Sanitary facilities
The sanitary system addresses the issue of aerosol spread from conventional toilets by incorporating a suction system and additional decontamination features, effectively reducing pathogen transmission and ensuring thorough decontamination.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2021003803
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-04-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-04-13
AI Technical Summary
Conventional toilets produce aerosols during flushing, which can spread pathogenic microorganisms, posing a significant risk of airborne contamination in residential and professional settings.
A sanitary system that includes a bowl with a tightness joint between the bowl and the telescope, a suction system to reduce aerosol diffusion, and additional features such as a lid seal, anti-return valve, UV radiation system, and chemical disinfection system to enhance decontamination and prevent aerosol spread.
The system effectively limits the diffusion of aerosols outside the bowl, reduces the airborne transmission of pathogens like SARS-COV-2, and ensures thorough decontamination through physical and chemical means.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Sanitary FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary facility. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] 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 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 evacuation turbulence, which are located immediately above the bowl.
[0003] Aerosols produced in toilet bowls during use or flushing, in addition to their unpleasantness (odors), are likely to contain and spread pathogenic microorganisms, particularly those present in stools. In residential buildings, as well as in professional and community premises, toilets are often a major source of airborne contamination.
[0004] Mechanical suction systems
[0005] Mechanical suction systems are primarily intended to eliminate or reduce odors. A macerator toilet is known, combining a conventional flush with a suction and grinding system located downstream, intended for installations that do not allow a sufficient diameter of the evacuation pipes for a conventional toilet. In terms of turbulence and aerosols, they do not have a decisive advantage over conventional toilets.
[0006] Other systems, related to macerator toilets, use mechanical suction of the materials in addition to the siphoning effect: for example, European patent application EP 0 223 764.
[0007] These techniques have little effect on aerosol production or dispersion.
[0008] Waterproofing
[0009] US patent 3,266,060 describes a sanitary ware comprising a bowl and a seat bearing, on its lower face, a bead which is said to form a barrier which is both airtight and watertight between the seat and the bowl.
[0010] This document also describes a mechanism for triggering the flush when the lid is closed.
[0011] This patent also describes an anti-odor mechanism, which includes a fan that guides air from the bowl to an evacuation channel. Lifting the lid triggers the fan.
[0012] Disinfection by ultraviolet (UV) radiation
[0013] 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 between 250 and 270 nm in order to emit radiation of the order of 30 mW / cm2. Actuation for a duration of between 15 seconds and 15 minutes may be sufficient to obtain the desired decontamination effect. It is preferable 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.
[0014] The document also provides for a metal reflector to direct UV radiation in the right direction. There is no mention of sealing.
[0015] Finally, it is mentioned that prior to this invention, a CWS company sanitary facility implemented systematic disinfection using an antibacterial agent after each flush.
[0016] Vacuum ring
[0017] GB 2 384 009 describes a toilet seat whose inner face is provided with a "vacuum ring". The vacuum ring is evacuated by a pump, which allows the stale air present in the bowl to be sucked out.
[0018] The underside of the bezel may also include a switch that will activate the system when someone sits on it.
[0019] Alternatively, the ring may be placed on the upper surface of the bowl, at the interface with the bezel.
[0020] Detergent
[0021] Document GB 2 442 727 describes a sanitary facility which can be sealed in a sealed manner for decontamination by a detergent.
[0022] The detergent actuation can be done after an automatic closing of the bowl, or following detection that the bowl is properly closed, to prevent detergent from escaping outside the bowl.
[0023] Nozzles are arranged in the cover so as to emit the detergent into the closed sanitary facility.
[0024] Double seal
[0025] Document US 2010 / 281,608 describes a toilet sanitary fitting with a seal between the bowl and the seat, and a seal between the seat and the cover, so as to close the sanitary fitting in an airtight manner.
[0026] However, the intended purpose of this seal is to suck out, via a conduit extending between one end opening into the bowl above the water level, and an evacuation pipe, the stale air present in the space above the water level inside the bowl.
[0027] Ozone
[0028] Document US 2016 / 312,454 was published on October 27, 2016. It describes several embodiments.
[0029] According to a first embodiment, an actuation button will trigger the operation of irradiation devices located outside, which will generate UV-C radiation in order to generate ozone, and a fan will blow the ozone-laden air into the toilet bowl in order to decontaminate it. The system can operate for 5 to 10 minutes after actuation. The cover must be closed during disinfection, and a sensor can be used to detect this closure.
