Onboard toilet for persons with reduced mobility

Abstract

A space section (30) of a passenger cabin (12) of a passenger aircraft (2) extends in a longitudinal direction (8) of the passenger aircraft (2) from a cockpit wall (4) to a seating area (20) and in a transverse direction (14) to both hull sides (6a,b) and includes an emergency exit area (16) and an onboard toilet (32), which is bounded in the longitudinal direction (8) by the cockpit wall (4) and the emergency exit area (16) and in the transverse direction (14) by one of the hull sides (6a,b) and a cockpit aisle (24), wherein the onboard toilet (32) is separated from the emergency exit area (16) by a rear wall (34) which extends in the transverse direction (14) and projects in an S-shape (36) towards the seating area (20) with increasing distance from the hull side (6a,b). A passenger aircraft (2) contains the space section (30), wherein the passenger aircraft (2) contains the passenger cabin (12) and the cabin contains the space section (30).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an onboard toilet in or for a passenger cabin of a passenger aircraft, which is intended to be usable by persons with reduced mobility (PRM).

[0002] WO 2021 / 040615 A1 discloses an accessible toilet unit for an aircraft cabin. The toilet unit is configurable between a configuration for able-bodied persons and a configuration for PRM (Persons with Reduced Mobility) access. In the configuration for able-bodied persons, the toilet unit has a first internal floor area, and outside the toilet unit is a cabin floor area. The toilet unit can be expanded into the PRM-accessible configuration, in which it is expanded to have a second internal floor area, the second internal floor area encompassing a portion of the cabin floor area. A washbasin for an aircraft toilet unit is also disclosed.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to propose improvements with regard to an on-board toilet in a passenger cabin of a passenger aircraft, which is intended to be usable by persons with reduced mobility.

[0004] The problem is solved by a spatial section according to claim 1. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention and of other invention categories will become apparent from the further claims, the following description and the accompanying figures.

[0005] The space section is a section of a passenger cabin designed for use in a passenger aircraft designed for use in that aircraft. "Designed for use in that aircraft" means that the space section is structurally adapted to and equipped for specific types of passenger cabins or passenger aircraft; for example, it is designed to meet the resulting geometric and system requirements, etc.

[0006] In other words, the passenger cabins or passenger aircraft in question are assumed to be known with regard to their geometry and system requirements, etc.

[0007] The passenger aircraft has a longitudinal direction or axis, or extends along it. A transverse direction of the aircraft runs perpendicular to this. The direction of flight of the passenger aircraft runs along the longitudinal axis and is directed from the tail to the nose of the aircraft. The passenger aircraft contains a passenger cabin. The passenger aircraft contains a cockpit wall. The cockpit wall delimits the passenger cabin longitudinally. In the direction of flight, the cockpit wall delimits the passenger cabin at the front. The passenger aircraft has two side walls that delimit the passenger cabin laterally; in the above nomenclature, these are referred to as "left" and "right" (when viewed in the direction of flight).

[0008] The passenger cabin includes an emergency exit area. This is set back from the cockpit wall lengthwise, opposite the direction of flight. "Set back" means that there is a space between the cockpit wall and the emergency exit area, which can accommodate the lavatory (described below) and, for example, a galley. The emergency exit area connects two aircraft doors located opposite each other in the cabin walls.

[0009] The passenger cabin also contains a seating area. Viewed lengthwise, this area follows the emergency exit area, i.e., it is located behind it, contrary to the direction of flight. The seating area contains the standard rows of passenger seats (not described in detail below). The passenger cabin also includes a cockpit aisle. This runs lengthwise from the cockpit wall to the emergency exit area.

[0010] This section of space extends lengthwise from the cockpit wall to the seating area. In the transverse direction, it extends to both sides of the aircraft, thus occupying the entire width of the passenger cabin or aircraft.

[0011] This section of the room contains the emergency exit area.

