Vacuum wastewater device and method

Abstract

A vacuum wastewater device (100) comprises a wastewater collection container (102) in the form of a vacuum toilet, a vacuum wastewater connection part (202), a wastewater valve (204) connected between the wastewater collection container (102) and the vacuum wastewater connection part (202), at least one final control element (206a, 206b, 216) configured to change the operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (100), and a control unit (106). The control unit (106) receives a message (902) containing specifications for a target operating state according to a network communication protocol and is configured to activate at least one final control element (206a, 206b, 216) according to the target operating state.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate to vacuum wastewater devices and methods. Background Technology

[0002] A wide variety of wastewater devices, such as vacuum toilets, downpipe toilets, or flush toilets, are commonly used to discharge and collect wastewater in a controlled manner. Unlike flush toilets or downpipe toilets, where the discharge of the substance to be discharged (e.g., wastewater) is driven by gravity or gravitational pressure, vacuum toilets apply negative pressure to discharge the substance. Downpipe toilets can operate with low water consumption but always require a very large drop height, become dirty quickly, and generally struggle to meet high hygiene standards. In contrast, flush toilets are hygienic but require more water.

[0003] Vacuum toilets are hygienic, reduce water consumption compared to conventional flush toilets, and reduce (or eliminate) the necessary drop height where gravity would otherwise have to act. Therefore, vacuum toilets are preferably used in various applications.

[0004] Such vacuum toilets are advantageous, for example, in small-scale autonomous applications where little or no drop height is available, or in applications where water consumption must be minimal. Examples of such applications include means of transportation such as ships, aircraft, or trains, or autonomously operating facilities, such as hospitals or military facilities.

[0005] According to various embodiments, vacuum toilets or vacuum sewage devices are clearly recognized as generally of interest to other applications, such as shopping centers or apartments. Particularly in areas with low water levels, this can enable the better implementation of water-saving and hygienic toilets, for example, where flush toilets cannot typically be used due to water shortages.

[0006] In this context, it is recognized that many vacuum toilets require more effort to regularly inspect, maintain, or plan maintenance tasks. This is due, for example, to the greater complexity of vacuum toilets and the use of vacuum, which almost always excludes troubleshooting by non-professionals. Consequently, expensive technicians are often required to perform maintenance or repairs. Vacuum toilets cannot be used until a technician arrives. Therefore, reduced operating time and frequent breakdowns necessitate a large workforce to regularly inspect vacuum toilets.

[0007] According to various embodiments, a vacuum wastewater device and a method are provided that facilitate the operation of a vacuum wastewater device or a group of multiple vacuum wastewater devices, for example, in that fault recognition and / or activation of the vacuum wastewater device is facilitated.

[0008] Diagnosis of the cause of the defect in one or each vacuum toilet can be clearly performed remotely, for example, by the user's mobile phone or the service provider. In a similar manner, countermeasures to eliminate possible causes of the defect can be initiated remotely.

[0009] A remotely controlled vacuum toilet provided according to various embodiments enables some maintenance tasks to be performed remotely without the need to detach or remove the toilet. Such maintenance tasks save service time and facilitate maintenance. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIGS. 1 to 4 each illustrate a vacuum wastewater device according to various embodiments in a schematic side view or cross-sectional view; FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 each illustrate a tabular overview according to various embodiments; FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 9 each illustrate a system according to various embodiments as a schematic communication diagram; FIG. 8 illustrates a method according to various embodiments in a schematic flowchart. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof, and the drawings illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention may be performed for illustrative purposes. In this regard, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "forward," "rear," "front," and "rear" are used in relation to the orientation of the described drawings(s). Since the components of the embodiments may be positioned in a number of different orientations, directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and are by no means limiting. It is evident that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is evident that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless otherwise specifically indicated. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be interpreted in a limiting sense, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0012] To the extent of this description, the terms “connected,” “attached,” and “coupled” are used to describe both direct and indirect connections (e.g., ohmic and / or electrically conductive, e.g., electrically conductive connections), direct or indirect attachments, and direct or indirect couplings. In the drawings, identical or similar elements are given the same reference numerals where appropriate.

[0013] According to various embodiments, the term “coupled” or “combining” may be understood to mean a connection and / or interaction (e.g., mechanical, hydrostatic, and / or electrical), e.g., direct or indirect. For example, a number of elements may be coupled to each other along an interaction chain through which an interaction (e.g., a signal) can be transmitted. For example, two elements coupled to each other may exchange interactions, e.g., mechanical, hydrostatic, and / or electrical interactions. According to various embodiments, “coupled” may be understood to mean a mechanical (e.g., physical) coupling by direct physical contact, e.g. The coupling may be configured to transmit mechanical interactions (e.g., force, torque, etc.).

[0014] In the following, various steps and details of a method according to various embodiments are described. It may be understood that the described contents (e.g., individual steps of the method) may be similarly implemented through hardware (e.g., hard-wired circuits) and / or software (e.g., code segments or entire applications). For example, an application (also referred to as a program) having a corresponding code segment (e.g., program code) may be provided or provided, which is executed on a processor and / or by a circuit having a processor. The processor (or circuit) may be, for example, part of a computing device (e.g., a mobile wireless device or a stationary computing system). A computing system may have multiple processors, for example, arranged centrally within a physically coherent group or distributedly connected to one another via a network. In the same way, a code segment or application may be executed on the same processor, or parts thereof may be distributed among multiple processors communicating with one another via a network.

[0015] The information processing component of the method may be performed, for example, by a control device (also referred to as a control unit). Additionally, for example, a component of the device may be activated by the control device to perform the method.

[0016] The term "control device" (also referred to as a control unit) may be understood as any type of entity implementing logic, which may include circuits and / or processors capable of executing software stored, for example, on a storage medium, firmware, or a combination thereof, and capable of outputting an application based thereon. The control device may be configured to control the operation of the entity (e.g., its points of operation), for example, the operation of the device for an operating function, for example, by means of a code segment (e.g., software).

[0017] Control can be understood as the intended effect on an entity (e.g., a device or process). The entity's current state (also referred to as the operating state) may be changed according to the specification (also referred to as the target operating state). Regulation can be understood as control in which changes in the entity's state caused by malfunction are also offset. A controller may have a clear forward control path and thus clearly implement a sequence controller that transforms input variables (e.g., specifications) into output variables. However, the control path may also be part of a control loop to enable the implementation of a regulator. In contrast to a sequence controller with only a forward path, a regulator has a progressive effect of the output variable on the input variable, which is carried out by the control loop (feedback). In other words, a regulator may be used alternatively or in addition to the controller, or regulation may be performed alternatively or in addition to the control. The state of an entity (also referred to as a work point or operating point) may be defined by one or more operating parameters of the entity, the actual value of the operating parameter corresponds to the operating state of the entity, and the target value of the operating parameter (also referred to as a guide value) corresponds to the target operating state of the entity. In the controller, the operating state (e.g., identified based on measurements) is compared to the target operating state, and one or more operating parameters are influenced by a corresponding final control element in such a way that the deviation of the operating state from the target operating state of the entity is minimized.

[0018] The state of an entity (e.g., a device or process) may be designated as a specific point (also referred to as an operation point or operation point) in a space (also referred to as a state space) encompassed, for example, by the entity's mutable parameters (also referred to as operation parameters). Thus, the state of an entity is a function of each value of one or more operation parameters representing the state of the entity.

[0019] In the controller, for example, the operating state is influenced by one or more operating parameters of an entity (hereinafter also referred to as control variables) being changed, for example, by a final control element. In the regulator, the operating state is compared to a target operating state, and the entity is influenced by the corresponding control variables (using the final control element) in such a way that the deviation of the operating state from the target operating state is minimized. The operating state can be identified based on measurements (for example, by a measurement element) of one or more operating parameters (hereinafter also referred to as control variables).

[0020] The term "final control element" (also referred to as an actuator) can be understood as a component configured such that activation of the final control element occurs to affect the operating state. The final control element can convert a command output by a control device (so-called activation) into mechanical movement or a change in physical variables such as pressure or temperature. The final control element, for example, an electromechanical converter, may be configured to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy (e.g., by movement) in response to activation. Examples of final control elements include valves (final control valves in the claims) (or other fluid-mechanical switches), pumps, and electric switches (e.g., for activating or deactivating components).

[0021] The term "processor" may be understood as any type of entity that allows for the processing of data or signals. Data or signals may be handled, for example, according to at least one (i.e., one or more) specific function executed by the processor. The processor may have or be formed from analog circuits, digital circuits, mixed-signal circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), integrated circuits, or any combination thereof. Any other type of implementation of each function described in more detail below may also be understood as a processor or logic circuit. It is evident that one or more of the method steps described in detail herein may be executed (e.g., implemented) by the processor through one or more specific functions executed by the processor. In a similar manner, the method steps may be represented by a code segment configured to execute the method steps when executed by the processor.

[0022] A plurality of fluid lines of a vacuum wastewater device may be fluidly coupled to one another, for example by valves, seals, couplings, vessels, etc., so as to form a fluid system. For example, the vacuum wastewater device may have one or more vessels, at least one of which is configured as a main vessel (also referred to as a wastewater collection vessel).

[0023] The vacuum wastewater device may also have one or more connections (also referred to as operating connections), for example, a vacuum wastewater connection, a control gas connection, and / or a water supply connection. A connection may be joined to a matching mating connection, for example, by a screw or a flange. A connection may have a sealing structure (for example, a groove and / or sealing surface for receiving a seal) capable of sealing the connection portion to the outside. The vacuum wastewater connection may be connected to a vacuum wastewater system, for example, which is vacuum-tightly sealed to the outside. In other words, the vacuum wastewater connection may be configured to create a vacuum-tight connection.

