NL2005578C2

NL2005578C2 - An apparatus for emptying a portable waste holding tank.

Info

Publication number: NL2005578C2
Application number: NL2005578A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Paul Mathieu Antoon Janssen; Aloysius Maria Johannes Provaas
Original assignee: Paul Mathieu Antoon Janssen; Aloysius Maria Johannes Provaas
Priority date: 2010-10-26
Filing date: 2010-10-26
Publication date: 2012-04-27

Description

An apparatus for emptying a portable waste holding tank FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5

The invention relates to an apparatus for emptying a portable waste holding tank, comprising a frame and a motor drivable arrangement for transferring the waste holding tank to and from an emptying position.

10 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays the majority of campers and caravans in at least Europe and the United States of America is equipped with a toilet facility. Such a toilet facility has a toilet portion and is provided with a portable waste holding tank, also called a wastewater holding tank or shortly 15 a holding tank, being a container for storing sewage coming from the toilet portion. As the holding tank is a part the toilet facility, it is also called a cassette. The toilet facility may be a displaceable toilet assembly, but is mostly an assembly built into or near the bathroom of a campers, a caravan, a boat or any type of recreational vehicle. The holding tank constitutes a cassette detachably located underneath the toilet portion of the toilet facility. The holding tank 20 is removable from the toilet facility for emptying. In the case of a built-in toilet facili ty the cassette is mostly removable from outside the vehicle through a sendee opening. Generally, the holding tank has a pour-out spout and a vent, if any. The contents of holding tanks are usually emptied into a dump station. A dump station is a place where wastewater may be entered into a sewer system. Dump stations are often located at campgrounds, highway rest 25 areas and marinas and other places that are frequented by recreational vehicles and boats. The conventional way of emptying a holding tank often causes splashing of wastewater, resulting in soiling a user’s body and/or clothing. Moreover conventional dump stations are often dirty and stinking places, owing to splashing of the contents of holding tanks during emptying. The portable waste holding tank may be provided with wheels or rollers for facilitating the 30 transport to and from the dump station.

The Gebrauchsmusterschrift DE 203 08 586 U 1 discloses an apparatus for emptying faeces tanks of a certain kind of toilets. This known apparatus is provided with a motor driven conveyer chain for pulling a faeces tank from a load position to an emptying position. During 2 pulling the faeces tank from the load position to the emptying position the faeces tank is brought from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation. After emptying the faeces tank is brought back by the conveyor chain to the load position. The known apparatus is rather bulky and complex owing to the use of the conveyor chain running along several pulleys.

5 Moreover, such a chain suffers from undesired sound during operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a compact apparatus for splash-free emptying a 10 portable waste holding tank.

This object is achieved by the apparatus as defined in claim 1. More particularly, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a frame and a motor drivable arrangement for transferring the waste holding tank to and from an emptying position, wherein the motor 15 drivable arrangement comprises a tilting unit having an insert opening for inserting a waste holding tank, which tilting unit is tiltably mounted in the frame for tilting between a first position for receiving and/or returning the waste holding tank via the insert opening and a second position corresponding to the emptying position of the waste holding tank, wherein a retaining means is provided for retaining the waste holding tank in the tilting unit. De facto, 20 the tilting unit constitutes a holder having a compartment for accommodating the waste holding tank. Preferably, the frame is part of or constituted by a housing in principle closed. Generally, the frame and the tilting unit are made from a metal, such as iron or aluminium. Alternatively, suitable other materials, such as rigid and/or strong plastic materials may be used. It is noted that in most of the cases both receiving and returning of the waste holding 25 tank occur in the first position of the tilting unit.

The apparatus according to the invention can easily be compactly dimensioned due to the application of the said tilting unit which only needs a restricted space for bringing the waste holding tank to and from the emptying position. Moreover, a structure having a tilting unit 30 hardly causes any noise.

The operation of the apparatus according to the invention is quite simple. In a rest condition of the apparatus the tilting unit is in its first position, in which position the insert opening is 3 ready for receiving the waste holding tank After having inserted the waste holding tank into the insert opening of the tilting unit by a user, the apparatus can be started, manually or automatically. After starting the apparatus the tilting unit tilts the inserted waste holding tank towards its emptying position, in which position the waste holding tank is emptied. Finally, 5 the tilting unit tilts to a position in which the emptied tank can be taken out of the tilting unit. The retaining means takes care that the waste holding tank remains in the tilting unit during the operations between insertion and removal of the waste holding tank. The apparatus according to the invention provides a comfortable, hygienic and splash-free way to empty the waste holding tank, so that a user does not be worried to get dirty during emptying the waste 10 holding tank. Moreover, the environment of the apparatus can be easily maintained clean and free of odour.

