Vacuum wastewater device, vacuum wastewater device arrangement and method for removing wastewater from a wastewater reservoir using at least one vacuum wastewater device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum wastewater device, a vacuum wastewater device arrangement as well as a method for removing wastewater from a wastewater reservoir. The vacuum wastewater device (1) comprises a vacuum wastewater device inlet (4) fluidically connectable to a wastewater reservoir (2), a vacuum wastewater device outlet (5) configured to be supplied with vacuum from a vacuum unit (3), a valve unit (7) arranged between the vacuum wastewater device inlet (4) and the vacuum wastewater device outlet (5), an electronic control unit (6) configured to control the valve unit (7), thereby controlling a fluid flow from the wastewater reservoir (2) through the vacuum wastewater device (1), and a first sensor arrangement (11) configured to detect a pressure inside the vacuum wastewater device (1) as a first value. In addition, a second sensor arrangement (12) is provided configured to detect a second value related to the vacuum wastewater device (1). The electronic control unit (6) is configured to adapt control of the valve unit (7) based on the first value and / or the second value.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum wastewater device, a vacuum wastewater device arrangement as well as a method for removing wastewater from a wastewater reservoir using at least one vacuum wastewater device.

[0002] Vacuum wastewater devices are generally known, for example, as extraction pistols used to fluidically connect a vacuum unit to a wastewater reservoir in order to suck the wastewater out of the wastewater reservoir into a collection tank. Such wastewater reservoirs of which wastewater is extracted by means of extraction pistols are for example used in trains to collect wastewater that accumulates in lavatories. In this regard, the vacuum wastewater devices comprise a vacuum valve which opens for extraction.

[0003] Usually, a train comprises several wagons each of which comprises at least one wastewater reservoir. Thus, in order to empty the reservoirs of a train with multiple wagons at the same time, several suction pistols, which are all supplied with vacuum by a vacuum unit which may form part of a vacuum supply network, are connected to different wastewater reservoirs. When the supplied vacuum which is used to extract the wastewater out of the wastewater reservoir decreases, i.e. exceeds a certain (fixed) limit value closer to the atmospheric pressure than to a vacuum negative pressure initially supplied, the vacuum wastewater device closes. When the vacuum wastewater device is closed, no further wastewater is extracted from the wastewater reservoir.

[0004] In a similar manner, vacuum is also used to extract wastewater from domestic wastewater reservoirs if, for example, a gradient is not sufficient to drain the wastewater by gravity.

[0005] Often, during the extraction process, although a filing level may be used to start and stop the extraction process, as for example for domestic wastewater, neither the fill level of these wastewater reservoirs nor the fluid flow through the vacuum wastewater devices can be visually assessed from the outside. Furthermore, considering wastewater reservoirs used in trains, often there is only a limited amount of time for extracting wastewater, as the trains cannot be used for passenger transportation during the extraction process. Therefore, when wastewater reservoirs, for example wastewater reservoirs of trains, are to be emptied, a predetermined (limited) period of time is usually waited after connecting the extraction pistols to the wastewater reservoirs, at the end of which it is assumed that the wastewater has been removed from the reservoirs.

[0006] This assumption is often correct, but it can happen that solids hinder the extraction process, for example solids may block a suction port of the wastewater reservoir or the extraction pistol. Therefore, the wastewater may only be partially removed from the wastewater reservoirs. In other words, there may be situations in which during the extraction process of the wastewater no decrease in vacuum occurs, wherein however also no wastewater is extracted from the wastewater reservoir. Consequently, the wastewater may still be present in the wastewater reservoirs even after the predetermined period of time. When the train is used again for passenger transportation and the wastewater reservoirs are not empty, this may lead to closure of lavatories and dissatisfaction of the customers.

[0007] Further, the vacuum wastewater devices are typically operated manually, for example by pressing or activating a button, which may then activate a pneumatic control to open the vacuum valve. Alternatively, it is known to activate the pneumatic control using a fill level of water reservoirs. However, no feedback is provided of whether the vacuum valve has been opened. In this regard, the user may for example not sufficiently press the button or the button may simply be defective.

[0008] In addition, although the vacuum valve may open, there is no feedback of whether the vacuum wastewater device is actually performing an extraction process.

[0009] In addition, in large wastewater networks, optimizing opening times of vacuum wastewater devices may be useful in terms of energy efficiency. Moreover, there is a growing need to allow fully automated use of vacuum wastewater devices.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved vacuum wastewater device which prevents the aforementioned disadvantages during extraction processes. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vacuum wastewater device which allows to determine whether an extraction process was successful or not. Furthermore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a vacuum wastewater device which enables a fully automated extraction process, and which is at the same time operator friendly.

[0011] The object is solved by a vacuum wastewater device according to claim 1 as well as a vacuum wastewater device arrangement according to claim 13 and a method for extracting wastewater from a wastewater reservoir according to claim 14.

[0012] The vacuum wastewater device according to claim 1 may for example be an extraction pistol used for extracting wastewater from wastewater reservoirs of trains. In this regard, the vacuum wastewater device comprises a vacuum wastewater device inlet fluidically connectable to a wastewater reservoir. The wastewater reservoir may for example be a reservoir such as a tank used in vehicles and suitable to collect and store wastewater. In one aspect, the wastewater reservoir may be a wastewater tank used in a train. The wastewater reservoir may however also be a wastewater collection reservoir or sump in a house connection chamber, a toilet bowl in a sanitary installation, for example in a hospital or a residential building, a reservoir in an industrial plant or a supermarket, etc.

[0013] Further, the vacuum wastewater device comprises a vacuum wastewater device outlet configured to be supplied with vacuum from a vacuum unit. Further, the vacuum wastewater device outlet may be fluidically connected to a vacuum wastewater line. The vacuum wastewater line may be connected to a collection tank, for example to collect wastewater extracted from a wastewater reservoir. Alternatively, the vacuum wastewater line may be connected to a wastewater network which may for example be a sewer system. In this regard, vacuum is supplied to the vacuum wastewater line from a vacuum unit. The vacuum unit may for example be a suction pump or any vacuum supply network such as a negative pressure network connectable directly to the vacuum wastewater device outlet or to the vacuum wastewater line. The vacuum wastewater line may be a tube, a pipe, a hose, a duct or any kind of conduit, that allows transportation of wastewater.