[0012] This section of the cabin contains a lavatory. The lavatory is bounded lengthwise at the front by the cockpit bulkhead and at the rear by the emergency exit area, thus extending from the cockpit bulkhead to the emergency exit area. Laterally, it is bounded on one side by one of the bulkheads and on the other by the cockpit aisle, thus extending from the bulkhead to the cockpit aisle. Specifically, the lavatory is located to the left of the cockpit aisle when viewed in the direction of flight.

[0013] The onboard toilet is separated from the emergency exit area by a rear wall that runs generally along the transverse direction. However, starting from the hull side, the rear wall does not run straight across, but rather curves in an S-shape, gradually projecting towards the seating area. In other words, as the rear wall moves further away from the hull side in the transverse direction, it also moves away from the cockpit wall, thus approaching the seating area.

[0014] This means that (viewed lengthwise) the interior of the onboard toilet widens with increasing distance from the hull. In other words, viewed crosswise from the hull, the onboard toilet has a shape that widens towards the seating area, i.e., towards the rear.

[0015] The emergency exit area is also S-shaped at its forward, direction-of-flight end. The emergency exit area terminates at the fuselage wall at an aircraft door through which people, especially passengers, can enter or exit the passenger cabin. Despite its S-shape, it is easily accessible.

[0016] The S-shape creates additional space in the lavatory, allowing passengers with reduced mobility to move around more easily without increasing the overall length of the lavatory along the aircraft's longitudinal axis. The lavatory can therefore still end at the aircraft door at its rear, as it is shorter at that point when viewed from the side (compared to its length).

[0017] In contrast to an onboard toilet with a straight, transversely running back wall that also ends at the aircraft door, a larger onboard toilet is therefore feasible.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, no flight attendant seat is arranged on the side of the rear wall facing the emergency exit area, i.e., on the rear side of the rear wall, i.e., the outside of the lavatory. This creates additional space in or for the emergency exit area, so that it can be designed to be sufficiently wide in accordance with regulations despite the S-shaped projecting rear wall.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the lavatory has a toilet door. The toilet door is located in a side wall of the lavatory. This side wall separates the lavatory from the cockpit aisle and thus runs lengthwise along the passenger aircraft. This arrangement of the toilet door is particularly space-saving within the passenger cabin.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the onboard toilet also has a toilet door. This door is designed to be wide enough to allow passage by a standard onboard wheelchair. This enables people with limited mobility to enter the toilet while seated in their onboard wheelchair. The dimensions of such onboard wheelchairs are well-known in the trade, so the toilet door can be adjusted accordingly.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the toilet door is designed as a folding door. The folding door is, in particular, one based on an accordion principle, i.e., with a plurality of relatively small folding elements. Such folding doors are especially space-saving, even with a relatively large toilet door width.

[0022] However, an alternative design also allows for a classic door with hinges.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the onboard toilet includes a toilet seat and / or the toilet itself. The toilet seat is positioned opposite the toilet door. This results in a particularly large gap between the toilet seat and the toilet door, providing sufficient space in the onboard toilet for an onboard wheelchair.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the onboard toilet includes a washbasin that can be accessed by a standard onboard wheelchair. This allows people with limited mobility to comfortably reach the washbasin using the onboard wheelchair.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the onboard toilet includes a washbasin located on the front wall of the toilet. This front wall faces the cockpit wall. Particularly in combination with the aforementioned embodiments for the placement of the toilet door and toilet seat, this creates a particularly advantageous spatial arrangement, providing sufficient space in the onboard toilet for an onboard wheelchair. The cockpit wall and front wall can also be formed as a single unit, or the cockpit wall can at least partially form the front wall, and vice versa. In other words, at least part of the front wall can also be formed by the cockpit wall.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the onboard toilet includes handles, in particular grab rails / bars / handrails, which are designed or arranged in such a way that a passenger (also representing any other person as driver / user) operating a properly designed onboard wheelchair can maneuver themselves and / or the wheelchair within the toilet. Thus, the driver—especially while seated in the wheelchair—does not require any assistance from third parties to move around within the toilet, thereby increasing their privacy.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the onboard toilet has a base area with respect to the rear wall, i.e., the S-shape, which is cut such that a standard onboard wheelchair can be rotated at least 180° within the toilet. In other words, the S-shape of the rear wall is used for the base area of ​​the onboard toilet to achieve the desired maneuverability / rotatability of an onboard wheelchair.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the space section includes a galley, which is located, in particular, beyond the cockpit aisle. This makes particularly good use of the space section in the passenger aircraft or passenger cabin.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the space section may also contain other monuments besides or instead of the galley, e.g. stowage, but also additional toilets, etc.