In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention the tilting unit is rotatable around a shaft which is supported by the frame. In this embodiment the tilting unit is 15 able to make tilting movements by simply performing rotation movements around the shaft.

In this way, a very compact apparatus is possible. The shaft may be attached to the frame by means of a bearing. Alternatively, a bearing may be provided between the tilting unit and the shaft mounted to the frame.

20 A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the first position of the tilting unit is an upwardly inclined position. The feature applied into this embodiment facilitates the insertion of the waste holding tank into the insert opening of the tilting unit, because the insert movement is downwardly directed and thus having the benefit of the gravity force. A further advantage of this embodiment is that the pour-out spout 25 is upwardly directed during insertion and thus preventing spillage.

A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the second position of the tilting unit is a downwardly directed position. In this position the waste holding tank can be entirely emptied via its a pour-out spout directed downwardly.

30

In a practical embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention the frame supports a disposal chute, preferably a downwardly inclined chute, located substantially underneath and opposite to the insert opening of the tilting unit, considered when the tilting unit is in its second position. In this embodiment the contents poured out of the waste holding tank in the 4 second position of the tilting unit is effectively gathered. Preferably, the frame supports at least one outlet for watering the disposal chute.

A practical embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the 5 retaining means is mounted to the frame and is provided with a curved face, preferably a face having a constant radius, directed towards the insert opening of the tilting unit, considered when the tilting unit is out of its first position. During operation, the curved face cooperates with a portion of the front side, i.e. the side in which the insert opening is provided, of the waste holding tank. By the feature applied into this embodiment an effective means is 10 provided for maintaining the waste holding tank in the tilting unit. Nevertheless, other suitable retaining means, for instance locking means provided on or into the tilting unit, may be used. Such a locking means may be a latch provided near the insert opening of the tilting unit.

15 In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention the retaining means is mounted to the frame and is provided with a curved face, which is constituted by two curved strips bordering on a same or at least substantially same, i.e. common, imaginary cylindrical face and running towards each other, considered in the tilting direction from the first to the second position of the tilting unit, and being configured for guiding a spout of the waste 20 holding tank during moving the tilting unit from the first to the second position. Generally, the waste holding tanks are provided with pivotal spouts. In the present embodiment the retaining means has a double function, viz. to retain the waste holding tank during the cleaning procedure and to bring the spout of the waste holding tank in a desired orientation during moving the tilting unit to its second position. In order to perform the latter function the 25 strips are positioned such, that during inserting the waste holding tank into the tilting unit, the spout is caught between the strips. In this embodiment both a safety locking of the waste holding tank in the tilting unit during processing and a correct orientation of the spout in the emptying position are warranted.

30 A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the tilting unit has a first intermediate position, being a position, more particularly a stand-still position, between the second position and the first position, for supplying a liquid to the waste holding tank for cleaning the interior of the holding tank. This embodiment is provided with a 5 provision for cleaning the interior of the waste holding tank after being rid of its contents. The liquid may be water and/or a specific cleansing liquid.

A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is configured for 5 oscillating the tilting unit around the first intermediate position. In this embodiment the tilting unit, and thus the waste holding tank accommodated in it and being rid of its contents and partly filled with the liquid, can be oscillated resulting in cleaning the inner sides of the holding tank.

10 A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the tilting unit has a second intermediate position, being a position between the second position and the first position, for supplying a scent means to the interior of the holding tank. In this embodiment the waste holding tank being rid of its contents can be provided with a pleasant or neutral smell.

15 A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the tilting unit is configured for receiving and accommodating several kinds, more particularly selected kinds, of waste holding tanks having mutually different dimensions and is provided with a positioning means for positioning a waste holding tank belonging to said 20 kinds of waste holding tanks. In this context it is noted that various kinds of waste holding tanks are marketed. These tanks often have mutually different dimensions, different shapes and different and differently positioned pour-out spouts. The present embodiment is suitable for handling selected waste holding tanks.