[0024] The vessel may be understood herein as a hollow body. The vessel may have a vessel body, and the interior of the vessel body (also referred to as a cavity) is exposed by an opening (also referred to as a vessel inlet). The vessel may optionally have a cover (also referred to as a vessel cover), and the cover is coupled to the vessel body, for example, by a pivot bearing. The pivot bearing may provide a number of positions for the cover, and accordingly, the cover may be displaced between these positions. When coupled together (i.e., when the cover is in a closed position), the vessel body and the cover may define the interior circumferentially. That is, the cover may cover the opening in the closed position. In the open position of the cover, the interior may be exposed by the opening. The vessel body may have one or more vessel walls defining the interior on a number of sides (e.g., at least five sides). Optionally, the interior may narrow in a direction away from the opening. Additionally, the vessel may have an outlet (also referred to as a vessel outlet) fluidly coupled to the vessel inlet by a cavity.

[0025] The main vessel may be clearly an end of a fluid system open to air or the surroundings, where wastewater (e.g., feces or other substances to be discharged) is collected and accumulated before being drawn out of the main vessel by negative pressure. Thus, the main vessel may have at least three openings fluidly connected to each other, for example, internally.

[0026] Examples of main containers may include toilet bowls (also referred to as bowls in a simplified form), urinals, shower trays, bathtubs, etc. Particularly in the case of toilet bowls or urinals, the embodiments provided herein may simplify their operation. For simplification, they are referred to as toilet bowls below. However, the described details may similarly apply to other wastewater collection containers.

[0027] The provided fluid system may be configured to fluidly connect the main vessel to the operating connection, or alternatively to disconnect (i.e., cut off) the fluid connection. Such disconnection or connection of the fluid connection may be performed reversibly, for example, by an interconnected valve. Examples of operating connections may include a vacuum wastewater connection configured to discharge wastewater drawn from the main vessel (e.g. into a wastewater system); a water supply connection configured to provide water supplied to the main vessel (also referred to as feedwater); an exhaust connection configured to discharge gas drawn from the vessel (e.g., having an odorant); and / or a control gas connection configured to provide a control gas used to control a fluid-mechanical valve. Feedwater may be mixed with other material (e.g., solids such as feces) supplied from the main vessel through the vessel inlet, thereby forming wastewater. The resulting gas may be drawn out by the exhaust interface.

[0028] Generally speaking, a valve can enable at least two components of a fluid system to which the valve is connected to be fluidly connected to each other, thereby allowing them to exchange fluids (having gas and / or liquids) with each other. The valve can also enable the fluid connection to be disconnected so that the exchange of fluids is blocked. The establishment and / or disconnection of the connection can be performed by activating the valve or by switching it (e.g., alternately) by activation. The connection can be established in the open state of the valve and released in the closed state of the valve. For example, it is possible to switch between the closed and open states (also referred to as the positioning process) reversibly, discretely, or continuously (e.g., taking intermediate states in between). The duration for which the valve is in the open state may be referred to as the open duration. The duration for which the valve is in the closed state may be referred to as the closed duration.

[0029] Activation of the valve can be performed, for example, by an electrical control signal and / or a fluid-mechanical control signal (e.g., a pressure change) that may be supplied to the control input of the valve. Generally, a fluid (e.g., containing or formed from a gas and / or liquid) may be a carrier of the fluid-mechanical control signal. For example, the fluid-mechanical control signal (e.g., a pressure change) may be transmitted using a gas as a carrier. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical control signal may be converted into a fluid-mechanical control signal (in the case of a gas as a carrier of the fluid-mechanical control signal, also referred to as an electro-pneumatic control mechanism). For easier understanding, the gas as a carrier of the fluid-mechanical control signal is mentioned later. The described details may similarly apply to a liquid as a carrier of the fluid-mechanical control signal.

[0030] The control of a pneumatic component (e.g., a pneumatically operated valve) by an electric component (e.g., an electrically operated valve) can be understood as an electro-pneumatic control mechanism. A pressure difference may be applied to the pneumatic component as a pneumatic control means to perform a positioning process (obviously a change of state) of the pneumatic component. To reverse the positioning process, the pressure difference may be changed or released. For example, to release the pressure difference, pressure equalization that reverses the positioning process may be performed. The pressure difference value at which the positioning process of the pneumatic component (e.g., a valve) is performed is also referred to as the switching pressure. The switching pressure may be related to a reference pressure, for example, a control pressure and / or atmospheric pressure.

[0031] The application of switching pressure or pressure equalization can be performed by an electrically controllable valve, that is, a valve that can be activated by an electrical signal. An electrically actuated valve can be activated, for example, by a control device that supplies a corresponding electrical control signal to one or each valve. In contrast to a purely pneumatic control mechanism, an electro-pneumatic control mechanism enables much more complex functions, particularly by using electronic circuits, for example, a programmable control device, with shorter response times and / or smaller structural forms.

[0032] An electrically actuated valve (also referred to as an electric valve) may include an electromechanical actuator having an armature (e.g., having a flap, a slide, etc.) and a control input. The electromechanical actuator may be configured to transmit mechanical movement to the armature in response to an electrical control signal, thereby causing a reduction or expansion of the cross-section of the fluid connection. The electromechanical actuator may have, for example, an electromagnet or at least one coil, thereby generating a magnetic field that transmits mechanical movement between the actuator and the armature.

[0033] A fluid-mechanical valve (e.g., a pneumatic valve) may include a fluid-mechanical actuator comprising an armature (e.g., having a flap, a slide, etc.) and a control input, e.g., a membrane, a piston, etc. The fluid-mechanical actuator may be configured to convert a fluid-mechanical pressure change into mechanical movement (or the change thereof) and to transmit the mechanical movement to the armature, thereby causing a reduction or expansion of the cross-section of the fluid connection.

[0034] A sensor (also referred to as a detector) can be understood as a transducer configured to qualitatively or quantitatively detect characteristics of its surroundings corresponding to the sensor type, for example, physical or chemical properties and / or material state. The measured variable is the corresponding physical variable applied to the measurement by the sensor. Depending on the complexity of the sensor surroundings to be measured, the sensor may be configured to distinguish only two states of the measured variable (also referred to as a measuring switch), to distinguish more than two states of the measured variable, or to quantitatively detect the measured variable. A measuring switch (which is part of the sensor and is also briefly referred to as a switch) may, for example, distinguish only whether the measured variable meets a threshold (e.g., exceeds a threshold or falls below a threshold) or fails to meet a threshold. An example of a measuring switch is a pressure sensor configured to detect whether pressure, as the measured variable, is negative pressure. Another example of a measuring switch is a fill level sensor configured to detect, for example, whether the sensor is in contact with water, and to detect whether the fill level (also referred to as level) as a measured variable has reached the sensor's position. An example of a quantitatively detected measured variable is, for example, a fluid flow rate (e.g., through-flow rate), and its operating state can be output as an actual value by the sensor. Examples of fill level sensors having a measuring switch include an oscillating fork fill level switch (including an oscillating fork); a limit switch level meter (including a limit switch); a capacitance switch fill level sensor (including a capacitance switch); and a float switch fill level switch (including a float switch).Examples of measuring switches include optical level meters; charge level electrodes; radar level meters; capacitive level meters; and ultrasonic level meters.

[0035] A sensor may be part of a measurement chain having a corresponding infrastructure (e.g., including a processor, storage media and / or a bus system, etc.). The measurement chain may be configured to activate a corresponding sensor (e.g., a water sensor, a pressure sensor, and / or an operation sensor), process a detected measurement variable as an input variable, and provide an electrical signal as an output variable representing the state of the input variable at the time of detection based thereon. The measurement chain may be implemented, for example, by a control device.

[0036] The network described herein may include or be formed of a local network (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), or a personal area network (PAN), e.g., a wireless PAN (WPAN), e.g., a Bluetooth network) or a non-local network (e.g., a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), or a global network (CAN)), classified by range, for example. The network may include or be formed of a radio network (also referred to as a wireless network), e.g., a mobile wireless network, or a wired network, classified by transmission type. Additionally, the network may include or be formed of a cellular radio network (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 type WLAN, a Bluetooth network, or other cellular mobile wireless network in ad-hoc mode), according to mobile wireless standards, for example, 3rd generation (3G), 4th generation (4G), 5th generation (5G), or LTE (also referred to as 3.9G). In addition, the network can have multiple subnetworks of various types that are connected to each other.

[0037] The transmission of information items (information transmission) may be performed according to a network communication protocol (network CP) in various embodiments. Information transmission may include transmitting a message containing information, at least sending a message, or at least generating a message according to the network CP. A network CP may specifically refer to an agreement between two or more parties to execute information transmission. In its simplest form, a network CP may be defined as a set of rules that establish the syntax, semantics, and synchronization of information transmission. The communication protocol(s) used (e.g., one or more network protocols) may be selected arbitrarily and may be configured according to the Open System Interconnect (OSI) reference model (but are not required to be so). Any protocol may be used at each protocol layer. Thus, for example, a protocol according to a WLAN or other radio-based communication protocol may be used. The transmission of information items over a WLAN in this invention may include transmitting a message containing information according to a WLAN communication protocol stack. Then, on the sender side, a message may be at least generated and also transmitted according to the configuration. Then, the message can be received on the recipient's side.

[0038] The term frequency for an event can be understood as a specification regarding the number of times an event occurs, and thus as the result of a counting process over multiple events. Generally, frequency can be expressed as an absolute number (e.g., "5 times") or a number related to a period ("5 times per hour"). A number related to a period can be expressed as frequency (specifically, frequency averaged over a period), even if, for example, the event does not necessarily occur regularly.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a vacuum wastewater device (100) according to various embodiments in a schematic side view or cross-sectional view. The vacuum wastewater device (100) comprises a wastewater collection container (102), a vacuum wastewater connection (202), and a wastewater valve (204) connected between the wastewater collection container (102) and the vacuum wastewater connection (202). The vacuum wastewater device (100) also has at least one (i.e., one or more) final control element (216, 206a, 206b).

[0040] The sewage valve (204) may have an internal dimension in an open state of about 2 cm (centimeters), for example, about 3 cm, for example, about 4 cm, for example, about 5 cm, for example, about 6 cm, for example, about 7 cm, for example, about 10 cm.