[0030] Alternatively, an automatic closing system can be envisaged.
[0031] According to a second embodiment, the irradiation device and the fan are replaced by a tank full of overpressure ozone, the opening of which is triggered at the appropriate time, so that the ozone reaches the bowl.
[0032] There is no mention of a seal between the lid and the bowl, only of a closure of the lid.
[0033] High voltage
[0034] Document CN111317391 essentially describes a system for deactivating viruses and micro-organisms present in the toilet bowl, and likely to form aerosols. This treatment is carried out by applying 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.
[0035] The document emphasizes the sealing between the components. A seal is provided between the lid body and the upper surface of the bowl. The seal has the effect of preventing the spread of the virus beyond the sanitary ware. The document also mentions the automation of the steps of closing the lid, triggering the high voltage, and flushing, by means of a controller.
[0036] The present invention relates to a system for preventing and protecting against aerosols from the toilet bowl, which may carry pathogenic germs. Summary of the invention
[0037] Thus, the invention relates to a sanitary facility comprising: a bowl having an interior volume, a seat, mounted to move relative to the bowl between a raised position and a lowered position, a seal arranged between the bowl and the seat in the lowered position, and in contact with the seat and the bowl to form a seal between the seat and the bowl, a suction system adapted to suck air from the interior volume, a system for actuating the suction system adapted to trigger the suction system depending on the position of the seat.
[0038] Thanks to these provisions, the diffusion of aerosols outside the bowl is limited.
[0039] According to different aspects, it is possible to provide one and / or the other of the characteristics below taken alone or in combination.
[0040] According to one embodiment, the sanitary fitting further comprises a cover, and a seal disposed between the seat and the cover in the lowered position of the cover, and in contact with the seat and the cover to form a seal between the seat and the cover.
[0041] According to one embodiment, the sanitary facility comprises a drain water tank controlled to alternately release drain water or retain it, and in which the suction system is controlled to suck air from the interior volume during the release of the drain water.
[0042] According to one embodiment, the sanitary unit further comprises a non-return valve adapted to allow ambient air to pass into the interior volume, and to prevent air from passing from the interior volume to the exterior.
[0043] According to one embodiment, the suction system is controlled by a vacuum sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under vacuum.
[0044] According to one embodiment, the sanitary fitting further comprises a system for locking the cover in the lowered position, adapted to move from an active configuration in which it prevents the cover from moving from the lowered position to a raised position to a passive configuration in which it allows it.
[0045] 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 interior volume is in depression.
[0046] According to one embodiment, the sanitary facility comprises 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 interior volume.
[0047] According to one embodiment, 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 operational.
[0048] According to one embodiment, the activation of the UV radiation system and / or the chemical decontamination system is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under depression.
[0049] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a seat, a cover, or a seat / cover assembly of such a sanitary ware. Brief description of the drawings
[0050] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:
[0051] [Fig. 1] represents in perspective a sanitary facility according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0052] [Fig.2] represents a toilet seat of [Fig.l] seen from below.
[0053] [Fig.3] represents a cover of the sanitary facility of [Fig.l] in bottom view.
[0054] [Fig.4] represents a side view in section of a part of the toilet bowl of [Fig.l].
[0055] In the drawings, like references designate identical or similar objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] The object of the present invention is to reduce the production and dispersion of aerosols during use, then at the time of flushing and after 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.
[0057] [Fig.l] schematically represents a sanitary unit 1 capable of being used for implementing the invention. The sanitary unit 1 comprises a bowl 2. The bowl 2 is for example carried by a foot 3 placed on the ground and fixed to it. Alternatively, the sanitary unit could be fixed to the rear wall. The bowl 2 comprises an outer wall 4 defining a hollow interior volume capable of receiving, in normal use, a liquid. The bowl 2 comprises an upper opening (not visible in [Fig.l], because it is closed by the seat and the cover which will be described below), allowing access to the hollow interior volume.
[0058] The bowl 2 also includes an outlet allowing the liquid present in the bowl to be evacuated.
[0059] The outer wall 4 comprises an inner face facing the interior volume, and an opposite outer face 5. According to the embodiment presented, the outer face 5 has a shape that flares upwards.
[0060] The sanitary 1 also comprises a seat 6. The seat 6 comprises a thin annular plate provided with a central opening 10, visible in [Fig.2]. The annular plate has a lower face 11 and an opposite upper face. According to a embodiment, as shown in [Fig.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.