25 In a practical embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention the positioning means comprises positioning elements for selective cooperation with a waste holding tank belonging to said selected kinds of waste holding tanks. The positioning means may be stops, abutments and the like, which are arranged in the tilting unit in such a configuration that each waste holding tank of each selected kind is placed in the right position during its insertion into the 30 tilting unit. The specific positions of the positioning elements depends on the shape and dimensions of the selected kinds of waste holding tanks.

A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the frame is provided with a safety door located opposite to the insert opening of the tilting 6 unit being in its first position. In this embodiment unauthorized access to the tilting unit is prevented. Only after having performed an operation specified by a routine or instruction the safety door is opened. In this way a safe use of the apparatus is guaranteed. The safety door may be constituted by a sliding door able to move vertically or horizontally, a swinging door 5 able to pivot on a vertical or horizontal axis, or by any other suitable movable barrier.

A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is provided with an electric motor for driving the tilting unit and an electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor. In this embodiment the electric motor for driving the tilting unit is controlled 10 by the electronic control unit. For instance the electronic control unit may be configured to energize the electric motor only if a predetermined safety requirement is fulfilled.

A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is provided with a lock device for locking the safety door and an electronic control unit for controlling the lock 15 device. In this embodiment the safety door is secured in its close position by the operation of the lock device, unless the electronic control unit has given a control signal to unlock. Preferably, the electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor and the electronic control unit for controlling the lock device are combined and constitute an integral electronic control device. With reference to the foregoing paragraph it is noted that a safety requirement 20 may be the close position, more particularly a detected close position, of the safety door.

A preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention is provided with a money receiving unit coupled to the electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor and/or the electronic control unit for controlling the lock device, respectively, or coupled to the 25 integral electronic control device. The expression “money receiving unit” includes all kinds of terminals for cash and electronic payments. With reference to the foregoing paragraphs it is noted that the money receiving unit may be coupled such that only after payment of a predetermined amount of money the safety door can be opened.

With reference to the attached claims it is noted that all possible combinations of features 30 mentioned in the claims are part of the invention.

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.

7

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a first side view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a second side view of the first embodiment of the apparatus according to the 5 invention;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 4A is a top view of a first kind of portable waste holding tank;

Fig. 4B is a front view of the waste holding tank of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4C is a side view of the waste holding tank of Fig. 4B; 10 Fig. 5A is a top view of a first kind of portable waste holding tank;

Fig. 5B is a front view of the waste holding tank of Fig. 5 A;

Fig. 5C is a side view of the waste holding tank of Fig. 5B;

Fig. 6A is a top view of a first kind of portable waste holding tank;

Fig. 6B is a front view of the waste holding tank of Fig. 6A; 15 Fig. 6C is a side view of the waste holding tank of Fig. 6B;

Fig. 7A is a top view of a first kind of portable waste holding tank;

Fig. 7B is a front view of the waste holding tank of Fig. 7A;

Fig. 7C is a side view of the waste holding tank of Fig. 7B;

Fig. 8 is a side view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; 20 Fig. 9 is a rear view of the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 10A is the side view of the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, its tilting unit being in its receiving position;

Fig. 10B is the side view of the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, its tilting unit being in its emptying position; 25 Fig. 10C is the side view of the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, its tilting unit being in its cleaning position;

Fig. 11 is a top view of a tilting unit applied into an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Fig. 12 is a front view of the tilting unit shown in Fig. 11; 30 Fig. 13 is a side view of the tilting unit shown in Fig. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

8

It is expressly noted that the disclosed embodiments are schematically depicted, the depicted embodiments being assumed to be transparent for clarity reasons only. The embodiments represent examples of the apparatus according to the invention. In the several figures the same reference signs have been used for corresponding parts, components and the like.

5

The apparatus according to the invention as disclosed in the figures 1 to 3 comprises a frame 2 and a motor drivable arrangement 4 for transferring a waste holding tank 100 to and from an emptying position. The waste holding tank 100 is provided with a pour-out spout 102. The frame 2 is substantially made of iron profiles, in this example the frame 2 is made of stainless 10 steel, particularly RVS 316. Panels of plastics are secured to the profiles in order to create a housing. The motor drivable arrangement 4 comprises a tilting unit 6 having an insert opening 8 for inserting the waste holding tank 100. The tilting unit 6 can be tilted around an axis 10 formed by a shaft 12 mounted to the frame 2, In the present example tilting unit 6 is secured to the shaft 12 by means of bearings 14, while the shaft 12 is firmly fixed to the frame 2.

