Toilet with dry steam flushing

Abstract

The invention relates to a toilet system for a vehicle, to a vehicle having a toilet system and to a method for operating a toilet system which comprises a toilet bowl (1) and at least one flushing nozzle (2) for flushing the toilet bowl (1), wherein the toilet system furthermore comprises at least one dry steam generator (6) which is connected to the at least one flushing nozzle (2) in order to channel dry stream generated by means of the dry steam generator (6) to the flushing nozzle (2), and wherein the at least one flushing nozzle (2) is designed to flush the toilet bowl (1) with dry steam.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Toilet with dry steam flush

[0003] The invention relates to a toilet system for a vehicle and a vehicle with a toilet system as well as a method for operating a toilet system which comprises a toilet bowl and at least one flushing nozzle for flushing the toilet bowl.

[0004] Generic toilet systems are known from rail vehicles or passenger aircraft.

[0005] Cleaning devices using dry steam generators are also known, for example from the company MediCleanTEC (the following URL for the product website is available on the day of this application: https : / / medicleantec . com / ).

[0006] The invention is based on the object of reducing the water consumption of a toilet system while at the same time improving cleaning.

[0007] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent patent claims 1 and 13. Further developments and refinements of the invention are found in the features of the dependent patent claims.

[0008] A toilet system according to the invention is suitable for a vehicle and comprises a toilet bowl and at least one flushing nozzle for flushing the toilet bowl and, in addition, at least one dry steam generator for generating dry steam, which is connected to the at least one flushing nozzle in such a way, for example by means of a suitably designed line, that dry steam generated by the dry steam generator can be conducted to the flushing nozzle, wherein the at least one flushing nozzle is suitably designed to flush the toilet bowl with dry steam. The at least one flushing nozzle is designed to be pressure and temperature resistant and advantageously has a suitable nozzle shape for distributing the dry steam in the toilet bowl.

[0009] Dry steam is generated in the dry steam generator, which operates on the principle of a miniaturized superheated steam boiler. The dry steam generator is an integral component of the toilet system and, space permitting, can be designed as a single unit with the toilet bowl. However, it can also be separated from the toilet bowl, positioned nearby as a separate unit. The dry steam has a temperature of between 160 and 190°C at a pressure of approximately 8-10 bar.

[0010] The water supplied to the dry steam generator is heated, for example, using electric heating coils. The boiler (pressure vessel) is a stainless steel container with inlet and shut-off valves controlled by a control unit. When the flush function is triggered, the shut-off valve opens and releases the dry steam at high pressure and temperature, which is then released into the toilet bowl via at least one flush nozzle.

[0011] The toilet bowl is designed for both standing and sitting use and can also be referred to as a commode. It is bowl-shaped with an inner wall for collecting and draining excreta.

[0012] According to a development of the invention, the toilet system has a toilet lid for closing the toilet bowl, which lid comprises at least one flushing nozzle. The toilet lid can be arranged so as to be foldable on or in the region of the toilet bowl and, in an open state, releases the toilet bowl for use and closes the toilet bowl in a closed state. The at least one flushing nozzle is arranged in or on the, in particular foldable, toilet lid of the toilet system for closing the toilet bowl, in particular centrally, i.e. at least one flushing nozzle is arranged in or on the toilet lid. However, further flushing nozzles can also be provided, which are arranged in or on the toilet bowl or further components of the toilet system. Several flushing nozzles in or on the toilet lid, in particular evenly distributed, in particular around a center of the toilet lid, are also conceivable.

[0013] A further development provides that the at least one flushing nozzle is arranged centrally in or on the toilet lid and has a plurality of nozzle openings. The nozzle openings are particularly designed and aligned to cover all essential flushing areas of the toilet bowl, i.e., to distribute the dry steam emitted through the nozzle openings in a predetermined manner at a predetermined pressure within the toilet bowl. In addition to one flushing nozzle with a plurality of nozzle openings, a plurality of flushing nozzles, each with one or more nozzle openings, are also considered to be included.

