Lavatory private room structure for aircraft

Abstract

The present invention provides a lavatory private room structure for an aircraft, whereby privacy can be ensured without reducing the number of lavatory private rooms and while also conveniencing wheelchair-using passengers, for example.　This lavatory private room structure can be installed onboard an aircraft and comprises a main lock mechanism having: a first operation member that can be operated from one of either a first lavatory private room or a second lavatory private room; a second operation member that can be operated from the other of either the first lavatory private room or the second lavatory private room; and a latch part that is connected to the second operation member and is movable between a locked position that prevents a movable wall from being moved with respect to a lavatory enclosure and an unlocked position that allows the movable wall to be moved with respect to the lavatory enclosure. The first operation member can be operated to shift the first operation member to either an engaged state in which the first operation member engages the second operation member or a disengaged state in which the first operation member disengages from the second operation member. When the engaged state is in effect, the second operation member cannot be operated to move the latch part from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the disengaged state is in effect, the second operation member can be operated to move the latch part from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Description

Aircraft lavatory compartment structure

[0001] The present invention relates to a lavatory compartment structure for an aircraft.

[0002] Currently, wide-body aircraft, passenger aircraft with two or more aisles, are required by law to have at least one lavatory (on-board toilet) accessible to wheelchair passengers. However, typical passenger lavatory compartments are relatively small, measuring 38 inches by 41 inches (965 mm by 1041 mm) in plan view, making it difficult for passengers to enter the compartment while sitting in a wheelchair.

[0003] Therefore, to make it easier for wheelchair passengers to use the lavatory, it is being considered to install a large lavatory cubicle that is slightly larger than a typical lavatory cubicle, for example, with external dimensions of 56 inches x 41 inches (1422 mm x 1041 mm) in plan view, or, as shown in Patent Document 1, to convert the partition wall between two standard lavatory cubicles that are adjacent to each other into a sliding door, so that when a wheelchair passenger wishes to use the lavatory cubicle, the sliding door can be opened to connect the two lavatory cubicles.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-121754

[0005] However, because the space in an aircraft is limited, installing large lavatory compartments for wheelchair-using passengers would result in a corresponding reduction in the number of lavatory compartments, which would be inconvenient for passengers. On the other hand, the lavatory structure of Patent Document 1 allows the number of lavatory compartments to be maintained, but has the following problems.

[0006] In the lavatory structure of Patent Document 1, the lavatory compartment door and the sliding door can be locked in conjunction with each other. Specifically, when the lavatory compartment door is unlocked, the sliding door cannot be locked. Therefore, when none of the lavatory compartments are in use, the door is not locked from the inside, so passengers can enter the lavatory compartment in their wheelchairs, open the sliding door, and use the lavatory.

[0007] On the other hand, in the lavatory structure of Patent Document 1, if the sliding door is not desired to be opened or closed, it must be locked separately from the door locking operation, which is inconvenient.If the sliding door is forgotten to be locked, there is a risk that a passenger in the adjacent lavatory compartment will accidentally open it, and privacy cannot be ensured.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide an aircraft lavatory compartment structure that ensures privacy while improving convenience for passengers who use wheelchairs, for example, without reducing the number of lavatory compartments.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the lavatory compartment structure of the present invention that can be installed in an aircraft comprises: a first lavatory compartment surrounded by a first housing; a second lavatory compartment adjacent to the first lavatory compartment and surrounded by a second housing; a movable wall that is movable between a closed position that closes the gap between the first lavatory compartment and the second lavatory compartment and an open position that opens the gap between the first lavatory compartment and the second lavatory compartment; and a main locking mechanism for the movable wall, wherein the first housing and the second housing form a lavatory housing, and the main locking mechanism comprises: a first operating member that can be operated from one side of the first lavatory compartment and the second lavatory compartment; and a second operating member that can be operated from the other side of the first lavatory compartment and the second lavatory compartment. The device has a locking portion connected to the second operating member and movable between a locked position that prevents the movable wall from moving relative to the lavatory housing and an unlocked position that allows the movable wall to move relative to the lavatory housing, and is characterized in that, by operating the first operating member, the device can transition to either an engaged state in which the first operating member engages with the second operating member or a disengaged state in which the first operating member disengages from the second operating member, and when in the engaged state, the second operating member cannot be operated to move the locking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position, and when in the disengaged state, the second operating member can be operated to move the locking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aircraft lavatory compartment structure that ensures privacy while improving convenience for passengers who use wheelchairs, for example, without reducing the number of lavatory compartments.

