Seat the cover assembly and sanitary appliance

Abstract

The sanitary unit includes: a bowl (2) which defines an interior volume, a seat (6), movable relative to the bowl (2) between a raised position and a lowered position, a sealing gasket (12) in contact with the seat (6) and the bowl (2) to form a seal between the seat (6) and the bowl (2), a suction system (16) to draw air from the interior volume, an actuation system for the suction system which triggers the suction system (16) according to the position of the seat (6).

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary fixture. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional toilets have a simple flushing system consisting of a water flush. When the flush is activated, a large quantity of water is supplied, creating turbulence and therefore a significant aerosol; on the other hand, the momentary rise in the liquid level in the bowl tends to propel outwards the aerosols, created by the flushing turbulence, which are located immediately above the bowl.

[0003] Aerosols produced in toilet bowls during use or flushing, in addition to their unpleasantness (odors), can contain and spread pathogenic microorganisms, particularly those present in feces. In residential buildings, as well as in professional and public spaces, toilets are often a major source of airborne contamination. Mechanical suction systems

[0004] Mechanical suction systems are primarily designed to eliminate or reduce odors. A macerating toilet, combining a conventional flush with a suction and grinding system located downstream, is a common type of toilet. It is intended for installations where the drain pipe diameter is insufficient for a standard toilet. In terms of turbulence and aerosol production, they offer no significant advantage over conventional toilets.

[0005] Other systems, similar to macerating toilets, implement mechanical suction of materials in addition to the siphoning effect: for example, European patent application EP 0 223 764.

[0006] These techniques have little effect on aerosol production or dispersion.

[0007] WO 2015089722 A1 describes an air extraction suction device for toilets but which aims to facilitate defecation. Waterproofing

[0008] US patent 3,266,060 describes a sanitary ware comprising a bowl and a seat bearing, on its underside, a bead which is said to form a barrier that is both airtight and watertight between the seat and the bowl.

[0009] This document also describes a mechanism for triggering the flush when the lid is closed.

[0010] This patent also describes an odor-control mechanism, which includes a fan that guides air from the toilet bowl to a drain channel. Lifting the lid activates the fan. Disinfection by ultraviolet (UV) radiation

[0011] Document WO 00 / 13,565 describes a toilet seat with an electrically powered UV tube on its underside, emitting radiation with a wavelength between 250 and 270 nm to provide a radiation intensity of approximately 30 mW / cm². Activation for a duration of 15 seconds to 15 minutes may be sufficient to achieve the desired decontamination effect. It is preferable to control the system so that the radiation is activated when the lid is closed, either by a sensor or by automating the closing mechanism.

[0012] The document also mentions a metallic reflector to direct UV radiation in the right direction. It makes no mention of waterproofing.

[0013] Finally, it is mentioned that prior to this invention, a sanitary facility belonging to the CWS company implemented systematic disinfection with an antibacterial agent after each flush. Vacuum ring

[0014] Document GB 2 384 009 describes a toilet seat whose inner surface is fitted with a "vacuum ring". The vacuum ring is evacuated by a pump, which allows the stale air present in the bowl to be drawn out.

[0015] The underside of the seat may also include a switch that will activate the system when someone sits on it.

[0016] Alternatively, the ring can be placed on the upper surface of the bowl, at the interface with the toilet seat. Detergent

[0017] The GB 2 442 727 document describes a sanitary facility that can be hermetically sealed for decontamination with detergent.

[0018] Detergent can be activated after automatic closure of the bowl, or following detection that the bowl is properly closed, to prevent detergent from escaping outside the bowl.

[0019] Nozzles are arranged in the lid so as to emit detergent into the closed sanitary facility. Double sealing gasket

[0020] US document 2010 / 281,608 describes a toilet sanitary fixture with a seal between the bowl and the seat, and a seal between the seat and the lid, so as to close the sanitary fixture airtight.

[0021] However, the intended purpose of this seal is to draw out, via a duct extending between an end opening into the bowl above the water level, and an exhaust pipe, the stale air present in the space above the water level inside the bowl.

[0022] US2005 / 0138721A uses two sealing gaskets but not a check valve. Ozone

[0023] US document 2016 / 312,454 was published on October 27, 2016. It describes several embodiments.

[0024] In a first embodiment, an activation button triggers the operation of external irradiation devices, which generate UV-C radiation to produce ozone. A fan then blows the ozone-laden air into the toilet bowl to decontaminate it. The system can operate for 5 to 10 minutes after activation. The lid must be closed during disinfection, and a sensor can be used to detect when it is closed.