[0014] A further developed toilet system comprises a control unit for controlling the dry steam flush. This is designed to control or regulate the dry steam generator, for opening and closing valves, in particular for the controlled or regulated supply of generated dry steam from the dry steam generator to at least one flush nozzle, and if necessary for controlling or regulating other functions of the toilet system, such as the control or regulation of vacuum pumps in vacuum toilets or of other actuators and devices, in particular as a function of a signal for triggering the flush function, for example by a flush button that is manually operated or actuated by the user or automatically via another signal for triggering the flush function (time, closing a door of a sanitary cubicle in which the toilet bowl of the toilet system is arranged, central vehicle control, voice control, etc.) . The toilet system can be further developed and comprise a device for detecting a closed state of the toilet lid, which device is connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to control a flushing process of the toilet bowl with dry steam at least as a function of the detected closed state of the toilet lid, wherein in particular a flushing process only takes place when the toilet lid is closed.

[0015] As a device for detecting the closed state of the toilet lid, known sensors, measuring transducers or simple switches can serve as signal transmitters which can be connected to the control unit for signaling purposes to transmit information about the closed state of the toilet lid. As already explained above, the control unit receives the detected closed state of the toilet lid and controls a dry steam flush, i.e. a flushing process with dry steam and, if necessary, other functions of the toilet system, such as flushing the toilet bowl with water, depending on the detected closed state of the toilet lid. Advantageously, the toilet bowl is only flushed with dry steam when the toilet lid is closed and a corresponding closed state has been detected by the device for detecting the closed state of the toilet lid and signaled to the control unit.

[0016] As already explained, a flushing process can take place in particular in additional dependence on a further signal for triggering the flushing process, for example by pressing a flush button.

[0017] If a flush button is pressed but the toilet lid is not yet closed, the flushing process with dry steam cannot be triggered and a message can be issued that the toilet lid must be closed. Alternatively, according to a further development, the toilet system has a closing mechanism for the toilet lid, for example a motor-driven one. This is triggered, for example, by a signal to trigger a flushing process, for example an actuation of a flush button, e.g. by means of the control unit. When a flush button is actuated by a user or by another signal to trigger a flushing process, for example from a central vehicle control system, the open toilet lid is automatically closed by means of the closing mechanism, in particular controlled orcontrolled by the control unit, which then, when the toilet lid is closed, controls or regulates the flushing process with dry steam. To prevent people or body parts from becoming trapped, appropriate sensors can be provided and connected to the control unit via signaling.

[0018] According to a further development, the toilet lid has a seal for closing the toilet bowl, which seal is arranged between the toilet lid and the toilet bowl in order to seal the toilet bowl against the escape of dry steam during a flushing process when the toilet lid is closed. If a toilet seat, in particular a hinged one, is arranged between the toilet lid and the toilet bowl, corresponding seals can be arranged between the toilet lid and toilet seat and between the toilet seat and toilet bowl.

[0019] The seals serve to prevent dry steam from escaping from the toilet bowl during a dry steam flush. They are advantageously high temperature resistant, for example made from a silicone material. They are preferably arranged all the way around in or on the underside of the toilet lid and / or the toilet seat and are designed to be complementary to the profile of an opposite sealing partner, i.e. in particular to the profile of an upper side of the toilet seat and / or an upper edge of the toilet bowl. They can be designed as a hollow chamber profile seal, for example with a dovetail cross-section, with ends acting as lip seals. They can be manufactured as an endless ring (smooth) or formed into a ring with ends that are integrally connected, for example glued, to one another.According to an advantageous embodiment, they are detachably connected to the toilet lid and / or the toilet seat and are thus replaceable. For example, they have a receiving bead that complements a recess in the toilet lid and / or the toilet seat, for example, they take the form of a dovetail seal. Using the receiving bead, the seal can be easily inserted into the toilet lid and / or the toilet seat and removed again, as it forms a positive fit with the respective recess.

[0020] According to a further development, the toilet system has additional water jets for flushing the toilet bowl with water, which are arranged in particular in or on the toilet bowl. The water jets are not primarily used for flushing in the true sense of the word, but rather for filling a siphon with water and thus sealing the toilet bowl drain against odors. Therefore, only a comparatively small amount of water can be released into the toilet bowl through the water jets.

[0021] The toilet system is further developed as a vacuum toilet.