15 Alternatively, the tilting unit can be firmly fixed to the shaft, while the shaft itself is secured to the frame by means of bearings. The tilting unit 6 is tiltable between a first position, as depicted in figure 1, and a second position, as depicted in figure 2, in which position the waste holding tank 100 is in its final emptying position. In the first position, the tilting unit 6 is slightly upwardly inclined, wherein the longitudinal axis 16 of the tilting unit 6 makes an 20 angle a of about 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal. In this position the waste holding tank 100 can easily be slid in and out of the tilting unit 6 via the insert opening 8. In the second position, the tilting unit 6 is downwardly inclined, wherein the tilting unit 6 has made a tilt of about 230 degrees with respect to its first position, seen counter clockwise. A downwardly inclined chute 20 is mounted to the frame 2. The chute 20 is located underneath 25 and opposite to the insert opening 8 of the tilting unit 6, considered when the tilting unit 6 is in its second position. The chute 20 is provided with an outlet 22 for watering the disposal chute 20.

The apparatus further comprises an electric motor 18 for rotating, more particularly tilting, the 30 tilting unit 6 from the first position to the second position, and vice versa. In this example a known transmission 24, having a belt and pulleys, is used between the electric motor 18 and the tilting unit 6. Alternatively, the electric motor can be directly coupled or coupled by means of a gear box to a drive shaft of the tilting unit. The electric motor can be any suitable electric motor, such as a stepping motor or a servomotor. It is even possible to apply a type of 9 motor not being an electric motor, e.g. a combustion motor, a hydraulic motor or a pneumatic motor. The apparatus also comprises a retaining means 26 for retaining the waste holding tank 100 in the tilting unit 6 in each position thereof, except for the first position. In this example the retaining means 26 is constituted by an element 28 mounted to the frame 2 and provided 5 with a face 30 which has a constant radius and is directed towards the insert opening 8 of the tilting unit 6 in each position thereof, except for the first position. The retaining means 26 is only diagrammatically drawn, a curve of constant radius, in the figures 2 and 3.

As can be seen in the figures 1 to 3, the pour-out spout 102 of the waste holding tank 100, 10 when accommodated in the tilting unit 6, is located near the insert opening 8 of the tilting unit 6. In the depicted embodiment the open end 104 of the pour-out spout is directed to the insert opening 8 of the tilting unit 6. Alternatively, the open end may be in the plane of the opening 8. Due to the applied inventive measures a splash-free use of the apparatus, i.e. splash-free emptying the waste holding tank, is warranted.

15

The present embodiment is provided with a first electronic control unit, not depicted, for controlling the electric motor 18. The electronic control unit includes a first position sensor 32 for providing a first signal indicating that the tilting unit 6 has reached its first position, and a second position sensor 34 for providing a second signal indicating that the tilting unit 6 has 20 reached its second position. Both after receiving the first signal and the second signal the first electronic control unit switches off the electric motor 18. In order to have a well-defined first position of the tilting unit 6, the frame 2 is provided with an abutment 36 for the tilting unit 6 in its first position.

25 The present embodiment is also provided with a second electronic control unit, not depicted in the figures 1 to 3, for controlling a safety door 40, only diagrammatically depicted in the figures 1 and 2, arranged in the frame 2 and face to face with the insert opening 8 of the tilting unit 6, when the tilting unit 6 is in its first position. The second electronic control unit has a close-door sensor for providing a safety signal indicating that the safety door is in its close 30 position. Alternatively, the close-door sensor may provide a non-safety signal indicating that the safety door is not in its close position. Only after receiving a signal information indicating that the safety door is really closed, the second electronic control unit allows energizing the electric motor 18. In the present embodiment, the first and second electronic control units are 10 integrated to one electronic control device for full control of the electric motor 18. Due to the applied safety provisions a safe operation of the apparatus is warranted.