[0014] Considering a single vacuum wastewater device placed at a vacuum wastewater line used for extracting wastewater from a wastewater reservoir, for example from a wastewater reservoir of a train, in one aspect this vacuum wastewater line may comprise a length of between 10 m and 20 m. However, often more than one vacuum wastewater device is used as part of a network used to extract wastewater of several wastewater reservoirs, for example simultaneously. In this regard, a train may for example comprise twenty wastewater reservoirs. Hence, one vacuum wastewater device may be connected to each of the wastewater reservoirs. In other words, there may be a first vacuum wastewater device connected to a first wastewater reservoirs, a second vacuum wastewater device connected to a second wastewater reservoir and so on. Still, the respective vacuum wastewater lines of the respective vacuum wastewater devices may all be configured to conduct the wastewater from the wastewater reservoirs to a common collection tank. Further, only one, i.e. a single, vacuum unit may be used to provide vacuum for all vacuum wastewater devices. The vacuum wastewater devices, and more precisely the vacuum wastewater lines at which the vacuum wastewater devices may be placed, together with the vacuum unit may build up to a network. The length of all vacuum wastewater lines may thus be significantly longer than the length for a single vacuum wastewater device.

[0015] The vacuum wastewater device may for example be configured to work with an absolute pressure of between 100 mbar and up to 900 mbar, preferably up to 350mbar. In other words, a vacuum unit used to supply vacuum pressure to a vacuum wastewater line fluidically connected to the vacuum wastewater device may preferably supply a negative pressure of about 650 mbar with respect to the atmospheric pressure of about 1 bar.

[0016] Further, the vacuum wastewater devices comprise a valve unit arranged between the vacuum wastewater device inlet and the vacuum wastewater device outlet. The valve unit may comprise a piloted valve, for example a vacuum valve, a diaphragm valve or an interface valve comprising a tube-like elastic element, and a pilot valve to control a control feed to the piloted valve. The pilot valve may for example be a solenoid valve or a valve comprising a linear actuator configured to provide a respective control feed to the piloted valve to open or close the piloted valve, e.g. the vacuum valve. Hence, the valve unit may be configured to open or close a fluid connection between the vacuum wastewater device inlet and the vacuum wastewater device outlet and may therefore be configured to allow wastewater to pass through the vacuum wastewater device or to be blocked. Typically, the valve unit and more precisely the piloted valve comprises a fully open state, in which wastewater may for example pass from a vacuum wastewater reservoir through the vacuum wastewater line and the vacuum wastewater device at which the vacuum wastewater device is placed and into a collection tank, and a fully closed state, in which preferably no vacuum is supplied to the wastewater reservoir and therefore preferably no wastewater flows through the vacuum wastewater device and the respective vacuum wastewater line. Hence, the valve unit is therefore configured either to be fully opened or fully closed.

[0017] In this regard, the vacuum wastewater device further comprises an electronic control unit configured to control the valve unit, thereby controlling a fluid flow from the wastewater reservoir through the vacuum wastewater device. In more detail, the electronic control unit may be configured to control the pilot valve in order to control a control feed to the piloted valve thereby controlling fluid flow from the wastewater reservoir through the vacuum wastewater device. The electronic control unit may thus be configured to control opening and closing of the valve unit, thereby controlling an amount of wastewater passing through the vacuum wastewater device. In this regard, opening and closing of the valve unit may thus mean opening and closing of the piloted valve. In other words, the electronic control unit may be configured to control the amount of wastewater extracted from the wastewater reservoir, for example, into a collection or into a sewer system by controlling the valve unit.

[0018] In addition, at least a first sensor arrangement as part of the vacuum wastewater device is used to detect a pressure inside the vacuum wastewater device as a first value. Thus, the vacuum wastewater device comprises at least a first sensor arrangement configured to detect a pressure inside the vacuum wastewater device as a first value. For example, the first sensor arrangement may be configured to detect a pressure at the vacuum wastewater device inlet. However, preferably, especially if only a single first sensor arrangement is used, the first sensor arrangement may be configured to detect a pressure at the vacuum wastewater device outlet. In one aspect, there may also be a sensor arrangement arranged which is configured to detect pressure at the vacuum device inlet and a further sensor arrangement arranged which is configured to detect pressure at the vacuum device outlet. The detected pressure may thus relate to a vacuum pressure present in the vacuum wastewater device. In this regard, arrangement of the first sensor arrangement at the vacuum wastewater device outlet may allow to determine if a vacuum unit, for example a pump, is running for example. Further, when the vacuum unit is running, the valve unit is opened and the detected pressure increases, for example up to 700 mbar or up to 900 mbar, i.e. when the negative pressure becomes less than for example 300 mbar or less than 100 mbar, considering an atmospheric pressure of about 1 bar, the electronic control unit may close the valve unit. Hence, the wastewater fluid flow from the vacuum wastewater device inlet to the vacuum wastewater device outlet may be blocked dependent on the absolute pressure value.

[0019] The electronic control unit may be directly coupled to the valve unit or may be in data connection with the valve unit. The electronic control unit may for example be connected to the valve unit wirelessly or by wire. The electronic control unit may thus control the pilot valve wirelessly or by wire.

[0020] Furthermore, the vacuum wastewater device comprises at least a second sensor arrangement configured to detect at least a second value related to the vacuum wastewater device. The second value may be the same as the first value or may be different. In other words, the second sensor arrangement may be configured to detect a pressure or may be configured to detect another physical value related to the vacuum wastewater device, for example a vibration of the vacuum wastewater device. In this regard, also the at least one second sensor arrangement forms part of the vacuum wastewater device.

[0021] Further, the electronic control unit is configured to adapt control of the valve unit, based on an evaluation of the first value and the at least one second value. Therefore, the control unit is configured to adjust operation of the vacuum wastewater device in accordance with the detected first value and second value. In other words, the electronic control unit is configured to control the valve unit based on values detected by at least two sensor arrangements, wherein the values are evaluated, for example simultaneously, by a processing unit of the electronic control unit. Hence, in contrast to monitoring the operation of the valve unit or the vacuum wastewater device, the vacuum wastewater device is configured for adaptive control.

[0022] In one aspect, the second sensor arrangement may be used to provide a second value used for activation of the vacuum wastewater device. If, for example, a second threshold value for the second sensor arrangement is exceeded, i.e. if the second value reaches a certain value, for example, the vacuum wastewater device may be activated. In this regard, the second value may be detected by the control unit. In this state, i.e. when the vacuum wastewater device is for example activated, the valve unit may be opened or closed. In this respect, the first value of the first sensor arrangement may be used to open or close the valve unit. For example, the control unit may only send a control signal to the pilot valve to control the piloted valve when the first value detected by the first sensor arrangement, for example at the vacuum wastewater device outlet, shows a value sufficient to send the corresponding control signal.