[0022] Flushing a vacuum toilet after use is similar to that of a normal water flush toilet, but with much lower water consumption. This is because the feces are not flushed through the siphon by the fresh water flow, but are sucked into an intermediate container using a vacuum and then pumped under pressure into the waste container. This is controlled by the control unit, which activates individual elements such as valves, tanks, water jets, etc. in the correct order. All elements are part of the entire vacuum toilet, especially a ready-to-install one. The water jets are usually arranged around the upper third of the bowl rim. The water jets serve to thoroughly clean the toilet bowl and transport feces, paper and urine film into the lower area of ​​the bowl.Hygienization by killing germs, bacteria, and viruses is only inadequately achieved because the flush water is at normal room temperature. More intensive hygienic treatment is normally achieved by adding additional chemicals to the flush water stream. The toilet system according to the invention, on the other hand, has a small number of water jets because the actual cleaning of the toilet bowl is done using dry steam. The toilet system can also be free of a tank for chemical disinfectants and / or cleaning agents and free of a dosing device for adding chemical disinfectants and / or cleaning agents.

[0023] In addition to the significant reduction in chemical disinfectants and / or cleaning agents, the use of the toilet system according to the invention is accompanied by a substantial reduction in flushing water compared to a vacuum toilet with water flush, while at the same time improving the cleaning effect by reducing germs, bacteria and viruses through the high heat of the dry steam.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the toilet lid can have an integrated line / connection unit, for example made of stainless steel, with a connection thread for the at least one flush nozzle. It can have a quick-coupling connection for a high-pressure hose, for example made of silicone, in a rear region of a swivel joint, which is connected to the dry steam generator for supplying dry steam generated by the dry steam generator to the at least one flush nozzle. The described elements can be cast as a unit with the toilet lid or, depending on the manufacturing process, overmolded as an insert.

[0025] The high-pressure hose can be routed in such a way that the toilet lid can be opened and closed over a swivel angle of approximately 90° without damaging or kinking the hose. The quick-coupling connection can be located behind a panel to avoid the risk of vandalism and is therefore inaccessible.

[0026] In a further development, the toilet system is designed as a separation toilet with separate drains for faeces and urine, wherein according to a further development the toilet bowl has an upper and a lower part, wherein the lower part is at least partially enclosed by the upper part and an opening for draining the urine is arranged all the way around between the upper and lower parts and the drain for faeces is arranged at the lowest point of the toilet bowl.

[0027] The at least one flushing nozzle is further developed and then designed and aligned to flush the circumferential opening for draining the urine with dry steam. Of course, the at least one flushing nozzle or nozzles can be designed and aligned to flush the so-called urine trap, but in particular the at least one flushing nozzle or nozzles are designed and aligned to flush the toilet bowl as a whole and thus also a lower third of the toilet bowl below the circumferential opening with dry steam and in the area of ​​the drainage for feces at the lowest point.

[0028] As already mentioned, the inner wall of the toilet bowl of the composting toilet can be provided with a circumferential opening for urine drainage. This circumferential opening can also be referred to as a circumferential urine trap. It can be relatively narrow, so the distance between the inner wall of the upper part and the inner wall of the lower part is relatively small.

[0029] The inner wall of the upper part of the toilet bowl extends continuously in a lower section, at least partially, behind the lower part of the toilet bowl and thus at least partially encloses the latter, in particular an upper section of the lower part of the toilet bowl. The upper section of the lower part of the toilet bowl thus projects slightly into the upper part of the toilet bowl, and in the area of ​​the overlap, the upper section encloses the lower part.

[0030] The circumferential opening extends over 360° of the inner wall of the toilet bowl. In particular, it extends in a substantially horizontal plane across the entire inner wall. This plane, which is spanned by the circumferential opening in the toilet bowl, can also be slightly inclined. According to a further development, the circumferential opening for draining urine is arranged between the upper and lower parts in the lower third of the toilet bowl.

[0031] The circumferential urine trap guides the urine stream, independent of its point of impact on the inner wall of the upper part of the toilet bowl, through frictional forces, in a laminar flow along the inner wall of the upper part of the toilet bowl and into the circumferential opening. From there, the collected urine can be drained away via a separate urine drain from the fecal drain.

[0032] Only the urine stream which hits the central, in particular central, drain for faeces at the lowest point of the toilet bowl or below the surrounding urine trap on the lower part of the toilet bowl cannot be separated and is therefore drained away via the drain for faeces. According to a further embodiment of the separation toilet, the upper part of the toilet bowl has a circumferential widening in the area of ​​the circumferential opening of the toilet bowl, with the upper part enclosing the lower part of the toilet bowl in the area of ​​the circumferential widening. The circumferential widening is therefore arranged in the lower section of the upper part of the toilet bowl. The upper section of the lower part of the toilet bowl can therefore protrude into the upper part of the toilet bowl, whereby it is enclosed all around by the upper part, free from any projection of the lower part towards the upper part orFree of any inward offset along the inner wall of the toilet bowl from the upper to the lower part in the area of ​​the circumferential opening. The relatively narrow circumferential opening could thus also be perceived as a slit by a user.

