Sanitary device comprising a GEAR AND A GEAR DISINFECTION DEVICE.

The sanitary device addresses the challenge of seat cleaning and disinfection by integrating a scraper, nozzle, and UV generator for effective cleaning and disinfection, reducing waste and water use.

FR3159305B1Active Publication Date: 2026-05-22SATURN CORP
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
SATURN CORP
Filing Date
2024-02-20
Publication Date
2026-05-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing sanitary devices face challenges in effectively cleaning and disinfecting the toilet seat between uses, with disposable paper ring films being costly and generating waste.

Method used

A sanitary device equipped with a disinfection apparatus that includes a scraper, a nozzle for washing liquid, and ultraviolet radiation generator, combined with a means of movement to clean and disinfect the seat surface through scraping, spraying, and UV treatment.

Benefits of technology

Provides an efficient, cost-effective solution for cleaning and disinfecting the toilet seat by removing dirt and disinfecting the surface using a combination of scraping, washing, and UV radiation, reducing waste and water consumption.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Sanitary device (1) comprising a bowl (2) having: - a tubular internal surface (S); - an upper passage (21) for admitting excrement into an internal zone of the bowl (2); - a lower passage (22) for the evacuation of excrement, the sanitary device (1) comprising an annular seat (10) above the bowl (2) to define a seating surface. The sanitary device comprises: - disinfection apparatus (40) for the seat (10), comprising a first scraper (41) of the seating surface, a nozzle (42) for spraying the upper surface of the seat (10) with washing liquid, and an ultraviolet radiation generator (43) for illuminating the upper surface of the seat (10); and - a means (50) for moving the seating surface of the seat (10) relative to the disinfection apparatus (40). FIGURE IN ABRIDGED DIAGRAM: Fig. 3
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Description

Title of the invention: Sanitary device comprising a GEAR AND A GEAR DISINFECTION DEVICE.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sanitary devices comprising a bowl for receiving excrement and a seat defining a seating surface.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] From the prior art, a sanitary device comprising a bowl having: - a tubular internal surface; - an upper passage opening onto the tubular internal surface to admit waste into an internal area of ​​the bowl; and - a lower passage for the evacuation of excrement from the internal area of ​​the bowl, the sanitary device comprising an annular seat arranged above the bowl to define a seating surface on an upper face of the seat which is above the bowl.

[0004] Such a sanitary device presents a problem of cleaning the seat between two uses.

[0005] It has been proposed to cover the upper surface of the glasses with a disposable paper ring film after each use.

[0006] This solution is not optimal because it is costly and generates single-use material waste.

[0007] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the invention is to provide a sanitary device enabling the resolution of all or part of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0009] To this end, the invention essentially relates to a sanitary device comprising a toilet bowl having: - a tubular internal surface; - an upper passage opening onto the tubular internal surface to admit excrement towards an internal area of ​​the bowl; - a lower passage for the evacuation of excrement from the internal area of ​​the bowl, the sanitary device comprising an annular seat arranged above the bowl to define a seating surface on an upper face of the seat.

[0010] The sanitary device according to the invention is essentially characterized in that it comprises: - a disinfection device for the seat, the disinfection device comprising a first scraper for the seat surface of the annular seat, at least one nozzle arranged to spray a portion of the upper surface of the seat with washing liquid, and at least one ultraviolet radiation generator directed to illuminate, with ultraviolet radiation, at least a portion of the upper surface of the seat; and - a means of movement arranged to generate a relative movement between the seat surface of the toilet seat and the disinfection apparatus such that areas to be cleaned on the seat surface are sprayed with washing liquid delivered by said at least one nozzle, scraped by said first scraper and then illuminated by ultraviolet radiation generated by said generator.

[0011] The disinfection equipment allows: - with the washing liquid delivered at least by the nozzle, to spray away dirt present on the upper surface of the seat; - to scrape the upper surface of the seat with the first scraper to remove dirt and cleaning fluid; then - to disinfect the upper surface of the glasses by projecting ultraviolet radiation.

[0012] The relative movement between the lens and the disinfection apparatus under the effect of the means of movement allows the lens to be oriented with respect to the apparatus in order to disinfect the entire upper surface of the lens.

[0013] The invention, by providing a means by cleaning function, thus provides an effective solution for easily cleaning / drying / disinfecting the upper surface of ring glasses between two uses.

