EP4074905A1 - Sanitary appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The toilet comprises: a bowl (2) which defines an interior volume, a bezel (6), movable relative to the bowl (2) between a raised position and a lowered position, a seal (12) in contact with the bezel (6) and the bowl (2) to form a seal between the bezel (6) and the bowl (2),a suction system (16) for sucking air from the interior volume,a system for actuating the suction system which triggers the suction system (16) depending on the position of the bezel (6).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sanitary.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Conventional toilets have a simple evacuation system consisting of a flush. When the flush is activated, a large quantity of water is supplied, creating turbulence and therefore a large aerosol; on the other hand, the momentary rise in the level of liquid in the bowl tends to propel outwardly the aerosols, created by the evacuation turbulences, which are located immediately above the bowl.

The aerosols produced in toilet bowls during their use or the action of the flush, in addition to their inconvenience (odors), are likely to contain and spread pathogenic micro-organisms, in particular those present in stool. In residential buildings, as well as in professional premises and communities, toilets are often a major source of airborne contamination.

Mechanical suction systems

Mechanical vacuum systems are primarily intended to remove or reduce odors. A grinder toilet is known, combining a conventional flush with a suction and grinding system located downstream, intended for installations that do not allow a diameter of the evacuation pipes sufficient for a conventional toilet. In terms of turbulence and aerosols, they do not have a decisive advantage over conventional toilets.

Other systems, related to macerator toilets, implement mechanical suction of the materials in addition to the siphoning effect: let us quote for example the European patent application EP 0 223 764 .

These techniques have little effect on aerosol production or dispersion.

Sealing

The patent US 3,266,060 describes a toilet comprising a bowl and a bezel bearing, on its underside, a bead which is said to form a barrier that is both airtight and watertight between the bezel and the bowl.

This document also describes a mechanism for triggering the flush when the lid is closed.

This patent also describes an anti-odor mechanism, which includes a fan that guides the air from the bowl to an exhaust channel. Raising the lid starts the fan.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation disinfection

The document WO 00/13,565 describes a toilet seat whose underside is provided with a UV tube which can be electrically powered to emit radiation with a wavelength of between 250 and 270 nm with a view to emitting radiation of the order of 30 mW /cm2. Actuation for a period of between 15 seconds and 15 minutes may be sufficient to obtain the desired decontamination effect. It is better to control the system so that the radiation is triggered with the lid closed, which can be done either by a sensor or by automating the closing.

The document also provides for a metal reflector to direct UV radiation in the right direction. There is no mention of waterproofing.

Finally, it is mentioned there that prior to this invention, a toilet from the CWS company implemented systematic disinfection with an antibacterial agent after each flush.

vacuum ring

The document UK 2,384,009 describes a toilet seat whose inner face is provided with a "vacuum ring". The vacuum ring is put under vacuum by a pump, which makes it possible to suck up the stale air present in the bowl.

The underside of the bezel may also include a switch that will activate the system when someone sits on it.

As a variant, the ring can be placed on the upper surface of the bowl, at the interface with the bezel.

Detergent

The document UK 2,442,727 describes a toilet that can be closed in a sealed manner in order to be decontaminated by a detergent.

The actuation of the detergent can be done after an automatic closing of the bowl, or following a detection that the bowl is properly closed, to prevent detergent from escaping outside the bowl.

Nozzles are arranged in the lid so as to emit the detergent into the closed sanitary ware.

Double seal

The document US 2010/281,608 describes a toilet sanitary ware with a seal between the bowl and the seat, and a seal between the seat and the lid, so as to close the sanitary ware in an airtight manner.

However, the intended purpose of this seal is to suck in, via a duct extending between an end opening into the bowl above the water level, and a discharge pipe, the air stale present in the space above the water level inside the bowl.

Ozone

The document US 2016/312,454 was published on October 27, 2016. It describes several embodiments.

According to a first embodiment, an actuation button will trigger the operation of irradiation devices located outside, which will generate UV-C radiation with a view to generating ozone, and a fan will blow the ozone-laden air in the toilet bowl in order to decontaminate it. The system can work 5 to 10 minutes after actuation. The lid must be closed during disinfection, and a sensor can be used to detect this closure.

As a variant, an automatic closing system can be envisaged.

