EP0179725B1 - Closet pan with an automatic device for cleaning the seat - Google Patents

Abstract

Sanitary installation. The lavatory seat comprises: a bowl comprising on its upper rim, support and guiding means which are interrupted, a seat formed by a closed ring mounted on said means, a unit for cleaning the peripheral surface of the seat, a driving member for driving the seat in a sliding movement on the means, and means for controlling: the operation of the unit, and the supply of the motor conjugated to the operation of the unit, Application to lavatory seats with incorporated flush tank.

Description

The present invention relates to cabinet seats constituted by a bowl providing a seat window and it aims, more specifically, such seats comprising means for ensuring the automatic cleaning of the window.

If the toilet seats with seat offer, undoubtedly, a real comfort for the user, they are, on the other hand, the object of certain reservations because of the risks of pollution or contamination which they present, in particular when these are public or collective sanitary facilities.

In order to satisfy an understandable need for hygiene, various proposals have been made to ensure the cleaning and sanitation of the telescope.

German patent 252,298 has, in particular, proposed adding to a bowl seat a device in the form of a vertical casing comprising, internally, means for driving in endless scrolling of two glasses which can be successively adapted on the bowl and placed in relation to a cleaning station located inside the housing.

Such a first proposition has the merit of providing a solution to the problem posed. However, the technical solution adopted is not satisfactory for various reasons.

Firstly, the casing and the technical means for driving in endless scrolling represent a bulky and more or less complex assembly which is difficult to adapt or installed in the premises reserved for the installation of toilets.

Secondly, the cleaning and sanitation of the telescope is not completely and satisfactorily ensured, because of the shape that these glasses generally present. The initial function to be assumed is only partially fulfilled and leaves the fears or reservations of the user.

Thirdly, according to the solution proposed by such a patent, it is up to the user to control himself, manually, the operation of the assembly to ensure the erasure of the telescope used and the installation of the bezel cleaned and sanitized.

In the case of collective or public installations, such a function is rarely, if ever, taken over by the user who has used the sanitary installation, so that the subsequent user is obliged to substitute himself for satisfy the need for hygiene which preoccupies him.

Another proposal has been to make available to users sheets of paper or the like supplied by a distributor and cut out to be placed on the telescope.

It is understandable that such a solution is not satisfactory, in particular, in the case of collective or public installations, because, in addition to the obligation to regularly recharge the distributor, it should be noted that the problem of pollution or contamination of the telescope remains as a whole.

We also know the teaching provided by French patent 2,316,905 which is inspired by the solution proposed by German patent 252,298.

This teaching is not more satisfactory, because the recommended installation is even more complex and, consequently, expensive, bulky and random operation.

Similar reservations are to be made with regard to the French addition certificates 2 344 261, 2 365 323, 2 380 762 and 2 397 821

Also known is European patent application 0 092 481 which relates to a toilet installation proposing a set for cleaning the telescope, also inspired by the initial teaching according to German patent 252 298.

The solutions recommended by this European application are particularly complex and, therefore, difficult to implement. The technical means recommended undoubtedly lead to a set of very high cost, of questionable reliability due to the large number of constituent elements which compose it and of a disproportionate bulk, generally prohibitive for installation in sanitary premises, in particular of public or collective character.

The prior art conceals other proposals based on a different technique consisting, in its general principle, of making the bezel rotating, in order to make it pass through a cleaning unit carried by the rear shelf of the bowl.

One of the previous publications which would seem to correspond to the most appropriate and space-saving proposition for solving the problem posed is patent NL-A-7,017,438. According to this patent, it is recommended to mount a circular guide rail on the edge of the bowl, to fit on this rail a bezel of complementary profile delimiting, internally, a rack engaged with a drive pinion carried by the output shaft of an electric motor mounted on the bowl. The telescope passes through a cleaning and drying unit, the technical means of which are not expressly defined.

The teaching provided by such a document could be considered as answering the problem posed, insofar as the analysis made of it remains limited. In reality, such a proposal is not satisfactory for the following reasons.

First of all, the requirement of interposition of a rail poses significant problems of adaptation and fixing on existing models of bowls. Such a rail also represents a profile with a large surface contact which is not favorable to flexible sliding with little friction. An important engine problem is therefore consider.

Then, the delimitation of an external rack implies, for hygienic reasons, to conform the bezel to cover this rack and make it inaccessible. This has at least two negative consequences. The first resides in the greater width conferred on the telescope and, consequently, on the means to be provided on the cup to support it. The second is the difficulty, if not the impossibility, of carrying out an effective cleaning of this conformation of the telescope.