[0023] Further, if a detected pressure value, for example detected by the first sensor arrangement at the vacuum wastewater device outlet, falls below a threshold value, the control unit may not open the valve unit to protect the system. An additional pressure sensor on vacuum wastewater device inlet may allow to provide additional functions and may for example allow to detect an increase in pressure due to the presence of water or the like. In addition, when using a sensor arrangement, for example a first sensor arrangement, at the vacuum wastewater device inlet and a further sensor arrangement, for example a further first sensor arrangement, at the vacuum wastewater device outlet, a pressure difference between pressures detected by the two first sensor arrangements may be used to provide a quantitative statement about a flow rate. The pressure difference may thus be used to determine an amount of extracted wastewater fluid volume.

[0024] Further, if for example two pressure sensors are used, wherein a pressure sensor, for example of the first sensor arrangement, is configured to detect the vacuum pressure at the vacuum wastewater device inlet and a further pressure sensor, for example of the second sensor arrangement, is configured to detect the vacuum pressure at the vacuum wastewater device outlet, a pressure difference between these two sensors may indicate that solids are blocking the vacuum wastewater device. A corresponding control command of the electronic control unit which may temporarily try to close the valve unit may unblock the vacuum wastewater device. Alternatively, the control unit may decide to keep the valve unit opened but to increase the vacuum supplied by the vacuum unit. However, when the at least one second sensor arrangement would detect the same vacuum pressure at the vacuum wastewater device outlet as aforementioned, and the first sensor arrangement would also detect sufficient vacuum pressure, the control unit may recognize that wastewater is flowing through the vacuum wastewater device and the extraction process is operating as desired.

[0025] Consequently, detection of the same first value of a single sensor arrangement may lead to different control operations by the electronic control unit. Further, a second value detected by the at least one second sensor arrangement may be used to provide further functionalities to the vacuum wastewater device.

[0026] In addition, using at least two sensor arrangements may allow for an adaptive control which is configured to adapt to changes within a vacuum system with which the vacuum wastewater device is used.

[0027] The vacuum wastewater device therefore not only allows for autonomous elimination of faults, but also provides information on the success of an extraction process, as the use of two sensors whose sensor data is used in parallel provides more reliable information on the operation of the vacuum wastewater device.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one second sensor arrangement may be a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, an acoustic sensor, a position sensor, an acceleration sensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and / or a sensor detecting an induced voltage. In other words, the at least one second sensor arrangement may be configured to detect at least one of, all of or several of the following second values: a pressure inside the vacuum wastewater device, for example at a vacuum wastewater inlet, especially if the first sensor arrangement is arranged at the vacuum wastewater outlet, a vibration of the vacuum wastewater device, a sound, for example emitted during use of the vacuum wastewater device, a position of the vacuum wastewater device, for example a relative position of the vacuum wastewater device with respect to the wastewater reservoir, an acceleration of the vacuum wastewater device, an amount of light, for example an amount of light shining on the vacuum wastewater device, a temperature, for example a temperature of the wastewater flowing through the vacuum wastewater device, a humidity, for example inside the vacuum wastewater device, an induced voltage, for example a voltage induced by relative movements or from a conductivity value, a chemical or physical value of a fluid flowing through the vacuum wastewater device, for example to detect hazardous substances. The use of at least one of the aforementioned sensors as a second sensor arrangement in combination with the first sensor arrangement, which detects a pressure, allows to evaluate the success of an extraction process using the vacuum wastewater device. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one second sensor arrangement may be a pressure sensor and / or a vibration sensor. In one aspect, the second sensor arrangement may be a Hall sensor.

[0029] In one aspect, the control unit may be configured to control the valve unit by the first value detected by the first sensor arrangement only if the second value detected by the second sensor arrangement comprises a predetermined value. In one aspect, for example, and as described above, the first value may only be used to open the valve unit if the second value was used to activate the vacuum wastewater device. Further, the control unit may for example only open the valve unit, if for example no hazardous substance is detected by the second sensor arrangement. Otherwise, i.e. when the second senor arrangement detects for example a hazardous substance, the valve unit may be closed immediately.

[0030] Further, the at least one second sensor arrangement may be configured to detect a vibration of the vacuum wastewater device as the second value. The vibration may refer to a vibration of the entire vacuum wastewater device. In this regard, the sensor may be attached to a housing of the vacuum wastewater device. Alternatively, the vibration may refer to a vibration of a component of the vacuum wastewater device, for example a vibration at the vacuum wastewater device outlet.

[0031] Preferably, the first sensor arrangement and the at least one second sensor arrangement comprise a comparably high scanning rate. Preferably, the sensor arrangements comprise a scanning rate of between 1 Hz and 2000 Hz, preferably between10 Hz and 50 Hz.

[0032] Furthermore, all detected values may be related to a time component, so that a corresponding control operation of the electronic control unit and consequently of the valve unit only takes place if a certain first and / or second value is continuously present for a predetermined period of time.

[0033] In one embodiment, the electronic control unit may store threshold values for each of the first value and the second value. In this regard, the electronic control unit may store at least a first threshold value for the first value and at least a second threshold value for the second value. One first and one second threshold value together may provide a threshold value pair. The threshold value pair, or each threshold value pair, may comprise a first threshold value for the first value and a corresponding second threshold value for the at least one second value. Further, the electronic control unit may be configured to adapt control of the valve unit as a function of the first value and the at least one second value relative to the at least one threshold value pair. In other words, the first value and the second value may be evaluated simultaneously by a comparison with two threshold values. The first threshold value and the corresponding second threshold value may each be provided as a range. The threshold values of different threshold value pairs may overlap. Further, a specific control operation may be assigned to each threshold value pair. The specific control operation may comprise several control operation steps If the sensor arrangements are used for continuous detection of first and second values, this means that the detected first and second values may change while a control operation is being performed. It may therefore be necessary, for example, that detected first and second values are not used for another control operation while a control operation is being performed. It may also be necessary that before a control operation assigned to a threshold value pair is performed, the first value and the second value must be assigned to this threshold value pair for a certain period of time. The use of threshold values may allow fully automated control of the vacuum wastewater device.