[0025] Alternatively, an automatic closing system could be considered.

[0026] According to a second embodiment, the irradiation device and the fan are replaced by a pressurized ozone-filled tank, the opening of which is triggered at the opportune moment so that the ozone reaches the basin.

[0027] There is no mention of a seal between the lid and the bowl, only of the lid closing. High voltage

[0028] Document CN111317391 essentially describes a system for deactivating viruses and microorganisms present in toilet bowls that could form aerosols. This treatment is achieved by applying a high voltage. More precisely, the high voltage ionizes the oxygen in the air, and this ionized oxygen is said to have a biocidal effect.

[0029] The document emphasizes the importance of a watertight seal between the components. A gasket is installed between the lid body and the upper surface of the toilet bowl. This gasket prevents the virus from spreading beyond the sanitary fixture. The document also mentions the automation of the lid closing, high-voltage activation, and flushing processes, using a controller.

[0030] The present invention relates to a system for the prevention and protection against aerosols from the toilet bowl, which may carry pathogenic germs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The invention is defined in the attached claims. In this description and the drawings, all examples and technical descriptions of apparatus, products and / or methods not covered by the claims shall be considered prior art or examples useful for understanding the invention.

[0032] The invention relates to a toilet seat / lid assembly according to independent claim 1 and a sanitary ware comprising such an assembly according to claim 2.

[0033] These measures limit the spread of aerosols outside the toilet bowl. In particular, in one specific case, if the toilet seat is in the raised position, the activation of the suction system is prevented.

[0034] According to one design, the sanitary unit includes a wastewater tank controlled to alternately release wastewater or retain it.

[0035] According to one implementation, a suction system is controlled to draw air from the interior volume in addition during the release of the wastewater.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a control for actuation of the water tank or the release of the evacuation water is adapted to trigger the actuation system of the suction system.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the detection of the lowered configuration of the bowl allows the release of the actuation control of the water tank or triggers the release of water contained in the water tank.

[0038] According to one design, the suction system is controlled by a suitable vacuum sensor to determine that the internal volume is under negative pressure.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the sanitary unit also includes a lid locking system in the lowered position, adapted to switch from an active configuration in which it prevents the lid from moving from the lowered position to an raised position to a passive configuration in which it allows the lid to move from the lowered position to an raised position.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the transition of the locking system from the active configuration to the passive configuration, or the permission of this transition, is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the internal volume is under negative pressure.

[0041] According to one design, the sanitary unit includes an adapted UV radiation system that can be controlled to implement physical decontamination of the interior volume, and / or an adapted chemical decontamination system that can be controlled to implement chemical decontamination of the interior volume.

[0042] According to one implementation, the locking system is prohibited from switching from its active configuration to its passive configuration when the UV radiation system and / or the chemical decontamination system is functional.

[0043] According to one implementation, the activation of the UV radiation system and / or the chemical decontamination system is controlled by a suitable depression sensor to determine that the internal volume is under negative pressure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below: Fig. 1 represents in perspective a sanitary facility according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 represents a toilet seat of the figure 1 View from below. Fig. 3 represents a toilet seat cover figure 1 View from below. Fig. 4 represents a side view in section of part of the toilet bowl of the figure 1 .

[0045] In the drawings, identical references designate identical or similar objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The object of the present invention is to reduce the production and dispersion of aerosols during use, then during flushing, and after the toilet is emptied. It is primarily intended to limit the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but is directly applicable to any other airborne pathogen.

[0047] There figure 1The diagram schematically represents a sanitary fixture 1 that can be used to implement the invention. The sanitary fixture 1 comprises a bowl 2. The bowl 2 is, for example, supported by a leg 3 placed on the floor and fixed to it. Alternatively, the sanitary fixture could be fixed to the rear wall. The bowl 2 comprises an outer wall 4 defining a hollow inner volume capable of holding a liquid under normal use. The bowl 2 comprises a top opening (not visible in the diagram). figure 1 (because it is closed by the bezel and the lid which will be described below), allowing access to the hollow interior volume.

[0048] Bowl 2 also includes a drain allowing the liquid present in the bowl to be evacuated.

[0049] The outer wall 4 comprises an inner face facing the inner volume, and an opposite outer face 5. According to the embodiment shown, the outer face 5 has a flared shape towards the top.