[0033] Urine hitting the upper part of the toilet bowl is drained away by gravity and utilizing surface tension via the upper part of the toilet bowl into the surrounding opening. For this purpose, the surrounding widening of the upper part of the toilet bowl can, according to a further development, be designed with a continuously running curve which is dimensioned in such a way that urine or other liquids of a given density and surface tension hitting and running down the upper part of the toilet bowl is drained away by gravity and utilizing surface tension via the curve of the surrounding widening into the surrounding opening. The curve could be referred to as the drainage curve, and the widening also as a bulge.The curve allows the urine to be channeled behind the overlap between the upper and lower parts of the toilet bowl, where it can be collected if necessary and can then be drained away separately from the faeces. The circumferential opening could also be referred to as an inlet opening. According to a further design of the composting toilet, the toilet bowl has a recess in its inner wall from the upper part to the lower part in the area of ​​the circumferential opening. Because of this recess between the upper and lower parts of the toilet bowl in the area of ​​the circumferential opening, the upper part is visually covered by the upper part and is hardly visible to the user from above. It is also well protected against possible contamination by faeces.

[0034] According to a further embodiment of the separation toilet, the toilet bowl has a circumferential collecting channel for urine which is arranged below the circumferential opening. The collecting channel is thus arranged between the lower section of the upper part of the toilet bowl which encloses the lower part and the upper section of the lower part of the toilet bowl and thus outside the inner wall of the toilet bowl. Due to the circumferential urine trap, the urine stream is guided in a laminar manner along the inner wall of the upper part of the toilet bowl by friction forces, regardless of the point of impact on the inner wall of the upper part of the toilet bowl and is directed via the rounded outlet into the collecting channel of the urine trap where it is collected.

[0035] A urine drain can be further developed and arranged at a lowest point of the collecting channel in order to drain away the collected urine.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the separation toilet, the upper part of the toilet bowl can open into the drain channel or merge into it.

[0037] In a further development, the upper and lower parts of the toilet bowl of the composting toilet are designed as two separately manufactured bowls. These are in particular joined together to form the toilet bowl. In a further development, the upper and lower parts of the toilet bowl are connected to one another in the area of ​​the collecting channel, in particular are connected to one another in a materially integral manner. If the upper and lower parts of the toilet bowl comprise a metal or a metal alloy, as in a further development of the invention, or are made in particular from metal or a metal alloy, in particular from stainless steel, or consist predominantly of a metal or a metal alloy, they can, for example, be welded to one another, for example in the area of ​​the collecting channel they can be connected with a circumferential weld seam.

[0038] In a simple way, the upper and lower parts of the toilet bowl are manufactured as metal spun or deep drawn parts.

[0039] This allows the toilet bowl of the composting toilet to be relatively easily integrated into a complete vacuum toilet system, which consists of additional components arranged around the toilet bowl. Alternatively, the toilet bowl can also be made of other materials, such as sanitary ceramics.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the separation toilet, the lower part of the toilet bowl, in particular the upper section of the lower part of the toilet bowl, has a circumferential fold in the region of the circumferential opening.

[0041] The wall of the lower section is folded over, forming a wall facing inward, into the toilet bowl—the inner wall—and, on the other side of the fold, an outward-facing wall, which, for example, opens into the collecting channel or merges into it. The wall is thus continuous and can run continuously.

[0042] The principle of urine separation works with a surrounding urine trap whether the user of the composting toilet is sitting or standing. This effectively and optimally prevents contamination of the urine with feces. Separation takes place passively, i.e. without additional, particularly moving, parts and without additional energy. The basic principle can be adapted for various designs. This also applies to a vacuum toilet, as the toilet bowl can be easily integrated into existing vacuum toilet systems with water flushing. This also results in lower water consumption compared to normal NoMix flush toilets. Instead of one relatively large wastewater tank, two smaller urine and feces tanks are now required, or a combined urine and feces tank with two separate chambers, which can be designed to take up less space than a conventional wastewater tank.The space limitations of the toilet bowl compared to conventional vacuum toilets with water flushing are negligible. This also results in weight savings, especially when used in vehicles. The separately collected urine can be used as a valuable resource, e.g., in fertilizer production.