[0034] In this regard and according to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic control unit may be configured to determine at least a wastewater fluid flow through the vacuum wastewater device. In this respect, the electronic control unit may be configured to use a time-based evaluation of the first value and / or the at least one second value. A "time-based evaluation" may be understood as an evaluation of the first value and / or of the at least one second value in which a time invariance of the first value and / or of the second value is taken into account. In other words, if no first value and / or at least one second value is continuously detected, it may be concluded that there is no or only an insignificantly small wastewater fluid flow. Similarly, only if a first value and / or at least one second value has been detected for a sufficiently long period of time, it may be concluded that a wastewater fluid flow is actually passing through the vacuum wastewater device. Consequently, incorrect assumptions may be avoided even if a sufficiently high first value and / or second value are detected but only for a short period of time. The time-based evaluation may thus allow for an improved evaluation of the values detected by the sensor arrangements.

[0035] The wastewater fluid flow may be detected in a vacuum wastewater device arrangement comprising more than one vacuum wastewater device by a first sensor arrangement detecting a pressure inside a first vacuum wastewater device and a by a second sensor arrangement detecting vibration of the first vacuum wastewater device, and wherein the first and second values are evaluated by a corresponding electronic control unit.

[0036] In one embodiment, the vacuum wastewater device may comprise a signal generator. The signal generator may be configured to generate an acoustic, a visual, and / or a tactile signal. Further, the signal generator may be configured to indicate a status of the vacuum wastewater device related to the wastewater fluid flow by means of the signal generator. In other words, the signal generator may indicate whether a wastewater fluid flow is passing through the vacuum wastewater device or not. In addition, or alternatively, the signal generator may indicate if the vacuum wastewater device is activated or not. Thus, although the vacuum wastewater device may be configured for a fully automated control, the signal generator may be used to indicate to an operator if a vacuum wastewater device is not functioning. In other words, the signal generator may indicate when the fully automated control and more precisely the vacuum wastewater device requires a manual input by an operator. For example, the operator may shut off the vacuum wastewater device or may decouple the vacuum wastewater device from a wastewater reservoir. In one aspect, the signal generator may only generate a signal, if a fully automated control operation performed by the vacuum wastewater device fails. The operator may therefore be notified of any faults that occur and may be able to resolve them at an early stage, which in particular improves operator friendliness. In this regard, a fault clearance service may only be notified when necessary.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the vacuum wastewater device may be configured to be operated self-sufficient. In other words, the vacuum wastewater device may be configured to be operated autonomously, independently or autarkically. This may mean that the vacuum wastewater device operates fully automatically at least as soon as it has been activated. Manual intervention may thus be reduced to a minimum and limited, for example, to an actual failure or a fault that may not be corrected independently, i.e. by the vacuum wastewater device itself. Still the vacuum wastewater device may comprise an emergency stop switch which may be manually operable. If the vacuum wastewater device is an extraction pistol, even the connection to a suction port, for example a suction port of a wastewater reservoir of a train, may be carried out fully automated. Consequently, the vacuum wastewater device allows for a fully automated extraction process.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the vacuum wastewater device may comprise a power generation unit and a power storage unit. The power generation unit may be configured to generate power and the power storage unit may be configured to store power which may for example be used to operate the vacuum wastewater device. The power generation unit may for example be a solar module or a device using air to generate power such as a wind generator. However, the power generation unit may also use a fluid flow inside the vacuum wastewater device to generate power. For example, a kind of dynamo may be used, or a rotor or impeller driven by the fluid flow which may generate the power. The vacuum wastewater device may thus be able to operate without requiring a power connection and may be powered solely by a fluid flow provided by the vacuum generated by the vacuum unit. The generated power may be stored in a rechargeable battery. In this way, even in the event of a temporary blockage of a wastewater fluid flow during an extraction process, sufficient power may be available to control the vacuum wastewater device. Independence from a power connection may therefore extend possible fields of use for the vacuum wastewater device. In addition, self-sufficient operation may be optimized.

[0039] In one embodiment, the electronic control unit of the vacuum wastewater device may be provided as a plug-in electronic control unit having one housing configured to be detached from a housing of the valve unit. In other words, the entire electronic control unit may be detachable from the valve unit of the vacuum wastewater unit. In this regard, the electronic control unit may comprise a separate housing. The electronic control unit may therefore be provided in the form of an exchangeable module. The exchangeable module may have several interfaces. Removing the module interrupts the interfaces. At the same time, a plug-in leads to the connection of all interfaces. The electronic control unit may thus be easily exchanged and configured to different use scenarios. Plug-in of a different electronic control unit in the same vacuum wastewater device may thus allow to use the same vacuum wastewater device in different fields of use.

[0040] Alternatively, or additionally, the vacuum wastewater device may comprise a communication module configured to communicate with a further communication module of a further vacuum wastewater device. The communication modules may be configured to communicate wirelessly or by wire. The communication modules may be configured to communicate by use of different standards and communication networks. The communication modules may for example be configured to communicate by means of LoRa, LTE, NFC, WIFI, NB-IoT, DECT, GSM or the like. The communication module of a vacuum wastewater device may thus be configured to generate a signal transmitted to another device. Further, the communication module of the vacuum wastewater device may be configured, for example, to transmit a signal to a control station, a portable device, such as a mobile phone, or the like. If the signal is transmitted to another vacuum wastewater device, this other vacuum wastewater device may perform a control operation dependent on the received signal. For example, if the signal transmitted by the vacuum wastewater device indicates a fault in the extraction process, such as a blockage, the other vacuum wastewater device receiving the signal may close to increase a vacuum supplied to the vacuum wastewater device which is not functioning properly due to the blockage. In this regard, the vacuum wastewater device may be configured to be used with other vacuum wastewater devices. Fault elimination based on communication between the vacuum wastewater devices may improve self-sufficient operation. Further, the vacuum wastewater device may be configured to receive control commands from a control station which may either be an automated master control station in which all data is collected, and which carries out a fully automated evaluation and decision on control operations based on the data received. Alternatively, the control station may also be monitored by an operator, with the operator using the received data to control, for example, the electronic control unit of a vacuum wastewater device. In addition, transmitting the signal, for example transmitting the signal to a control station or a mobile phone or the like, may allow to minimize the number of routine checks required by a fault clearance service.

[0041] In one embodiment, the vacuum wastewater device may comprise at least one third sensor arrangement. The electronic control unit may be configured to be activated based on a sensor signal from the at least one third sensor arrangement. Hence, the vacuum wastewater device may be activated based on a sensor-based signal, which allows for improved use in a fully automated environment. In this regard, the vacuum wastewater device may also comprise more than one additional sensor arrangement configured to activate the vacuum wastewater device. For example, the vacuum wastewater device may be activated if a sensor signal increases above a threshold value. In this regard, a third sensor arrangement which may be configured to take into account circumstances arising during use, for example an increased light detection, may be particularly suitable.