[0011] FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of an aircraft lavatory. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a lavatory compartment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a movable wall is moved to a closed position. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of a lavatory compartment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the movable wall begins to open. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a lavatory compartment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the movable wall is moved to an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a lavatory compartment structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the movable wall is moved to an open position. FIG. 6 is a view of the intermediate wall as viewed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the upper end of the movable wall as viewed from the second lavatory compartment side, showing a state in which the access door is closed. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the upper end of the movable wall as viewed from the second lavatory compartment side, showing a state in which the access door is open. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the upper end of the movable wall as viewed from the first lavatory stall, showing the access door closed. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the upper end of the movable wall as viewed from the first lavatory stall, showing the access door open. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the movable wall as viewed from the second lavatory stall, showing the second locking mechanism in the locked state. Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the lower end of the movable wall as viewed from the second lavatory stall, showing the second locking mechanism in the unlocked state. Figure 13 is a view of the first locking mechanism located in the space inside the second plate as viewed from the first lavatory stall, showing the locked state. Figure 14 is a view of the first locking mechanism located in the space inside the second plate as viewed from the first lavatory stall, showing the unlocked state. Figure 15A is a diagram showing the first locking mechanism disposed in the space inside the second plate as viewed from the second lavatory stall side, showing the first operating member in an engaged state, Figure 15B is a diagram showing the first locking mechanism disposed in the space inside the second plate as viewed from the second lavatory stall side, showing the first operating member in a disengaged state, and Figure 16A is a diagram showing the first locking mechanism disposed in the space inside the second plate as viewed from the second lavatory stall side, showing the second operating member in a locked state.Figure 16B is a diagram showing the first locking mechanism disposed in the space inside the second plate as viewed from the second lavatory stall, showing the second operating member in an unlocked state. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the first locking mechanism as viewed from the second lavatory stall, showing the first operating member in an engaged state. Figure 18 is a diagram showing the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism as viewed from the first lavatory stall, showing the first operating member in a disengaged state and the second operating member in a locked state. Figure 19 is a diagram showing the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism as viewed from the first lavatory stall, showing the second operating member in an unlocked state. Figure 20A is a diagram showing the third locking mechanism disposed in the space inside the first plate as viewed from the second lavatory stall, showing the locked state. Figure 20B is a diagram showing the third locking mechanism disposed in the space inside the first plate as viewed from the second lavatory stall, showing the unlocked state. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the third locking mechanism as viewed from the second lavatory stall, showing the locked state. Figure 22 is a diagram showing the third locking mechanism as viewed from the second lavatory stall, showing the unlocked state. Figure 23 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the center of the side of the movable wall as viewed from the first lavatory stall, showing the access door in a closed state. Figure 24 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the center of the side of the movable wall as viewed from the first lavatory stall, showing the access door in an open state. Figure 25A is a diagram showing the fourth locking mechanism disposed in the space inside the first plate as viewed from the first lavatory stall, showing the locked state. Figure 25B is a diagram showing the fourth locking mechanism located in the space inside the first plate as viewed from the first lavatory compartment side, showing the unlocked state.

[0012] Hereinafter, a lavatory compartment structure that can be installed in an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the lavatory of an aircraft 1. In Fig. 1, the direction of travel of the aircraft is indicated by arrow F, and the width direction is indicated by arrow W.

[0013] In the cabin of the aircraft 1, seat units 2, each having three seats in the width direction W, are arranged in three rows in the width direction W, and a vertical aisle 3 is provided between the seat units 2.

[0014] Aircraft doors 4 are located on both sides of the aircraft 1, and in the area between the two aircraft doors 4, the spacing between the seat units 2 in the direction of travel F is relatively wide, forming an aisle connecting the aircraft doors 4 on both sides, which is called a cross aisle. In this embodiment, a galley G is located in the cross aisle. Furthermore, near one of the aircraft doors 4, a lavatory compartment structure 10 is installed adjacent to the aircraft body instead of the seat unit 2. Note that the lavatory compartment structure 10 may also be installed in other locations.

[0015] 2 to 5 are enlarged plan views of the lavatory compartment structure 10 of this embodiment. The lavatory compartment structure 10 has two lavatory compartments, a first lavatory compartment 11 and a second lavatory compartment 12, aligned along the width direction W. The first lavatory compartment 11 has a rear wall 11a, a front wall 11e, a side wall 11c, a ceiling 21A (see FIG. 6), and a floor 22A, which are joined together to form a first housing enclosing the first lavatory compartment 11. The second lavatory compartment 12 has a rear wall 12a, a front wall 12e, a side wall 12c, a ceiling 21B (see FIG. 6), and a floor 22B, which are joined together to form a second housing enclosing the second lavatory compartment 12. The first and second housings are carried separately into the aircraft 1 body, joined with the intermediate wall 14 in between, and installed as the hexahedral lavatory compartment structure 10. At this time, the first and second housings are joined together to form the lavatory housing. The floors 22A and 22B of the lavatory housing are each fixed to the aircraft body at four locations, and the ceilings 21A and 21B are each fixed to the aircraft body at one location. In the following description, it is assumed that the ceiling 21 is formed by connecting and integrating the ceiling 21A and the ceiling 21B, and that the floor 22A and the floor 22B are connected and integrating the ceiling 21.