[0043] A vehicle according to the invention, in particular an aircraft, watercraft or land vehicle, for example a rail vehicle, in particular for public passenger transport, comprises at least one toilet system according to the invention.

[0044] A toilet system according to the invention is operated, comprising a toilet bowl, at least one flushing nozzle for flushing the toilet bowl and at least one dry steam generator which is connected to the at least one flushing nozzle in order to direct dry steam generated by means of the dry steam generator to the flushing nozzle, wherein the at least one flushing nozzle is designed to flush the toilet bowl with dry steam, according to the invention in that the toilet bowl is flushed with dry steam which is generated by the dry steam generator, fed to the at least one flushing nozzle and distributed in the toilet bowl by means of the latter. In a further development, the toilet bowl is only flushed when a toilet lid is closed. This is monitored and controlled in particular by the control unit.

[0045] For this purpose, an open toilet lid can first be closed automatically before the toilet bowl is flushed with dry steam, for example by means of the, in particular motor-driven, closing mechanism for the toilet lid. This method step is also carried out in particular by means of the control unit.

[0046] According to a further development, in addition to, for example, completing a flush of the toilet bowl with dry steam, the toilet bowl is rinsed with water. As already described above, in particular, only enough water is supplied to the toilet bowl to sufficiently fill a siphon. This method step is also carried out in particular by means of the control unit.

[0047] The toilet system is designed to carry out the method according to the invention. It comprises the aforementioned means suitable for carrying out the respective method step.

[0048] The advantages of the invention are in particular:

[0049] - very low water consumption, since steam has about 1700 times the volume of water;

[0050] - Dry steam has only a very low water content (approx. 5%, depending on pressure and temperature), therefore approx. 80-95% water savings compared to the flush volume of a normal vacuum toilet (0.5 - 1 litre);

[0051] - the steam hits the surface with a high kinetic energy;

[0052] - the steam molecules penetrate even the smallest irregularities in the surface and, thanks to the high temperature, dissolve the dirt deep into the pores; - additional cleaning agents are not absolutely necessary, yet the steamed surfaces are still extensively disinfected, including the killing of adhering germs, viruses, and bacteria.

[0053] - no residues of cleaning agents (streaks, streaks);

[0054] - no limescale deposits.

[0055] Scalding from the hot dry steam can be ruled out because the dry steam flush is only triggered when the toilet lid is closed and the flushing process is controlled via the toilet system's control unit.

[0056] The invention permits numerous embodiments. It is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures, each of which illustrates an exemplary embodiment. Identical elements in the figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows schematically a vacuum toilet of the prior art,

[0058] Fig. 2 shows schematically an embodiment of a toilet system according to the invention,

[0059] Fig. 3 shows a detailed section from Fig. 2,

[0060] Fig. 4 shows a detailed section from Fig. 2,

[0061] Fig. 5 shows a variant for connecting a line for conveying dry steam from a dry steam generator to a rinsing nozzle,

[0062] Fig. 6 shows a detailed section from Fig. 2,

[0063] Fig. 7 shows a detailed section from Fig. 2,

[0064] Fig. 8 shows a detailed section from Fig. 2,

[0065] Fig. 9 shows schematically an embodiment of a sealing arrangement of a toilet system according to the invention,

[0066] Fig. 10 shows a detailed section of the sealing arrangement from Fig. 9, Fig. 11 shows schematically an embodiment of a toilet system according to the invention as a separation toilet, Fig. 12 shows a detailed section of the separation toilet from Fig. 11.

[0067] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vacuum toilet of the prior art. It comprises a toilet bowl 1, water jets 7 distributed in the toilet bowl 1, a flush water tank 34, usually filled with fresh or grey water, and a pipe 12 carrying the flush water between the flush water tank 34 and the water jets 7. The pipe 12 can contain both a pump 37 for transporting the flush water and a metering device 39 for metering cleaning and / or disinfecting agents to the flush water, which metering device 39 is in turn connected to a cleaning and / or disinfectant tank 36. The cleaning and / or disinfectant can serve to prevent the formation or to remove urine scale or limescale deposits in the toilet bowl 1.In the wastewater section, the toilet bowl 1 has an intermediate container 42 connected to its outlet, which is further fluidly connected to a wastewater tank 35. An inlet valve 40 is arranged between the outlet of the toilet bowl 1 and the intermediate container 42. An outlet valve 41 is arranged between the intermediate container 42 and the wastewater tank 35. Both valves are controlled by a control unit (not shown). The control unit also controls the supply of flush water to the toilet bowl 1 and an ejector 38 or vacuum pump connected to the intermediate container 42 for generating a vacuum in the intermediate container 42.