According to a second embodiment, the irradiation device and the fan are replaced by a reservoir full of overpressure ozone, the opening of which is triggered at the appropriate time, so that the ozone reaches the bowl.

There is no mention of a seal between the lid and the bowl, only a closure of the lid.

High tension

The document CN111317391 essentially describes a system for deactivating viruses and microorganisms present in the toilet bowl, and capable of forming aerosols. This treatment is carried out by the application of a high voltage. More precisely, the high voltage will ionize the oxygen present in the air, and this ionized oxygen would have a biocidal effect.

The document insists on the tightness between the components. A seal is provided between the cover body and the upper surface of the bowl. The seal has the effect of preventing the spread of the virus beyond the sanitary facilities. The document also mentions the automation of the steps of closing the cover, triggering the high voltage, and flushing, by means of a controller.

The present invention relates to a system for preventing and protecting against aerosols from the toilet bowl, likely to carry pathogenic germs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

• une cuvette présentant un volume intérieur,
• une lunette, montée mobile par rapport à la cuvette entre une position relevée et une position baissée,
• un joint d'étanchéité disposé entre la cuvette et la lunette en position baissée, et en contact avec la lunette et la cuvette pour former une étanchéité entre la lunette et la cuvette,
• un système d'aspiration adapté pour aspirer un air du volume intérieur,
• un système d'actionnement du système d'aspiration adapté pour déclencher le système d'aspiration en fonction de la position de la lunette.

Thus, the invention relates to a sanitary comprising:

• a bowl having an interior volume,
• a bezel, mounted to move relative to the bowl between a raised position and a lowered position,
• a seal disposed between the bowl and the bezel in the lowered position, and in contact with the bezel and the bowl to form a seal between the bezel and the bowl,
• a suction system adapted to suck air from the interior volume,
• an actuation system of the suction system adapted to trigger the suction system according to the position of the bezel.

Thanks to these arrangements, the diffusion of aerosols outside the bowl is limited. In particular, according to a particular case, if the bezel is in the raised position, the triggering of the suction system is prohibited.

According to various aspects, it is possible to provide one and/or the other of the characteristics below taken alone or in combination.

According to one embodiment, the sanitary unit further comprises a lid, and a seal disposed between the bezel and the lid in the lowered position of the lid, and in contact with the bezel and the lid to form a seal between the bezel and the lid .

According to one embodiment, the toilet comprises a drain water reservoir controlled to alternately release drain water or retain it.

According to one embodiment, the suction system is controlled to draw air from the interior volume in addition during the release of the evacuation water.

According to one embodiment, the actuation command of the water tank or the release of the evacuation water is adapted to trigger the actuation system of the suction system.

According to one embodiment, the detection of the lowered configuration of the bowl authorizes the release of the actuation control of the water tank or triggers the release of water contained in the water tank.

According to one embodiment, the sanitary unit further comprises a non-return valve adapted to allow ambient air to pass to the interior volume, and to prevent air from passing from the interior volume to the exterior.

According to one embodiment, the suction system is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under depression.

According to one embodiment, the toilet further comprises a system for locking the cover in the lowered position, suitable for passing from one configuration active in which it prohibits the passage of the cover from the lowered position to a raised position to a passive configuration in which it allows the passage of the cover from the lowered position to a raised position.

According to one embodiment, the passage of the locking system from the active configuration to the passive configuration, or the authorization of this passage is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under depression.

According to one embodiment, the sanitary facility comprises in the open a UV radiation system adapted to be controlled to implement physical decontamination of the interior volume, and/or a chemical decontamination system adapted to be controlled to implement chemical decontamination of the volume interior.

According to one embodiment, the locking system is prohibited from changing from its active configuration to its passive configuration when the UV radiation system and/or the chemical decontamination system is functional.

According to one embodiment, the activation of the UV radiation system and/or of the chemical decontamination system is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under depression.

According to one aspect, the invention relates to a bezel, a cover, or a bezel/cover assembly of such sanitaryware.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

• Fig. 1 représente en perspective un sanitaire selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• Fig. 2 représente une lunette du sanitaire de la figure 1 en vue de dessous.
• Fig. 3 représente un couvercle du sanitaire de la figure 1 en vue de dessous.
• Fig. 4 représente une vue de côté en section d'une partie de la cuvette du sanitaire de la figure 1.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

• Fig. 1 represents in perspective a toilet according to one embodiment of the invention.
• Fig. 2 represents a toilet seat from the figure 1 in bottom view.
• Fig. 3 represents a sanitary cover of the figure 1 in bottom view.
• Fig. 4 shows a sectional side view of part of the toilet bowl of the figure 1 .