The embodiment depicted in the figures 1 to 3 may be provided with further features. For 5 instance, the tilting unit 6 may have a first intermediate position, being a stand-still position between the second position as disclosed in figure 2 and the first position as disclosed in figure 1, for supplying a liquid to the empty waste holding tank 100 after discharging its dirty contents in the second position. The first intermediate position may be detected by a first intermediate position sensor, not depicted in the figures 1 to 3. In this variant, the frame 2 is 10 provided with a first nozzle, not depicted in the figures 1 to 3, for supplying the liquid. The first nozzle is controlled by the electronic control device. The liquid may be water to which a specific cleansing means may be added. After supplying said liquid to the waste holding tank 100 the electronic control device energizes the electric motor 18 for oscillating the tilting unit 6 around the first intermediate position for cleaning the interior of the holding tank 100. After 15 a predetermined number of oscillations the electronic control device energizes the electric motor 18 to move the tilting unit 6 to its second position again and subsequently in the direction of the first position. Additionally to the above variant, or in another variant, the tilting unit 6 has a second intermediate position, being a stand-still position between the second position and the first position, for supplying a scent means to the interior of the 20 emptied and preferably cleaned waste holding tank 100 before the tilting unit 6 reaches its first position. The second intermediate position may be detected by a second intermediate position sensor, not depicted in the figures 1 to 3. The frame 2 is provided with a second nozzle, not depicted in the figures 1 to 3, for supplying the scent means. The second nozzle is controlled by the electronic control device. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that all 25 movements of the tilting unit 6 are controlled by the electronic control device. The present embodiment may be provided with a tap, not depicted in the figures 1 to 3, which may be used for cleaning the exterior of the waste holding tank 100. The apparatus according to the invention and provided with the features specifically relating to cleaning, as mentioned in this paragraph, is very attractive because of the fully cleaned and well-smelling returned holding 30 tank.

In the figures 4A to 7B different kinds of waste holding tanks, known per se, are disclosed by way of example. Each waste holding tank 100 is provided with a bottom 110 and with a spout 102 near its front side 108. The spout 102 has an open end 104 and is pivotally mounted in a 11 top wall 106 of the relevant waste holding tank 100, the spout 102 being pivotal in a plane parallel to the bottom 110 of the waste holding tank 100. The waste holding tanks 100 depicted in the figures 4A to 7B have mutually different length, width and depth dimensions. The apparatus according to the invention is preferably configured to handle at least selected 5 kinds of waste holding tanks.

In the figures 8 to 10C a preferred variant of the apparatus shown in the figures 1 to 3 is depicted. Although this variant has much features in common with the first embodiment, there are some differences. First of all the second embodiment is configured for handling several 10 kinds of waste holding tanks 100. For this reason the second embodiment is provided with an adapted tilting unit 6 as detailedly disclosed in the figures 11 to 13.Furthermore, the electric motor 18 and the transmission 24 as applied into the first embodiment have been replaced by a stepping motor 18 connected to a shaft 12 of the tilting unit 6 by means of a gear box 25. Alternatively, the stepping motor can be coupled directly to the shaft 12. Applying a stepping 15 motor reduces the need of position sensors. It is also possible to make use of a servomotor.

As the second embodiment resembles the first embodiment it will not be discussed very detailedly.

The apparatus as disclosed in the figures 8 to 10C serves for emptying portable waste holding 20 tanks 100. The apparatus comprises a frame 2 and a motor drivable arrangement for transferring a waste holding tank to and from an emptying position. The motor drivable arrangement comprises the tilting unit 6, which has an insert opening 8 for inserting a waste holding tank 100 and which is tiltably mounted in the frame 2 for tilting between a first position for receiving and/or returning a waste holding tank 100 via the insert opening 8 and a 25 second position corresponding to said emptying position. A retaining means 26 is provided for retaining the waste holding tank 100 in the tilting unit 6. The tilting unit 6 is rotatable, more particularly pivotal, around the shaft 12 which is secured to the tilting unit 6 and is beared in the frame 2. The first position of the tilting unit 6 is an upwardly inclined position, as depicted in figures 8 and 10A, while the second position of the tilting unit 6 is a 30 downwardly directed position, as depicted in figure 10B. The retaining means 26 is mounted to the frame 2 and is provided with a curved face 30 having a constant radius and being directed towards the insert opening 8 of the tilting unit 6 when it is out of its first position. In this example the curved face 30 is constituted by two curved strips 31 which are positioned on a common imaginary cylindrical face around the shaft 12. The strips 31 run towards each 12 other, considered in the tilting direction T from the first to the second position of the tilting unit 6, and are configured for guiding a pour-out spout 102 of the waste holding tank 100 during moving the tilting unit 6 from the first to the second position. Preferably, the strips 31 are provided with a plastic coating or cladding to prevent damage of the spout 102. A chute 5 20 is secured to the frame 2 and is located underneath and opposite to the insert opening 8 of the tilting unit 6, considered when the tilting unit 6 is in its second position. The chute 20 is provided with an outlet 22 for watering the disposal chute 20. A protective plate 42 is also secured to the frame 2.