[0042] Further, the control unit may be configured to provide information about an amount of wastewater extracted from the wastewater reservoir based on the first value and the at least one second value. For example, the vacuum wastewater device may be configured to use two pressure sensors or a pressure sensor and a vibration sensor to detect a wastewater fluid flow through the vacuum wastewater device. Thus, a first value and at least one second value detected by the sensor arrangements may be used to determine an approximately extracted wastewater fluid volume. Although an exact amount of the wastewater fluid volume may not be determined, at least the amount of extracted wastewater fluid volume may be predicted with a certain degree of accuracy.

[0043] In addition, the vacuum wastewater device and more precisely the electronic control unit of the vacuum wastewater device may be configured to control a water valve. The water valve may for example be used to supply water into the wastewater reservoir in order to better extract solids, for example. The water may also be supplied at the end of an extraction process to flush out the wastewater reservoir, the vacuum wastewater device or to confirm that essentially only liquid is being extracted, which is supplied via the water valve, which in turn could be interpreted as a successful extraction of the wastewater which has been previously in the wastewater reservoir. The water valve may either only be switched between an open and a closed state or the water valve may comprise an actuator which may be operated by the electronic control unit in order to set and change a water valve opening degree. In this regard, setting the valve opening degree may allow to change the amount of water supplied to the wastewater tank throughout the extraction process. The supply of water via the water valve may also be used to flush out the vacuum wastewater device at the end of an extraction process or, in the event of malfunctions, to eliminate these or to assist in eliminating them.

[0044] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is solved by a vacuum wastewater device arrangement according to claim 13. The vacuum wastewater device arrangement has at least two vacuum wastewater devices. However, there may also be use scenarios, for example, for the extraction process of wastewater reservoirs used in trains, wherein up to twenty vacuum wastewater devices are used in parallel, and wherein only one vacuum unit is used to supply vacuum to all vacuum wastewater devices. In other words, up to twenty vacuum wastewater devices may be used at the same time to extract wastewater from different wastewater reservoirs. If the vacuum wastewater devices are used however in sewer systems, there may also be hundreds or even thousands of vacuum wastewater devices used. Still, independent of the use scenario, there may be at least a first vacuum wastewater device and at least a second vacuum wastewater device. Each of the vacuum wastewater devices may comprise features according to the aforementioned aspects and exemplary embodiments. The first vacuum wastewater device is fluidically connected to a first wastewater reservoir and the second vacuum wastewater device is fluidically connected to a second wastewater reservoir. Further, the first vacuum wastewater device and the second vacuum wastewater device are each fluidically connected to a same vacuum unit, i.e. to a single vacuum unit. Furthermore, each vacuum wastewater device of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement comprises a communication module configured to communicate with another vacuum wastewater device of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement. In addition, each vacuum wastewater device of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement is configured to control the respective valve unit of the respective vacuum wastewater device based on data communicated between the at least two vacuum wastewater devices. In other words, and as aforementioned, the first vacuum wastewater device may be configured to be operated, i.e. the electronic control unit of the first vacuum wastewater device may be configured to control the valve unit of the first vacuum wastewater device, based on data communicated between the two vacuum wastewater devices. In this regard, the data may be communicated directly between the vacuum wastewater devices and / or for example via a centralized server. Therefore, the vacuum wastewater device arrangement may allow for a balancing between the different vacuum wastewater devices of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement. In other words, the vacuum supplied by a single vacuum unit to extract the wastewater may be balanced between the vacuum wastewater devices. In addition, if it is detected that a wastewater reservoir is empty, for example because no more wastewater is flowing through this vacuum wastewater device, this vacuum wastewater device may for example close its valve unit and at the same time another vacuum wastewater device may open its valve unit further, wherein the extraction process may be accelerated.

[0045] According to a further aspect, the object of the present invention is solved by a method according to claim 14. In this regard, the method may for example be used for extracting wastewater from a wastewater reservoir using at least one vacuum wastewater device according to any one of the aforementioned aspects. Further, the method may comprise the following steps: introducing a vacuum provided by the vacuum unit into the wastewater reservoir via a valve unit of the vacuum wastewater device fluidically connected to the wastewater reservoir; controlling opening and closing of the valve unit of the vacuum wastewater device based on a evaluation of a first value detected by a first sensor arrangement and at least a second value detected by a second sensor arrangement; determining whether extraction of wastewater from the wastewater reservoir is complete based on the first value and / or the at least one second value.

[0046] In this regard, prior to the introduction of the vacuum into the wastewater reservoir, the vacuum wastewater device may be fluidically connected to the wastewater reservoir and the vacuum unit by an operator or fully automated. A sensor arrangement, for example, the at least one second sensor arrangement or the third sensor arrangement of the vacuum wastewater device may detect when the vacuum wastewater device is successfully connected and if applicable, if it is ready for operation. In this regard, the vacuum wastewater device may be permanently fluidically connected to the wastewater reservoir, for example when the wastewater reservoir forms part of a sewer system, or the vacuum wastewater device may be temporarily fluidically connected to the wastewater reservoir, for example when the wastewater reservoir forms part of a train.

[0047] If the method is performed for a vacuum wastewater device arrangement comprising multiple vacuum wastewater devices, the connection step may be performed multiple times until all vacuum wastewater devices are fluidically connected to a respective wastewater reservoir and preferably to a single, same vacuum unit.

[0048] After the vacuum wastewater device is fluidically connected, the vacuum unit may be turned on or a respective valve may be opened in order to supply vacuum to the vacuum wastewater device. The vacuum may thus be introduced into the wastewater reservoir, for example, via the valve unit of the vacuum wastewater device in order to extract the wastewater from the wastewater reservoir. During the extraction process, the valve unit is controlled according to the aforementioned aspects. Consequently, the vacuum wastewater device is also configured to determine the end of the extraction process based on the values detected by the sensor arrangements. The method may thus allow for an improved extraction of wastewater from wastewater reservoirs, wherein especially the success of the extraction process may be determined.

[0049] In one aspect, all method steps are performed fully automatically.

[0050] Further, according to one embodiment, at least two vacuum wastewater devices are used for extracting wastewater from the wastewater reservoir as aforementioned. In this regard, these devices may for example be fluidically connected as aforementioned. However, further, the step of controlling the valve unit of one of the at least two vacuum wastewater devices may be performed based on data communicated between the at least two vacuum wastewater devices. Hence, the method may allow for the aforementioned advantages such as a balancing.