[0050] Sanitary fixture 1 also includes a toilet seat 6. The toilet seat 6 includes a thin annular plate 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 includes a sealing gasket 12. The sealing gasket 12 is located on the lower face 11. It is continuous and defines a closed geometric shape. In particular, it surrounds the central opening 10. It is made of a suitable material, for example, an elastomer.

[0051] The toilet seat 6 is mounted to move relative to the bowl 2 between a lowered and a raised position. This mobility is, for example, pivoting about a horizontal axis located at the rear of the bowl's upper face. In the lowered position, the toilet seat 6 rests on the bowl, with its central opening communicating with the hollow interior. The lower face of the toilet seat 6 and the seal 12 rest on the upper face of the bowl 2. The upper face of the toilet seat 6 is facing upwards.

[0052] In the raised configuration, the seat 6 extends with its lower face distant from the upper face of the bowl 2, for example vertically.

[0053] The sanitary unit 1 also includes a cover 7. The 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 figure 3 The cover 7 includes a sealing gasket 28. The sealing gasket 12 is located on the lower face 11. It is continuous and forms a closed geometric shape. In particular, it is positioned to face the upper face of the bezel 6, as will be described in detail below. It is made of a suitable material, for example, an elastomer.

[0054] The cover 7 is mounted to move relative to the bowl 2 between a lowered and a raised position. This movement is, for example, pivoting about a horizontal axis located at the rear of the upper face of the bowl. If applicable, this is the same pivot axis as that of the seat 6. The seat 6 is positioned between the cover 7 and the bowl 2. In the lowered position, the cover 7 rests on the seat 6, so as to close the central opening. The underside of the cover 7 and the seal 28 rest on the upper face of the seat 6. The upper face of the cover is facing upwards.

[0055] In the raised position, the lid 7 extends with its lower face away from the upper face of the bowl 2. In the raised position, the lid 7 allows the seat 6 to move between its lowered and raised positions. When the seat 6 and lid 7 are raised, the upper face of the seat 6 can be in contact with the lower face of the lid 7.

[0056] The sanitary fixture 1 also includes a water tank 8 in fluidic communication with the toilet bowl 2. In particular, the water tank 8 opens into the toilet bowl above the water level 15 contained within it. The sanitary fixture 1 includes a control 9 for triggering the flow of water from the water tank 8 towards the toilet bowl 2. The water tank 8 is hydraulically connected to a water supply so that it can be refilled after being emptied.

[0057] As depicted on the figure 4In one embodiment, the sanitary fixture 1 includes a fluid suction system 16 for the toilet bowl 2 above the water level. The suction system 16 includes, for example, a conduit 17 passing through the outer wall 4, with one end opening into the interior volume 18 above the water level 15, and a second (not shown) external end. The suction system 16 also includes a pump 19 or other suitable system for drawing fluid from the interior volume 18 via the conduit 17.

[0058] As depicted on the figure 1In one embodiment, the sanitary fixture 1 may include a locking system for the seat and / or lid in the lowered position. The example shown in particular includes a locking system for the lid in the lowered position, thereby also locking the seat located between the bowl and the lid. The locking system 20 is a reversible locking system. In one embodiment, the locking system 20 may be a clip-on system. However, other reversible locking technologies are conceivable. The clip-on system takes advantage of the upward flare of the bowl. Thus, the clip-on system may include an elastically deformable arm 21, supported by the lid 7. When the lid 7 is moved from its raised to its lowered position, the protrusion of the bowl causes the arm 21 to elastically deform outside its equilibrium position.Once the lid is in the lowered position, the arm 21 exerts an elastic force on the cup 2, which holds the lid in the locked position. If the lid is moved from its lowered position to its raised position, this elastically deforms the arm 21 until it disengages from the cup.

[0059] There figure 1 features an arm 21 positioned at the front of the cover 7. However, the number, position and configuration of the arms may vary.

[0060] Alternatively, the locking system may include a rigid or semi-rigid hoop or a system of rotating or sliding locks combined with a clamping device, either in the form of a strap and a hooking system, allowing the tank, the seat and the lid to be secured together.