[0016] The first lavatory cubicle 11 is provided with a toilet bowl 11b adjacent to the rear wall 11a, and a sink 11d is provided on the side wall 11c opposite the second lavatory cubicle 12. The sink 11d extends from the rear wall 11a to a front wall 11e facing the aisle 3. The front wall 11e extends a predetermined distance from the side wall 11c parallel to the rear wall 11a and can be connected to a lavatory door 11f. The lavatory door 11f is connected to a support wall 14c by a hinge and can be rotated to open and close between the front wall 11e and the support wall 14c.

[0017] The second lavatory cubicle 12 is provided with a toilet bowl 12b adjacent to a rear wall 12a aligned with the rear wall 11a, and a sink 12d on a side wall 12c parallel to the side wall 11c opposite the first lavatory cubicle 11. The sink 12d extends from the rear wall 12a to a front wall 12e facing the aisle 3. The front wall 12e extends a predetermined distance from the side wall 12c opposite the front wall 12e in parallel with the rear wall 12a and is connectable to a lavatory door 12f. The lavatory door 12f is connected to a support wall 14c by a hinge and can be rotated to open and close between the front wall 12e and the support wall 14c.

[0018] The lavatory cubicles 11 and 12 may be symmetrical with respect to an intermediate wall 14 shown in Figure 2, and the toilet bowl and the sink are arranged symmetrically with respect to the intermediate wall 14. The intermediate wall 14 separates the lavatory cubicles 11 and 12.

[0019] The intermediate wall 14 has a fixed wall 14a extending parallel to the side walls 11c, 12c and fixedly connected to the rear walls 11a, 12a, a movable wall 14b movable relative to the fixed wall 14a, and a support wall 14c on which the edge of the movable wall 14b is pivotally supported.

[0020] 6 is a view of the intermediate wall 14 viewed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2, and schematically illustrates the first locking mechanism 15, the second locking mechanism 16, the third locking mechanism 17, and the fourth locking mechanism 18. The upper and lower ends of the fixed wall 14a and the support wall 14c are fixed to the ceiling 21 and the floor 22. Here, the first locking mechanism 15 and the second locking mechanism 16 constitute a primary locking mechanism, and the third locking mechanism 17 and the fourth locking mechanism 18 constitute a secondary locking mechanism.

[0021] Movable wall 14b is a so-called accordion-type folding door and has a hexagonal first plate 14b1, a rectangular second plate 14b2, a first hinge 14b3 that connects first plate 14b1 and second plate 14b2 to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to floor 22, and a second hinge 14b4 that connects second plate 14b2 and support wall 14c to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to floor 22. Opposing edges of first plate 14b1 and second plate 14b2 extend vertically from ceiling 21 to floor 22.

[0022] The first and second panels 14b1 and 14b2 can rotate relative to each other via a first hinge 14b3, protruding toward the second lavatory compartment 12 and then folding closer together. The second panel 14b2 can rotate relative to the support wall 14c via a second hinge 14b4, and by rotating, the second panel 14b2 can be moved to a position close to the lavatory door 12f. This allows the movable wall 14b to move between the closed position shown in FIG. 2 and the open position shown in FIG. 5.

[0023] In addition, in the closed position shown in Figure 6, the first plate 14b1 of the movable wall 14b is positioned without any gaps against the edge of the fixed wall 14a, the ceiling 21, and the floor 22, and the second plate 14b2 is positioned without any gaps against the edge of the support wall 14c, the ceiling 21, and the floor 22.

[0024] A first locking mechanism 15 is disposed near the upper end of the second plate 14b2, and a second locking mechanism 16 is disposed near the lower end of the second plate 14b2. A third locking mechanism 17 is disposed near the upper end of the first plate 14b1, and a fourth locking mechanism 18 is disposed near the edge of the first plate 14b1.

[0025] Figures 7 and 8 are enlarged views of the vicinity of the upper end of the movable wall 14b as viewed from the second lavatory compartment 12. Figures 9 and 10 are enlarged views of the vicinity of the upper end of the movable wall 14b as viewed from the first lavatory compartment 11. Figures 11 and 12 are enlarged views of the vicinity of the lower end of the movable wall 14b as viewed from the second lavatory compartment 12.

[0026] 7, the second panel 14b2 has a small first access door 14b5 near the top end of the second panel 14b2 adjacent to the first panel 14b1 on the side of the second lavatory compartment 12. The first panel 14b1 also has a small second access door 14b6 near the top end of the first panel 14b1 adjacent to the second panel 14b2 on the side of the second lavatory compartment 12.

