, 17) which carries water at least temporarily; wherein the distributor (18) is designed to be arranged above the ground (14) and, in a distribution position, distributes water into the container (12), wherein the connecting line (20) has an adapter (44) which is designed to establish a fluid-communicating connection between the connecting line (20) and the at least temporarily water-carrying line (16, 17) in the form of a wastewater line (16) of the washbasin (24) or a service water line (17) of the washbasin (24).

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