[0061] According to the present invention, the sanitary unit 1 also includes a non-return valve 22 adapted to allow, in the lowered position of the cover 7, the passage of ambient air from outside the sanitary unit into the internal volume 18, but to prevent the passage of gas in the opposite direction. In the example embodiment of the figure 1 The non-return valve 22 is located on the cover 7, and passes through the thin plate forming part of the cover 7. However, alternatively, the non-return valve 22 could be located elsewhere, in particular in the bowl 2 above the water level 15.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the sanitary unit 1 also includes an ultraviolet radiation system 23. The sanitary unit 1 includes, in particular, a lamp 24 emitting ultraviolet radiation, capable of emitting the radiation into the interior volume 18. In the example shown, the lamp 24 is located on the underside 13 of the cover 7. The ultraviolet radiation system 23 also includes an electrical power supply system providing energy to the lamp 24.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the sanitary unit 1 may include a chemical disinfection system 25 adapted to dispense antiseptic disinfectant chemicals 25 into the internal volume 18. The chemical disinfection system 25 may, for example, include a nozzle opening into the internal volume 18, and adapted to dispense a disinfectant chemical contained in a reservoir (not shown).

[0064] According to an example implementation, the system just described can be controlled by a controller.

[0065] For example, water tank 8 is connected to the controller, so that the controller receives information about the fill level of water tank 8.

[0066] For example, control 9 of water tank 8 can be linked to the controller, so that the controller receives information relating to the actuation of control 9.

[0067] The suction system 16 can be connected to the controller to receive a command to activate the suction system. The controller can generate this command, for example, based on information relating to the water tank level and / or to the activation of the control. The command may include a time delay, i.e., the suction system will begin activating after a predetermined period following the triggering event and / or for a predetermined duration depending on the triggering event.

[0068] For example, a sensor 26 is used to determine that the internal 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 position. In 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 regarding the closure of the internal volume 18.

[0069] The water tank 8 or the control 9 can be connected to the controller so as to receive a command to activate the water tank. The controller can generate this command, for example, based on information relating to the closure of the internal volume 18. For example, if the internal volume 18 is not closed, a blocking system prevents the control 9 from being activated; this blocking system is released when the closure of the internal volume 18 is detected.

[0070] Where applicable, sanitary unit 1 does not include an external control for emptying the water tank, but an internal control, not accessible to a user, and controlled by the controller.

[0071] For example, a component can be connected to the controller so that the controller receives information about the conditions within the internal volume. This could be, for example, a pressure sensor, suitable for measuring the ambient pressure of the gases present in the internal volume. The pressure sensor is, for example, attached to the bowl 2 or to the inner face of the lid 7. Alternatively or in addition, a sensor for the check valve 22, which detects when the check valve is closed, can be used.

[0072] The chemical disinfection system 25 can be connected to the controller so as to receive a trigger command from the chemical disinfection system 25. The controller can generate this command, for example, based on information relating to the conditions set in the internal volume 18. For example, if the internal volume 18 is under negative pressure, or the non-return valve is open, the controller commands the chemical disinfection system 25 to dispense the disinfectant chemical.

[0073] Alternatively, the chemical disinfection system can be sealed by a pressure-sensitive sealing system, so that at atmospheric pressure, or above, the system is sealed and, in case of depression, the system is opened, allowing the distribution of a disinfection fluid.

[0074] Alternatively, the chemical disinfection system 25 can distribute the disinfection fluid into the water tank 8.

[0075] The UV radiation system 23 can be connected to the controller to receive a command to activate the UV radiation system. The controller can generate this command, for example, based on information relating to the conditions in the internal volume 18. For example, if the internal volume 18 is under negative pressure, or if the non-return valve is open, the controller commands the UV radiation system 23 to dispense the disinfectant chemical.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the sanitary 1 can be prevented from being used during the action of the UV radiation system 23 or the chemical disinfection system 25.

[0077] For example, if the toilet is located in a closed room, the controller can be connected to the door lock to prevent the lock from being unlocked from the outside if the UV radiation system 23 and / or the chemical disinfection system 25 are in operation. This system must be coupled with a presence detector that confirms the absence of anyone in the room before locking the door and controlling the activation of the UV radiation system 23 and / or the chemical disinfection system 25.

[0078] 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 moment the command to activate the UV radiation system 23 and / or the chemical disinfection system 25 is sent, or by detection that the system is no longer active by means of a dedicated sensor.

[0079] For example, a sensor 27 is used to determine whether the toilet is being used by a user sitting on the seat. This sensor 27 is, for example, located on the underside 11 of the seat 6, in contact with the upper side of the bowl, and detects a mass greater than the combined mass of the seat 6 and the lid 7. The sensor 27 is connected to the controller so that the controller receives information regarding the occupancy of the seat 6.