[0041] The final control elements (216, 206a, 206b) (e.g., one or each) may generally be configured to change the operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (e.g., to position it). To this end, the final control elements (216, 206a, 206b) may be configured to change one or more settable operating parameters (also referred to as operating parameters for simplification) of the vacuum wastewater device (100).

[0042] Additionally, the vacuum wastewater device (100) may include a control device (control unit in the claim) (106) configured to receive a message (902) according to a network CP. The message (902) may include a command, and according to this command, at least one final control element (216, 206a, 206b) is activated (151) by the control device (106), or an operating parameter is set, for example, a plurality of final control elements (216, 206a, 206b) are activated (151). The control device (106) may be configured to perform the activation of at least one final control element (216, 206a, 206b) in response to receiving the message (902) according to a network communication protocol (153). For example, the control device (106) may be configured such that receiving a message (902) according to a network communication protocol (153) triggers the activation of at least one final control element (216, 206a, 206b).

[0043] For example, the command may indicate that a specific target operating state should be achieved by executing an operating function, as described in more detail below, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the command may indicate that the stored operating parameters of the operating function are updated.

[0044] Generally, commands may enable the performance of an operating function to be directed (commanded) from outside the vacuum wastewater device (100). Alternatively or additionally, the performance of an operating function may be triggered (initiated) by the control unit (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) itself (e.g., autonomously), for example, in response to the detection of an event associated with the operating function and / or the operating state meeting a threshold associated with the operating function (i.e., automatically). Among other things, the commanding of the operating function via a message (902) is mentioned below. The described details may similarly apply even when the operating function is initiated by the control unit (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) itself (e.g., autonomously).

[0045] Examples of configurable operating parameters include the following:

[0046] - The amount of water supplied to the wastewater collection container (102) (also referred to as the amount of water),

[0047] - Control input pressure of the sewage valve (204) (e.g., alternating between switching pressure and / or negative pressure),

[0048] - Pressure difference (e.g., descending across a valve),

[0049] - Filling level of the wastewater collection container (102).

[0050] The amount of water inflow may be related, for example, to multiple flushing processes (e.g., aggregated over multiple flushing processes), and / or may be related to a specific point in time within the flushing process (e.g., as a rate, i.e., as the amount of water inflow per unit time) (also referred to as an instantaneous value).

[0051] Other operating parameters may be optionally stored by the control device. Examples of stored operating parameters include the following:

[0052] - One or more operating parameters as a time specification for the positioning process of the final control elements (216, 206a, 206b),

[0053] - Reference pressure of one or more fault conditions, and / or

[0054] - A threshold value for one or more defect states (e.g., threshold).

[0055] Time specifications regarding a location setting process may specify, for example, when the location setting process starts and / or ends (e.g., in relation to another location setting process or a detected event), the duration for which the location setting process continues, and the duration for which the results of the location setting process are retained (e.g., an open duration or a closed duration). The last mentioned duration may, for example, separate two immediately consecutive location setting processes from each other.

[0056] Generally, a number of end control elements (216, 206a, 206b) may be activated (151) together, in succession (e.g., sequentially), or independently of each other to affect the operating state of the vacuum sewage device (100). Among these, end control elements in the form of valves are mentioned below. For easier understanding, valves are referred to as sewage valves, control valves, water supply valves, etc., depending on their function. However, the described details may similarly apply to end control elements or other types of valves.

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a vacuum wastewater device (100) according to various embodiments (200) in a schematic side view or cross-sectional view. The vacuum wastewater device (100) may have a bowl (102) as a container body. The bowl (102) may have an interior (102h) and a container opening (102o) that exposes it. Optionally, the vacuum wastewater device (100) may have a cover (102d) that can alternately cover or expose the container opening (102o).

[0058] The vacuum wastewater device (100) may have a pneumatic wastewater valve (204) coupled to the bowl (102) (i.e., the wastewater outlet (104) of the bowl (102)) at the outlet side. The wastewater valve (204) may be connected between the bowl (102) and the wastewater connection (202), for example, by a wastewater line (2021).

[0059] The sewage valve (204), sewage outlet (104), sewage line (2021), and / or sewage connection (202) may have a connection (e.g., a flange) having a diameter of, for example, more than about 1 cm (centimeter), for example more than about 2 cm, for example more than about 3 cm, for example more than about 4 cm, for example more than about 5 cm, for example more than about 6 cm, for example more than about 7 cm, for example more than about 10 cm.

[0060] The interior (102h) may have a volume of, for example, in the range of about 5 L (liters) to about 100 L, for example, in the range of about 5 L to about 50 L, for example, less than 20 L.

[0061] The vacuum wastewater device (100) may have one or more electric control valves (206a) connected between a wastewater connection (202) (e.g., wastewater line (2021)) and a wastewater valve (204) (e.g., its control connection (204s)) by, for example, a corresponding connection line. When exactly one electric control valve (206a) is used, the electric control valve (206a) may be configured as a three-way valve and may also be coupled to a control gas inlet (208). A three-way valve reduces the number of valves required.

[0062] By means of one or more control valves (206a), the sewage valve (204) may be fluidly connected to or connected to the sewage connection (202). Consequently, the pressure of the sewage connection (202) may be applied to the sewage valve (204) (i.e., its control input (204s)), and accordingly, the sewage valve (204) fluidly connects the interior (102h) to the sewage connection (202), i.e., the sewage valve (204) becomes open.

[0063] The pressure at the sewage connection (202) (also referred to as exhaust pressure) can generally be a negative pressure (also referred to as vacuum in a simplified form), that is, a pressure lower than the ambient pressure acting on the bowl (102) (also referred to as atmospheric pressure in a simplified form). The gravitational pressure of the Earth's atmosphere can be understood as atmospheric pressure caused by the Earth's gravity. The exhaust pressure can be generated, for example, by a pump connected to the sewage connection (202).

[0064] By means of one or more control valves (206a), the sewage valve (204) (e.g., its control connection (204s)) may be fluidly connected to or connected to the control gas inlet (208). Consequently, the pressure of the control gas may be applied to the sewage valve (204), and accordingly, the sewage valve (204) releases the fluid connection between the interior (102h) and the sewage connection (202), i.e., becomes closed. The pressure of the control gas (also referred to as control pressure) may be, for example, atmospheric pressure or a pressure above atmospheric pressure (also referred to as overpressure). The control gas may include, for example, atmospheric air or may be formed therefrom.

[0065] When atmospheric pressure is used, the control gas inlet (208) may have a line end (208) exposed to the atmosphere and optionally a throttle, which will be described in more detail below. When overpressure is used, the control gas inlet (208) may have a control gas connection (208). Overpressure may be provided, for example, by a compressor coupled to the control gas connection (208). Depending on whether overpressure or atmospheric pressure is used as the control pressure, the details described for the control gas inlet (208) may similarly apply to the control gas connection (208), and vice versa.

[0066] Atmospheric pressure may differ from overpressure and / or negative pressure by more than about 0.1 bar, e.g., more than about 0.2 bar, e.g., more than about 0.3 bar, e.g., more than about 0.4 bar, e.g., more than about 0.5 bar, e.g., more than about 0.6 bar, e.g., more than about 0.7 bar. Alternatively or additionally, overpressure may differ from negative pressure by more than about 0.1 bar, e.g., more than about 0.2 bar, e.g., more than about 0.3 bar, e.g., more than about 0.4 bar, e.g., more than about 0.5 bar, e.g., more than about 0.6 bar, e.g., more than about 0.7 bar. The greater the difference, the more effectively wastewater can be drawn out from the interior (102h).

[0067] The vacuum wastewater device (100) may have one or more electric water supply valves (216) connected between a water supply connection (212) (e.g., a water supply line (2121)) and one or more water supply openings (226) of a bowl (102) by, for example, a corresponding connection line. The water supply openings (226) may be points where water flows into the interior (102h) when the interior (102h) is fluidly connected to the water supply connection (212).

[0068] The vacuum wastewater device (100) may also have a control device (106) configured to activate an electric valve (216, 206a). Activation may be performed according to an emptying sequence as an operating function, for example, when the target operating state indicates an empty container (102).

[0069] The emptying sequence may include a first step (also referred to as a flushing process in a brief form) in which an internal (102h) (e.g., one or each water supply opening (226)) is fluidly connected to a water supply connection (212) and / or the sewage valve (204) is closed (i.e., the control connection (204s) of the sewage valve (204) is fluidly connected to a control gas inlet (208). The duration of the opening of the water supply valve (216) (also referred to as the flushing duration) may be used, for example, as an operating parameter.

[0070] The emptying sequence may include a second step in which the sewage valve (204) is opened (i.e., the control connection (204s) of the sewage valve (204) is fluidly connected to the sewage connection (202)), and / or the fluid connection between the water supply connection (212) and the interior (102h) (e.g., one or each water supply opening (226)) is released. The duration of the opening of the sewage valve (204) may be used, for example, as an operating parameter.

[0071] The emptying sequence may include a third step in which the sewage connection (202) is closed and / or the fluid connection between the water supply connection (212) and the interior (102h) (e.g., one or each water supply opening (226)) is released.

[0072] Activation may also be performed according to one or more other operating functions, which will be described in more detail below. For activation, a corresponding electric control signal may be supplied to the control inputs (SV1, SV3, SV2) of the electric valve (216, 206a) to be activated.

[0073] If the first step or flushing process is omitted, an emergency emptying sequence is provided as an operating function (also referred to as emergency emptying) instead of the emptying sequence.

[0074] If steps 2 and 3 are omitted, a flushing process is provided as an operating function (also referred to as toilet flushing) instead of the emptying sequence.

[0075] Activation according to the operating function may be performed, for example, when a target operating state needs to be achieved (or when the operating state needs to be changed). To detect the operating state, the vacuum wastewater device (100) may include one or more sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4, 302) coupled to the control device (106). Examples of sensors include an operating sensor (302), a water sensor (S4, S3), and / or a pressure sensor (S1, S2).