[0051] Further aspects of the invention are mentioned and explained accordingly in the following detailed description of example embodiments. It is to be noted that these aspects are explained with reference to certain embodiments of the invention. These embodiments might realize one or more of the different preferred features. The different aspects or features with the related advantages and effects as described and / or evident for the one skilled might be combined without departing from the present invention in any useful combination.

[0052] The one skilled in the art will acknowledge that any combination of the different aspects or features of the following disclosure in the description and / or the drawings is useful for specific aspects of the invention, even without combination with other aspects or features disclosed together in one embodiment.

[0053] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, wherein Figure 1shows a first schematic arrangement of a vacuum wastewater device fluidically connected to a wastewater reservoir and a vacuum unit; Figure 2shows a further schematic arrangement of a vacuum wastewater device fluidically connected to a wastewater reservoir and a vacuum unit and comprising further additional components such as a water valve and a power generation unit; Figure 3shows a further schematic arrangement of a vacuum wastewater device fluidically connected to a wastewater reservoir and a vacuum unit; and Figure 4shows an exemplary control operation process of a vacuum wastewater device.

[0054] In Figs. 1 to 3 vacuum wastewater devices 1 are shown which are fluidically connected to a wastewater reservoir 2 and a vacuum unit 3, which may for example be a vacuum supply network.

[0055] In Figs. 1 to 4 same elements, components and units, i.e. elements, components and units that perform a similar function or serve a similar purpose, may have the same reference numbers.

[0056] The vacuum wastewater devices 1 in Figs. 1 to 3 comprise a vacuum wastewater device inlet 4 and a vacuum wastewater device outlet 5. The vacuum wastewater device 4 inlet is fluidically connected to the vacuum wastewater reservoir 2 and the vacuum wastewater device outlet 5 is fluidically connected to the vacuum unit 3. However, the vacuum wastewater device inlet 4 and the vacuum wastewater device outlet 5 do not necessarily be directly connected to the wastewater reservoir 2 or the vacuum unit 3 but may for example be connected to further lines, pipes or the like which may then be connected to the respective components.

[0057] Similarly, an electronic control unit 6, which is shown in Fig. 1 above a valve unit 7 of the vacuum wastewater device 1, is neither necessarily arranged at a distance from the valve unit 7 nor necessarily arranged above the valve unit 7, even if this is the case in the schematic illustration. Further, the electronic control unit 6 does not necessarily have to be connected to the valve unit 7 via a cable, as one might assume from for example shown in Fig. 1.

[0058] Consequently, all lines depicted in Figs. 1 to 4 between the individual components, units and elements do not necessarily represent physical connections, but are rather intended to indicate functional connections, i.e. connections that indicate that an exchange of information, e.g. a control command which may also be transmitted wirelessly, or a physical exchange, for example, a medium, e.g. introduction of vacuum into the wastewater reservoir 2 via the vacuum wastewater device 1, may take place between the respective components, units and elements.

[0059] The electronic control unit 6 of the vacuum wastewater device 1 is configured to control the valve unit 7. More precisely, the control unit 7 is configured to control a pilot valve in order to control a piloted valve both of which form part of the valve unit 7. In other words, the electronic control unit 6 may be configured to control the pilot valve of the valve unit 7 and may thereby control a fluid flow through the vacuum wastewater device 1. When the vacuum wastewater device 1 is fluidically connected to the wastewater reservoir 2 and the vacuum unit 3, the vacuum wastewater device 1 may still be closed. Therefore, introduction of vacuum into the wastewater reservoir 2 and introduction of wastewater into the vacuum wastewater device 1 are prevented. This may be very useful, as the wastewater may be toxic or harmful to health. In addition, control of the valve unit 7 may allow to close the valve unit 7 when an undesirable pH value is reached, for example, or hazardous substances are detected.

[0060] However, in order to securely open the valve unit 7 of the vacuum wastewater device 1, a third sensor arrangement 8 may for example be used in this regard. Here the third sensor arrangement 8 may for example be a position sensor, which may be used to detect location of the vacuum wastewater device 1 and may activate the vacuum wastewater device 1, when the vacuum wastewater device 1 is correctly positioned.

[0061] Further, a communication module 9 may be used to transmit, for example wirelessly, a corresponding signal referring to the position detected by the third sensor arrangement 8 to a control station (not shown), and wherein a corresponding control command referring to a control operation to the electronic control unit 6 of the vacuum wastewater device 1 may be transmitted to the electronic control unit 6 by the control station.

[0062] The communication module 9 may also be used to communicate with further vacuum wastewater devices, for example, to improve balancing between the devices during an extraction process as aforementioned. In this regard, a first vacuum wastewater device 1 may be fluidically connected to a first wastewater reservoir 2 and a second vacuum wastewater device 1 is fluidically connected to a second wastewater reservoir 2. Further, the first vacuum wastewater device 1 and the second vacuum wastewater device 1 are each fluidically connected to a same vacuum unit 3, i.e. to a single vacuum unit. Furthermore, each vacuum wastewater device 1 of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement comprises the communication module 9 configured to communicate with another vacuum wastewater device 1 of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement. In addition, for example, each vacuum wastewater device 1 of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement is configured to control the respective valve unit 7 of the respective vacuum wastewater device 1 based on data communicated between the at least two vacuum wastewater devices 1.

[0063] Operation of the vacuum wastewater devices 1 may thus be balanced, wherein for example the vacuum wastewater devices 1 are started, i.e. the valve unit 7 may be opened, before other vacuum wastewater devices 1. Until a second vacuum wastewater devices 1 is started, the vacuum wastewater device 1 already opened may operate with more power, i.e. more negative pressure. This effect may not only be used at the beginning of an extraction process but also during the extraction process. For example, if one vacuum wastewater device 1 of a vacuum wastewater device arrangement is blocked during the extraction process, i.e. when the wastewater fluid flow though one vacuum wastewater device 1 is blocked, the vacuum wastewater device 1 as part of a vacuum wastewater device arrangement comprising at least two vacuum wastewater devices 1 may also send a control command to other vacuum wastewater device(s) as part of the arrangement in order to close the valve unit of at least some of the other vacuum wastewater device(s) temporarily, thereby increasing the vacuum, i.e. decrease the pressure, at the vacuum wastewater device 1 having problems to extract the wastewater from the wastewater reservoir 2 for the time the other vacuum wastewater device(s) 1 are closed. The increase in suction pressure may cause, for example, a solid that previously caused the blockage to come loose. Further, communication between the respective vacuum wastewater devices 1 and / or a control station, a portable device or the like may be performed as aforementioned.