10 The tilting unit 6 has a first intermediate position, being a position between the second position and the first position, as depicted in figure 10C, for supplying a liquid, such as water and the like, to the emptied waste holding tank 100. The second embodiment is configured for oscillating the tilting unit 6 around the first intermediate position for cleaning the interior of the holding tank 100 using the supplied water and the like. For this reason a nozzle 44 for 15 supplying water is secured to the frame 2. The tilting unit 6 has a second intermediate position, being a position between the second position and the first position, in this example very close to the first position, for supplying a scent means to the interior of the holding tank 100. For this reason a nozzle 46 for supplying scent is secured to the frame 2.

20 The frame 2 of the second embodiment is provided with a safety door 40 substantially located opposite to the insert opening 8 of the tilting unit 6 when the tilting unit 6 in its first position. A lock device for locking the safety door is also provided.

An electronic control unit for controlling the stepping motor 18 and the lock device is 25 accommodated in or near the frame 2. The apparatus is provided with a fan 48 which may also be controlled by the electronic unit. A money receiving unit coupled to the electronic control unit is also accommodated in or near the frame 2. The money receiving unit may be integrated into a control panel 90 of the apparatus.

30 As already indicated above, the tilting unit 6 of the second embodiment is configured for accommodating selected kinds of waste holding tanks 100 having mutually different dimensions and is provided with a guiding and/or positioning means, in this paper also shortly mentioned a positioning means, for positioning a waste holding tank 100 belonging to said kinds of waste holding tanks. The guiding and/or positioning means comprises guiding and/or 13 positioning elements for selective cooperation with a waste holding tank 100 of said selected kinds of waste holding tanks.

In the figures 11 to 13 the tilting unit 6 of the second embodiment is depicted in detail, more 5 particularly, said guiding and/or positioning elements are disclosed. The tilting unit 6 has a front side 6A in which an insert opening 8 is provided. The tilting unit 6 further has a rear side 6B, a top side 6C, a bottom side 6D and two lateral sides 6E.

In this example the tilting unit 6 is able to receive and accommodate each of the four waste 10 holding tank types as shown in the figures 4A to 7C. For receiving and accommodating a waste holding tank 100 of the type depicted in the figures 4A to 4C the tilting unit 6 is provided with a front positioning element 50, a front counter-guide element 52 and a top positioning element 54. For receiving and accommodating a waste holding tank 100 of the type depicted in the figures 5 A to 5 C the tilting unit 6 is provided with the front positioning 15 element 50, a centring element 56, the element 52 serving as a centring element, a first end stop element 58 and the top positioning element 54. For receiving and accommodating a waste holding tank 100 of the type depicted in the figures 6A to 6C the tilting unit 6 is provided with the front positioning element 50, the centring element 56, the element 52 serving as a centring element, two rear counter-guide elements 60, a second end stop element 20 62 and the top positioning element 54. For receiving and accommodating a waste holding tank 100 of the type depicted in the figures 7A to 7C the tilting unit 6 is provided with the front positioning element 50, the centring element 56, the element 52 serving as a centring element, the rear counter-guide elements 60, a third end stop element 64, an end stop and centring element 66 and the top positioning element 54. By varying positions, orientations, 25 shapes and/or dimensions of the guiding and positioning elements, as well as by adding guiding and/or positioning means the tilting unit 6 can be adapted to other types of waste holding tanks.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not 30 limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing. Several amendments and modifications of said examples are possible without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined in the attached claims. While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The present invention is not 14 limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by a person skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the description and the attached claims. In the claims, the word “comprise” and conjugations thereof do not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite 5 article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

15

EMBODIMENTS

1. An apparatus for emptying a portable waste holding tank, comprising a frame and a motor drivable arrangement for transferring the waste holding tank to and from an emptying position, characterized in that the motor drivable arrangement comprises a tilting unit having 5 an insert opening for inserting the waste holding tank and being tiltably mounted in the frame for tilting between a first position for receiving and/or returning the waste holding tank via the insert opening and a second position corresponding to the emptying position of the waste holding tank, wherein a retaining means is provided for retaining the waste holding tank in the tilting unit.