[0076] One or more first water sensors (S4) (e.g., measuring switches) may be configured to detect, for example, a specification regarding the internal water charge level, i.e., the amount of wastewater in the interior (102h), as a measured variable (hereinafter also referred to as a charge level sensor). To this end, one or each charge level sensor may be coupled to (e.g., adjacent to) the interior (102h). The water charge level may be output as, for example, mass, volume, or level height, or as a specification indicating the same.

[0077] One or more second water sensors (S3) may be configured to detect, for example, the amount of water flowing into the interior (102h), for example, the rate of inflow, that is, the amount or rate of water supplied to the interior (102h) (hereinafter also referred to as an inflow sensor or a through-flow sensor). To this end, one or each inflow sensor may be coupled to a fluid line between, for example, a water supply connection (e.g., a water supply valve (216)) and the interior (102h). The rate of inflow may be output as, for example, a standard volumetric flow rate or a mass volumetric flow rate, or as a specification indicating the same.

[0078] One or more first pressure sensors (S1) (e.g., measuring switches) may be configured to detect exhaust pressure as a measured variable. To this end, one or each of the first pressure sensors (S1) may be coupled to a fluid line between, for example, the sewage connection (202) and the control valve (206a).

[0079] One or more second pressure sensors (S2) (e.g., measuring switches) may be configured to detect the pressure of the control input (204s) of the sewage valve (204) as a measured variable (also referred to as the control input pressure), i.e., the dominant pressure within the control input (204s). To this end, one or each of the second pressure sensors (S2) may be coupled, for example, to a fluid line between the control input (204s) and the control valve (206a).

[0080] One or more operating sensors (302) may be configured to detect an operation by a user as a measured variable, namely a user's touch and / or force applied by the user. An emptying sequence may be initiated, for example, when an operation of the operating sensor (302) is detected. In other words, the operation of the operating sensor updates the target operating state to the empty container (102). The operating sensor (302) may include, for example, an electric or physical switch (also referred to as a button), for example, a pressure switch, and / or a touch sensor.

[0081] Similarly, other operating functions may be initiated, for example, when a deviation of the operating state from the target operating state is checked or a corresponding command is received from the control device (106), which will be described in more detail below. One or more countermeasures may also be performed, for example, as operating functions, which will be described in more detail below.

[0082] In one example, the flushing of a vacuum toilet (100) (also referred to as toilet flush) is controlled by a control unit (106) and a two-way valve (216) (in SV1). When a user presses the flush button (302), the control unit (106) opens the water supply valve (216) for a predetermined, for example, stored time (also referred to as supply time) and flushes the toilet bowl. After the supply time has elapsed, the water supply valve (216) is closed and the toilet flush is stopped.

[0083] Optionally, the vessel (102) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) may be configured to be movable, for example, similar to a cover, and / or may have a seat (224) having an opening (also referred to as a seat opening) that exposes and / or forms the vessel opening (102o) in contrast to the cover. The seat (224) may alternatively be a monolithic component of the vessel (102). The seat may have, for example, an ergonomically shaped frame surrounding the seat opening.

[0084] The seat (224) may optionally have a bidet (not shown) that can be operated by a switch or terminal. The bidet may be coupled to the inlet connection (212) and configured as an operating function that releases a water jet into the seat opening and / or interior (102h). A corresponding valve may be connected between the inlet connection (212) and the bidet and may be activated by a control device (106). Alternatively or additionally, the bidet may be activated and / or deactivated by a final control element (also referred to as a bidet final control element). Thus, the time during which water is supplied by the bidet (i.e., the time during which the bidet final control element is turned on) may be used as an operating parameter.

[0085] FIG. 3 illustrates a vacuum wastewater device (100) according to various embodiments (300) that can be configured similarly to the embodiment (200), except that a plurality of bidirectional valves are used as control valves (206a, 206b). This enables faster switching of the wastewater valves (204), for example, by individual and / or overlapping control signals.

[0086] The first control valve (206a) can be connected between the control gas inlet (208) and the sewage valve (204). The second control valve (206b) can be connected between the sewage connection (202) and the sewage valve (204).

[0087] In one example, the emptying of a vacuum toilet (100) is controlled by a control unit (106) and a plurality of bidirectional valves (SV2, SV3). When a user presses the flush button (302), the control unit (106) opens a first control valve (206a) for a predetermined, for example, stored time (also referred to as the emptying duration), the vacuum reaches the sewage valve (204) (also referred to as the outlet valve), and the sewage valve (204) is opened. After the emptying duration has elapsed, the first control valve (206a) is closed and the second control valve (206b) is opened. Next, these valves apply ambient pressure to the sewage valve (204), thereby closing the sewage valve (204).

[0088] Instead of two two-way valves (SV2 and SV3), a three-way valve (see FIG. 2) may be used. Alternatively, the two-way valve (206a) may also be used with its rear throttle as described below.

[0089] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic side view or cross-sectional view of a vacuum wastewater device (100) according to various embodiments (400) that may be configured similarly to embodiments (200 or 300), except that the control gas inlet (208) may have a throttle (208d) (also referred to as a control gas throttle), for example, a throttle valve. The control gas throttle (208d) may be configured to provide flow resistance. The control gas throttle (208d) allows, for example, the first control valve (206) to be omitted.

[0090] The control gas throttle (208d) can be optionally used in the presence of a plurality of two-way valves (SV2, SV3) (see FIG. 3) or a three-way valve (SV2) (see FIG. 2).

[0091] A control device for various components of the method is described below. The control device may be a control device (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) or a control device implemented by a computing device located outside the vacuum wastewater device (106), and the latter control device is configured to instruct (also referred to as a command) the control device (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) via a message. The latter control device clearly implements a remote control device that communicates with the control device (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100), for example, via a network, and implements remote control, diagnosis, and / or monitoring (also referred to as remote control, remote diagnosis, or remote monitoring).

[0092] For example, based on the confirmed operating state, a malfunction (also referred to as a failure) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) can be identified by the control device. Additionally, countermeasures associated with the identified malfunction can be performed to eliminate or at least mitigate the malfunction.

[0093] FIG. 5 illustrates, for example, the verification of malfunctions in a method according to various embodiments implemented by a control device in a tabular overview (500).

[0094] In the tabular overview (500), examples of malfunctions 1 through 10 are described, whereby the sensor(s) for which each malfunction can be identified (i.e., associated with the malfunction) are indicated as “Y”. If the identified operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (100) deviates from the target operating state, one or more malfunctions (e.g., causes of defects) associated with the sensor may be identified based on this (i.e., by the sensor). The actual malfunction may be selected from the malfunctions considered by the so-called additional specifications (i.e., these may be distinguished from one another) as described below. The reference parameters described below (e.g., reference time, reference value, threshold value, and / or reference pressure) may be optionally used as stored operating parameters that are optionally updated according to the message (902) received by the control device (106).

[0095] (To verify malfunctions) the malfunction-associated thresholds described below may clearly indicate that operating parameters or measured variables do not meet or nearly meet the specifications for operational readiness. For example, if a threshold associated with a malfunction is exceeded or not met, the threshold may be satisfied, and this is mentioned below for easier understanding. The described details may similarly apply to other conditions that define when the threshold associated with each malfunction is satisfied.

[0096] The first malfunction ("vacuum supply fault") may clearly include, for example, that the exhaust pressure is inadequate for switching the sewage valve and / or discharging the sewage. The first malfunction may be identified when the difference between the exhaust pressure and the reference pressure falls below a threshold value (also referred to as the pressure difference threshold).

[0097] A first malfunction may be optionally identified (e.g., as an additional specification) when it is confirmed that the difference between the exhaust pressure and the reference pressure falls below a threshold value over a pre-specified, e.g., stored period (also referred to as the reference period). The reference period may be, for example, longer than the duration of the emptying sequence. The elapsed time of the reference period may be explicitly implemented using a timer.

[0098] A second malfunction ("vacuum control defect") may include the negative pressure being inappropriate as, for example, the pressure of the control input for switching the sewage valve. A second malfunction may be identified when the difference between the control input pressure and the reference pressure falls below a pressure difference threshold, and when it is confirmed (e.g., as an additional specification) that this is also the case when the control input (204s) of the sewage valve (204) is fluidly connected to the sewage connection (202). A second malfunction may be caused, for example, by damage (e.g., defect) to the second control valve (206b) (if provided) and / or by the presence of a leak between the first control valve (206a) and the sewage valve (204).

[0099] The pressure difference threshold for the first and / or second malfunction may be, for example, greater than the switching pressure of the sewage valve (204). Alternatively or additionally, the reference pressure for the first and / or second malfunction may be atmospheric pressure or control pressure.

[0100] For example, if the reference pressure for the second malfunction is the exhaust pressure, the pressure difference that drops below the first control valve (206a) is identified as a difference, for example, by a plurality of pressure sensors (S1, S2) (when the first control valve (206a) is in an open state). Then, if the corresponding (clearly lower) pressure difference threshold value is exceeded (for example, 10% of the exhaust pressure), the reference value may be satisfied.

[0101] A third malfunction ("defect of the second control valve") may include damage (e.g., defect) to the second control valve (206b) (if present). To this end, similar to the second malfunction, a difference between the control input pressure and the reference pressure may be detected. In contrast to the second malfunction, in the case of the third malfunction, it may be confirmed (e.g., as an additional specification) that the change in the difference during switching of the control valve (206b) falls below a threshold value (obviously low). Thus, it is possible to distinguish between the third fault condition and the second fault condition. For example, it may be clearly checked whether the switching of the second control valve (206b) causes the necessary pressure change at the control input (204s) of the sewage valve (204). For example, a check of the operating readiness (i.e., switching function) of the second control valve (206b) may be performed.

[0102] A fourth malfunction ("insufficient charge level") may indicate that the charge level is not suitable for, for example, complete emptying. A fourth malfunction may be identified when the charge level inside (102h) falls below a charge level threshold, and when it is confirmed (e.g., as an additional specification) that this remains the case even after the flushing process has ended. The charge level threshold may be located, for example, at the position of the first water sensor (S4). For example, a check of the water remaining inside (102h) may be performed. In this way, control and / or regulation of the charge level may be implemented, for example.