[0030] The object of the invention is also achieved by a passenger aircraft according to claim 12. The passenger aircraft contains the space section according to the invention. The passenger aircraft also contains the passenger cabin mentioned above, and the passenger cabin contains the space section.

[0031] The passenger aircraft and at least some of its possible embodiments, as well as their respective advantages, have already been explained in substance in connection with the spatial section according to the invention. In particular, the preferred embodiments mentioned above in connection with the spatial section also constitute preferred embodiments of the passenger aircraft.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the passenger aircraft is a single-aisle aircraft. The compartment according to the invention is particularly advantageous in a single-aisle aircraft because space is limited, yet thanks to the invention, an onboard toilet for persons with reduced mobility can be integrated into the passenger aircraft in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0033] The invention is based on the following findings, observations, and considerations and further comprises the following preferred embodiments. These embodiments are sometimes referred to simply as "the invention." The embodiments may also include parts or combinations of the embodiments mentioned above, correspond to them, and / or may include previously unmentioned embodiments.

[0034] According to the invention, a “PRM (person with reduced mobility) Lavatory (onboard toilet) A (position: front left as seen in the direction of flight) for single aisle aircraft” is provided.

[0035] The basic concept of the invention involves an enlarged lavatory A, achieved through the modified (S-shape) rear wall. The new fixed wall follows an S-curve and allows, for example, an additional 405 mm in width (longitudinally). Existing connections can still be used. A new door opening, for example, has a width of 26". Sufficient space is provided so that wheelchair users can independently use the toilet with the aid of an onboard wheelchair (OBW). The concept also includes, in particular, a washbasin with a handrail (handle / grab bar).

[0036] The basic idea of ​​the invention is the development of a lavatory concept for existing single-aisle aircraft at the parking position in front of door 1 (front left in the direction of flight), designed to be accessible for the elderly and disabled. The limited space in front of door 1 should be used as efficiently as possible so that wheelchair users can use the toilet independently. Functions not required for a PRM lavatory should be relocated.

[0037] The invention is based on the following practical observation: Due to the very limited space available, elderly and mobility-impaired passengers currently require assistance when using the toilet; for example, the person must be helped out of their wheelchair and placed on the toilet. There is currently no privacy.

[0038] One aspect of the invention is as follows: By repositioning the CAS seats (Cabin Attendant Seats) and adjusting the escape route (emergency exit area), the footprint (floor area of ​​the lavatory) in front of door 1 is enlarged as much as possible. An enlarged lavatory door, optimized grab handle positioning, and the omission or modification of lavatory functions allow a wheelchair user to independently access the lavatory and operate all its features.

[0039] According to the invention, the PRM (Personalized Rehabilitation Mobility) can independently and fully use the onboard toilet, similar to accessible toilets on trains or in public spaces. Currently, this is not possible on airplanes. Due to space limitations, a second person is always required to provide assistance.

[0040] According to the invention, the following results: - Increased floor area of ​​the lavatory in existing single-aisle aircraft, - Existing structural connections can still be used, - Sufficient space for independent maneuvering for the PRM with the OBW, - Wheelchair accessible washbasin with a handrail, - Positioned handles for support / pushing in the lavatory - Enlarged door with optimized handles for PRM.