[0068] Fig. 2 to Fig. 8 now describe an embodiment of a toilet system according to the invention.

[0069] The toilet system comprises a toilet bowl 1, a toilet lid 3 with at least one flushing nozzle 2, which is integrated into the toilet lid 3 here and has a plurality of nozzle openings 22 in this exemplary embodiment, and a dry steam generator 6, which is fluidly connected to the at least one flushing nozzle 2 by means of a high-pressure hose 9 in order to guide dry steam generated by the dry steam generator 6 to the at least one flushing nozzle 2. In addition, a control unit for controlling or regulating the flushing process of the toilet can be provided, which control unit is not shown for reasons of clarity. The toilet system can be designed as a vacuum toilet, although the vacuum unit has also been omitted for the sake of clarity. The control unit can be designed to also control or regulating the vacuum unit.

[0070] The toilet system can be designed as a separation toilet, as indicated here by a circumferential opening 11 for draining urine, also called a urine trap. Details can be found in Figs. 11 and 12. Feces are drained through an outlet 10 at the lowest point of the toilet bowl 1.

[0071] The at least one flushing nozzle 2 is arranged centrally in the toilet lid 3. Alternatively, several flushing nozzles, each with a nozzle opening, can be arranged distributed in or on the toilet lid or in or on the toilet bowl, in particular such that all relevant flushing areas of the toilet bowl 1 are covered.

[0072] Dry steam generated in the dry steam generator, in particular with a temperature between 160 ° C and 190 ° C and a pressure between 8 bar and 10 bar, is guided to at least one flushing nozzle 2 when the flushing function is triggered and is released into the toilet bowl 1 by means of the at least one flushing nozzle 2 to flush the toilet bowl.

[0073] In the present embodiment, this only occurs when the toilet lid 3 is closed. It is hinged to the rear of the toilet bowl 1 by means of a pivot joint 18. It can have a motor-driven closing mechanism that automatically closes the toilet lid 3 when the flush function is triggered. The motor-driven closing mechanism can also be controlled or regulated by a control unit.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the toilet system can have sensors for detecting the closed state of the toilet lid 3, which are not described in detail here, and which are connected to the control unit via signaling in order to provide detected information about the closed state of the toilet lid 3 and transmit it to the control unit. Flushing with dry steam can thus take place depending on the detected closed state of the toilet lid 3.

[0075] In addition, the toilet system here has a water nozzle 7 which is integrated into the toilet bowl 1. It is connected to a flush water tank, a fresh or grey water container, via a water-carrying pipe or hose 12. This serves to refill the outlets 10 and 11 for the feces and urine drainage with a minimal amount of water in an odor-tight manner and to close them (function of a siphon). For this purpose, the water nozzle 7 each has one or more nozzle openings with different outlet angles in order to direct water specifically to the two outlet openings 10 and 11. Alternatively, this water nozzle 7 can also be integrated into the toilet lid 3 as a separate line / connection unit, analogous to a line / connection unit 13 for the dry steam flush (details in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6).The separate, additional water nozzle 7 in the area of ​​the upper rim of the toilet bowl 1 can then be omitted. The water nozzle 7 is shown in more detail in Fig. 8. It is arranged in the rear, upper area of ​​the toilet bowl 1 and projects beyond the inner wall 20 of the toilet bowl 1 into the toilet bowl 1. Its nozzle openings are designed and aligned in such a way that the water discharged is directed to the outlets of the drains for urine 11 and feces 10, as indicated by the arrows.

[0076] Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 show a possible embodiment of a line / connection unit 13 for dry steam flushing. The flushing nozzle 2, which is sketched in detail in Fig. 7, is screwed into the toilet lid 3 by means of an external thread 16 with the interposition of a flat ring seal 17, in which, according to Fig. 3, the line / connection unit 13 shown in Fig. 6 is embedded. This has a correspondingly complementary internal thread 15. The line / connection unit 13 can be made of stainless steel and has a coupling connection 14 for connecting the high-pressure hose 9 in the area of ​​the rear swivel joint 18 of the toilet lid 3.