[0103] A fifth malfunction ("defect of the water supply valve") may include a malfunction (e.g., a defect) in the switching of the water supply valve (216) (if present). A fifth malfunction may be identified when a change in the water flow rate falls below a threshold value, and when it is confirmed (e.g., as an additional specification) that this also occurs during the switching of the water supply valve (216). For example, a check of the operational readiness (i.e., switching function) of the water supply valve (216) may be performed.

[0104] The sixth malfunction (“leakage of the water supply valve”) may include the water supply valve (216) (if present) having a leak (e.g., a defect). The sixth malfunction may be identified when it is confirmed that the water inflow exceeds a threshold value, and when it is confirmed (e.g., as an additional specification) that this is the case even while the water supply valve (216) is closed (i.e., while the fluid connection should clearly be cut off). For example, a check of the leakage amount of the water supply valve (216) may be performed.

[0105] The seventh malfunction ("bidet leakage") may indicate that the bidet (also referred to as a washlet) is damaged (e.g., defective). The seventh malfunction may be identified if the water flow rate exceeds a threshold value and if it is confirmed (e.g., as an additional specification) that this is the case while the bidet is closed and / or operating, or after the bidet is closed and / or operating. For example, a check of the bidet leakage rate may be performed.

[0106] The eighth, ninth, and / or tenth malfunctions may include an excess charge level. The eighth, ninth, and / or tenth malfunctions may be identified when the charge level inside (102h) exceeds the charge level threshold value (also referred to as excess charge level), for example, when the water supply valve (216) is closed.

[0107] The eighth malfunction ("defect of the water supply valve") may be identified when the charge level decreases when performing an emergency emptying (clearly, for example, a emptying sequence without a flushing process to unclog a toilet) and / or is additionally identified (e.g., as an additional specification) as repeatedly exceeding after the emergency emptying is performed.

[0108] The ninth malfunction ("clogging") can be identified when, after performing an emergency drain, the water supply volume drops below a threshold value that reaches the charge level before the emergency drain was performed (e.g., as an additional specification). Thus, it can be clearly identified that the contents of the container (102) are not completely drained or are drained too little, because only a small amount of water needs to be supplied to reach the previous charge level again. The threshold value can correspond, for example, to the volume of the container (102) until it reaches the charge level of the charge level sensor.

[0109] The 10th malfunction ("defect of the emptying mechanism") may be identified when it is further confirmed (e.g., as an additional specification) that the fill level meets the standard value when and / or after performing an emergency empty (e.g., without interruption). The emptying mechanism may be defective if it is confirmed that the switching of the sewage valve (204) is damaged (e.g., defective), the first control valve (206a) is damaged (e.g. defective or leaking), there is a leak between the sewage valve (204) and the first control valve (206a), and / or there is a leak between the sewage connection (202) and the first control valve (206a).

[0110] The above method may optionally include performing one or more countermeasures as an operating function in response to whether a malfunction is detected or what kind of malfunction is detected. The above method may optionally include setting the vacuum wastewater device (100) to an alarm state as an operating function in response to whether a malfunction is detected or what kind of malfunction is detected.

[0111] Alternatively or additionally, one or more messages (902) may be generated by the control device (106) according to the network CP. The message (902) may include specifications regarding, for example, a identified operating state, an identified malfunction, an activated alarm state, and / or one or more countermeasures performed. The message (902) may also be received by one or more receivers (e.g., computing devices) and addressed to them, for example, as described in more detail below. The generation of the message (902) may be initiated by the control device (106), for example, independently (e.g., autonomously), in response to an identified operating state and / or an identified malfunction. Alternatively or additionally, the generation of the message (902) by the control device (106) may be initiated in response to a message (902) received from the control device (106), which includes a command providing the corresponding specification(s) (also referred to as a read of the control device).

[0112] The aforementioned mechanism can clearly implement diagnosis as an operating function, including verification of possible malfunctions, verification of additional specifications, and / or verification of actual malfunctions.

[0113] FIG. 6 illustrates, for example, a plurality of countermeasures for a method according to various embodiments implemented by a control device in a tabular overview (600). The method may include performing one or more countermeasures in response to whether a malfunction has been detected or what kind of malfunction has been detected, for example, in response thereto.

[0114] For example, one or more messages (902) may be received by the control device (106) according to the network CP, and the control device (106) commands a countermeasure to be performed (by a corresponding command) in response to and / or based on, for example, an operating state and / or malfunction. This may also be the case even if the verification of the operating state and / or malfunction is performed by a remote control device.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, in response to and / or based on an operating state and / or malfunction identified, for example, by the control device (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100), a countermeasure may be initiated independently (e.g., autonomously) by the control device (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100). The latter case is described below. The described details may similarly apply even when the countermeasure is commanded by a remote control device.

[0116] In response to confirming the first, second, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and / or tenth malfunction, the vacuum wastewater device (100) may be set to an alarm state (also referred to as activation of the alarm state). Activation of the alarm state in response to confirming the first malfunction may be performed, for example, after the elapsed of a reference period.

[0117] In response to the 7th malfunction, the bidet may be deactivated. Nevertheless, if it is confirmed that the filling level increases further, that is, that more water is supplied, for example in the case of a leak, the alarm state may be activated.

[0118] In response to the fourth malfunction, the fluid connection between the interior (102h) and the water supply connection (212) can be established, for example, by opening the water supply valve (216) (similar to a flushing process). Thus, water can be supplied to the interior (102h) (also referred to as refill). The amount of water supplied can be controlled and / or adjusted, for example, based on the detected charge level.

[0119] In response to the activation of the alarm state, an emergency emptying may be optionally performed for the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and / or 10th malfunctions. The emergency emptying may include fluidly connecting the interior (102h) to the sewage connection (202) without performing a flushing process (also referred to as dry emptying).

[0120] In response to the activation of the alarm state, deactivation of the bidet may be optionally performed for the 8th, 9th, and / or 10th malfunctions.

[0121] Optionally, specifications regarding the water consumption of the vacuum wastewater device (100) (also referred to as consumption specifications) may be verified, for example, for each flushing process, during multiple flushing processes, and / or over a predetermined period (e.g., days, weeks, or months). The consumption specifications may be verified by an inflow sensor (S3). For example, the method may include generating a message containing specifications regarding the consumption specifications according to a network CP.

[0122] FIG. 7 illustrates a system (700) of a method according to various embodiments as a schematic communication diagram. The term “system” may be understood as a set of interacting entities. The set of interacting entities may include, for example, at least one (i.e., one or more) physical component, at least one network CP, and / or at least one application (e.g., stored on a storage medium). Examples of physical components include a control unit (106), one or more computing devices (604, 606), and a storage medium.

[0123] One or each computing device (604) (also referred to as a receiver device) may optionally be registered or registered by the system (700), for example, by a database stored on a storage medium. Examples of computing devices (604, 606) include a computing system (606) (e.g., a server, a computer, etc.) and a mobile wireless device (604). According to various embodiments, the mobile wireless device may be a mobile phone, for example, a feature phone or a smartphone, as well as a pager, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, or a mixed form consisting of these types of devices.

[0124] The computing system (606) and / or the control unit (106) may be connected, for example, via a wired connection to a network, for example, via Ethernet and / or via RS-485 (an industry standard for physical interfaces). Alternatively or additionally, the control unit (106) and / or the mobile wireless device (604) may be connected to the network (602) via a wireless connection (also referred to as a wireless connection), for example, via a WLAN.

[0125] The system (700) may have a connection to the network (602) (also referred to as a network connection), for example, an internet connection. Through the network (602), the physical components of the system (700) may be combined with each other for communication, that is, to exchange items of information. Below, messages, and their creation and transmission are referred to. It may be understood that messages may be created and / or transmitted according to each network CP of the network connection. A network CP configured for wireless communication (also referred to as a wireless network CP) may correspond, for example, to a cellular mobile wireless network to which the mobile wireless device (102) is connected, such as a WLAN, GSM network, GPRS network, UMTS network, and / or LTE network. A wireless network CP may specify details of, for example (according to the OSI model), the network layer, the security layer, and / or the bit transport layer. Messages may be transmitted, sent, and / or received, for example, at a layer above it, such as the session layer or the application layer.

[0126] For easier understanding, it is mentioned below that the system (700) has a connection to or is part of the Internet (602) (a global network of computer networks). However, the described details may similarly apply to other constellations or networks.

[0127] The system (700) may include a mobile wireless device (604). The mobile wireless device (604) may be configured to communicate (301) with the network (602) wirelessly (i.e., via radio), for example, according to a wireless network CP. Thus, messages may be exchanged between the network (602) and the mobile wireless device (604) according to the wireless network CP. The system (700) may alternatively or additionally include a computing system (606) for the mobile wireless device (604). The computing system (606) may have a communication connection (303) to the network (602) according to a wired network CP. Thus, messages may be exchanged between the network (602) and the computing system (606), for example, according to a wired network CP.

[0128] The system (700) may further include one or more control devices (106) having a communication connection (305) to the network (602). One or each control device (106) may be connected to the network (602) according to a wired network CP or a wireless network CP. One or each control device (106) may optionally be registered or registered by the system (700), for example, by a database stored in a storage medium. For example, a plurality of vacuum wastewater devices (100) may have a communication connection (305) to the network (602) and / or may be registered (305) with the system (700) by the control device (106).

[0129] One or each computing device (604, 606) may include an application. For example, the application may be a local application installed on, for example, the computing device (604, 606) (e.g. embedded in a non-volatile manner in an operating system) and / or executed by it. Alternatively or additionally, the application may be a web application. A web application may run on, for example, one or another computing system (304), and only its user interface may be displayed on a web browser of a mobile wireless device (604) (e.g., similar to remote access).