Finally, the proposal to set up a cleaning unit without specifying the means, leaves those skilled in the art puzzled. Indeed, the unit can be formed of spongy cleaning and drying masses, which, undoubtedly, cannot be an effective, practical and durable solution. The unit may otherwise include a dispenser for disinfectant liquids and, in this case, nothing is indicated to ensure effective drying. It should also be noted that, in such a case, no information is offered to avoid splashes, drops and runoff of the liquid product.

In reality, this patent only provides instruction on the motorization of the telescope and does not answer the real problem posed, which is that of ensuring, effectively and without environmental pollution, the cleaning-disinfection of a telescope following each use, automatically and safely.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of currently known solutions, in. offering a new cabinet seat with an automatic lens cleaning device.

The new seat according to the invention is designed so as to offer a certainty of cleaning and sanitation of the telescope over the entire peripheral surface of the latter, so as to exactly satisfy the need for hygiene felt by users, that they are sanitary facilities of a private, collective or public nature.

The cabinet seat according to the invention is, moreover, designed so as to constitute a set of overall dimensions of the same order as the bowl seats with supported cistern, in order to thus allow an easy and rapid installation, whatever reception rooms.

The cabinet seat according to the invention is also designed so as to be able to assume the function of cleaning and sanitation of the telescope, whatever the type of energy or means of evacuation used, that is to say say that it is a toilet flushing effect, crushing effect, chemical decomposition, etc ...

The cabinet seat is also designed so that the cleaning-sanitation function automatically represents the final phase of use, so as to offer a subsequent user a certainty of decontamination and cleanliness of the telescope.

The cabinet seat according to the invention is, moreover, also designed so as to assume the function of sanitation cleaning, even in the case where the installation of the bowl seat is carried out with dissociation and local implantation distant from one or more tanks responsible for delivering a drainage and / or sanitation liquid, whether it is water intended to achieve a flushing effect or an antiseptic cleaning mixture responsible for washing the bowl and controlling the opening an evacuation flap, etc ...

The cabinet seat is also designed to make a cleaning-disinfection function possible without surrounding liquid projection and with certain elimination, by the material evacuation circuit, of cleaning products. The seat according to the invention, of ordinary size, can thus be mounted without requiring the installation of clean external conduits or pipes, nor surfaces, tanks or capacities for receiving and retaining flows of the cleaning product or products used.

• une cuvette comportant, sur son bord supérieur, des moyens de support et de guidage faisant corps avec la cuvette et qui sont interrompus, au moins en partie, localement dans la partie correspondant sensiblement à une plage arrière de la. cuvette,
• une lunette formée par un anneau fermé offrant. par sa face inférieure, une conformation complémentaire aux moyens sur lesquels ladite conformation est adaptée avec possibilité de glissement et de façon amovible,
• au moins un bassinet présenté par la plage arrière de la cuvette, dans la zone d'interruption des moyens, et communicant avec un canal d'écoulement débouchant dans la cuvette,
• une unité de nettoyage de la surface périphérique de la lunette, disposée dans la zone d'interruption des moyens et au moins en partie à l'aplomb du bassinet,
• un organe moteur placé dans la zone d'interruption des moyens et chargé d'entraîner en glissement et en défilement la lunette à travers ladite zone et l'unité,

To achieve the above objects, the object of the invention is characterized in that it comprises:.

• a bowl comprising, on its upper edge, support and guide means integral with the bowl and which are interrupted, at least in part, locally in the part corresponding substantially to a rear range of the. bowl,
• a bezel formed by a closed ring offering. by its lower face, a conformation complementary to the means on which said conformation is adapted with the possibility of sliding and in a removable manner,
• at least one pelvis presented by the rear shelf of the bowl, in the zone of interruption of the means, and communicating with a flow channel opening into the bowl,
• a unit for cleaning the peripheral surface of the telescope, disposed in the zone of interruption of the means and at least partly in line with the pelvis,
• a motor member placed in the area of interruption of the means and responsible for causing the telescope to slide and slide through said area and the unit,

• le fonctionnement temporaire de l'unité,
• et l'alimentation conjuguée de l'organe moteur pour entraîner le défilemeAt de la lunette sur au moins un tour complet par rapport à l'unité.

and means for ordering:

• temporary operation of the unit,
• and the combined supply of the motor member to drive the telescope through at least one complete revolution relative to the unit.

Particular embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective of the object of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view, partly in section, corresponding to fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view, similar to FIG. 2, but illustrating various construction details.

Fig. 4 is a cross section taken, on a larger scale, along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3.

Fig. 5 is a cross section taken, on a different scale, along the line V-V of FIG. 3.

Figs. 6 and 7 are partial sections taken, on a larger scale, along lines VI-VI and VII-VII of FIG. 2.