In the drawings, identical references designate identical or similar objects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The object of the present invention is to reduce the production and dispersion of aerosols during use, then at the time of the action of the flush and after the evacuation of the toilet. It is intended primarily to limit the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but is directly transposable to any other airborne pathogen.

The figure 1 schematically represents a sanitary 1 capable of being used for the implementation of the invention. Sanitary 1 comprises a basin 2. The basin 2 is for example carried by a foot 3 placed on the ground and fixed thereto. Alternatively, the sanitary could be attached to the back wall. The bowl 2 comprises an outer wall 4 defining a hollow interior volume capable of receiving, in normal use, a liquid. Bowl 2 comprises an upper opening (not visible on the figure 1 , because closed by the bezel and the lid which will be described below), allowing access to the hollow interior volume.

Bowl 2 also includes a drain allowing the liquid present in the bowl to be evacuated.

The outer wall 4 comprises an inner face facing the inner volume, and an outer face 5 opposite. According to the embodiment shown, the outer face 5 has a flared shape upwards.

Sanitary 1 also includes a bezel 6. The bezel 6 includes a thin annular plate provided with a central opening 10, visible on the figure 2 . The annular plate has a lower face 11 and an opposite upper face. According to one embodiment, as shown in the figure 2 , the bezel 6 comprises a seal 12. The seal 12 is arranged on the lower face 11. It is continuous and defines a closed geometric figure. In particular, it surrounds the central opening 10. It is made of a suitable material, for example elastomer.

The bezel 6 is mounted to move relative to the bowl 2 between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration. The mobility is for example a pivoting relative to a horizontal axis situated at the rear of the upper face of the bowl. In the lowered configuration, the bezel 6 rests on the bowl, with the central opening in communication with the hollow interior volume. The underside of the bezel 6 and the gasket 12 bear against the upper face of the bowl 2. The upper face of the bezel 6 faces upwards.

In the raised configuration, bezel 6 extends with its lower face remote from the upper face of bowl 2, for example vertically.

Sanitary 1 also includes a cover 7. Cover 7 includes a solid thin annular plate. The annular plate has a lower face 13 and an opposite upper face 14. According to one embodiment, as shown in the picture 3 , the cover 7 comprises a seal 28. The seal 12 is arranged on the lower face 11. It is continuous and defines a closed geometric figure. In particular, it is arranged so as to face the upper face of bezel 6, as will be described in detail below. It is made of a suitable material, for example elastomer.

The lid 7 is mounted to move relative to the bowl 2 between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration. The mobility is for example a pivoting relative to a horizontal axis situated at the rear of the upper face of the bowl. Where appropriate, this is the same pivot axis as that of the bezel 6. The bezel 6 is arranged between the cover 7 and the bowl 2. In the lowered configuration, the cover 7 bears against the bezel 6, so as to block the central opening. The underside of the cover 7 and the gasket 28 bear against the upper face of the bezel 6. The upper face of the cover faces upwards.

In the raised configuration, the cover 7 extends with its lower face remote from the upper face of the bowl 2. In the raised configuration, the cover 7 allows mobility of the bezel 6 between its own lowered and raised configurations. In the raised configuration of bezel 6 and cover 7, the upper face of bezel 6 can be in contact with the lower face of cover 7.

Sanitary 1 also comprises a water reservoir 8 in fluid communication with bowl 2. In particular, water reservoir 8 opens into the bowl above the level of water 15 contained therein. Sanitary 1 includes a control 9 for triggering the flow of water contained in water tank 8 in the direction of bowl 2. Water tank 8 is hydraulically connected to a water supply, so as to be filled after having been emptied.

As shown on the figure 4 , according to one embodiment, the sanitary 1 comprises a suction system 16 of the fluids of the bowl 2 above the water level. The suction system 16 comprises for example a conduit 17 passing through the outer wall 4, between one end opening into the interior volume 18 above the water level 15, and a second end (not shown) outside. The suction system 16 also comprises a pump 19 or other system adapted to suck from the interior volume 18 via the conduit 17.