[0061] 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 located 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 lower face of the bezel 6 and the seal 12 rest on the upper face of the bowl 2. The upper face of the bezel 6 faces upwards.
[0062] In the raised configuration, the bezel 6 extends with its lower face distant from the upper face of the bowl 2, for example vertically.
[0063] The sanitary ware 1 also comprises a cover 7. The cover 7 comprises 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 [Fig. 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 the seat 6, as will be described in detail below. It is made of a suitable material, for example elastomer.
[0064] The cover 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 located at the rear of the upper face of the bowl. Where appropriate, this is the same pivoting 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 rests on the bezel 6, so as to block the central opening. The lower face of the cover 7 and the seal 28 rest on the upper face of the bezel 6. The upper face of the cover is turned upwards.
[0065] In the raised configuration, the cover 7 extends with its lower face distant from the upper face of the bowl 2. In the raised configuration, the cover 7 allows mobility of the seat 6 between its own lowered and raised configurations. In the raised configuration of the seat 6 and the cover 7, the upper face of the seat 6 can be in contact with the lower face of the cover 7.
[0066] The sanitary facility 1 also comprises a water tank 8 in fluid communication with the bowl 2. In particular, the water tank 8 opens into the bowl above the water level 15 contained therein. The sanitary facility 1 comprises a control 9 for triggering the flow of the water contained in the water tank 8 towards the bowl 2. The water tank 8 is hydraulically connected to a water supply, so as to be filled after being emptied.
[0067] As shown in [Fig. 4], according to one embodiment, the sanitary ware 1 comprises a suction system 16 for the fluids from 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 (not shown) external end. The suction system 16 also comprises a pump 19 or other system adapted to suck from the interior volume 18 via the conduit 17.
[0068] As shown in [Fig.l], according to one embodiment, the sanitary ware 1 may comprise a system for locking the seat and / or the lid in the lowered configuration. The example presented in particular comprises a system for locking the lid in the lowered configuration, whereby the seat arranged between the bowl and the lid is also blocked. The locking system 20 is a reversible locking system. According to one exemplary embodiment, the locking system 20 may be a clip-on system. However, other reversible locking technologies are conceivable. The clip-on system benefits from the upwardly flared shape of the bowl. Thus, the clip-on system may comprise an elastically deformable arm 21, carried by the lid 7.When moving the cover 7 from its raised configuration to its lowered configuration, the protrusion of the bowl causes the arm 21 to elastically deform outside its equilibrium position. Once the cover is in the lowered configuration, the arm 21 exerts an elastic stress on the bowl 2, which holds the cover in the locked position. If the cover is moved from its lowered configuration to its raised configuration, this elastically deforms the arm 21 until it disengages from the bowl.
[0069] [Fig.l] shows an arm 21 arranged at the front of the cover 7. However, the number, position and configuration of the arms may vary.
[0070] Alternatively, 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 a strap and a hooking system, making it possible to secure the tank, the bezel and the cover.
[0071] According to one embodiment, the sanitary unit 1 also comprises a non-return valve 22 adapted to, in the lowered configuration of the cover 7, allow the passage of ambient air from the outside of the sanitary unit to the interior volume 18, but prevent a passage of gas in the opposite direction. In the exemplary embodiment of [Fig.l], the non-return valve 22 is arranged on the cover 7, and passes through the thin plate constituting of the cover 7. However, as a variant, the non-return valve 22 could be arranged elsewhere, in particular in the bowl 2 above the water level 15.
[0072] According to one embodiment, the sanitary unit 1 also comprises an ultraviolet radiation system 23. The sanitary unit 1 notably comprises a lamp 24 emitting ultraviolet radiation, capable of emitting the radiation into the interior volume 18. In the example presented, 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.
[0073] According to one embodiment, the sanitary facility 1 may comprise a chemical disinfection system 25 adapted to dispense disinfectant antiseptic chemical products 25 into the interior volume 18. The chemical disinfection system 25 may for example comprise a nozzle opening into the interior volume 18, and adapted to dispense a disinfectant chemical product contained in a reservoir (not shown).
[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, the system which has just been described can be controlled by a controller.
[0075] 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.
[0076] For example, the control 9 of the water tank 8 can be connected to the controller, so that the controller receives information relating to the actuation of the control 9.
[0077] 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, as a function of information relating to the level of the water tank and / or relating to the actuation of the control. The command can comprise a time delay, i.e. 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.
[0078] 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 cover 7. Other embodiments are possible. The sensor 26 is connected to the controller, so that the controller receives information relating to the closing of the interior volume 18.