[0064] The coordinated opening and closing of certain vacuum wastewater devices 1 in the vacuum wastewater device arrangement may therefore influence and control the respective negative pressure applied to another vacuum wastewater device 1 of the arrangement. The entire arrangement comprising several vacuum wastewater devices 1 can thus be balanced.

[0065] Further, a power generation unit 10, which may for example be a solar module, may be used to generate power. The power may for example be stored in a power storage unit (not shown). The power may be used to perform the control operations, data transmission, sensor detection and so on.

[0066] The vacuum wastewater device 1 comprises a first sensor arrangement 11, which is a pressure sensor, and configured to detect a pressure inside the vacuum wastewater device 1 as a first value. Here, the first sensor arrangement 11 is arranged closer to the vacuum wastewater device outlet 5 and may, for example, detect sensor information on the outlet side of the vacuum wastewater device 1 even when the valve unit 7 is closed. However, the first sensor arrangement 11 could also be arranged on the inlet side of the valve unit 7. Depending on the scanning rate, the detected first value is transmitted to the electronic control unit 6.

[0067] Further, in Figs. 1 to 3, two second sensor arrangements 12 are provided as part of the vacuum wastewater device 1. However, the vacuum wastewater device 1 could also only comprise one second sensor arrangements 12 or more than two second sensor arrangements 12.

[0068] In Fig. 1, the second sensor arrangement 12, which is located on the vacuum wastewater device inlet 4 and depicted by a circle, may for example be a pressure sensor and the second sensor arrangement 12, which is located on the vacuum wastewater device inlet 4 and depicted by a pentagon, may for example be a vibration sensor. Both second sensor arrangements 12 are configured to detect second values, one of which refers to a pressure inside the vacuum wastewater device 1 and one of which refers to a vibration detected at the vacuum wastewater device 1. The second values of the second sensor arrangements 12 are transmitted to the electronic control unit 6.

[0069] The electronic control unit 6 is configured to adapt control of the valve unit 7 based on an evaluation of the first value and the second values. A corresponding, exemplary control operation process is shown in Fig. 4.

[0070] In this exemplary control operation process, in a first step S1 the first value and the at least one second value are detected and transmitted to the electronic control unit 6 to be further processed. In a second step S2, a control operation may be determined based on the first value and the at least one second value. The control operation may be based on predefined threshold value pairs. Depending on the current valve position of the valve unit 7, it may then be assessed in step S3 whether a control operation is required to close or open the valve unit 7 and thus whether the control unit 6 needs to control the valve unit 7.

[0071] For example, it may be determined in the third step S3 that the valve unit 7 should be opened. In this case ("Yes"), the control operation is carried out in the fourth step S4, for example by sending a corresponding control command to the valve unit 7, for example to a pilot valve in order to operate the piloted valve. When the piloted valve is opened, the valve unit 7 may be considered open according to the control command. Then, the process may start again with newly detected first and second values, which is indicated by a dashed line that leads back to step S1. Nevertheless, even during a first control operation process, first and second values can be continuously detected and evaluated and, for example, corresponding control operation processes can run in parallel with a minimal time delay. Still, in one aspect, the control operation process may not be repeated immediately and it may be advantageous to wait a period of time between repeating the process with further first and second values. During this period of time, no such evaluation takes place.

[0072] Alternatively, if no control operation was required ("No"), the process may immediately start again with the newly detected first and second values in step S1. In this case, evaluation may preferably be performed continuously.

[0073] If the sensor arrangements 11 and 12 as shown in Fig. 1 and as aforementioned are used, the pressure sensors may allow to determine whether there is sufficient negative pressure and whether the valve unit 7 may be blocked, i.e. the piloted valve may be closed. In addition, although not necessarily required, the vibration sensor may support to determine whether a wastewater fluid flow takes place as this would lead to vibrations. The sensor arrangements may thus allow that the vacuum wastewater device 1 is operated self-sufficient as it is "aware" of conditions in the vacuum wastewater device 1. In other words, the vacuum wastewater device 1 is not only turned on and off, for example by a button, but is able to react on a change of conditions throughout a wastewater extraction process from a wastewater reservoir 2. In this regard, the vacuum wastewater device 1 and especially the electronic control unit 6 is configured to adapt control of the vacuum wastewater device 1 depending on changes that affect the vacuum wastewater device 1. The vacuum wastewater device 1 may thus be operated fully automatic or may allow an operator to intervene only when necessary.

[0074] In this regard, the vacuum wastewater device 1 may additionally comprise a signal generator 13. The signal generator 13 may generate an acoustic, a visual, and / or a tactile signal. For example, the signal generator 13 may be a LED, a speaker or may vibrate, if a certain status of the vacuum wastewater device 1 is determined. Depending on the signal, an operator may intervene a fully automatic control process of the vacuum wastewater device 1.

[0075] Further, in Fig. 2 the vacuum wastewater device 1 comprises a power generation module 10. A charging status of for example a power storage unit may permanently monitored, and a direct message may be sent when a critical battery status is reached. The power generation module 10, for example the solar module, could also be used for activation of the vacuum wastewater device 1. The solar module may thus for example activate the vacuum wastewater device when a cell of the solar module is covered. The activation of the vacuum wastewater device 1 may then open the valve unit 7. If the power storage unit is empty or almost empty, the power generation unit 10 may also be configured to activated power generation.

[0076] In addition, the electronic control unit 6 shown in Fig. 2 is configured to control a water valve 14. The water valve 14 may for example be used to supply water into the wastewater reservoir 2. A further water valve 14 is shown in Fig. 3, here the water valve 14 comprises an electric water valve actuator 15, for example a solenoid valve, i.e. a first pilot valve. Furthermore, the valve unit 7 is shown with an electric valve unit actuator 16, i.e. a second pilot valve, configured to operate the piloted valve of the valve unit 7. The electric water valve actuator 15and the electric valve unit actuator 16may be linear actuator configured to open and close the corresponding pilot valves or may be solenoid valves for example. In other words, the valve unit 7 and the water valve 14 depicted in Figs. 1 and 2 may be operated by the respective electric water valve actuator 15 and the electric valve unit actuator 16.