10 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the tilting unit is rotatable around a shaft being supported by the frame.

3. The apparatus of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the first position of the tilting unit is an 15 upwardly inclined position.

4. The apparatus of embodiment 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second position of the tilting unit is a downwardly directed position.

20 5. The apparatus of embodiment 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the retaining means is mounted to the frame and is provided with a curved face, preferably a face having a constant radius, directed towards the insert opening of the tilting unit, being out of its first position.

6. The apparatus of embodiment 5, wherein the curved face is constituted by two curved strips 25 being positioned on a common imaginary cylindrical face and running towards each other, considered in the tilting direction from the first to the second position of the tilting unit, and being configured for guiding a spout of the waste holding tank during moving the tilting unit from the first to the second position.

30 7. The apparatus of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the tilting unit has a first intermediate position, being a position between the second position and the first position, for supplying a liquid to the waste holding tank for cleaning the interior of the holding tank.

16 8. The apparatus of embodiment 7, wherein the apparatus is configured for oscillating the tilting unit around the first intermediate position.

9. The apparatus of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the tilting unit has a second 5 intermediate position, being a position between the second position and the first position, for supplying a scent means to the interior of the holding tank.

10. The apparatus of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the tilting unit is configured for accommodating selected kinds of waste holding tanks having mutually 10 different dimensions and is provided with a positioning means for positioning a waste holding tank belonging to said kinds of waste holding tanks.

11. The apparatus of embodiment 10, wherein the positioning means comprises positioning elements for selective cooperation with a waste holding tank of said selected kinds of waste 15 holding tanks.

12. The apparatus of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the frame is provided with a safety door substantially located opposite to the insert opening of the tilting unit being in its first position.

20 13. The apparatus of embodiment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, provided with an electric motor for driving the tilting unit and an electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor.

25 14. The apparatus of embodiment 12 or 13, provided with a lock device for locking the safety door and an electronic control unit for controlling the lock device.

15. The apparatus of embodiment 13 and/or 14, provided with a money receiving unit coupled to the electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor and/or the electronic control 30 unit for controlling the lock device.

Claims

1. Apparaat voor het leeg maken van een draagbare toilettank, omvattende een gestel en een door een motor aandrijfbare inrichting voor het verplaatsen van de toilettank naar en vanaf 5 een leegmaak positie, met het kenmerk dat de door een motor aandrijfbare inrichting een kanteleenheid (6), welke is voorzien van een insteekopening (8) voor het insteken van de toilettank en kantelbaar in het gestel (2) is gelagerd voor kanteling tussen een eerste positie voor het via de insteekopening ontvangen en/of teruggeven van de toilettank en een tweede positie overeenkomende met de leegmaak positie van de toilettank, waarbij een 10 vasthoudmiddel (26) is voorzien voor het vasthouden van de toilettank in de kanteleenheid.An apparatus for emptying a portable toilet tank, comprising a frame and a motor-driven device for moving the toilet tank to and from an emptying position, characterized in that the motor-driven device comprises a tilting unit (6 ), which is provided with an insertion opening (8) for inserting the toilet tank and is tiltably mounted in the frame (2) for tilting between a first position for receiving and / or returning the toilet tank via the insertion opening and a second position corresponding to the emptying position of the toilet tank, wherein a holding means (26) is provided for holding the toilet tank in the tilting unit.

2. Apparaat volgens conclusie 1, waarbij de kanteleenheid (6) draaibaar is om een door het gestel ondersteunde as (12).Device according to claim 1, wherein the tilting unit (6) is rotatable about an axis (12) supported by the frame.

3. Apparaat volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij de eerste positie van de kanteleenheid (6) een omhoog hellende positie is.Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first position of the tilting unit (6) is an upwardly inclined position.