[0027] By pushing push buttons B1 and B2, respectively, the first access door 14b5 and the second access door 14b6 are unlocked and placed in an open state relative to the second plate 14b2 and the first plate 14b1, as shown in FIG. 8, allowing cabin attendants and others to access the interior. Furthermore, by closing the first access door 14b5 and the second access door 14b6 relative to the second plate 14b2 and the first plate 14b1, respectively, and then pushing push buttons B1 and B2, respectively, the locking mechanisms are activated. As a result, the first access door 14b5 and the second access door 14b6 are maintained in a closed state relative to the second plate 14b2 and the first plate 14b1, as shown in FIG. 7, preventing cabin attendants and others from accessing the interior. A first locking mechanism 15 is disposed in the space inside the first access door 14b5, and a third locking mechanism 17 is disposed in the space inside the second access door 14b6.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 9 , the second panel 14b2 has a small third access door 14b7 near the upper end of the second panel 14b2 adjacent to the first panel 14b1 on the side of the first lavatory compartment 11. The third access door 14b7 is disposed in correspondence with the first access door 14b5. That is, the first locking mechanism 15 is disposed inside the second panel 14b2 between the first access door 14b5 and the third access door 14b7. By pushing the push button B3, the locking mechanism (not shown) of the third access door 14b7 is released, opening it relative to the second panel 14b2 as shown in FIG. 10 , allowing cabin attendants and others to access the interior.

[0029] Furthermore, by closing the third access door 14b7 relative to the second plate 14b2 and then pushing the push button B3, the locking mechanism is activated, and the third access door 14b7 is kept closed relative to the second plate 14b2 as shown in Figure 9, preventing cabin attendants and others from accessing the interior. Note that an inspection door 14b8 may be installed on the first plate 14b1 on the first lavatory compartment 11 side so as to be able to open and close in correspondence with the second access door 14b6.

[0030] Figures 13 and 14 are views showing the first locking mechanism 15 arranged in the space inside the second plate 14b2 as viewed from the first lavatory compartment 11. Figures 15A, 15B, 16A, and 16B are views showing the first locking mechanism 15 arranged in the space inside the second plate 14b2 as viewed from the second lavatory compartment 12. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the first locking mechanism 15 as viewed from the second lavatory compartment 12, and Figures 18 and 19 are diagrams showing the first locking mechanism 15 and the second locking mechanism 16 as viewed from the first lavatory compartment 11.

[0031] 17 to 19, the first locking mechanism 15 includes a pivot 15a that is pivotable relative to the second plate 14b2, a front handle 15b fixed to the pivot 15a on the side of the second lavatory compartment 12, and a locking portion 15c that rotates together with the front handle 15b. The locking portion 15c includes a disk-shaped base 15d and a protrusion 15f that protrudes radially from the base 15d. The front handle 15b and the locking portion 15c form a first operating member.

[0032] The first locking mechanism 15 further includes a pivot shaft 15g, which is installed as a shift from the pivot shaft 15a toward the ceiling 21 and is rotatable relative to the second plate 14b2; a rear handle 15h fixed to the pivot shaft 15g on the first lavatory compartment 11 side; and a locking portion 15i that rotates with the rear handle 15h. The locking portion 15i includes a disk-shaped base 15j, an engagement key 15k extending long from the base 15j in a tangential direction to the outer periphery, and a claw 15m extending short in a tangential direction at a 90-degree angle relative to the engagement key 15k. The base 15j is formed with a raised portion 15n that protrudes in the axial direction of the pivot shaft 15g. A slit-shaped engagement recess 21a is formed in the ceiling 21 corresponding to the engagement key 15k. The rear handle 15h and the locking portion 15i constitute a second operating member, and the engagement key 15k constitutes a locking portion. The second operating member may also include a link plate 16b and a rod 16a, which will be described later.

[0033] The second locking mechanism 16 includes a rod 16a extending through the first plate 14b1 along the height direction thereof and a link plate 16b fixedly connected to the upper end of the rod 16a. The link plate 16b has an elongated hole 16c extending away from the rod 16a. A pivot shaft 15g and a raised portion 15n are housed within the elongated hole 16c so as to be relatively movable. The raised portion 15n presses against the inner periphery of the elongated hole 16c depending on the rotation angle of the base 15j, thereby raising and lowering the rod 16a via the link plate 16b. A slit-shaped engagement recess 22a is formed in the floor 22 corresponding to the lower end of the rod 16a.

[0034] The first locking mechanism 15 and the second locking mechanism 16 are interlocked. The interlocking mechanism will now be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 18, when the rear handle 15h is rotated to a position (locked position) where the engagement key 15k enters the engagement recess 21a, the claw 15m is in a horizontal position. In this state, the rod 16a descends via the link plate 16b, and its lower end enters the engagement recess 22a (FIG. 11). In other words, the first locking mechanism 15 and the second locking mechanism 16 are in a locked state, and the first plate 14b1 is locked to the ceiling 21 and the floor 22.