[0077] In general, the depicted sensor arrangements and arrangements of components may also be different from the schematics shown in Figs. 1 to 3. In this regard, the schematic arrangement of Fig. 1 may be used for trains or sewer systems. The schematic shown in Fig. 2 may be used in building construction, for example with a toilet as wastewater reservoir 2, wherein the electronic control unit 6 not only opens the valve unit 7 to supply vacuum to the wastewater reservoir 2, but also the water valve 14, e.g. for flushing the wastewater reservoir 2. Finally in Fig. 3 a vacuum wastewater device 1 is shown which may also be used in building construction, for example with a toilet as wastewater reservoir 2, wherein however the vacuum wastewater device 1 comprises two separate actuators 16 and 17 each configured to operate respective valves, i.e. the water valve 14 and the piloted valve of the valve unit 7. The electronic control unit 6 may thus be configured to operate the two actuators 15 and 16 separately.

[0078] As previously mentioned, for example, several vacuum wastewater devices 1 with several water reservoirs 2, which are placed in trains as wastewater tanks, for example, may be arranged as a vacuum wastewater device arrangement and may be used with a single vacuum unit 3. The single vacuum unit 3 may then be used to provide the vacuum for the extraction of wastewater from all wastewater reservoirs 2. Communication between the electronic control units 6 of the vacuum wastewater devices 1 and / or between a control station in which all data comes together, may be advantageous.

[0079] Due to the integrated sensors, i.e. the at least two sensor arrangements 11 and 12 and the corresponding evaluation and control based on the sensor data, the vacuum wastewater device 1 is able to work autonomously and fully automatically. In particular, the vacuum wastewater device 1 may not only determine the success of the extraction process but also carry out corrective measures.List of reference signs

[0080] 1vacuum wastewater device 2wastewater reservoir 3vacuum unit 4vacuum wastewater device inlet 5vacuum wastewater device outlet 6electronic control unit 7valve unit 8third sensor arrangement (position sensor) 9communication module 10power generation unit 11first sensor arrangement (pressure sensor) 12second sensor arrangement 13signal generator 14water valve 15electric water valve actuator 16electric valve unit actuator S1first step S2second step S3third step S4fourth step

Claims

1. A vacuum wastewater device (1) comprising: • a vacuum wastewater device inlet (4) fluidically connectable to a wastewater reservoir (2), • a vacuum wastewater device outlet (5) configured to be supplied with vacuum from a vacuum unit (3), • a valve unit (7) arranged between the vacuum wastewater device inlet (4) and the vacuum wastewater device outlet (5), • an electronic control unit (6) configured to control the valve unit (7), thereby controlling a fluid flow from the wastewater reservoir (2) through the vacuum wastewater device (1), and • at least a first sensor arrangement (11) configured to detect a pressure inside the vacuum wastewater device (1) as a first value, characterized in that the vacuum wastewater device (1) comprises at least a second sensor arrangement (12) configured to detect at least a second value related to the vacuum wastewater device (1), and wherein the electronic control unit (6) is configured to adapt control of the valve unit (7) based on the first value provided by the first sensor arrangement (11) and / or the at least one second value provided by the second sensor arrangement (12).

2. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second sensor arrangement (12) is a pressure sensor, a vibration sensor, an acoustic sensor, a position sensor, an acceleration sensor, a light sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a sensor detecting an induced voltage.

3. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one second sensor arrangement (12) is configured to detect a vibration of the vacuum wastewater device (1) as the second value.

4. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic control unit (6) stores at least a first threshold value for the first value and at least a second threshold value for the second value, wherein a first threshold value and a corresponding second threshold value together provide a threshold value pair, and wherein the electronic control unit (6) is configured to adapt control of the valve unit (7) as a function of the first value and the at least one second value relative to the at least one threshold value pair.

5. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic control unit (6) is configured to determine at least a wastewater fluid flow through the vacuum wastewater device (1) using a time-based evaluation of the first value and / or the at least one second value.

6. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the vacuum wastewater device (1) comprises a signal generator (13), wherein the signal generator (13) is configured to indicate a status of the vacuum wastewater device (1) related to the wastewater fluid flow.

7. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum wastewater device (1) is configured to be operated self-sufficient.

8. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum wastewater device (1) comprises a power generation unit (10) and a power storage unit configured to generate and store power used to operate the vacuum wastewater device (1).

9. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic control unit (6) of the vacuum wastewater device (1) is provided as a plug-in electronic control unit having one housing configured to be detached from a housing of the valve unit (7).

10. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum wastewater device (1) comprises a communication module (9) configured to communicate with a further communication module of a further vacuum wastewater device.

11. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vacuum wastewater device (1) comprises at least one third sensor arrangement (8), and wherein the electronic control unit (6) is configured to be activated based on a sensor signal from the at least one third sensor arrangement (8).

12. The vacuum wastewater device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (6) is configured to provide information about an amount of wastewater extracted from the wastewater reservoir (2) based on the first value and the at least one second value.

13. A vacuum wastewater device arrangement having at least two vacuum wastewater devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least a first vacuum wastewater device (1) is fluidically connected to a first wastewater reservoir (2), wherein at least a second vacuum wastewater device (1) is fluidically connected to a second wastewater reservoir (2), wherein the first vacuum wastewater device (1) and the second vacuum wastewater device (1) are each fluidically connected to a same vacuum unit (3), and wherein each vacuum wastewater device (1) of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement comprises a communication module (9) configured to communicate with another vacuum wastewater device (1) of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement, characterized in that each vacuum wastewater device (1) of the vacuum wastewater device arrangement is configured to control the respective valve unit (7) of the respective vacuum wastewater device (1) based on data communicated between the at least two vacuum wastewater devices (1).

14. A method for extracting wastewater from a wastewater reservoir (2) using at least one vacuum wastewater device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: • introducing a vacuum provided by the vacuum unit (3) into the wastewater reservoir (2) via a valve unit (7) of the vacuum wastewater device (1) fluidically connected to the wastewater reservoir (2); • controlling the valve unit (7) of the vacuum wastewater device (1) based on a first value detected by a first sensor arrangement (11) and / or at least a second value detected by a second sensor arrangement (12); • determining whether extraction of wastewater from the wastewater reservoir (2) is complete based on the first value and / or the at least one second value.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least two vacuum wastewater devices (1) are used for extracting wastewater from the wastewater reservoir (2), characterized in that the step of controlling the valve unit (7) of one of the at least two vacuum wastewater devices (1) is performed based on data communicated between the at least two vacuum wastewater devices (1).

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