As shown on the figure 1 , according to one embodiment, the toilet 1 may comprise a system for locking the bezel and/or the cover in the lowered configuration. The example presented in particular comprises a system for locking the cover in the lowered configuration, whereby the bezel placed between the bowl and the cover is also blocked. The locking system 20 is a reversible locking system. According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking system 20 can be a clipping system. However, other reversible locking technologies are possible. The clipping system takes advantage of the flared shape at the top of the bowl. Thus, the clipping system can include an elastically deformable arm 21, and carried by the cover 7. When moving the cover 7 from its raised configuration to its lowered configuration, the protuberance of the bowl causes the elastic deformation of the arm 21 outside its position of equilibrium. Once the lid is in the lowered configuration, the arm 21 exerts an elastic stress on the bowl 2, which retains the lid in the locked position. If the cover is moved from its lowered configuration to its raised configuration, this elastically deforms the arm 21 as long as the latter disengages from the bowl.

The figure 1 has an arm 21 disposed at the front of the cover 7. However, the number, position and configuration of the arms may vary.

As a variant, the locking system may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid hoop or a system of rotating or sliding locks combined with a clamping device, either in a strap and a hooking system, making it possible to secure the tank, the bezel and the lid.

According to one embodiment, the toilet 1 also comprises a non-return valve 22 adapted to, in the lowered configuration of the lid 7, allow the passage of ambient air from outside the sanitary to the interior volume 18, but prevent a passage gas in the opposite direction. On the embodiment of the figure 1 , the non-return valve 22 is arranged on the lid 7, and passes through the thin plate constituting the lid 7. However, as a variant, the non-return valve 22 could be arranged elsewhere, in particular in the bowl 2 above the level of water 15.

According to one embodiment, the sanitary 1 also comprises an ultraviolet radiation system 23. The sanitary 1 comprises in particular a lamp 24 emitting ultraviolet radiation, capable of emitting the radiation in the interior volume 18. In the example shown, the lamp 24 is arranged on the lower face 13 of the cover 7. The ultraviolet radiation system 23 also comprises an electrical power supply system supplying energy to the lamp 24.

According to one embodiment, the sanitary 1 can comprise a chemical disinfection system 25 suitable for dispensing disinfectant antiseptic chemical products 25 into the interior volume 18. The chemical disinfection system 25 can for example comprise a nozzle opening into the interior volume 18 , and adapted to dispense a disinfectant chemical contained in a reservoir (not shown).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the system which has just been described can be controlled by a controller.

For example, the water tank 8 is connected to the controller, so that the controller receives information relating to the filling level of the water tank 8.

For example, the command 9 of the water tank 8 can be connected to the controller, so that the controller receives information relating to the actuation of the command 9.

The suction system 16 can be connected to the controller so as to receive a command to trigger the suction system. The controller can generate this command for example according to information relating to the level of the water tank and/or relating to the actuation of the command. The command may include a time delay, that is to say a start of triggering of the suction system after a predetermined duration after the generating event and/or for a predetermined duration depending on the generating event.

For example, a sensor 26 is used to determine that the interior volume 18 is hermetically sealed. This sensor 26 is for example part of the locking system 20, and detects that the locking system 20 is in the locked configuration. According to an alternative embodiment, the sensor 26 detects a horizontal position of the lid 7. Other embodiments are possible. The sensor 26 is connected to the controller, so that the controller receives information relating to the closure of the interior volume 18.

The water tank 8 or the command 9 can be connected to the controller so as to receive a command to trigger the water tank. The controller can generate this command for example according to information relating to the closing of the interior volume 18. For example, if the interior volume 18 is not closed, a blocking system prevents actuating the command 9, this blocking system being released by the detection of the closure of the interior volume 18.

Where appropriate, the sanitary 1 does not include an external command for draining the water tank, but an internal command, not accessible to a user, and controlled by the controller.

For example, a component can be connected to the controller so that the controller receives information relating to the conditions prevailing in the interior volume. It may for example be a pressure sensor, suitable for measuring an ambient pressure of the gases present in the interior volume. The pressure sensor is for example fixed to the bowl 2 or to the inner face of the lid 7. As a variant or in addition, one can use a sensor of the non-return valve 22 detecting a closing of the non-return valve.