[0079] The water tank 8 or the control 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 based on information relating to the closing of the interior volume 18. For example, if the interior volume 18 is not closed, a blocking system prevents the command 9 from being activated, this blocking system being released by the detection of the closing of the interior volume 18.
[0080] Where appropriate, the 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.
[0081] For example, a component may 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, adapted to measure 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 cover 7. Alternatively or in addition, a sensor of the non-return valve 22 may be used detecting a closing of the non-return valve.
[0082] 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, based on information relating to the conditions prevailing in the interior volume 18. For example, if the interior volume 18 is under vacuum, or if the non-return valve is open, the controller commands the chemical disinfection system 25 to dispense disinfectant chemical product.
[0083] Alternatively, the chemical disinfection system may be sealed by a sealing system responsive to the surrounding pressure, such that at atmospheric pressure, or higher, the system is sealed and, in the event of a vacuum, the system is open, allowing the delivery of a disinfection fluid.
[0084] Alternatively, the chemical disinfection system 25 may distribute the disinfection fluid into the water tank 8.
[0085] 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, based on information relating to the conditions prevailing in the interior volume 18. For example, if the interior volume 18 is under vacuum, or if the non-return valve is open, the controller commands the UV radiation system 23 to dispense disinfectant chemical product.
[0086] According to one embodiment, the sanitary facility 1 can be prevented from being used during the action of the UV radiation system 23 or the chemical disinfection system 25.
[0087] 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 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.
[0088] 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 time of emission of the command to actuation the UV radiation system 23 and / or the chemical disinfection system 25, or by detection that the system is no longer active by means of a dedicated sensor.
[0089] For example, a sensor 27 is used to determine that the toilet is being used by a user sitting on the seat. This sensor 27 is for example arranged on the lower face 11 of the seat 6 in contact with the upper face of the bowl, and detects a mass greater than the combined masses of the seat 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 seat 6.
[0090] 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 as a function of information relating to the occupation of the seat 6. For example, if the seat 6 is occupied, the controller triggers the actuation of the suction system 16.
[0091] The various sensors and systems, as well as the controller described above, are powered and connected together so that information and commands can be exchanged.
[0092] Alternatively, where appropriate, a mechanism may be used instead of a controller to control a reaction chain from an event to a resulting action.
[0093] The actual human use of the toilet (seated user) makes it difficult to ensure its watertightness. It is advisable to limit the diffusion of aerosols created by this operation.
[0094] In an initial configuration, the sanitary 1 is available for use. The water tank 8 is full. The UV radiation 23 and chemical disinfection 25 systems are not operational. The cover 7 is raised, and the seat 6 is lowered. If the cover 7 and the seat 6 are not in this configuration, there is nothing to prevent the user from placing them there.
[0095] 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.
[0096] Once the user releases the seat, the suction system 16 continues its operation due to a time delay.
[0097] The user is then prevented from actuating the control 9 of the water tank 8.
[0098] The user lowers the cover 7 onto the bezel 6, and the locking system 20 moves into the locked configuration. If necessary, a mechanism moves the cover 7 into the lowered configuration. The seals 12 and 28 are then compressed. Suction continues through the non-return valve 22 which allows ambient air to enter the interior volume. Detection of the lowered configuration and / or the locked state of the locking system 20 by the controller authorizes 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.
[0099] After this use, once the seat and the cover are closed, the action of the flush first causes an excess air pressure, followed by a depression at the time of siphoning.
[0100] During the overpressure phase, air cannot escape from the bowl to the outside.
[0101] This is ensured by the seals and by the suction system 16.
[0102] During the next depression phase (siphoning), a tight closure of the bowl would hinder the flow. The non-return valve allows outside air to enter the bowl but prevents it from leaving.
[0103] Once evacuation has been carried out, residual aerosols may remain in the bowl and may then be neutralized by the use of ultraviolet radiation and / or chemicals. The disinfection chemical system 25 and / or the UV radiation system 23 are triggered by the appropriate detection, as presented above.
[0104] Finally, the cover is unlocked for further use.
[0105] The device which is the subject of this patent aims both to prevent the diffusion of odors and aerosols likely to be vectors of pathogenic germs.