[0130] The application may be configured to communicate with the control unit (106) (e.g., at the application layer), transmit one or more messages to or from the control unit (106), read the control unit (106), and / or command the control unit (106). Depending on the direction of communication, messages may be received from the control unit (106) or transmitted from the control unit (106). Messages transmitted from the control unit (106) may be received by one or more computing devices (604, 606).

[0131] Depending on how the above method is performed, for example, depending on the mobile wireless device (604) and / or computing system (606), one or more components may be omitted from the system (700).

[0132] A mobile wireless device (604) (e.g., the application) can communicate with a control unit, for example, via a wireless network connection (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). The mobile wireless device (604) may have an application downloaded from a storage medium of a computing system (606), for example.

[0133] The application of the mobile wireless device (604) may provide one or more of the following functions: display (e.g., list display), command and / or read of the vacuum wastewater device (100) registered on the wireless network; optionally display the operating status of the vacuum wastewater device (100) (e.g., ready for use, alarm mode activated, in use, etc.); optionally display a description of the location of the vacuum wastewater device (100); optionally display the signal strength of the wireless network; and / or optionally display the time of the last use of the vacuum wastewater device (100) (e.g., date). For example, each vacuum wastewater device (100) registered on the wireless network (also referred to as the wireless network) may be displayed and / or accessed (i.e., read and / or commanded).

[0134] Depending on the configuration of the system, vacuum wastewater devices (100) registered in the system (e.g., via a management database) may be associated with or associated with a registered wireless network so that they can be grouped, for example, according to each wireless network. A vacuum wastewater device (100) registered in a wireless network to which a mobile wireless device (604) is also connected is referred to below in a simplified form as a visible vacuum wastewater device (100).

[0135] The application of the computing device (606) may provide one or more of the following functions: display of vacuum wastewater devices (100) registered in the system (e.g., list display), commands and / or readings; optionally display of the operating status of the vacuum wastewater devices (100) (e.g., ready for use, alarm mode activated, preparing, etc.); optionally display of the signal strength of the wireless network; and / or optionally display of the time of the last use of the vacuum wastewater devices (100) (e.g., date). For example, each of the vacuum wastewater devices (100) registered in the system may be displayed and / or accessed.

[0136] An application of a computing device (606) and / or a mobile wireless device (604) may provide one or more of the following sub-functions by access to the control device (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) (i.e., via remote access):

[0137] - Reading and / or changing the current configuration of the vacuum wastewater device (100);

[0138] - Reading and / or changing the location description (e.g., cabin "xxx") of the vacuum wastewater device (100);

[0139] - For easy orientation, a location description can be seen in the list of visible vacuum wastewater devices (100);

[0140] - Commanding (i.e., directing) one or more operating functions of the vacuum wastewater device (100) (e.g., flushing process, full emptying sequence and / or emergency emptying);

[0141] - Reading the toilet usage history and / or the cycle / flush count of the toilet's major components (for example, for a better maintenance plan);

[0142] - Identifying possible causes of the activated alarm mode.

[0143] Reading and / or changing the configuration of the vacuum wastewater device may include reading or changing one or more of the following operating parameters of the vacuum wastewater device (100): the opening duration of the water supply valve (216) (also referred to as the flushing duration), the opening duration of the wastewater valve (204) (also referred to as the emptying duration), one or more reference values ​​for one or each of the malfunctions, and / or corresponding related countermeasures.

[0144] Optionally, the consumption specification per flushing process may be displayed by an application of the computing system (606) and / or the mobile wireless device (604). Optionally, the consumption specification may be displayed by an application of the computing system (606) rather than an application of the mobile wireless device during multiple flushing processes and / or over a predetermined period.

[0145] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic flowchart of a method (800) according to various embodiments implemented, for example, by a control device (106) (hereinafter also referred to as diagnosis) and / or a computing device (904) (hereinafter also referred to as remote diagnosis). As previously described, the computing device (904) may implement a remote control device (also referred to as a control device in a simplified form) on which commands and / or remote diagnosis of the control device (100) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) can be performed.

[0146] The method (800) may include, in 801, identifying a deviation of the operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (also referred to as a state deviation) from the target operating state of the vacuum wastewater device by means of a sensor of the vacuum wastewater device. A number of malfunctions of the vacuum wastewater device (clearly considered) may be associated with the sensor and may be identified by the sensor. A number of fault causes may clearly lead to similar measurements of the sensor, and accordingly, it is not possible to clearly conclude the actual fault cause.

[0147] For example, two or more of the following malfunctions may be associated with the first water sensor (S4): "defect of the water supply valve," "clogging," and / or "defect of the emptying mechanism." For example, two or more of the following malfunctions may be associated with the second water sensor (S3): "insufficient filling level," "defect of the water supply valve," "leakage of the water supply valve," and / or "leakage of the bidet." For example, two or more of the following malfunctions may be associated with the first pressure sensor (S1): "vacuum supply defect," "vacuum control defect," and / or "defect of the second control valve." For example, the following malfunctions may be associated with the second pressure sensor (S2): "vacuum supply defect" and "vacuum control defect."

[0148] The method (800) may include identifying one of a number of malfunctions (also referred to as an actual malfunction) based on at least one specification (also referred to as an additional specification) regarding a vacuum wastewater device in 803. The additional specification may enable the number of fault causes considered for a identified state deviation to be clearly reduced, for example, to 1, so that the identified detection state is clear.

[0149] The method (800) may include, in 805, outputting a fault message indicating a confirmed malfunction. Outputting the fault message may include, for example, performing the activation of an alarm state and / or commanding it via a message. Outputting the fault message may include, for example, displaying the fault message through a display device, for example, a display device of a vacuum wastewater device (100) and / or a computing device (904).

[0150] Additional specifications can be stored, for example, in the form of measurement values ​​associated with actual malfunctions.

[0151] Alternatively or additionally, additional specifications can be confirmed, for example, in that the operating state (e.g., actual value of operating parameter) is detected by one or more of the other sensors of the vacuum wastewater device (100). Thus, multiple measurement values ​​can be combined to obtain a better conclusion regarding the actual malfunction. For example, it is possible to distinguish between a vacuum supply fault and a vacuum control fault by the second pressure sensor (S2).

[0152] Alternatively or additionally, the activation of the final control element of the vacuum wastewater device may be performed to verify additional specifications, and the response to the activation of the final control element may be detected by one or more sensors of the vacuum wastewater device (100). For example, an emergency emptying may be performed when the charge level is exceeded. If the charge level exceeded is not removed in response to the emergency emptying, a blockage may exist. If the water level exceeded is removed only briefly in response to the emergency emptying, a leak in the water supply may exist. If the charge level exceeded is not removed in response to the water supply, a defect may exist in the emptying mechanism (the wastewater valve may be permanently open). If the charge level exceeded is removed only briefly in response to the water supply, a leak in the wastewater valve (204) may exist. Other defect conditions may be distinguished from one another in a similar manner.

[0153] FIG. 9 illustrates a system (700) of a method (900) according to various embodiments as a schematic communication diagram.

[0154] The method (900) may include exchanging one or more messages (902) according to a network CP between a computing device (904) (e.g., a computing system (606) and / or a mobile wireless device (604)) and a control device (106) of a vacuum wastewater device (100). The network CP may be, for example, a wireless network CP, for example, a WLAN-CP or an LTE CP.

[0155] One or more of the following functions may be implemented by the exchange of one or more messages (902) which may alternatively be implemented individually (e.g., independently of each other) or together. In other words, each of the following embodiments described as examples may be provided alone or in combination with one or more of the other embodiments.

[0156] By the exchange of messages (902), remotely controlled two-way communication of a vacuum wastewater device (100) (e.g., a vacuum toilet) may be performed with a computing device (904), e.g., a mobile phone (604), a tablet (604), or a computer (606). The computing device (904) may clearly implement the remote control device. The two-way communication may include remote control / configuration of the vacuum wastewater device (100) by the computing device (904), and / or remote monitoring of the function (also referred to as the operational readiness state) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) (or its components and operational functions) based on installed sensors, e.g., at least one vacuum switch or pressure sensor, at least one flow meter, or at least one water level switch or water level sensor. Operation parameters may be stored, for example, in a storage medium of the control device (106) and / or the computing device. The remote monitoring may optionally be displayed by a display device of the computing device (904).

[0157] The result of the bidirectional communication can optionally be displayed by the display device of the computing device (904).

[0158] To this end, a message (902) received from a control unit (106) may have a command to update an operating parameter (e.g., an operating function) stored by the control unit (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) or to initiate the execution of an operating function (also referred to as remote initiation). This enables the vacuum wastewater device (100) to be controlled and / or configured remotely. The execution of an operating function may include, for example, activating one or more end control elements of the vacuum wastewater device (100) according to the operating function. For example, the message may include specifications for the operating parameter to be updated.

[0159] By the exchange of messages (902), remote configuration of one or more operating parameters, for example, one or more parameters of a emptying sequence (also referred to as emptying parameters), may be performed. Examples of emptying parameters include a flushing duration (or duration of the first stage), an emptying duration (duration of the second stage), an amount of residual water in the container (102) (a filling level after the third stage), and / or an amount of water to be refilled. The result of the remote configuration may optionally be displayed by a display device of the computing device (904).

[0160] By the exchange of messages (902), a remote overview of one or each vacuum wastewater device (100) may be provided or provided (e.g., displayed). The remote overview may include, for example, a list of one or each registered vacuum wastewater device (100) (e.g., connected toilets), their locations, their operational readiness status (e.g., ready for operation or alarm mode), and / or their last access (e.g., date, time of day, and / or optionally the name of the service provider). The remote overview may optionally be displayed by a display device of a computing device (904).

[0161] To this end, a message (902) generated by the control device (106) may include a registration identification (e.g., for registering with a system), and / or a specification indicating the operating status of the vacuum wastewater device (100), and / or a location, and / or a time designation (and optionally a name) of the last access. Alternatively or additionally, other specifications provided as part of a remote overview may also be transmitted by the message (902).