[0080] The suction system 16 can be connected to the controller so as to receive a trigger command for the suction system 16. The controller can generate this command, for example, based on information relating to the occupancy of the telescope 6. For example, if the telescope 6 is occupied, the controller triggers the actuation of the suction system 16.

[0081] The various sensors and systems, as well as the controller described above, are powered and connected together in such a way as to be able to exchange information and commands.

[0082] Alternatively, where appropriate, a mechanism can be used instead of a controller to control a chain of reactions from an event to a resulting action.

[0083] The actual human use of the toilet (with the user seated) makes it difficult to ensure its watertightness. It is therefore necessary to limit the spread of aerosols created by this action.

[0084] In the initial configuration, toilet 1 is available for use. The water tank 8 is full. The UV radiation system 23 and the chemical disinfection system 25 are not operational. The lid 7 is raised, and the seat 6 is lowered. If the lid 7 and the seat 6 are not in this configuration, the user may place them there.

[0085] If the user sits on the seat 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.

[0086] Once the user releases the toilet seat, the suction system 16 continues to operate due to a time delay.

[0087] The user is then prevented from activating control 9 of the water tank 8.

[0088] The user lowers the cover 7 onto the seat 6, and the locking system 20 enters the locked position. If necessary, a mechanism moves the cover 7 into the lowered position. The seals 12 and 28 are then compressed. Suction continues through the non-return valve 22, which allows ambient air to enter the interior. Detection of the lowered position and / or the locked state of the locking system 20 by the controller allows the release of the control 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 release of the control or water is prohibited when the cover is raised or the locking system 20 is unlocked.

[0089] After this use, once the seat and lid are closed, the flushing action first causes an overpressure of air, followed by a depression at the time of siphoning.

[0090] During the overpressure phase, air cannot escape from the basin to the outside.

[0091] This is ensured by the sealing gaskets and by the suction system 16.

[0092] During the subsequent suction phase (siphoning), a tight seal on the toilet bowl would impede drainage. The check valve allows outside air to enter the bowl but prevents it from escaping.

[0093] Once the waste has been flushed, residual aerosols may remain in the toilet bowl and can then be neutralized by the use of ultraviolet radiation and / or chemicals. The chemical disinfection system 25 and / or the UV radiation system 23 are triggered by the appropriate detection, as described above.

[0094] Finally, the lid is unlocked for later use. The vacuum sensor, which detects that the internal volume is no longer under negative pressure, allows the lid locking system to be unlocked.

[0095] 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 based on these two pieces of information.

[0096] In one variation, the controller receives information from the vacuum sensor and deactivates the unlocking system based on that information. This is because the vacuum sensor can only detect the end of the vacuum phenomenon when the lid, and therefore the bezel, is closed.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the scenario described above is reproduced, except that the actuation of the suction system is not triggered by the detection of the toilet seat being occupied. In this embodiment, the actuation of the suction system is triggered either by lowering the lid, by the locking system moving to the locked position, by the actuation command of the water tank, by the detection of water being released from the water tank, or by the detection of a predetermined pressure variation inside the bowl resulting from the release of water, each of these alternatives being permitted only when the toilet seat is down.

[0098] Thus, according to a first case, the controller receives information relating to the position of the toilet seat and information relating to the release of the waste water, and triggers the suction system based on these two pieces of information.

[0099] In one variant, the controller receives information regarding the release of the wastewater and triggers the suction system based on this information. This variant embodiment can be implemented if the release of wastewater is only permitted when the lid is closed, and therefore the toilet seat is down.

[0100] The device covered by this patent aims to prevent the spread of odors and aerosols that could carry pathogenic germs.