[0106] To this end, the invention uses several means, separately or in combination:
[0107] 1. Limit the diffusion of aerosols during human use of the toilet, by supplementing the seal placed under the seat by a device for sucking in ambient air from the bowl;
[0108] 2. Limit the diffusion of aerosols during the first phase of the action of the flush (where the bowl is under overpressure) by supplementing the seals located under the seat and under the cover, with a suction device, which has been put in works during use of the toilet, but if necessary here with a different and adapted power. This suction system may or may not use a “vacuum reserve”, a depression tank opening at the moment of excess pressure in the bowl;
[0109] 3. In order not to disturb the good flow and siphoning, provide either the seat, either the cover or the toilet bowl itself, with a non-return valve allowing ambient air to be drawn in through the bowl but not discharged in the opposite direction; this may or may not be combined with a suction device as mentioned above;
[0110] 4. a device for activating the flush, or ensuring the triggering of the flush, only once the seat and cover are properly closed and ensuring watertightness;
[0111] 5. a device for locking the cover and the seat on the bowl, by mechanical or hydraulic process, so as to prevent any air from escaping from the bowl due to possible overpressure during the flushing action;
[0112] 6. a chemical disinfection device, consisting of the automatic addition of a antiseptic in the flushing liquid or in the bowl, by a system automatically activated by the detection of depression given by the position of the flap or the non-return valve;
[0113] 7. a physical disinfection device, consisting of the activation of a source 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;
[0114] 8. blocking the use of the toilet while the chemical disinfection operation or physics related to the two points above, has not been completed. List of reference signs
[0115] 1: Sanitary
[0116] 2: Bowl
[0117] 3: Foot
[0118] 4: Outer wall
[0119] 5: Outer face
[0120] 6: Glasses
[0121] 7: Cover
[0122] 8: Water tank
[0123] 9: command
[0124] 10: Central opening
[0125] 11: Lower face
[0126] 12: Seal
[0127]
[0128]
[0129]
[0130]
[0131]
[0132]
[0133]
[0134]
[0135]
[0136]
[0137]
[0138]
[0139]
[0140]
[0141]
[0142] 13: Lower face 14: Upper face 15: Water level 16: Suction system 17: Duct 18: Interior volume 19: Pump 20: Locking system 21: Arm 22: Check valve 23: UV radiation system 24: Lamp 25: Chemical disinfection system 26: Sensor 27: Sensor 28: Seal
Claims
Claims
1. Sanitary ware comprising: a bowl (2) having an interior volume, a seat (6), mounted to move relative to the bowl (2) between a raised position and a lowered position, the seat (6) comprising a thin annular plate provided with a central opening (10), a seal (12) arranged between the bowl (2) and the seat (6) in the lowered position, and in contact with the seat (6) and the bowl (2) to form a seal between the seat (6) and the bowl (2), a cover (7), mounted to move relative to the bowl (2) between a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, the cover (7) in the lowered configuration resting on the seat (6), so as to block the central opening, a seal (28) arranged between the seat (6) and the cover (7) in the lowered position of the cover (7), and in contact with the seat (6) and the cover (7) to form a seal between the seat (6) and the cover (7),a non-return valve (22) adapted to allow the passage of ambient air towards the interior volume, and to prevent the passage of air from the interior volume towards the exterior.,
2. Sanitary fitting according to claim 1, further comprising a suction system (16) adapted to suck air from the interior volume, a system for actuating the suction system adapted to trigger the suction system (16) depending on the position of the seat (6).
3. A sanitary fitting according to claim 2, comprising a drain water tank (8) controlled to alternately release drain water or retain it, and wherein the suction system (16) is controlled to draw air from the interior volume during the release of the drain water.
4. Sanitary fitting according to one of claims 2 to 3, in which the suction system (16) is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under depression.
5. Sanitary fitting according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking system (20) for the cover (7) in the lowered position, adapted to move from an active configuration in which it prevents the cover (7) from moving from the lowered position to a raised position to a passive configuration in which it allows the cover (7) to move from the lowered position to the raised position.
6. Sanitary fitting according to claim 5 in which the passage of the locking system (20) from the active configuration to the passive configuration, or the permission of this passage is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is in depression.
7. Sanitary according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising in open form a UV radiation system (23) adapted to be controlled to implement a physical decontamination of the interior volume, and / or a chemical decontamination system (25) adapted to be controlled to implement a chemical decontamination of the interior volume.
8. Sanitary according to claim 7, and according to claim 5 or 6, 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 system (25) is operational.
9. Sanitary according to claim 7 or 8 in which the activation of the UV radiation system (23) and / or the chemical decontamination system (25) is controlled by a depression sensor adapted to determine that the interior volume is under depression.
10. A toilet seat / cover assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9.