Fig. 8 is a partial perspective showing a detail of embodiment of a constituent element according to FIG. 7.

Fig. 9 is a partial cross section taken, on a larger scale, along the line IX-IX of FIG. 2.

Fig. 10 is a schematic view illustrating one of the constituent elements of the subject of the invention.

Figs. 11 to 14 are partial cross-sections showing, on a larger scale, four different embodiments of some of the constituent elements of the object of the invention.

Fig. 15 is a partial section illustrating an embodiment specific to the embodiments according to FIGS. 13 and 14.

Fig. 16 is a view similar to FIGS. 11 to 14 and representing a preferred embodiment of some of the constituent elements of the object of the invention.

Figs. 1 to 3 show that the object of the invention is a cabinet seat 1, of the bowl type, which can be likened to a bowl of traditional shape and of conventional embodiment.

According to the invention, the upper edge of this bowl is made so as to comprise means 2, integral with the bowl, to provide support and guidance for a complementary bezel 3, formed by a closed ring mounted with the possibility of sliding, for example in the direction of the arrow f _i . According to fig. 1 to 3, the bowl 1 has, in its upper plane, an oval geometric conformation. It should be considered that a circular conformation can also be retained within the meaning of the invention. In the case of a construction according to an oval geometry, the closed ring constituting the bezel 3 is made of an elastically deformable material, so as to adapt to the variations in curvature imposed by the means 2 with which they cooperate during its displacement in its plane, in the direction of the arrow f _i .

The means 2 are constituted, in an exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 4, by a bead 4 projecting from the upper edge of the bowl and interrupted locally in the part corresponding substantially to the rear of the bowl. The local interruption can, for example, cover an angular range substantially equal to 90 ° centered on the corresponding focal point, in the case of an oval embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, or about 60 ° centered on the center of the telescope in the case of circular realization of the latter. Fig. 4 shows that the bead 4 can be formed so as to. also be integral with a peripheral veil 5 representing a gutter 6. As is usually formed by the toilet bowls, the veil 5 and the gutter 6 make it possible to avoid projections of the cleaning, disinfection and / or flush and direct such a fluid over the entire inner periphery of the bowl to ensure cleaning of the entire surface of the latter.

When the means 2 are constituted, as said above, by a bead 4, the constituent closed ring. of the bezel 3 is, for example, produced in the form of a profile of the "C •" type. The ring can thus be fitted onto the bead 4, so that its longitudinal edges 3a engage under shoulders 4a formed by the bead 4. The edges 3a and the shoulders 4a represent means of transverse relative immobilization conferring a held at the ring 3 on the bead 4, while reserving a possibility of sliding, as well as a possibility of release or extraction to facilitate the possible change of the ring.

La- fig. 4 shows that the internal peripheral face of the ring 3 has projecting ribs 7, possibly reinforced, intended to bear on the surface of the bead, so as to represent sliding members reducing friction.

The bezel 3, formed in the form of a closed ring with transverse profile in "C", is thus fitted.on the means 2 with respect to which it can rotate, for example in the direction of the arrow f ₁ , while being moved by guidance relative to the means 2 which provide support and support.

The telescope 3 can thus be brought to cross, by its entire perimeter length, the zone of local interruption of the means 2 by extending, in this interrupted part, parallel to the upper surface of a plane rear shelf 8 formed by the above the bowl 1. To facilitate the support and the movement of the telescope 3, provision may be made to have punctual supports in the interruption zone of the means 2.

The rear shelf 8 provides the support for a cleaning unit 9 and a motor member 10 responsible for causing the sliding of the telescope 3 relative to the means 2, for example in the direction of the arrow f ₁ . The cleaning unit 9 and the drive member 10 are arranged substantially vertically in line with two depressions 11 and 12 which are formed (FIG. 5) in the area 8, in the zone of interruption of the means 2. These depressions constitute, in a way, widely open funnels or basins communicating, respectively through a hole 13 or 14, with the flow channel 1a formed in the bowl 1 for the passage of a liquid for cleaning the bowl. Depending on the type of toilet, such a liquid may be a mixture of disinfectant products or, again, water distributed, as is known, so as to assume a flushing effect.

The unit 9 and the drive member 10 are carried by the bowl, so as to be placed in the zone local interruption of the means 2. For this purpose, they can be fixed directly on the track 8 or be carried by a plate 15 adaptable on this range by conventional removable fixing means.

The cleaning unit 9 comprises means 16 for delivering a disinfectant product and means 17 for ensuring the elimination of such a product taken from a tank.