[0035] In this locked state, as shown in FIG. 17 , the front handle 15b can be rotated so that the protrusion 15f faces directly upward. The tip of the protrusion 15f then contacts the side edge of the claw 15m, preventing the base 15j and the back handle 15h from rotating in a direction that would release the locked state. In other words, by rotating the front handle 15b to the position shown in FIG. 17 , the first locking mechanism 15 and the second locking mechanism 16 are maintained in a locked state (an engaged state in which the first operating member engages with the second operating member). Therefore, unless the front handle 15b is rotated, the back handle 15h cannot be rotated, and the first locking mechanism 15 and the second locking mechanism 16 will not be released from their locked states.

[0036] On the other hand, when the front handle 15b is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 18 , the tip of the convex portion 15f faces horizontally and moves away from the side edge of the claw portion 15m (a disengaged state in which the first operating member disengages from the second operating member), allowing the back handle 15h to be rotated to the position shown in FIG. 19 . This causes the engagement key 15k to rotate and move to a position disengaged from the engagement recess 21a (an unlocked position), and the rod 16a rises and disengages from the engagement recess 22a, resulting in an unlocked state ( FIG. 12 ). In this state, the second plate 14b2 is movable relative to the ceiling 21 and the floor 22. To prevent erroneous operation, when the engagement key 15k is disengaged from the engagement recess 21a, the convex portion 15f may interfere with the engagement key 15k, preventing the front handle 15b from returning to the position shown in FIG. 17 from the position shown in FIG. 19 . That is, the first operating member may be able to transition from the disengaged state to the engaged state only when the engaging portion is in the locked position.

[0037] 20A and 20B are diagrams showing the third locking mechanism 17 disposed in the space inside the first plate 14b1 as viewed from the second lavatory compartment 12. Figures 21 and 22 are diagrams showing the third locking mechanism 17 as viewed from the second lavatory compartment 12.

[0038] 21 and 22, the third locking mechanism 17 has a pivot shaft (not shown) that is rotatable relative to the first plate 14b1, a handle 17b fixed to the pivot shaft on the side of the second lavatory compartment 12, and a cam portion 17c that rotates together with the handle 17b. The cam portion 17c has a disk-shaped base portion 17d and an engagement key 17f extending tangentially from the base portion 17d. A slit-shaped engagement recess 21b is formed in the ceiling 21 corresponding to the engagement key 17f.

[0039] When the handle 17b is rotated to the position shown in Fig. 21, the tip of the engagement key 17f faces straight up and enters the engagement recess 21b, thereby preventing the first plate 14b1 from moving relative to the ceiling 21. On the other hand, when the handle 17b is rotated to the position shown in Fig. 22, the engagement key 17f faces horizontally and disengages from the engagement recess 21b, allowing the first plate 14b1 to move relative to the ceiling 21.

[0040] 23 and 24 are enlarged views showing the vicinity of the center of the side of the movable wall 14b as viewed from the first lavatory compartment 11. Figures 25A and 25B are views showing the fourth locking mechanism 18 disposed in the space inside the first plate 14b1 as viewed from the first lavatory compartment 11.

[0041] The first plate 14b1 has a small fourth access door 14b9 near the side edge adjacent to the support wall 14c on the first lavatory compartment 11 side. By pushing a push button B4, the fourth access door 14b9 releases a locking mechanism (not shown) and opens relative to the first plate 14b1 as shown in FIG. 24, allowing cabin attendants and others to access the interior. By pressing the push button B4 after the fourth access door 14b9 is closed relative to the first plate 14b1, the locking mechanism is activated and the fourth access door 14b9 remains closed relative to the first plate 14b1 as shown in FIG. 23, preventing cabin attendants and others from accessing the interior. A fourth locking mechanism 18 is disposed in the space inside the fourth access door 14b9.

[0042] The fourth locking mechanism 18 has a configuration similar to that of the third locking mechanism 17. More specifically, in Figures 25A and 25B, the fourth locking mechanism 18 includes a pivot shaft (not shown) that is rotatable relative to the first plate 14b1, a handle 18b fixed to the pivot shaft on the side of the first lavatory compartment 11, and a cam portion 18c that rotates together with the handle 18b. The cam portion 18c includes an engagement key 18f extending tangentially around the periphery. A slit-shaped engagement recess 14c1 is formed in the fixed wall 14a corresponding to the engagement key 18f. The engagement key 18f preferably has a hook-shaped tip that can move in and out of a horizontal groove formed inside the engagement recess 14c1 as the engagement key 18f rotates.

[0043] When the handle 18b is rotated to the position shown in Figure 25A, the engagement key 18f faces horizontally and enters the engagement recess 14c1. This prevents the second plate 14b2 from moving relative to the fixed wall 14a. On the other hand, when the handle 18b is rotated to the position shown in Figure 25B, the engagement key 18f faces straight up and disengages from the engagement recess 14c1, allowing the first plate 14b1 to move relative to the fixed wall 14a.