[0162] The time specification for the last access may specify, for example, the point in time when one or more final control elements (e.g., sewage valves) of the vacuum sewage device (100) are operated. Alternatively or additionally to the time specification, a frequency may also be specified, for example, the frequency at which access is performed (e.g., frequency per period or frequency aggregated over a period).

[0163] These specifications indicating the operating status of the vacuum wastewater device (100) may, for example, represent one or more measured variables detected by a sensor of the vacuum wastewater device (100), and may include or be formed by the measured values, for example. One or more detected measured variables may optionally be displayed by a display device of the computing device (904).

[0164] The measured variables may include, for example, the filling level of the wastewater collection container (102) (detected by the filling level sensor (S4); the amount of water inflow supplied to the wastewater collection container (102), for example, the rate and / or total amount (detected by the inflow sensor (S3); a first pressure applied to the control input (204s) of the wastewater valve (204) (detected by the second pressure sensor (S2)), a second pressure applied to the wastewater connection (202) (detected by the first pressure sensor (S1)); the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure (detected by the first and second pressure sensors (S1, S2); and a pressure drop across the first control valve (206, 206a) (detected by the first and second pressure sensors (S1, S2)).

[0165] By the exchange of messages (902), remote initiation of toilet flushing and / or emergency emptying may be performed (e.g., when it is confirmed that the vacuum sewage device (100) is clogged). To this end, the message (902) received from the control device (106) may include a command to initiate toilet flushing or emergency emptying. The result of the remote initiation may optionally be displayed by a display device of the computing device (904).

[0166] Remote monitoring of water consumption can be performed by the exchange of messages (902). To this end, the messages (902) generated by the control device (106) may include specifications of water inflow as, for example, a sum and / or instantaneous value over multiple flushing processes (e.g., rate, i.e., water inflow per unit time). Water consumption may optionally be displayed by a display device of the computing device (904). The results of the remote monitoring may optionally be displayed by a display device of the computing device (904).

[0167] Component statistics may be provided by the exchange of messages (902). To this end, messages generated by the control device (106) may include one or more of the following specifications of component statistics: the number of flushing processes (flush), and / or the number of operations of individual end control elements (e.g., sewage valves, valves, etc.). This facilitates maintenance or planning thereof. Component statistics may optionally be displayed by a display device of the computing device (904).

[0168] Remote diagnosis of possible leaks, such as leaks in one or more control valves (also referred to as pressure valves), may be performed by the computing device (904). Alternatively or additionally, remote diagnosis of possible malfunctions of one or more control valves (e.g., the first control valve (206a)) may be performed by monitoring negative pressure (e.g., partial vacuum) by a pressure sensor or pressure switch (S1 and S2), for example. In response to the confirmation of a leak and / or malfunction (or other failure), an alarm state may be activated. To this end, a message (902) received from the control device (106) may include a command regarding the activation of the alarm state. The results of the remote diagnosis may optionally be displayed by a display device of the computing device (904).

[0169] A remote diagnosis of a possible malfunction of the water supply valve (216) can be performed by the computing device (904), for example, by monitoring the amount of water by the flow sensor (S3). In response to the confirmation of a malfunction (or other failure) of the water supply valve (216), an alarm state may be activated. To this end, a message (902) received from the control device (106) may include a command regarding the activation of the alarm state.

[0170] A remote diagnosis of a possible leak of the water supply valve (216) can be performed by the computing device (904), for example, by the flow sensor (S3). In response to the detection of a leak (or other fault) of the water supply valve (216), an alarm state may be activated. To this end, a message (902) received from the control device (106) may include a command regarding the activation of the alarm state. Optionally, the message (902) may include a command to initiate an emergency discharge. This prevents an overflow of the container (102).

[0171] By the exchange of messages (902), the trigger for deactivating the bidet (also referred to as initiation) (and optionally the trigger for emergency discharge) may be performed, for example, in response to the detection of an overfill level by the flow sensor (S3). In response to the detection of an overfill level (or other failure), an alarm state may be activated. To this end, the message (902) received from the control device (106) may include a command regarding the activation of the alarm state.

[0172] By the computing device (904), a remote diagnosis of a possible leak of the water supply valve (216) can be performed by the filling level sensor (S4) (e.g., including a water level sensor or a water switch). In response to the detection of a leak (or other fault) of the water supply valve (216), an alarm state may be activated. To this end, a message (902) received from the control device (106) may include a command regarding the activation of the alarm state. The message (902) may optionally include a command to initiate an emergency discharge. This prevents an overflow of the container (102).

[0173] Remote diagnosis of possible blockage (blockage, e.g., also referred to as toilet blockage) can be performed by the filling level sensor (S4) via the computing device (904). In response to the detection of a blockage (or other failure) of the water supply valve (216), an alarm state may be activated. To this end, a message (902) received from the control device (106) may include a command regarding the activation of the alarm state. The message (902) may optionally include a command to initiate an emergency discharge. This prevents overflow of the container (102).

[0174] By the exchange of messages (902), a trigger for deactivating the bidet (also referred to as initiation) (and optionally a trigger for emergency discharge) may be performed, for example, in response to the detection of an overfill level. An alarm state may be activated in response to the detection of an overfill level (or other failure). To this end, the message (902) received from the control device (106) may include a command regarding the activation of the alarm state.

[0175] Various examples related to the matters described above and illustrated in the drawings are described below.

[0176] Example 1 is a vacuum wastewater device, the vacuum wastewater device comprising a wastewater collection vessel, a vacuum wastewater connection, a wastewater valve (e.g., fluid-mechanical) connected between the wastewater collection vessel and the vacuum wastewater connection, at least one end control element configured to change the operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (e.g., actual operating point), and a control device, the control device being configured to receive a message containing a specification (e.g., command) for a target operating state (e.g., target operating point) according to a network communication protocol, and being configured to activate at least one end control element according to the target operating state (e.g., in response to the reception of the message according to the network communication protocol and / or in response to being triggered by the reception of the message according to the network communication protocol).

[0177] Example 2 is a vacuum wastewater device according to Example 1, and the vacuum wastewater device further includes at least one sensor configured to detect an operating state, and the control device is further configured to generate a message including specifications indicating the operating state according to a network communication protocol, optionally one of the at least one sensor or each sensor includes a switch (measuring switch), for example, the switch is configured to distinguish multiple states of a measured variable (e.g., only two states and / or only distinct states), for example, the sensor has a charge level switch (e.g., a float switch or a capacitance switch).

[0178] Example 3 is a vacuum sewage device according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the operating state includes one or more of the following operating parameters, or the sensor is configured to detect one or more of the following operating parameters: the filling level of the sewage collection container; the amount of water inflow supplied to the sewage collection container, e.g., the rate and / or total amount; a first pressure (e.g., a first negative pressure) applied to the control input of the sewage valve; a second pressure (e.g., a second negative pressure) applied to the sewage connection; the difference between the first pressure (e.g., a first negative pressure) and the second pressure (e.g., a second negative pressure); and / or a pressure drop (e.g., a negative pressure) across the final control element.

[0179] Example 4 is a vacuum sewage device according to one of Examples 1 to 3, and includes at least one end control element connected between a sewage valve (e.g., its control input) and a vacuum sewage connection and / or a first end control element activated by a control device according to a target operating state.

[0180] Example 5 is a vacuum wastewater device according to one of Examples 1 to 4, and the vacuum wastewater device further comprises a control gas inlet, and at least one end control element comprises a second end control element connected between the wastewater valve (e.g., its control input) and the control gas inlet and / or activated by the control device according to a target operating state, and optionally the control gas inlet has an air inlet exposed to the atmosphere.

[0181] Example 6 is a vacuum wastewater device according to one of Examples 1 to 5, and the vacuum wastewater device further comprises a water supply connection, and at least one final control element comprises a third final control element connected between the wastewater collection container and the water supply connection and / or activated by a control device according to a target operating state.

[0182] Example 7 is a vacuum sewage device according to one of Examples 1 to 6, and the vacuum sewage device further comprises a water supply connection and a bidet, and at least one end control element has a fourth end control element configured to switch the bidet between an active state and an inactive state, for example, the fourth end control element is connected between the water supply connection and the bidet and / or is activated by a control device according to a target operating state.

[0183] Example 8 is a vacuum wastewater device according to one of Examples 1 to 7, and the control device is configured to activate at least one final control element according to stored parameters, and the control device is configured to update parameters according to additional messages received according to a communication protocol.

[0184] Example 9 is a vacuum wastewater device according to Example 8, and the parameter represents a chronological duration (e.g., opening duration and / or closing duration) that separates two positioning processes (e.g., immediately consecutive positioning processes) of at least one final control element from each other, and for example, the chronological duration includes a flushing duration or a emptiness duration.

[0185] Example 10 is a vacuum wastewater device according to one of Examples 1 through 9, and the control device is configured to generate a message according to a network communication protocol that includes one or more of the following specifications: the location of the vacuum wastewater device; the frequency at which at least one final control element is activated; the operational readiness state of the vacuum wastewater device; the alarm state of the vacuum wastewater device; the time specification regarding the operation of the wastewater valve (e.g., the last operation to occur); and / or the frequency at which the wastewater valve is operated.

[0186] Example 11 is a vacuum wastewater device according to one of Examples 1 through 10, and the network communication protocol includes a wireless communication protocol (also referred to as a wireless network communication protocol), and / or a wired communication protocol (also referred to as a wired network communication protocol), and / or a communication protocol of a cellular network, and / or a communication protocol of a computer network (e.g., Ethernet).

[0187] Example 12 is a vacuum sewage device according to one of Examples 1 to 11, and activation of at least one final control element triggers one of the following operating functions: flushing process; emergency emptying; emptying sequence.

[0188] Example 13 is a vacuum sewage device according to one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein activation of at least one final control element triggers one of the following operating functions: countermeasure; deactivation of the bidet; activation of the alarm state.

[0189] Example 14 is a vacuum wastewater device according to one of Examples 1 to 13, the vacuum wastewater device further includes one or more sensors, and the control device is further configured to perform a method according to one of Examples 18 to 20.