In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the means 16 for delivering the disinfectant product are of the spray type. These means 16 include two tubular ramps 18 and 19 shaped to surround the transverse profile of the ring constituting the telescope 3. The ramps 18 and 19 are preferably fixed on the plate 15 and are connected by fittings 20 and 21 with supply lines for a liquid disinfectant product under pressure. Different means of supplying such a product can be envisaged from a reserve not illustrated in FIG. 6, but forming part of the unit 9 and being able to be placed at a distance from this unit or to be incorporated into the latter. In all cases, the supply of the ramps 18 and 19 is provided intermittently according to a cycle of use as shown in the following. ''

Preferably, the ramp 18 is mounted on a hinge pin 22, for example horizontal, to be movable in the direction of the arrow f ₂ against the action of an elastic return member 23 responsible for always maintaining the ramp 18 in a stable position against a support stop 24. The above assembly allows, when necessary, to raise the ramp 18 to allow the release and extraction of the closed ring when it is desired to carry out a dislocation of the latter relative to the means 2, in view, for example, of its change for deterioration or wear.

The means 17 for eliminating the disinfectant product, as illustrated in FIG. 7, comprise two scraper supports 25 and 26 shaped in a manner substantially analogous to the ramps 18 and 19, to surround the transverse profile of the closed ring 3. The scraper supports 25 and 26 are mounted in the same manner as described above for the ramps 18 and 19 and are also, for example, carried by the plate 15. For the same reasons as above, the scraper support 25 is mounted articulated on an axis 27 while being always biased by an elastic member 28 to occupy a stable position against a support stop 29.

The scraper supports 25 and 26 carry linings 30 and 31 responsible for wiping the entire transverse periphery of the constitutive profile of the ring 3. These linings 30 and 31 may be formed by bristles, fibers or scrapers, preferably in elastomer. In such a case, it is advantageous to impart to the scrapers, as illustrated in FIG. 8, an inclination in the direction of movement according to the arrow f ₁ of the ring 3, so as to ensure good fitting of the linings over the entire transverse periphery of the ring. The means 16 and 17 described above are preferably arranged in a substantially radial direction relative to the part of the ring 3 passing through the interruption zone of the support and guide means 2.

In some cases, provision may be made for several pairs of scraper supports arranged one after the other to form the means 17.

The motor member 10, responsible for causing the ring 3 to run on the means 2, comprises a motor 32 which may be of the water or electric type. The motor 32 is adapted to track 8 or, preferably, is removably fixed to the plate 15. The output shaft 33 of the motor 32 is provided with a driving roller 34 placed in permanent surface cooperation with the ring 3 being, for example, engaged inside the profile that determines it. The drive roller 34 may include grooves 35 matching the ribs 7 presented by the ring 3. The drive member 10 further comprises a pressure roller 36 mounted free to rotate on a shaft 37 secured by an axis of horizontal articulation 38 on the plate 15. The shaft 37 is biased by a spring 39 responsible for permanently pressing the counter-roller 36 on the top of the ring 3 which is thus itself pressed on the periphery of the driving roller 34 Fig. 2 shows that the drive member is arranged like the means 16 and 17, so that the output shaft 33 preferably extends in a substantially radial direction relative to the part of the ring 3 crossing the interruption zone of the means 2.

Means, described below, are provided to trigger the operation of the unit 9 and that of the motor member 10 when, after use, a user controls the rinsing or cleaning of the bowl. These means are activated automatically when the user acts on the control made available to him to clean or rinse the bowl.

These means then supply the ramps 18 and 19 responsible for spraying the entire periphery of the ring 3 with the disinfectant product provided for this purpose and leads to the ramps through the fittings 20 and 21.

These means ensure the combined supply of the motor 32 which rotates the drive roller 34 ensuring, in cooperation with the pressure counter-roller 36, the movement of the ring 3 in sliding on the means 2. The drive, for example in the direction of arrow f ₁ , has the effect of scrolling the entire perimeter length of the closed ring 3 relative to the ramps 18, 19, which thus ensure the distribution of the disinfectant product over the entire peripheral surface of the ring 3. Scrolling in the direction of the arrow f ₁ also has the effect of ensuring the displacement of the perimeter surface of the ring 3 through the wiping means 17. beyond which the peripheral surface is present in a dry state, product-free. The surplus or excess of disinfectant product delivered by the ramps 18 and 19, as well as the product scraped or wiped by means 17, tom bent by gravity in the basins 11 and 12 which can be discharged through the flow channel 1a. Any traces or drops remaining in line with the drive member 10 fall by gravity into the pelvis 12.