[0041] One aspect of the invention is as follows: The concept includes a lavatory located in front of door 1, the floor area of ​​which is increased by a modified rear aisle wall. In plan view, the new fixed wall forms an S-shape and allows for an additional width of, for example, 405 mm (lengthwise expansion of the lavatory). The existing connections can still be used. The door opening is enlarged to 26 inches. This provides sufficient space for a wheelchair user to maneuver independently in the lavatory with an OBW (Onboard Body Washbasin). The concept is further supported by an adapted, wheelchair-accessible washbasin equipped with a handrail. Escape route requirements are met and are not restricted by the concept; therefore, the aircraft's certification remains valid.

[0042] Further features, effects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and the accompanying figures. These figures are shown in a schematic diagram: Fig. 1. A section of a passenger aircraft in top view showing an on-board toilet in symbolic representation, Fig. 2. Turn off the onboard toilet Fig. 1. In detail with the door closed, Fig. 3. Turn off the onboard toilet Fig. 2 in perspective oblique view from above, Fig. 4. Turn off the onboard toilet Fig. 2 with the door open, with one person in four different positions.

[0043] Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a passenger aircraft 2, specifically its nose section. The passenger aircraft 2 has a (non-directional) longitudinal axis or longitudinal direction 8, as well as a (directional) flight direction 10, in which the passenger aircraft 2 moves when flying straight ahead. The passenger aircraft 2 also has a lateral direction 14 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 8.

[0044] The passenger aircraft 2 contains a cockpit wall 4 as well as a left side wall 6a and a right side wall 6b. Terms such as "left", "right", etc. refer here to the direction of flight 10 and the longitudinal axis 8, respectively.

[0045] The passenger aircraft 2 contains a passenger cabin 12. The cockpit wall 4 limits the passenger cabin 12 at the front, i.e. in the direction of flight 10. In the lateral direction 14, i.e. left and right, the hull walls 6a,b limit the passenger cabin 12.

[0046] The aircraft contains two front aircraft doors 18a,b.

[0047] The passenger cabin 12 contains an emergency exit area 16, which extends between the two aircraft doors 18a,b in a transverse direction 14. The emergency exit area 16 is spaced from the cockpit wall 4 in a longitudinal direction 8.

[0048] The passenger aircraft 2 contains a seating area 20. This contains passenger seats 22, which are only symbolically indicated here, for passengers of the passenger aircraft 2 that are not shown. To the left and right of a central aisle 60 of the passenger cabin 12, the passenger seats 22 are grouped into seating groups 62 of two seats each.

[0049] The passenger aircraft 2 is a single-aisle passenger aircraft, which therefore only has the single aisle 60 between each row or group of seats 62 of the passenger seats 22.

[0050] Seating area 20 is located opposite the direction of flight 10, beyond or behind emergency exit area 16.

[0051] The passenger aircraft 2 also contains a cockpit aisle 24, which extends from the cockpit wall 4 (or the cockpit in front of it) to the emergency exit area 16.

[0052] Passenger aircraft 2, or passenger cabin 12, contains a space section 30.

[0053] Section 30 extends longitudinally 8 from cockpit wall 4 to seating area 20 and transversely 14 to the two hull sides 6a,b. Section 30 contains emergency exit area 16.

[0054] Section 30 also contains a toilet 32 ​​and a galley 33, which is not described in detail here, and which are separated from each other by the cockpit passage 24.

[0055] The ship's toilet 32 ​​is bounded longitudinally 8 at the front by the cockpit bulkhead 4 and at the rear by the emergency exit area 16. Laterally 14, the ship's toilet 32 ​​is bounded on one side (here on the left) by one of the ship's bulkheads, in this case the left bulkhead 6a, and on the other side (right) by the cockpit walkway 24. The ship's toilet 32 ​​is separated from the emergency exit area 16 by a rear bulkhead 34. The rear bulkhead 34 extends laterally 14.

[0056] Fig. Figure 1 shows the onboard toilet only symbolically as a rectangle, although in this case it actually has a different shape on the back wall.