[0077] The pipe / connection unit 13 is connected to the toilet lid

[0078] 3 cast or, depending on the manufacturing process, overmolded as an insert. In this case, thermal insulation 21 can be provided between the line / connection unit 13 and the toilet lid 3, which surrounds the line / connection unit 13 and insulates it from the toilet lid 3. The hose guide is designed such that the opening and closing movements of the toilet lid 3 over a pivoting angle range of approximately 90 ° are possible without damage to or risk of kinking of the high-pressure hose 9, as shown in Fig.

[0079] 4 . Because of the possible risk of vandalism, the coupling connection 14 can be located behind a panel 19 or under the rim of the toilet bowl 1 and is therefore not accessible. Fig. 5 shows an alternative arrangement of the coupling connection 14 and the associated routing of the high-pressure hose 9. The dashed lines in Fig. 5 show a completely closed toilet lid 3 and a toilet lid 3 open at a 90 ° angle to the rim of the toilet bowl 1. The toilet lid 3 can be sealed against the toilet bowl 1 and / or against a toilet seat 4 to prevent escaping dry steam. Further details on the sealing are shown in the following Figs. 9 and 10.

[0080] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show a sealing arrangement. For safety reasons, no dry steam may escape during flushing with dry steam. This is ensured by circumferential, high-temperature-resistant seals 5, which are made, for example, from a silicone material. Here, the toilet lid 3 accordingly has a circumferential seal 5, as well as a toilet seat 4 arranged between the toilet lid 3 and the toilet bowl 1. The seals 5 are arranged on the one hand between the toilet seat 4 and the toilet bowl 1 and on the other hand between the toilet seat 4 and the toilet lid 3 and are fastened to the toilet lid 3 and to the toilet seat 4, in particular in a detachable manner.Their shape and size are each selected so that they reliably seal the sealing partners against escaping dry steam, so here the seal 5 between the toilet seat 4 and the toilet bowl 1, which is arranged in the toilet seat 4, is designed to be complementary to the upper rim of the toilet bowl 1 and the seal 5 between the toilet lid 3 and the toilet seat 4, which is arranged in the toilet lid 3, is designed to be complementary to the top of the toilet seat 4. A flushing function with dry steam will in particular only be triggered when the toilet lid 3 is resting on the toilet seat 4 and the toilet seat 4 is resting on the toilet bowl 1 and the toilet lid 3 is therefore closed in a steam-tight manner relative to the toilet bowl 1.

[0081] The seals 5 are designed as hollow-chamber profile seals because they can be easily compressed. The hollow-chamber profile seals are each additionally designed as lip seals and advantageously have no joint (endless seal) or a glued joint. The seals 5 have a molded-on receiving bead 8 that fits the counter-profile in the toilet lid 3 and the toilet seat 4 (dovetail cross-section). The seals 5 are designed as wearing parts and are therefore easily replaceable.

[0082] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 illustrate the design of the toilet system according to the invention as a separation toilet. Fig. 12 shows a section of this separation toilet, which is why both figures are described together below.

[0083] The separation toilet comprises a toilet bowl 1 with separate drains for faeces 10 and urine 33, wherein the drain for faeces 10 is arranged at the lowest point of the toilet bowl 1.

[0084] The toilet bowl 1 comprises an upper part 23 and a lower part 24. Both the upper and lower parts 23 and 24 are manufactured here as two shells made of a metal or a metal alloy, for example, manufactured separately as metal-pressed or deep-drawn parts and welded together. The upper part 23 has the shape of a positively curved shell that is open on both sides.

[0085] In a lower section 30 of the upper part 23, the latter has a downwardly open, circumferential widening 25. As a result, a diameter of the upper part 23 in the lower section 30 is larger than the diameter of an upper section 31 of the lower part 24. The lower part 24 is completely enclosed in the region of its upper section 31 by the upper part 23 in the region of its lower section 30.

[0086] The upper part 23 and lower part 24 of the toilet bowl 1 together form the inner wall 20 of the toilet bowl 1 and thus define a space for collecting excretions. To drain away urine impinging on the upper part 23, an opening 11 for draining the urine is arranged circumferentially between the upper part 23 and lower part 24. The circumferential opening 11 thus extends over 360° of the entire diameter of the toilet bowl 1, in particular in a lower third of the toilet bowl 1.

[0087] Irrespective of the point of impact on the inner wall 20 of the upper part 23 of the toilet bowl 1, urine is guided by frictional forces in a laminar manner along the inner wall 20 of the upper part 23 of the toilet bowl 1 and into the circumferential opening 11. For this purpose, the circumferential widening 25 of the upper part 23 has a continuously running curve 26 which is shaped such that urine striking and running down the upper part 23 of the toilet bowl 1 is diverted by gravity and by utilizing surface tension via the curve 26 of the circumferential widening 25 into the circumferential opening 11.