The chemical disinfection system 25 can be connected to the controller so as to receive a command to trigger the chemical disinfection system 25. The controller can generate this command, for example according to information relating to the conditions regulating in the interior volume 18. For example, if the interior volume 18 is under depression, or the non-return valve is open, the controller commands the chemical disinfection system 25 to dispense disinfectant chemical.

As a variant, the chemical disinfection system can be sealed off by a sealing system sensitive to the surrounding pressure, so that at atmospheric pressure, or at a higher pressure, the system is sealed off and, in the event of a depression, the system is open, allowing the dispensing of a disinfection fluid.

Alternatively, the disinfection chemical system 25 can deliver the disinfection fluid to the water tank 8.

The UV radiation system 23 can be connected to the controller so as to receive a command to trigger the UV radiation system. The controller can generate this command for example according to information relating to the conditions regulating in the internal volume 18. For example, if the internal volume 18 is under depression, or if the non-return valve is open, the controller commands the UV radiation system 23 to dispense disinfectant chemical.

According to one embodiment, the toilet 1 can be prevented from being used during the action of the UV radiation system 23 or of the chemical disinfection system 25.

For example, if the toilet is located in a closed room, the controller can be connected to the door lock to prevent the unlocking of the lock from the outside if the UV radiation system 23 and/or the chemical disinfection system 25 are working. This system is to be coupled with a presence detector which confirms the absence of anyone in the room before locking the door and controlling the triggering of the UV radiation system 23 and/or the chemical disinfection system 25.

Alternatively, the locking system 20 is controlled by the controller. The controller sends a command to release the locking system 20 after the action of the UV radiation system 23 and/or the chemical disinfection system 25. The end of this action can be determined by means of a time delay from the instant of emission of the actuation command of the UV radiation system 23 and/or of the chemical disinfection system 25, or by detection that the system is no longer active by means of a dedicated sensor.

For example, a sensor 27 is used to determine that the toilet is being used by a user seated on the bezel. This sensor 27 is for example arranged on the lower face 11 of the bezel 6 in contact with the upper face of the bowl, and detects a mass greater than the combined masses of the bezel 6 and the cover 7. The sensor 27 is connected to the controller , so that the controller receives information relating to the occupation of the bezel 6.

The suction system 16 can be connected to the controller so as to receive a command to trigger the suction system 16. The controller can generate this command for example according to information relating to the occupation of the bezel 6. For example, if bezel 6 is occupied, the controller triggers the actuation of the suction system 16.

The various sensors and systems, as well as the controller described above are supplied with energy, and connected together so as to be able to exchange information and commands.

Alternatively, if desired, a mechanism can be used instead of a controller to control a chain of reaction from an event to an action that results from it.

The actual human use of the toilet (seated user) makes it difficult to ensure its tightness. The diffusion of aerosols created by this operation should be limited.

In an initial configuration, Sanitary 1 is available for use. Water tank 8 is full. The UV radiation 23 and chemical disinfection 25 systems are not operational. The lid 7 is raised, and the bezel 6 lowered. If the cover 7 and the bezel 6 are not in this configuration, nothing prevents the user from placing them there.

If the user sits on the bezel 6, the sensor 27 detects this presence, and sends the information to the controller which triggers the suction system 16. The suction system 16 then sucks air from the interior volume.

Once the user releases the bezel, the suction system 16 continues to operate due to a time delay.

The user is then prevented from operating the control 9 of the water tank 8.

The user lowers the cover 7 on the bezel 6, and the locking system 20 switches to the locked configuration. If necessary, a mechanism moves the lid 7 in the lowered configuration. Seals 12 and 28 are then compressed. The suction continues through the non-return valve 22 which allows the entry of ambient air into the interior volume. The detection of the lowered configuration and/or the locked state of the locking system 20 by the controller authorizes the release of the command 9 for actuating the water tank 8 or, alternatively, triggers the release of the water contained in the water tank 8 This implies that this control or water release is prohibited with the lid up or the locking system 20 unlocked.

After this use, once the seat and the lid have been closed, the action of the flush first causes an overpressure of air, followed by a depression at the time of siphoning.

During the overpressure phase, the air cannot escape from the bowl to the outside.

This is ensured by the seals and the suction system 16.

During the next phase of depression (siphoning), a tight closure of the bowl would impede the flow. The non-return valve allows outside air to enter the bowl but prevents it from leaving.