[0044] (Operation of Locking Mechanism) Next, the operation of each locking mechanism in this embodiment will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 2, when the movable wall 14b abuts against the fixed wall 14a of the intermediate wall 14 (closed position), the outer edge of the movable wall 14b is in close contact with the fixed wall 14a, the ceiling 21, the floor 22, and the support wall 14c with almost no gap, as shown in FIG. 6. As a result, the first lavatory compartment 11 and the second lavatory compartment 12 are separated by the intermediate wall 14, forming closed spaces that ensure privacy. Therefore, by opening the lavatory doors 11f and 12f, two passengers can simultaneously enter the first lavatory compartment 11 and the second lavatory compartment 12. By closing the lavatory doors 11f and 12f, these compartments can be used independently, ensuring passenger privacy and convenience.

[0045] In contrast, the space within the lavatory doors 11f, 12f is relatively small, making it difficult for a wheelchair-using passenger to enter and move from the wheelchair to the toilet. Therefore, in this embodiment, the movable wall 14b of the intermediate wall 14 is moved to open the space between the first lavatory compartment 11 and the second lavatory compartment 12, creating a large space. By connecting the spaces of the first lavatory compartment 11 and the second lavatory compartment 12, for example, a passenger who enters the first lavatory compartment 11 in a wheelchair can move from the wheelchair to the toilet 12b through the open intermediate wall 14.

[0046] However, if any passenger could open the intermediate wall 14, there would be a risk of accidentally opening the intermediate wall 14, and privacy would not be ensured. One solution to this problem would be to lock the intermediate wall 14 during general use, and have cabin attendants unlock it as needed using a key stored there. However, the key must be stored out of sight of general passengers, and retrieving the key from the storage location is time-consuming.

[0047] In contrast, according to this embodiment, for example, a cabin attendant (or a caregiver for a wheelchair-using passenger) can memorize the necessary unlocking procedure, so that the middle wall 14 can be easily opened, and privacy can be ensured without the risk of ordinary passengers who do not know the unlocking procedure opening the middle wall 14. The following describes how the middle wall 14 can be opened.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, when the movable wall 14b is in contact with the fixed wall 14a, the first locking mechanism 15, the second locking mechanism 16, the third locking mechanism 17, and the fourth locking mechanism 18 are all in a locked state.

[0049] From this locked state, for example, a cabin attendant as an operator confirms that both the first lavatory compartment 11 and the second lavatory compartment 12 are not in use, then enters the second lavatory compartment 12 and presses the push buttons B1 and B2 shown in Figure 7 to open the first access door 14b5 and the second access door 14b6 as shown in Figure 8.

[0050] When the first access door 14b5 is opened, the front handle 15b of the first locking mechanism 15 behind it becomes accessible, so the cabin attendant operates the front handle 15b to rotate it clockwise from the state shown in Figures 15A and 17 to the state shown in Figures 15B and 18. This disengages the protrusion 15f from the claw 15m. Even if the first access door 14b5 is opened, the back handle 15h cannot be accessed from the second lavatory compartment 12. Therefore, the first locking mechanism 15 and the second locking mechanism 16 remain locked.

[0051] Furthermore, by opening the second access door 14b6, the cabin attendant can access the handle 17b of the third locking mechanism 17 located behind it, and then rotates the handle 17b clockwise from the state shown in Fig. 13 to the state shown in Fig. 14. This disengages the engagement key 17f from the engagement recess 21b, thereby unlocking the third locking mechanism 17. The cabin attendant then returns the first access door 14b5 and the second access door 14b6 to their original positions.

[0052] Next, the cabin attendant leaves the second lavatory compartment 12 and enters the first lavatory compartment 11, presses the push button B3 shown in FIG. 9, and opens the third access door 14b7 as shown in FIG.

[0053] By opening the third access door 14b7, the cabin attendant can access the rear handle 15h of the first locking mechanism 15 located behind it, and then operates the rear handle 15h to rotate it clockwise from the state shown in Fig. 18 to the state shown in Fig. 19. This disengages the engagement key 15k from the engagement recess 21a and the lower end of the rod 16a from the engagement recess 22a, thereby unlocking the first locking mechanism 15 and the second locking mechanism 16. The cabin attendant then returns the third access door 14b7 to its original position.

[0054] Next, the cabin attendant presses the push button B4 shown in FIG. 23 to open the fourth access door 14b9 as shown in FIG.

[0055] Furthermore, by opening the fourth access door 14b9, the cabin attendant can access the handle 18b of the fourth lock mechanism 18 located behind it, and then rotates the handle 18b clockwise from the position shown in Fig. 25A to the position shown in Fig. 25B. This disengages the engagement key 18f from the engagement recess 14c1, thereby unlocking the fourth lock mechanism 18. The cabin attendant then returns the fourth access door 14b9 to its original position.