[0057] Fig. 2 shows the on-board toilet 32 ​​from Fig. 1. Therefore, in detail.

[0058] The rear wall 34 extends away from the side wall 6a not in a straight line, but in an S-shape 36. Thanks to the S-shape 36, the rear wall 34 runs against the direction of flight 10 towards the seating area 20 with increasing distance from the side wall 6b, or rather, it jumps forward towards the seating area 20 according to the S-shape 36, or approaches it and moves away from the cockpit wall 4.

[0059] There is no flight attendant seat on the (rear) side 38 of the rear wall 34 facing emergency exit area 16. Therefore, the entire emergency exit area 16 is available for free passage.

[0060] The ship's toilet 32 ​​has a side wall 42. This separates the ship's toilet 32 ​​from the cockpit aisle 24. The ship's toilet 32 ​​has a toilet door 40. The toilet door 40 is located in the side wall 42. The toilet door 40 is designed as a folding door, here in the form of an accordion mechanism. Fig. Figure 2 shows the toilet door 40 in the closed position, i.e. with the "accordion" unfolded.

[0061] The toilet door 40 is designed with regard to its width B so that it can be used by a standard on-board wheelchair 44 (see Fig. 4) is passable.

[0062] The onboard toilet 32 ​​contains a toilet seat 46, which is located in the onboard toilet 32 ​​opposite the toilet door 40, i.e. on or adjacent to the hull wall 6a.

[0063] The ship's toilet 32 ​​includes a front wall 50 facing the cockpit wall 4, or rather, which borders the ship's toilet 32 ​​towards the cockpit or cockpit wall 4. The ship's toilet 32 ​​includes a washbasin 48, which is accessible from the ship's wheelchair 44 (see Fig. 4) is accessible from below. The washbasin 48 is located on the front wall 50 of the onboard toilet 32,

[0064] The onboard toilet 32 ​​contains handles 52, here in the form of grab rails or grab bars. The handles 52 are designed and distributed in the onboard toilet 32 ​​in such a way that a driver, here a person with reduced mobility: PRM 64 (see Fig. 4) The onboard wheelchair 44 allows both the user and the wheelchair itself to maneuver safely within the onboard toilet 32. Thus, the PRM 64 does not require assistance when using the toilet or the sink 48, and their privacy is preserved. In other words, the PRM 64 can maneuver within the onboard toilet 32 ​​without getting up from the onboard wheelchair 44.

[0065] Fig. Figure 3 shows the onboard toilet 32 ​​again in a perspective oblique top view. Here, the placement of the individual components in the space is shown again in an alternative, possibly clearer, view.

[0066] Fig. Figure 4 shows a shipboard wheelchair 44, as described above, in use by the PRM 64, and thus the PRM 64 using the shipboard toilet 32. The PRM 64 is in Fig. Four different positions (P1-4) at four different times and in four different locations within and around the ship's toilet 32 ​​are shown. Position P1 shows the PRM 64 entering the ship's toilet 32. The toilet door 40 is open, i.e., with its accordion-style doors folded or collapsed. After entering the ship's toilet 32, the PRM 64 can close the toilet door 40 again (not shown here for clarity). This ensures complete privacy.

[0067] P2 shows that the PRM (with the toilet door 40 now closed) can turn or rotate within the toilet 32 ​​using the onboard wheelchair 44. P3 shows that this allows a transfer from the onboard wheelchair 44 to the toilet seat 46 without assistance. P4 shows the PRM 64 approaching or maneuvering under the sink 48 using the onboard wheelchair 44.