[0101] To achieve this, the present application uses several means, separately or in combination: 1. Limit the spread of aerosols during human use of the toilet by supplementing the seal under the seat with a device that draws ambient air from the bowl; 2. Limit the spread of aerosols during the initial phase of the flush (when the bowl is under pressure) by supplementing the seals under the seat and lid with a suction device, which is activated during toilet use, but with a different and appropriate power level if necessary. This suction system may or may not use a "vacuum reservoir," a negative pressure tank that opens when the bowl is under pressure; 3.In order not to disrupt proper drainage and siphoning, equip either the toilet seat, the lid, or the toilet bowl itself with a non-return valve allowing ambient air to be drawn into the bowl but preventing backflow; this may or may not be combined with a suction device as mentioned above; 4. a device allowing the flush to be activated, or ensuring that the flush is triggered, only once the seat and lid are properly closed and ensuring a watertight seal; 5. a locking device for the lid and seat on the bowl, by mechanical or hydraulic means, so as to prevent any air from escaping from the bowl due to possible overpressure during the flushing action; 6.a chemical disinfection device, consisting of the automatic addition of an antiseptic to the flush liquid or the toilet bowl, by a system automatically activated by the detection of negative pressure given by the position of the flapper or non-return valve; 7. a physical disinfection device, consisting of the activation of a UV radiation source for a limited time, inside the toilet bowl, initiated by the detection of negative pressure in the bowl signaled by a sensor or switch integrated into the non-return valve; 8. blocking the use of the toilet until the chemical or physical disinfection operation related to the two points above has been completed. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0102] 1: Sanitary 2: Bowl 3: Foot 4: Outer wall 5: Outer face 6: Seat 7: Lid 8: Water tank 9: Control 10: Central opening 11: Lower face 12: Sealing gasket 13: Lower face 14: Upper face 15: Water level 16: Suction system 17: Pipe 18: Internal volume 19: Pump 20: Locking system 21: Arm 22: Non-return valve 23: UV radiation system 24: Lamp 25: Chemical disinfection system 26: Sensor 27: Sensor 28: Gasket

Claims

1. Toilet seat / lid assembly for a sanitary device equipped with a bowl (2) having an internal volume, the assembly comprising: a toilet seat (6) configured to be movable relative to the bowl (2) between a raised and a lowered position, the toilet seat (6) comprising a thin annular plate having a central opening (10), a sealing gasket (12) configured to be positioned between the bowl (2) and the toilet seat (6) in the lowered position, and in contact with the toilet seat (6) and the bowl (2) to form a seal between the toilet seat (6) and the bowl (2), a lid (7) configured to be movable relative to the bowl (2) between a lowered and a raised configuration, the lid (7) in the lowered position being configured to rest on the toilet seat (6) so as to close the central opening, a sealing gasket (28) positioned between the toilet seat (6) and the lid (7) in the lowered position of the lid (7), and in contact with the seat (6) and the lid (7) to form a seal between the seat (6) and the lid (7), a non-return valve (22) adapted to allow the passage of ambient air into the interior volume and to prevent the passage of air from the interior volume to the outside.

2. Sanitary device comprising: a bowl (2) having an interior volume, and a seat / lid assembly according to claim 1.

3. Sanitary device according to claim 2, further comprising a suction system (16) adapted to draw air from the interior volume, and an actuation system for the suction system adapted to trigger the suction system (16) depending on the position of the seat (6).

4. Sanitary device according to claim 2 or 2, comprising a wastewater tank (8) controlled to alternately release or retain wastewater.

5. Sanitary device according to claim 3 and claim 4, wherein the suction system (16) is controlled to draw air from the internal volume during the release of wastewater.

6. Sanitary device according to claim 5, wherein the control for activating the water tank or releasing the wastewater is adapted to trigger the actuation system of the suction system.

7. Sanitary device according to at least one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the detection of the lowered position of the lid enables the release of the control (9) for activating the water tank (8) or triggers the release of water contained in the water tank (8).

8. Sanitary device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the suction system (16) is controlled by a vacuum sensor adapted to determine that the internal volume is under negative pressure.

9. Sanitary device according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, further comprising a locking system (20) for the lid (7) in the lowered position, adapted to transition from an active configuration in which it prevents the lid (7) from moving from the lowered position to a raised position to a passive configuration in which it allows the lid (7) to move from the lowered position to a raised position.

10. Sanitary device according to claim 9, wherein the transition of the locking system (20) from the active to the passive configuration, or the permission of such transition, is controlled by a vacuum sensor adapted to determine that the internal volume is under negative pressure.

11. Sanitary device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, further comprising a UV radiation system (23) adapted to be controlled to perform physical decontamination of the interior volume, and / or a chemical decontamination system (25) adapted to be controlled to perform chemical decontamination of the interior volume.

12. Sanitary device according to claim 11, and according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the locking system (20) is prevented from switching from its active to its passive configuration when the UV radiation system (23) and / or the chemical decontamination system (25) is operational.

13. Sanitary device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the activation of the UV radiation system (23) and / or the chemical decontamination system (25) is controlled by a negative pressure sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under negative pressure.

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