[0056] The above operation unlocks all of the first locking mechanism 15, the second locking mechanism 16, the third locking mechanism 17, and the fourth locking mechanism 18. The cabin attendant can open the gap between the fixed wall 14a and the support wall 14c by pushing the unlocked movable wall 14b from the first lavatory compartment 11 side toward the second lavatory compartment 12 side and folding the movable wall 14b as shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0057] At this time, the lavatory door 12f of the second lavatory compartment 12 is in a state close to the folded movable wall 14b, but the first lavatory compartment 11 can be accessed through the lavatory door 11f of the first lavatory compartment 11. After the cabin attendant leaves the first lavatory compartment 11, a passenger in a wheelchair can enter the first lavatory compartment 11 through the open lavatory door 11f. After getting out of the wheelchair, the passenger can move to the second lavatory compartment 12 side through the gap between the fixed wall 14a and the support wall 14c and sit on the toilet 12b. When the cabin attendant closes the lavatory door 11f, the large space connecting the first lavatory compartment 11 and the second lavatory compartment 12 becomes an enclosed space, ensuring privacy.

[0058] When a passenger wishes to leave the first lavatory compartment 11, the passenger moves from the toilet 12b to a wheelchair in the first lavatory compartment 11, and then passes through the lavatory door 11f opened by the cabin attendant, allowing the passenger and the wheelchair to exit the first lavatory compartment 11. The cabin attendant then returns the movable wall 14b to its aligned position with the fixed wall 14a and the support wall 14c as shown in Figure 2, and operates the first locking mechanism 15, the second locking mechanism 16, the third locking mechanism 17, and the fourth locking mechanism 18 to return to their locked states in the reverse order of the unlocking procedure. Obviously, unless the movable wall 14b moves to the closed position shown in Figure 2, the engagement key 15k cannot engage with the engagement recess 21a, the lower end of the rod 16a cannot engage with the engagement recess 22a, the engagement key 17f cannot engage with the engagement recess 21b, and the engagement key 18f cannot engage with the engagement recess 14c1, and therefore the handles linked to these cannot be returned to their original positions.

[0059] According to this embodiment, when used by general passengers, the first lavatory compartment 11 and the second lavatory compartment 12 can be used independently, and when a wheelchair-using passenger uses the lavatory, the movable wall 14b can be folded down to form a large space connecting the first lavatory compartment 11 and the second lavatory compartment 12. This allows for effective use of the limited space on the aircraft 1 and ensures convenience for passengers.

[0060] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the movable wall 14b cannot be moved unless the unlocking procedures for at least the first locking mechanism 15 and the second locking mechanism 16 are known, so passengers will not accidentally move the movable wall 14b, ensuring privacy for the first lavatory compartment 11 and the second lavatory compartment 12.

[0061] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the intermediate wall 14 may be inverted, and the cabin attendant may operate it first on the first lavatory compartment 11 side and then on the second lavatory compartment 12 side to release the locking mechanism. Also, only the first locking mechanism 15 and the third locking mechanism 17 or the fourth locking mechanism 18 may be provided.

[0062] This specification includes the following disclosure of the invention: (First Aspect) A lavatory cubicle having a first lavatory cubicle surrounded by a first housing, a second lavatory cubicle adjacent to the first lavatory cubicle and surrounded by a second housing, a movable wall movable between a closed position that closes the gap between the first lavatory cubicle and the second lavatory cubicle and an open position that opens the gap between the first lavatory cubicle and the second lavatory cubicle, and a main locking mechanism for the movable wall, wherein the first housing and the second housing form a lavatory cubicle, and the main locking mechanism includes: a first operating member that can be operated from one side of the first lavatory cubicle and the second lavatory cubicle, and a second operating member that can be operated from the other side of the first lavatory cubicle and the second lavatory cubicle. an engaging portion connected to the second operating member and movable between a locked position that prevents the movable wall from moving relative to the lavatory housing and an unlocked position that allows the movable wall to move relative to the lavatory housing; wherein, by operating the first operating member, the first operating member can be transitioned to either an engaged state in which the first operating member engages with the second operating member or a disengaged state in which the first operating member disengages from the second operating member; and when in the engaged state, the second operating member cannot be operated to move the engaging portion from the locked position to the unlocked position, and when in the disengaged state, the second operating member can be operated to move the engaging portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0063] (Second Aspect) The aircraft lavatory compartment structure according to the first aspect, wherein the first operating member is capable of transitioning from the disengaged state to the engaged state when the engaging portion is in the locked position.

[0064] (Third Aspect) The aircraft lavatory compartment structure of the first or second aspect, characterized in that the movable wall has openable and closable access doors on both sides, the main locking mechanism is disposed between the pair of access doors, and by opening one of the access doors, an operator can access the first operating member, and by opening the other access door, the operator can access the second operating member.