[0068] Fig. Figure 4 also illustrates that the onboard toilet 32 ​​has a base area 56 in relation to the rear wall 34 (whose S-shape 36) as follows: This area is shaped by the S-shaped bulge in such a way that the onboard wheelchair 44 can be rotated at least 180° within the onboard toilet 34. In this case, this is achieved by the base area 56 following the S-shape 36. Therefore, sufficient space is provided so that a backrest 58 of the onboard wheelchair 44 can follow the S-shape 36 during its rotation and is not prevented from moving by colliding with the rear wall 34. Reference symbol list 2 passenger aircraft 4 Cockpit wall 6a, b Side wall 8 Longitudinal direction 10 Flight direction 12 passenger cabin 14 Transverse direction 16 Emergency Exit Area 18a,b aircraft door 20 Seating area 22 passenger seats 24 Cockpit aisle 30 Room section 32 Onboard toilet 33 On-board kitchen 34 Back panel 36 S-shape Page 38 (back panel) 40 Toilet door 42 side wall 44 Boarding wheelchair 46 toilet seats 48 washbasins 50 Front wall 52 handle 56 square meters of floor space 58 Backrest 60 Central aisle 62 seating groups 64 PRM B Width (toilet door) P1-4 Position (PRM with on-board wheelchair) QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2021 / 040615 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Section (30) of a passenger cabin (12) of a passenger aircraft (2) designed for use, - wherein the passenger aircraft (2) has a cockpit wall (4) limiting the passenger cabin (12) in a longitudinal direction (8) and two hull walls (6a,b) limiting the passenger cabin (12) in a transverse direction (14), - wherein the passenger cabin (12) has an emergency exit area (16) spaced longitudinally (8) from the cockpit wall (4) and a subsequent seating area (20) for passengers and a cockpit aisle (24) leading longitudinally (8) from the cockpit wall (4) to the emergency exit area (16), - wherein the space section (30) extends longitudinally (8) from the cockpit wall (4) to the seating area (20), and transversely (14) to the two hull sides (6a,b), - wherein the room section (30) contains the emergency exit area (16), - wherein the space section (30) contains an onboard toilet (32) which is bounded in the longitudinal direction (8) by the cockpit wall (4) and the emergency exit area (16), and which is bounded in the transverse direction (14) on one side by one of the ship walls (6a,b) and on the other side by the cockpit passage (24), - wherein the onboard toilet (32) is separated from the emergency exit area (16) by a rear wall (34), - wherein the rear wall (34) extends in a transverse direction (14) and projects towards the seating area (20) in an S-shape (36) with increasing distance from the relevant side wall (6a,b). [2] Space section (30) according to claim 1, characterized by , that no flight attendant seat is arranged on the side (38) of the rear wall (34) facing the emergency exit area (16). [3] Section (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the onboard toilet (32) has a toilet door (40) which is located in a side wall (42) separating the onboard toilet (32) from the cockpit passage (24). [4] Section (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the onboard toilet (32) has a toilet door (40) which is designed with regard to its width (B) to allow passage by a suitable onboard wheelchair (44). [5] Spatial section (30) according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized by , that the toilet door (40) is designed as a folding door. [6] Section (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the onboard toilet (32) contains a toilet seat (46) which is located in the onboard toilet (30) opposite the toilet door (40). [7] Section (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the onboard toilet (32) contains a washbasin (48) that can be accessed by a properly designed onboard wheelchair (44). [8] Section (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the onboard toilet (32) contains a washbasin (48) which is located on one of the front walls (50) of the onboard toilet (32) facing the cockpit wall (4). [9] Section (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the onboard toilet (32) contains handles (52) which are designed to allow a PRM (64) as the driver of an intended onboard wheelchair (44) to maneuver herself and / or the onboard wheelchair (44) in the onboard toilet (32). [10] Section (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the onboard toilet (32) has a base area (56) in relation to the rear wall (34) which is cut in such a way that a suitable onboard wheelchair (44) can be rotated within the onboard toilet (32) by at least 180 degrees. [11] Section (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the space section (30) contains a galley (33) which is located beyond the cockpit passage (24). [12] Passenger aircraft (2), comprising the space section (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the passenger aircraft (2) comprises the passenger cabin (12) and the cabin comprises the space section (30). [13] Passenger aircraft (2) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the passenger aircraft (2) is a single-aisle aircraft.

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