The means controlling the operation of the unit 9 and the combined supply of the motor 10 are adjusted so that the roller 34 causes the closed ring 3 to run in front of the unit 9 over a length at least equal to its perimeter measurement , that is to say in general at least equal to one revolution. In this way, the entire upper and lower surface of the ring 3 undergoes a spray-cleaning and wiping phase ensuring perfect sanitation of the entire visible part when the ring is brought back to a stable position during stopping the engine 32. The user is thus assured of being able to have, in complete safety, a telescope offering maximum guarantees of aseptic behavior while being free from any pollution or contamination.

According to a preferred arrangement of the invention, the drive member 10 is arranged, in consideration. of the direction of movement along the arrow f _i , so as to be placed downstream relative to the cleaning unit 9. Thus, in this way, the driving roller 34 and the pressure counter roller 36 are preserved against any risk of contamination or pollution.

The means for controlling the operation of the unit 9 and the supply of the drive member 10 can be of various kinds. These may be electric pumps responsible for drawing, respectively, the disinfectant product from a reserve to send it under pressure in the ramps 18 and 19 and a liquid fluid under pressure, for example water, to from a buffer tank driving a turbine constituting the rotor of the motor 32.

It should also be considered that the motor 32 can be of the electric type, the supply of which, timed for a period necessary for the movement of at least one revolution of the ring 3, is ensured by a contactor itself actuated when the user acts on the cleaning-draining control of the bowl.

In the case of a conventional type installation involving an associated flush tank and carried by the bowl or placed at a distance from the latter, the means causing the operation of the unit 9 and the combined supply of the motor 10 can be triggered by the control action exerted by the user on the flush tank.

Figs. 1 and 10 show, by way of example, such means used in the case of a flush tank 40 designed to be mounted, in a conventional manner, bearing on the rear part 8a of the rear shelf 8 of the bowl. The bottom 41 of the reservoir 40 defines a plug 42 placed in sealed relation with the flow channel 1a. The drain 42 is closed by a valve 43 forming part of an overflow closure system 44 controlled by a rod 45 rising vertically to pass through a cover 46. for closing the reservoir 40. The rod 45 comprises, externally at cover 46, a button 47 for controlling the system 44.

The flush tank 40 is connected to a pipe 48 for admission of pressurized water supplied by any suitable source. The water delivered can be routed, by a bypass valve 49 of the type with two outlet channels, to one or the other of two branches 50a and 50b. The branch 50a is controlled by a valve 51 actuated by a level float 52 placed inside the flush tank 40 to determine the maximum filling level of the latter. The second branch 50b is constituted by a bypass pipe leading, for example, in the illustrated case, to the inlet orifice of a turbine constituting the water motor 32. In such a case, the outlet orifice of the water motor 32 is connected by a pipe 53 to the ramps 18 and 19 forming the means 16 delivering the disinfectant product (fig. 6).

The valve 49 is controlled by a pivoting lever 54 associated with a pull tab 55 passing through the cover 46. The lever 54 rests in abutment in the rest state on a stop 56 for unidirectional actuation presented by the rod 45 of the system 44. preferably, the pull tab 55 concentrically surrounds the rod _. 44.

The lever 54 has a free end portion extending inside a tank 57 attached or formed inside the flush tank 40 by a partition 58. The tank 57 contains a reserve 59 of disinfectant product which can be introduced through a filling conduit 60 accessible from the cover 46. The tank 57 carries a pump 61, the piston 62 of which is coupled to the end portion of the lever 54. The piston 62 is held in a delivery position inside of the pump 61 by the lever 54 on which a return spring 63 acts. The pump 61 has a withdrawal line 64 fitted with a non-return valve 65 and plunging into the bottom of the tank 57. The pump 61 is extended by a line discharge 66 fitted with a non-return-restrictor valve 67. This pipe ends either in the pipe 53 of the engine outlet 32, or in the inlet pipe of the latter. Fig. 10 schematically shows such a preferred case in which the line 66 is connected to the intake line of the engine 32, in order to obtain a better mixture of the disinfectant product. In all cases, a non-return valve 68 is provided to prevent the diffusion of the disinfectant product upstream, either in the tank 40 or in the pipe 48.

The above means for controlling the operation of the unit 9 and the combined supply of the drive member 10 operate in the following manner.

The pressurized water, brought by the pipe 48, is diverted towards the branch 50a, since the valve 49 is controlled by the lever 54 urged by the return spring 63 in its position of support on the stop 56 of the rod of closure system 44 of the drain 42.

The pressurized water is thus directed towards the flush tank 40 which it fills up to the level N determined by the adjustment of the float 52. When this level is reached, the valve 51 closes the branch 50a and interrupts the admission d 'water.

When it is necessary to ensure the cleaning-evacuation of the bowl, the user exerts a pulling action according to the arrow f ₃ on the drain control 47, so as to open the valve 43. The flushing effect then intervenes in a classic and usual way, without the need to describe it further.