4. Apparaat volgens conclusie 1, 2 of 3, waarbij de tweede positie van de kanteleenheid (6) een omlaag hellende positie is. 20Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second position of the tilting unit (6) is a downwardly inclined position. 20

5. Apparaat volgens conclusie 1, 2, 3 of 4, waarbij het vasthoudmiddel (26) is bevestigd aan het gestel (2) en is voorzien van een gebogen vlak (30), bijvoorkeur een vlak met een constante radius, welk vlak gericht is naar de insteekopening (8) van kanteleenheid (6), beschouwd wanneer deze zich buiten de eerste positie bevindt. 25Apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the retaining means (26) is attached to the frame (2) and is provided with a curved surface (30), preferably a surface with a constant radius, which surface is oriented towards the insertion opening (8) of tilting unit (6), when it is outside the first position. 25

6. Apparaat volgens een van de conclusie 5, waarbij het gebogen vlak (30) is gevormd door twee gebogen strippen (31), welke strippen aan een gemeenschappelijk denkbeeldig gebogen vlak grenzen en naar elkaar toelopen, gezien in een kantelrichting van de eerste naar de tweede positie van de kanteleenheid (6), en welke strippen zijn ingericht voor het geleiden 30 van een afvoerpijp (102) van de toilettank (100) tijdens het van de eerste naar de tweede positie bewegen van de kanteleenheid.Apparatus according to any of the claims 5, wherein the curved surface (30) is formed by two curved strips (31), which strips adjoin a common imaginary curved surface and run towards each other, viewed in a direction of tilt from the first to the second position of the tilting unit (6), and which strips are adapted to guide a discharge pipe (102) from the toilet tank (100) during the tilting unit moving from the first to the second position.

7. Apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de kanteleenheid (6) een eerste tussenpositie, zijnde een positie tussen de tweede positie en de eerste positie, heeft voor het toevoeren van een vloeistof naar de toilettank (100) voor het schoonmaken van het binnenste van de toilettank.An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting unit (6) has a first intermediate position, being a position between the second position and the first position, for supplying a liquid to the toilet tank (100) for cleaning the interior of the toilet tank.

8. Apparaat volgens conclusie 7, waarbij het apparaat is ingericht voor het oscilleren van de 5 kanteleenheid (6) rond de eerste tussenpositie.8. Device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the device is adapted to oscillate the tilting unit (6) around the first intermediate position.

9. Apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de kanteleenheid (6) een tweede tussenpositie, zijnde een positie tussen de tweede positie en de eerste positie, heeft voor het toevoeren van een reukmiddel aan het binnenste van de toilettank (100). 10An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting unit (6) has a second intermediate position, being a position between the second position and the first position, for supplying a scent to the interior of the toilet tank (100). 10

10. Apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de kanteleenheid (6) is ingericht voor het opnemen van geselecteerde soorten toilettanks (100) van onderling verschillende afmetingen en is daartoe voorzien van een positioneermiddel voor het positioneren van een toilettank behorende tot de genoemde soorten toilettanks. 15Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting unit (6) is adapted to receive selected types of toilet tanks (100) of mutually different dimensions and is provided for this purpose with a positioning means for positioning a toilet tank belonging to said types toilet tanks. 15

11. Apparaat volgens conclusie 10, waarbij het positioneermiddel positioneerelementen omvat voor het selectief samenwerken met een toilettank (100) behorende tot de genoemde soorten toilettanks.The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the positioning means comprises positioning elements for selectively cooperating with a toilet tank (100) belonging to said types of toilet tanks.

12. Apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij het gestel (2) is voorzien van een veiligheidsdeur (40), welke tegenover de insteekopening (8) van de kanteleenheid (6) bevindt, beschouwd wanneer deze zich in de eerste positie bevindt.Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (2) is provided with a safety door (40), which is opposite the insertion opening (8) of the tilting unit (6), when it is in the first position.

13. Apparaat volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, voorzien van een elektrische motor 25 (18) voor het aandrijven van de kanteleenheid (6) en van een elektronische regeleenheid voor het regelen van de elektrische motor.Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, provided with an electric motor (18) for driving the tilting unit (6) and with an electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor.

14. Apparaat volgens conclusie 12 of 13, voorzien van een vergrendelmechanisme voor het vergrendelen van de veiligheidsdeur (40) en voorzien van een elektronische regeleenheid voor 30 het regelen van het vergrendelmechanisme.14. Device as claimed in claim 12 or 13, provided with a locking mechanism for locking the security door (40) and provided with an electronic control unit for controlling the locking mechanism.

15. Apparaat volgens conclusie 13 en/of 14, voorzien van een geldautomaat, welke is gekoppeld met de elektronische regeleenheid voor het regelen van de elektrische motor en/of de elektronische regeleenheid voor het regelen van het vergrendelmechanisme.An apparatus according to claim 13 and / or 14, provided with an ATM, which is coupled to the electronic control unit for controlling the electric motor and / or the electronic control unit for controlling the locking mechanism.