Once the evacuation has been carried out, residual aerosols may remain in the bowl and can then be neutralized by the use of ultraviolet radiation and/or chemical products. The disinfection chemical system 25 and/or the UV radiation system 23 are triggered by the appropriate detection, as shown above.

Finally, the lid is unlocked for later use. The depression sensor, which detects that the interior volume is no longer under depression, authorizes the unlocking of the lid locking system.

Thus, according to a first case, the controller receives information relating to the position of the bezel and information from the depression sensor, and deactivates the unlocking system on the basis of these two pieces of information.

According to a variant, the controller receives information from the depression sensor, and deactivates the unlocking system based on this information. Indeed, the depression sensor can only detect the end of the depression phenomenon with the lid, and therefore bezel, closed.

According to a variant embodiment, the scenario presented above is reproduced, except that the actuation of the suction system is not triggered by the detection of the occupation of the bezel. According to this variant, the actuation of the suction system is triggered either by the lowering of the lid, or by the passage of the locking system in the locked position, or by the actuation command of the water tank, or by the detection of the release of water from the water tank, or by the detection of a predetermined variation in pressure inside the bowl resulting from the release of water, each of these alternatives being authorized only with the window down.

Thus, according to a first case, the controller receives information relating to the position of the bezel and information relating to the release of the evacuation water, and triggers the suction system on the basis of these two pieces of information.

According to a variant, the controller receives information relating to the release of the evacuation water, and triggers the suction system based on this information. This alternative embodiment can be implemented if the actuation of the release of the evacuation water is only authorized with the lid down, and therefore with the bezel down.

The device that is the subject of this patent aims both to prevent the diffusion of odors and aerosols liable to be vectors of pathogenic germs.

1. 1. Limiter la diffusion des aérosols pendant l'usage humain du WC, en complétant le joint d'étanchéité placé sous la lunette par un dispositif d'aspiration de l'air ambiant de la cuvette;
2. 2. Limiter la diffusion des aérosols pendant la première phase de l'action de la chasse (où la cuvette est en surpression) en complétant les joints d'étanchéité situés sous la lunette et sous le couvercle, par un dispositif d'aspiration, qui a été mis en oeuvre pendant l'utilisation du WC, mais au besoin ici avec une puissance différente et adaptée. Ce système d'aspiration peut ou non faire appel à une "réserve de vide", un réservoir en dépression s'ouvrant au moment de la surpression dans la cuvette;
3. 3. De façon à ne pas perturber le bon écoulement et le siphonage, munir soit la lunette, soit le couvercle, soit la cuvette de WC elle-même, d'un clapet anti-retour permettant l'aspiration de l'air ambiant par la cuvette mais non le refoulement en sens contraire; ceci pourra être combiné ou non à un dispositif d'aspiration comme mentionné ci-dessus;
4. 4. un dispositif permettant d'actionner la chasse, ou assurant le déclenchement de la chasse, seulement une fois la lunette et le couvercle correctement fermés et assurant l'étanchéité;
5. 5. un dispositif de verrouillage du couvercle et de la lunette sur la cuvette, par procédé mécanique ou hydraulique, de façon à prévenir toute sortie d'air de la cuvette due à une possible surpression pendant l'action de la chasse;
6. 6. un dispositif chimique de désinfection, consistant à l'addition automatique d'un antiseptique dans le liquide de la chasse ou dans la cuvette, par un système actionné automatiquement par la détection de dépression donnée par la position du clapet ou de la valve anti-retour;
7. 7. un dispositif physique de désinfection, consistant en l'activation d'une source de rayonnement UV pendant un temps limité, à l'intérieur de la cuvette, initié par la détection de dépression dans la cuvette signalée par un capteur ou interrupteur intégré dans la valve anti-retour;
8. 8. le blocage de l'utilisation du WC tant que l'opération de désinfection chimique ou physique liée aux deux points ci-dessus, n'a pas été terminée.