The traction, in the direction of the arrow f ₃ , exerted on the control 47, subjects the rod 45 to an upward movement, so that the stop 56 makes the lever 54 pivot in the direction of the arrow f ₄ by subjecting the spring 63 to a tensile stress. During this pivoting, the piston 62 of the pump 61 is driven in the suction stroke, so that a fraction of the disinfectant liquid 59 contained in the tank 57 is sucked by the pump body. The accepted product dose can be adjusted by a stop at a predetermined or adjustable position. It may be, for example, a segment 58a of the wall 58.

The pivoting of the lever 54 in the direction of the arrow f ₄ also controls the valve 49 which ensures the diversion of the pressurized water towards the branch 50b. The pressurized water is directed towards the intake port of the engine 32 which is then rotated to rotate, by the drive roller 34 and the pressure counter-roller 36, the telescope 3 on the support and guidance 2.

When the user releases his action on the pull tab 47, the return spring 63 biases the lever 54 in pivoting in the opposite direction to that of the arrow f ₄ . The piston 62 then gradually expels the fraction of liquid admitted into the pump through the pipe 66 leading this disinfectant liquid into the intake or discharge circuit of the engine 32. The presence of the restrictive non-return valve 67, possibly adjustable, makes it possible to delay the delivery of the disinfectant and thus ensuring its injection during substantially the supply phase of the motor 32.

In this way, simultaneously with its rotation, the motor 32 supplies a liquid fluid under relative pressure including the water and the disinfectant product distributed by the ramps 18 and 19 at the periphery of the ring 3 driven in rotation, as said previously.

Thus, by a single usual action on the drain control, the user triggers. simultaneously, the cleaning-evacuation operation of the bowl, as well as the supply of disinfectant product to the ramps 18 and 19 and the combined operation of the motor member 10 responsible for driving the telescope 3 over at least one revolution complete through the cleaning and wiping unit 9. The telescope 3 is thus cleaned and sanitized to be made available to a subsequent user.

Insofar as a doubt remains, a subsequent user would have the possibility of ordering, before the use of the bowl, a cleaning-sanitation function of the telescope, without emptying the reservoir 40. Indeed, in such a case, the user would act on the control 55 to actuate only the lever 54 and thus cause the operation of the unit 9 and the supply of the drive member 10.

It should be noted that the user is also assured of being informed of the operating state of the cleaning device. Indeed, in the case of construction as said above, if the tank 57 is empty of product, the pivoting of the lever 54 produces no admission into the pump 61. The spring then immediately returns the lever 54 to its position original, which closes the water supply to the motor 32. The user thus notes that the telescope has not been driven on a rotation.

Figs. 1 and 2 show that it is planned to mount on the plate 15, whether the tank 40 is worn or not, a removable cover 69 capable of covering, concealing and totally protecting the cleaning unit 9 and the drive member 10. The cover 69 comprises, on its two lateral faces 70, openings 71 fitting and delivering passage to the bezel 3, while constituting for the latter stops opposing an attempt at dislodging or untimely tearing.

The side walls 70 of the cover 69 may be provided, on their internal face, with an inlet deflector and an outlet lining surrounding the bezel 3.

The cover 69 may include suitable locking means to be effectively maintained in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

It is also advantageous to produce the rear shelf of the bowl, so as to make it include a front extension 72 comprising an upper rim 73 behind which is fitted the corresponding front edge of the cover 69. A seal can be adapted between the opposite faces of cover 69 and rim 73, so as to avoid any projection of the disinfection liquid. The extension 72 can be produced to also form, as is usual, a veil 74 whose function is analogous to the veil 5 described with reference to FIG. 4. The function of the web 74 can also be ensured by a descending extension of the cover 69.

In the foregoing, it is indicated that the cleaning unit 9 involves, at least, two spray bars, as well as two wiping linings. An alternative embodiment could consist in making the cleaning unit comprise a head for direct application of the disinfectant product, by means of one or more pads, mobile or fixed, permanently soaked with the product to be deposited. . In such a case, it is also possible to associate, with such a head, a heating ramp and a blower to ensure the elimination of the disinfectant product by evaporation rather than by wiping. he must be considered that the heating ramp and the blower can also be implemented in combination with the means described with reference to the preceding figures.

Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment according to which the telescope 3 is constituted in the form of a closed ring 3a, of transverse profile also closed, as opposed to the open “C” profile of the example according to FIG. 3. Such a ring is preferably made of a cellular plastic material coated with a compact skin, so as to have improved comfort characteristics. The ring 3a has, on its underside, a molding 75 which is engaged, by local elastic deformation, inside an annular housing 76 offered by the upper edge of the bowl. Preferably, this upper edge delimits an outer lateral area 77 inclined towards the bottom of the housing 76 from the outer peripheral surface of the bowl and an inner lateral area 78 connected to the web 5 described above.