[0065] (Fourth Aspect) The aircraft lavatory compartment structure according to any one of the first to third aspects, characterized in that (Fourth Aspect) the first operating member has a rotatable front handle and a convex portion that rotates together with the front handle, the second operating member has a rear handle that can be rotated by shifting it relative to the rotation axis of the front handle, and a claw portion that rotates together with the rear handle, the locking portion is an engagement key that rotates together with the rear handle and can be engaged with and disengaged from an engagement recess of the lavatory housing, and the front handle is rotated to bring the convex portion into contact with the claw portion to transition to the engaged state, and the convex portion is moved away from the claw portion to transition to the disengaged state.

[0066] (Fifth Aspect) The aircraft lavatory compartment structure of the fourth aspect, characterized in that the second operating member further has a link plate connected to the rear handle and a rod connected to the link plate, and the rod moves in the axial direction by a driving force transmitted through the link plate by rotating the rear handle, and can be engaged and disengaged with an engaging recess in the lavatory housing located on the opposite side of the movable wall from the engaging portion in the vertical direction.

[0067] (Sixth Aspect) The aircraft lavatory compartment structure according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that the movable wall is disposed between a fixed wall connected to the lavatory housing and a support wall, and has a first plate and a second plate rotatable relative to the first plate, and the second plate is rotatably connected to the support wall.

[0068] (Seventh Aspect) The aircraft lavatory compartment structure of the sixth aspect, characterized in that the main locking mechanism is disposed on the second plate, and a sub-locking mechanism, separate from the main locking mechanism, is disposed on the first plate to prevent relative movement of the first plate with respect to the lavatory housing.

[0069] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 aircraft 2 seat unit 3 vertical aisle 4 fuselage door 10 lavatory compartment structure 11 first lavatory compartment 12 second lavatory compartment 14 intermediate wall 15 first locking mechanism 16 second locking mechanism 17 third locking mechanism 18 fourth locking mechanism 21 ceiling 22 floor

Claims

1. A lavatory cubicle comprising: a first lavatory cubicle surrounded by a first housing; a second lavatory cubicle adjacent to the first lavatory cubicle and surrounded by a second housing; a movable wall movable between a closed position that closes the gap between the first lavatory cubicle and the second lavatory cubicle and an open position that opens the gap between the first lavatory cubicle and the second lavatory cubicle; and a main locking mechanism for the movable wall, wherein the first housing and the second housing form a lavatory cubicle, and the main locking mechanism comprises: a first operating member that can be operated from one side of the first lavatory cubicle and the second lavatory cubicle; and a second operating member that can be operated from the other side of the first lavatory cubicle and the second lavatory cubicle. an engaging portion connected to the second operating member and movable between a locked position that prevents the movable wall from moving relative to the lavatory housing and an unlocked position that allows the movable wall to move relative to the lavatory housing; wherein, by operating the first operating member, the first operating member can be transitioned to either an engaged state in which the first operating member engages with the second operating member or a disengaged state in which the first operating member disengages from the second operating member; and when in the engaged state, the second operating member cannot be operated to move the engaging portion from the locked position to the unlocked position, and when in the disengaged state, the second operating member can be operated to move the engaging portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.

2. The aircraft lavatory compartment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the first operating member is capable of transitioning from the disengaged state to the engaged state when the engaging portion is in the locked position.

3. The aircraft lavatory compartment structure described in claim 1, characterized in that the movable wall has openable and closable access doors on both sides, the main locking mechanism is disposed between the pair of access doors, and by opening one of the access doors, an operator can access the first operating member, and by opening the other access door, an operator can access the second operating member.

4. The aircraft lavatory compartment structure described in claim 1, characterized in that: the first operating member has a rotatable front handle and a convex portion that rotates together with the front handle; the second operating member has a rear handle that can be rotated by shifting it relative to the rotation axis of the front handle and a claw portion that rotates together with the rear handle; the locking portion is an engagement key that rotates together with the rear handle and can be engaged with and disengaged from an engagement recess in the lavatory housing; and the front handle is rotated to bring the convex portion into contact with the claw portion to transition to the engaged state, and the convex portion is moved away from the claw portion to transition to the disengaged state.

5. The aircraft lavatory compartment structure described in claim 4, characterized in that the second operating member further has a link plate connected to the rear handle and a rod connected to the link plate, and the rod moves in the axial direction due to the driving force transmitted through the link plate by rotating the rear handle, and can be engaged and disengaged with respect to an engaging recess in the lavatory housing located on the opposite side of the movable wall from the engaging portion in the vertical direction.

6. The aircraft lavatory compartment structure described in claim 1, characterized in that the movable wall is arranged between a fixed wall connected to the lavatory housing and a support wall, and has a first plate and a second plate that is rotatable relative to the first plate, and the second plate is rotatably connected to the support wall.

7. The aircraft lavatory compartment structure described in claim 6, characterized in that the main locking mechanism is disposed on the second plate, and a sub-locking mechanism, separate from the main locking mechanism, is disposed on the first plate to prevent relative movement of the first plate with respect to the lavatory housing.

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