For this, the invention uses several means, separately or in combination:

1. 1. Limit the diffusion of aerosols during human use of the toilet, by supplementing the seal placed under the seat with a device for extracting ambient air from the bowl;
2. 2. Limit the diffusion of aerosols during the first phase of the action of the flush (when the bowl is under overpressure) by completing the seals located under the seat and under the cover, with a suction device, which was implemented during the use of the WC, but if necessary here with a different and adapted power. This suction system may or may not make use of a "vacuum reserve", a vacuum reservoir opening at the time of overpressure in the bowl;
3. 3. In order not to disturb the good flow and the siphoning, provide either the toilet seat, or the lid, or the toilet bowl itself, with a non-return valve allowing the suction of the ambient air by the basin but not the backflow in the opposite direction; this may or may not be combined with a suction device as mentioned above;
4. 4. a device for actuating the flush, or ensuring the triggering of the flush, only once the bezel and the lid have been correctly closed and ensured that they are watertight;
5. 5. a device for locking the lid and the bezel on the bowl, by mechanical or hydraulic process, so as to prevent any air escaping from the bowl due to a possible overpressure during the action of the flush;
6. 6. a chemical disinfection device, consisting of the automatic addition of an antiseptic to the flushing liquid or to the bowl, by a system actuated automatically by the detection of depression given by the position of the valve or the non-return valve;
7. 7. a physical disinfection device, consisting of the activation of a source of UV radiation for a limited time, inside the bowl, initiated by the detection of depression in the bowl signaled by a sensor or switch integrated in the non-return valve;
8. 8. the blocking of the use of the WC as long as the chemical or physical disinfection operation linked to the two points above has not been completed.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1:

Sanitary

2:

Basin

3:

Foot

4:

Outer wall

5:

Outer face

6:

Glasses

7:

Lid

8:

Water reservoir

9:

ordered

10:

Central opening

11:

Lower side

12:

Gasket

13:

lower side

14:

upper side

15:

Water level

16:

Suction system

17:

leads

18:

Interior volume

19:

Pump

20:

Lock system

21:

Arms

22:

Check valve

23:

UV radiation system

24:

Lamp

25:

Chemical disinfection system

26:

Sensor

27:

Sensor

28:

Seal

Claims (14)

Sanitary including: a bowl (2) having an interior volume, a bezel (6), mounted to move relative to the bowl (2) between a raised position and a lowered position, a seal (12) disposed between the bowl (2) and the bezel (6) in the lowered position, and in contact with the bezel (6) and the bowl (2) to form a seal between the bezel (6) and the bowl (2), a suction system (16) adapted to suck air from the interior volume, an actuation system of the suction system adapted to trigger the suction system (16) according to the position of the bezel (6). Sanitary according to claim 1, further comprising a cover (7), and a seal (28) disposed between the bezel (6) and the cover (7) in the lowered position of the cover (7), and in contact with the bezel (6) and the cover (7) to form a seal between the bezel (6) and the cover (7). Sanitary according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a drain water tank (8) controlled to alternately release drain water or retain it. Sanitary according to claim 3 wherein the suction system (16) is controlled to draw air from the interior volume additionally during the release of the drain water. Sanitary according to Claim 4, in which the actuation control of the water tank or the release of the waste water is adapted to trigger the actuation system of the suction system. Sanitary according to Claim 2 and according to at least one of Claims 3 to 5, in which the detection of the lowered configuration of the bowl authorizes the release of the control (9) for actuating the water tank (8) or triggers the release of water contained in the water tank (8). Sanitary according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a non-return valve (22) adapted to allow a passage of ambient air towards the interior volume, and to prevent a passage of air from the interior volume towards the outside. Sanitary according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the suction system (16) is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under depression. Sanitary according to claim 2 or a claim dependent thereon, further comprising a locking system (20) of the cover (7) in the lowered position, suitable for passing from an active configuration in which it prevents the passage of the cover ( 7) from the lowered position to a raised position to a passive configuration in which it allows the cover (7) to pass from the lowered position to a raised position. Sanitary according to claim 9 in which the passage of the locking system (20) from the active configuration to the passive configuration, or the authorization of this passage is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under depression. Sanitary according to one of Claims 1 to 10, comprising in operation a UV radiation system (23) adapted to be controlled to implement physical decontamination of the interior volume, and/or a chemical decontamination system (25) adapted to be ordered to implement a chemical decontamination of the interior volume. Sanitary according to Claim 11, and according to Claim 9 or 10, in which the locking system (20) is prohibited from passing from its active configuration to its passive configuration when the UV radiation system (23) and/or the chemical decontamination (25) is functional. Sanitary according to Claim 11 or 12, in which the activation of the UV radiation system (23) and/or of the chemical decontamination system (25) is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under depression. Bezel, cover, or bezel/cover assembly of a bathroom fixture according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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