[0190] Example 15 is a system comprising one or more vacuum wastewater devices according to one of Examples 1 to 14 or Example 22, and at least one (i.e., one or more) computing devices, wherein one or each computing device is optionally configured to transmit a message according to a network communication protocol, the computing device is optionally configured to perform a method according to one of Examples 18 to 20, and the computing device is optionally configured to set the vacuum wastewater device to an alarm state when a malfunction of the vacuum wastewater device is detected (e.g., based on the operating status of the vacuum wastewater device), and, for example, each of one or more vacuum wastewater devices is registered by the computing device according to a network communication protocol.

[0191] Example 16 is a system according to Example 15, and the computing device is configured to display one or more of the following specifications (e.g., based on a message from the control device and / or by the display device): water consumption of the vacuum wastewater device; operating status of the vacuum wastewater device (e.g., ready-to-operate state and / or actual operating point); identified malfunction of the vacuum wastewater device.

[0192] Example 17 is a system according to Example 15 or 16, and the computing device is optionally configured to display one or more of the following specifications, and the computing device is optionally configured to display one or more of the following specifications: the location of the vacuum wastewater device; the frequency at which at least one end control element is activated (e.g., including the frequency and / or number of activations); the operational readiness state of the vacuum wastewater device; the time specification regarding the operation of the wastewater valve (e.g., the last occurrence operation); the time specification regarding the last occurrence maintenance of the vacuum wastewater device; and / or the frequency at which the wastewater valve is operated (e.g., including the frequency and / or number of operations).

[0193] Example 18 is a method for operating a vacuum wastewater device (e.g., the vacuum wastewater device of Examples 1 through 17), the method comprising identifying a malfunction of the vacuum wastewater device and outputting a fault message indicating the identified malfunction, for example, the outputting of the fault message comprises setting the vacuum wastewater device to an alarm state by a message generated (transmitted and / or received) according to a communication protocol, and the malfunction is, for example, a blockage or leakage of at least one end control element (also referred to as leakage) and / or a blockage of a wastewater valve.

[0194] Example 19 is a method according to Example 18, wherein the identification of a malfunction comprises, for example, identifying a deviation from the operating state of the vacuum sewage device (e.g., actual operating point) from the target operating state of the vacuum sewage device (e.g., target operating point) by a sensor of the vacuum sewage device associated with a plurality of (e.g., stored) malfunctions of the vacuum sewage device, and identifying one of the malfunctions among the plurality of malfunctions based on at least one specification (also referred to as an additional specification) regarding the vacuum sewage device, wherein the specification is optionally associated with the malfunction.

[0195] Example 20 is a method according to Example 19, and the specification is stored, and / or the specification is verified by an additional sensor of the vacuum wastewater device, and / or by the activation of the final control element of the vacuum wastewater device in response thereto (e.g., to perform a function check of the vacuum wastewater device).

[0196] Example 21 is a control device configured to perform a method according to any one of Examples 18 to 20, and the control device is, for example, a control device of a vacuum wastewater device or a control device located outside the vacuum wastewater device (for example, provided by an external computing device).

[0197] Example 22 is a vacuum sewage device, and the vacuum sewage device comprises a sewage collection vessel, a vacuum sewage connection, a sewage valve (e.g., fluid-mechanical) connected between the sewage collection vessel and the vacuum sewage connection, one or more sensors, and a control device according to Example 21, and the vacuum sewage device optionally further comprises at least one end control element configured to change the vacuum sewage connection and / or water supply connection and / or the operating state of the vacuum sewage device (e.g., actual operating point).

[0198] Example 23 is a code segment configured to perform a method according to one of Examples 18 through 20 when executed by a processor.

[0199] Example 24 is a non-volatile storage medium having a code segment according to Example 23.

[0200] Example 25 is a remote control unit comprising one or more processors, the remote control unit is configured to generate a message in accordance with a network communication protocol that is addressed to a vacuum wastewater device and includes specifications for a target operating state (e.g., target operating point) of the vacuum wastewater device, and to remotely control at least one end control element of the vacuum wastewater device by the message (e.g., to indirectly activate it by at least one control device of the vacuum wastewater device), the remote control is optionally performed based on a confirmed operating state of the vacuum wastewater device or user input to the remote control unit, and one or more processors are optionally further configured to perform a method according to one of Examples 18 to 20, and the vacuum wastewater device is optionally configured according to Examples 1 to 17 or Example 22.

Claims

Claim 1 A vacuum wastewater device (100) comprises a wastewater collection container (102), a vacuum wastewater connection part (202), a wastewater valve (204) connected between the wastewater collection container (102) and the vacuum wastewater connection part (202), at least one final control valve (206a, 206b, 216) configured to change the operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (100) and convert electrical energy into mechanical energy in response to an activation command from a control unit (106), and the control unit (106). The control unit (106) is configured to receive a message (902) containing specifications for a target operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (100) according to a network communication protocol, and to activate the at least one final control valve (206a, 206b, 216) according to the target operating state. The at least one final control valve (206a, 206b, 216) includes a first final control valve connected between the sewage valve (204) and the vacuum sewage connection (202), and the control unit (106) is configured to control the at least one final control valve (206a, 206b, 216) according to stored parameters, and the control unit (106) is configured to update the parameters according to additional messages received according to the network communication protocol, and two position settings of the at least one final control valve (206a, 206b, 216) according to the parameters A vacuum wastewater device in which processes are separated from each other, and the parameter represents at least one of the opening duration of at least one end control valve (206a, 206b, 216) and the closing duration of at least one end control valve (206a, 206b, 216). Claim 2 A vacuum wastewater device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor (S1 to S4) coupled to the control unit (106) and configured to detect the operating state, wherein the control unit (106) is further configured to generate a message (902) including specifications indicating the operating state according to the network communication protocol. Claim 3 In claim 2, the vacuum wastewater device wherein at least one sensor includes a measuring switch. Claim 4 A vacuum wastewater device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect one or more of the parameters of the wastewater filling level in the wastewater collection container (102), the amount of water supplied to the wastewater collection container (102), a first pressure applied between the final control valve (206a) and the control input of the wastewater valve (204), a second pressure applied between the final control valve (206a) and the vacuum wastewater connection (202), the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, and / or the pressure drop at the final control valve (206a, 206b, 216). Claim 5 delete Claim 6 In any one of claims 1 to 3, the vacuum wastewater device (100) further comprises a control gas inlet (208), and the at least one final control valve (206a, 206b, 216) comprises a second final control valve connected between the wastewater valve (204) and the control gas inlet (208). Claim 7 In claim 6, the control gas inlet is a vacuum wastewater device having an air inlet exposed to the atmosphere outside the vacuum wastewater device (100). Claim 8 In any one of claims 1 to 3, the vacuum wastewater device (100) further comprises a water supply connection part (212), and the at least one final control valve (206a, 206b, 216) comprises a third final control valve connected between the wastewater collection container (102) and the water supply connection part (212). Claim 9 In claim 8, the above parameter represents the opening duration of the third final control valve or the opening duration of the first final control valve, a vacuum wastewater device. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 In claim 8, the activation of the at least one final control valve triggers one of the following operation functions: a flushing process in which the sewage collection container (102) is fluidly connected to the water supply connection (212); the flushing process as a first step; and a emptying sequence having a second step in which the sewage valve (204) is opened and the sewage collection container (102) is fluidly disconnected from the water supply connection (212); or an emergency emptying operation in which the sewage collection container (102) is fluidly connected to the vacuum sewage connection (202) without the flushing process. Claim 12 A vacuum wastewater device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (106) is further configured to generate a message (902) including one or more of the specifications of the location of the vacuum wastewater device (100), the operational readiness state of the vacuum wastewater device (100), and / or the time specification regarding the operation of the wastewater valve (204) according to the network communication protocol. Claim 13 A vacuum wastewater device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the network communication protocol comprises a wireless communication protocol and / or a wired communication protocol. Claim 14 A system (700) comprising one or more vacuum wastewater devices (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 3, and at least one computing device (902, 606, 604) configured to transmit the message (902) according to the network communication protocol. Claim 15 In claim 14, the computing device is further configured to check for a malfunction of the vacuum wastewater device (100) (801, 803) and output a fault message (805) indicating the detected malfunction. Claim 16 In claim 15, the malfunction includes blockage of the sewage valve (204) or leakage of the final control valve (206a, 206b, 216). Claim 17 In claim 14, the computing device is further configured to display one or more of the specifications of the water consumption of the vacuum wastewater device (100), the operating status of the vacuum wastewater device (100), and / or the identified malfunction of the vacuum wastewater device (100). Claim 18 In claim 14, the computing device is further configured to display one or more of the specifications of the location of the vacuum wastewater device, the frequency at least one end control valve is activated, the operational readiness state of the vacuum wastewater device, the last operating time of the wastewater valve, the last maintenance time of the vacuum wastewater device, and / or the frequency at which the wastewater valve is operated. Claim 19 A method (800) for operating a vacuum wastewater device (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: identifying (801) a deviation of the operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (100) from the target operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (100) by means of sensors (S1 to S4) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) coupled to a control unit (106) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) associated with a plurality of malfunctions of the vacuum wastewater device (100); identifying (803) one of the plurality of malfunctions based on at least one specification regarding the vacuum wastewater device (100) associated with the malfunction; and outputting a fault message indicating the identified malfunction (805). Claim 20 A control unit (106, 904) configured to perform the method (800) described in claim 19. Claim 21 A non-volatile storage medium comprising a code segment configured to perform the method (800) described in claim 19 when executed by a processor. Claim 22 A remote control unit for controlling a vacuum wastewater device (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising one or more processors, wherein the remote control unit is configured to generate a message (902) that is addressed to the vacuum wastewater device (100) and includes specifications for a target operating state of the vacuum wastewater device (100) according to a network communication protocol, and to remotely control at least one end control valve (206a, 206b, 216) of the vacuum wastewater device (100) by means of the message.

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