[0088] The urine is thus guided along the inner wall 20 of the upper part 23 of the toilet bowl into the space between the upper part 23 and the lower part 24, in which the upper part 23 encloses the lower part 24. There, it is collected by means of a likewise circumferential collecting channel 28 and discharged at the lowest point of the collecting channel 28 through a drain 33 arranged there for collected urine.

[0089] The drainage channel 28 is formed here by a collar or rim formed on or from the lower part 24. Firstly, the lower part 24 has a fold 29 in the upper section. Adjacent to this is the projection which forms the collecting channel 28, so that the lower part 23 has a continuous wall from the interior of the toilet bowl 1 over the fold 29 to the collecting channel 28. Conversely, the upper part 23 also has a continuous wall from the interior of the toilet bowl 1 over the curve 26 of the circumferential widening 25 to behind the enclosed upper section 31 of the lower part 24, which opens into the circumferential collecting channel 28. A weld seam 32, along which the upper part 23 is materially connected to the lower part 24, is located in this embodiment in the region of the collecting channel 28.In the area of ​​the circumferential opening 11 there is thus an overlap between the upper and lower parts 23 and 24 of the toilet bowl 1.

[0090] In the area of ​​the circumferential opening 11, the inner wall 20 of the toilet bowl 1 has a relatively small recess 27. Due to this offset between the upper and lower bowls, in the area of ​​the circumferential opening 11, the latter is barely visible from above and is also well protected against possible contamination by feces.

[0091] In order to refill and close the faeces and urine drainage lines 10 and 33 with a minimum amount of water in an odor-tight manner, a water nozzle 7 is arranged inside the toilet bowl 1 and is suitably designed and aligned.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Toilet system with a toilet bowl (1) and at least one flushing nozzle (2) for flushing the toilet bowl (1), characterized in that it comprises at least one dry steam generator (6) which is connected to the at least one flushing nozzle (2) in order to guide dry steam generated by means of the dry steam generator (6) to the flushing nozzle (2), and wherein the at least one flushing nozzle (2) is designed to flush the toilet bowl (1) with dry steam.

2. Toilet system according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a toilet lid (3) for closing the toilet bowl (1), which comprises at least one flushing nozzle (2).

3. Toilet system according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one flushing nozzle (2) is arranged centrally in or on the toilet lid (3) and has a plurality of nozzle openings.

4. Toilet system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a device for detecting a closed state of a toilet lid (3), which is connected to a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to control the flushing process of the toilet bowl (1) at least as a function of the detected closed state of the toilet lid (3).

5. Toilet system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it has a toilet lid (3) for closing the toilet bowl (1), wherein a seal (5) is arranged between the toilet lid (3) and the toilet bowl (1) in order to seal the toilet bowl (1) against the escape of dry steam during a flushing process when the toilet lid (3) is closed.

6. Toilet system according to claim 5, characterized in that the seal (5) is arranged circumferentially in or on an underside of the toilet lid (3) and / or a toilet seat (4) and is designed to be complementary to the profile of an opposite sealing partner.

7. Toilet system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it has additional water nozzles (7) for flushing the toilet bowl (1) with water.

8. Toilet system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is designed as a vacuum toilet.

9. Toilet system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is designed as a separation toilet with separate drains (10, 11) for faeces and urine.

10. Toilet system according to claim 9, characterized in that the drainage for faeces (10) is arranged at the lowest point of the toilet bowl (1), wherein the toilet bowl (1) has an upper and a lower part (23, 24), wherein the lower part (24) is at least partially enclosed by the upper part (23) and an opening (11) for draining the urine is arranged circumferentially between the upper and lower parts (23, 24).

11. Toilet system according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the at least one flushing nozzle (2) is designed and aligned to flush the circumferential opening for draining the urine with dry steam.

12. Vehicle with a toilet system according to one or more of the preceding claims.

13. A method for operating a toilet system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toilet bowl (1) is cleaned with dry steam. which is generated by the dry steam generator (6).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the toilet bowl (1) is only flushed when a toilet lid (3) is closed.

15. Method according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that an open toilet lid (3) is automatically closed with dry steam before the toilet bowl (1) is flushed.

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