Preferably, the parts of the peripheral surface of the ring 3a, cooperating with the pads 77 and 78, have ribs 7 intended to limit friction.

The annular housing 76, as well as the areas 77 and 78, together constitute the means 2 for supporting and guiding the telescope 3.

Preferably, the means are provided for ensuring the relative transverse immobilization between the ring 3a ′ and the means 2. These immobilization means are, for example, formed by one or more threads 79 projecting from the substantially vertical faces of the molding 75. These threads are provided to cooperate with complementary grooves 80 presented by the opposite faces of the annular housing 76.

The tracks 77 and 78 assume, in addition, a function of flow gutter to facilitate, if necessary, the runoff of drops or traces of persistent water on the surface of the ring 3a, as well as their discharge to the inside of the bowl. For this purpose, it can be provided to bring holes into the bowl and from the bottom of the annular housing 76 76 making this housing communicate with the gutter 6.

Fig. 12 shows an alternative embodiment according to which the ring 3a delimits, on its lower face, the housing 76, while the molding 75 is then formed from substantially the upper edge of the bowl. In such a case, this upper edge delimits the areas 77 and 78. The same transverse relative immobilization means as those in the case according to FIG. 11 are then implemented.

Figs. 13 and 14 show two alternative embodiments using the same constituent support and guide means as those described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, namely the housing 76, the molding 75, the bearing surfaces 77 and 78, the threads 79 and the grooves 80. However, in these two alternative embodiments, the web 5 is then replaced by a lip 82 formed by a descending extension of the ring 3a. The lip 82 assumes the same functions as the veil 5 and also contributes to delimiting the gutter 6. Such an embodiment has the advantage of facilitating, if necessary, complete and intense cleaning of the bowl, given that the release of the ring allows direct access to the surfaces delimiting the gutter 6.

In the case of embodiment according to FIGS. 13 and 14, it may also be advantageous to bring over the entire inner peripheral face of the lip 82 projections in the form of blades or blades 83 (fig. 15). Under the action of the coming of water delivered by the flow channel 1a, these blades or vanes 83 contribute to cause the relative displacement of the bezel 3 on the support and guide means 2 offered or presented by the bowl. 1.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 11 to 14, it can be provided to modify the drive member 10 to make it comprise, only, a drive roller 34. The periphery of this roller is, possibly, grooved to cooperate, positively, with notches or teeth produced in the form of a continuous rack on one of the faces of the ring 3a and, more particularly, one of those delimiting either the housing 76 or the molding 75.

In such a case, it can also be envisaged to have the drive member at a location other than that described above.

Fig. 16 can be considered as the preferred embodiment according to which the ring 3a delimits a housing 76a, of substantially semi-circular section, at least equal to that of a molding 75a presented by the upper edge of the bowl in the extension of its internal face. The housing 76a is bordered, on the one hand, by the lip 82a and, on the other hand, by a projecting rim 84 which is engaged in a guide interval 85 formed between the molding 75a and the wall thickness of the bowl 1.

Such an embodiment facilitates manufacture and makes it possible, taking into account the combined complementary profiles, to establish a suitable support for the ring 3a, as well as a transverse relative immobilization by the pinching exerted on the molding 75a by the lip 82a and the rim 84. As in the example according to FIG. 11, holes 81a are provided between the bottom of the interval 85 and the internal wall of the bowl, to facilitate the flow in the latter of runoff of water and disinfectant products, as well as the elimination of any drops which may remain. .

The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown, since various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope. In particular, cleaning-sanitation fluids can be collected by basins to be directed to storage tanks. In addition, provision may be made to mount a hinged cover on the cover 69 or, alternatively, on supports rising from the rear shelf 8. Similarly, the arrangement of the motor 32 and of the pressure counter roller 36 could be reversed.

Claims (20)

1. Lavatory unit with automatic cleaning means of the seat, of the type comprising an annular seat mounted for pivoting on guiding means carried by the bowl, a member for driving the seat and a cleaning disinfection unit for the upper face of the seat, characterized in that it comprises :

a bowl (1) provided, on its upper rim, with support and guiding means (2), which are an integral part of the bowl and are interrupted at least partly and locally in the part substantially corresponding to a back portion (8) of the bowl,

a seat (3) formed by a closed ring offering through its lower face a structure complementary to the support and guiding means (2) on which said structure is removably adapted with sliding possibility,

at least one small basin (11 or 12) presented by the back portion (8) of the bowl in the means interruption zone (2), and communicating with a draining channel (19) issuing into the bowl,

a cleaning unit (9) for the peripheral surface of the seat, which unit is situated in the means (2) interruption zone and at least partly plumb with the small basin (11 or 12),

a driving member (10) placed in the means interruption zone and designed to cause the seat to slide over through said zone and unit (9),

and means for controlling :

the temporary working of the unit (9),

and the conjugated supply of the driving member (10) in order to cause the movement of the seat with respect to said unit over at least of complete round.

2. Lavatory unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning unit (9) comprises means (16) of dispensing by spraying a disinfectant product and means (17) of wiping said product.

3. Lavatory unit according to claim 2, characterized in that said means (16 and 17) are respectively formed by ramps and by pads comprising, for each one, a fixed element (19, 26) and a movable element (18, 25).

4. Lavatory unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the ramps (16) and pads (17) are disposed substantially radially with respect to the revolving axis of the seat, and are placed above at least one basin (11 or 12).

5. Lavatory unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said cleaning unit (9) comprises a storage tank for the disinfectant product, delivering said product into the circuit of the driving member (10) which is of the type working with water.

6. Lavatory unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the operation of the cleaning unit (9) and of the driving member (10) are initiated by operating the control (47 or 58) of a flush tank (40) operationally coupled to the bowl.

7. Lavatory unit according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the water feeding the driving member (10) is taken from a circuit (48) supplying the flush tank (40) via a by-pass valve (49) actuated by the operation of the flush tank (47 or 55).

8. Lavatory unit according to claims 1, 5, 6 or 7 characterized in that the driving member (10) comprises, on the one hand, a motor (32) whose output shaft (33) carries a driving roller (34) and, on the other hand, a reverse roller-pad (36), said rollers pressing locally on the seat in its parts traversing the zone where the bowl guiding and support means (2) are interrupted.

9. Lavatory unit according to claim 1, characterized in the driving member (10) and the unit (9) are carried by a plate (15) placed at the back of the bowl and are covered by a protective hood (69) surrounding part of the seat on either side of the zone of interruption of the means (2), so as to form abutments opposing any disconnection of the seat, the said hood cooperating with a complementary shape (72-73) of the bowl in order to form a joint isolating said bowl from the inside volume of the hood.

10. Lavatory unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the parts of the hood which cover up the seat are operationally coupled, on their inner face, to an inlet diverting means and to an outlet pad.

11. Lavatory unit according to claims 9 or 10. characterized in that the part of the hood (69) which faces opposedly to the plate forms the corresponding part of an anti-projection covering (5).

12. Lavatory unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (2) for supporting and guiding the seat (3) comprise an annular groove (76) provided on the bowl and designed to receive a complementary molding (75) formed by said seat.

13. Lavatory unit according to claim 12, characterized in that said groove (76) is provided ln an annular surface formed at the upper part of the bowl, and acting as a support for the seat, and forming a draining channel towards the inside of said bowl.

14. Lavatory unit according to claim 1, characterized in the support and guiding means (2) comprise a projecting molding (75) formed by the upper rim of the bowl and fitting in a complementary annular groove (76) of the seat (3).

15. Lavatory unit according to claim 14, characterized in that the molding (75) substantially projects upwardly from the bottom of an annular surface provided at the upper part of the bowl, which surface acts as a support for the seat and forms a draining channel directed into the bowl.

16. Lavatory unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat comprises, starting substantially from the rim or from the inner surface of the ring that it forms, a downward lip (82) designed to constitute a peripheral channel (6) with the inner face of the bowl.

17. Lavatory unit according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the flush tank (40) defines an inner container (57) containing a disinfectant product and supporting a regulating pump (61) whose outlet is connected to the circuit of the water-operated motor (32), said pump being controlled for admission and delivery synchronously with the operation of the wateroperated motor.

18. Lavatory unit according to claim 17, characterized in that the flush tank (40) comprises a water inlet pipe (48) controlled by a by-pass valve (49) with two outlets (50a, 50b) one of which is connected to the input of the motor (32) while the other leads to a valve (51) controlled by a float (52) indicating the level of the flush tank, said valve being controlled, so as to connect the water inlet pipe with the motor input, by a pivoting lever (54), with elastic return means, which lever is operated by a pull member (55) accessible from the flush tank and which simultaneously actuates said regulating pump.

19. Lavatory unit according to claim 18, characterized in that pull member (55) of the lever (54) is placed concentrically to a member (47) for controlling the drain-hole of the flush tank, said control comprising means (56) for actuating unidirectionally the lever (54) during the displacement of the member controlling the drainage of the tank.

20. Lavatory unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat is provided, on its face or _' faces cooperating with the means (2) with sliding ribs (7).

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