[0014] The invention, thanks to the combination of scraping, watering, drying and ultraviolet treatment actions on a previously dried surface, provides a reliable solution for removing a wide variety of dirt deposited on the seat and for disinfecting it.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sanitary device comprises: - at least one upper water inlet opening onto the tubular internal surface of the bowl; and - a main scraper movable relative to the bowl, this main scraper extending against the tubular internal surface of the bowl to scrape it by moving the main scraper relative to the bowl.

[0016] Said at least one upper water inlet allows the scraped dirt to be moved towards the lower passage while washing the main scraper which extends at least partly below the level of said at least one upper water inlet.

[0017] The amount of water needed to clean the toilet bowl can thus be limited thanks to the main scraper which contributes to the cleaning.

[0018] Preferably, the main scraper comprises a wire stretched between first and second wire attachment zones, a first portion of the wire extending between said first and second wire attachment zones is in contact against the inner tubular surface so that the first portion of the stretched wire scrapes an exclusively convex part of the inner tubular surface during the movement of the main scraper relative to the bowl.

[0019] Preferably, the portion of the taut wire in contact with the inner tubular surface extends from the first and second attachment zones and is in continuous contact with the inner tubular surface which is exclusively convex over an entire area extending from a level of the first attachment zone to a level of the second attachment zone.

[0020] The use of a taut wire to scrape the exclusively convex part of the inner surface of the bowl is advantageous because, under the effect of its tension, the wire inevitably comes into contact and exerts pressure against the exclusively convex part of the tubular inner surface. The wire also tends to roll on itself, which is beneficial for its cleaning.

[0021] Preferably, the bowl includes a first lower water inlet opening towards the tubular internal surface of the bowl, said at least one upper water inlet being placed between a high plane in which the upper passage extends and a low plane in which the lower passage and the first lower water inlet are located.

[0022] Thus, said at least one upper water inlet can be used to wash the internal surface of the bowl and the main scraper while the lower water inlet can be used to evacuate the excrement from the internal area of ​​the bowl to the lower passage.

[0023] It is therefore possible to specialize the water flow from the upper inlet for cleaning only and the water flow from the lower inlet for the evacuation of excrement / effluents only towards the lower passage.

[0024] This allows for improved toilet bowl washing and effluent disposal while consuming less water.

[0025] The excrement is also evacuated more efficiently since the lower water inlet can be located opposite the lower passage where the effluents are evacuated.

[0026] As will be seen later, water can be introduced into the internal area via different upper and / or lower water inlets depending on whether one wishes to wash the toilet bowl and / or remove the waste. Brief description of the drawings

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, which is by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] [Fig. la] la [Fig.la] is a perspective view of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention with its seat in the raised position;

[0029] [Fig. 1b] [Fig. 1b] is a perspective view of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention with its seat in the lowered position;

[0030] [Fig. le] [Fig. le] is a top view of the sanitary device 1 illustrated in [Fig. la] where the main scraper R0 and its wire stretched against the internal tubular surface of the bowl can be seen, which is convex when observed in vertical section;

[0031] [Fig.ld] [Fig.ld] is a top view of the sanitary device illustrated in [Fig.lb] with its seat disinfection device covering a radial slice of the seat 10 to disinfect it;

[0032] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view in a vertical section plane of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention, where we see upper water inlets 23, 23b and the lower passage 22 for evacuating the effluents out of the internal area of ​​the bowl via a siphon downstream of the lower passage 22;

[0033] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of half of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention cut along a vertical cutting plane to illustrate details of the attachment of the tensioned wire of the scraper on the pivoting seat 10 and on the lower rotating part 4 which is at the bottom of the internal area of ​​the bowl to pivot freely in the bowl around a substantially vertical axis ZZ;

[0034] [Fig.4a] [Fig.4a] is a front perspective view of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention with its covers 70, 71 made transparent to illustrate the drive of the orientation ring 3 and the supply of the upper water inlets 23, 23b, 23c;

[0035] [Fig.4b] [Fig.4b] is a perspective view of the left side of a part of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention with its covers 70, 71 made transparent to illustrate the drive of the orientation ring 3 and the supply of the upper water inlet 23, the toilet seat being in the raised position;

[0036] [Fig.5a] [Fig.5a] is a section along a vertical plane of a part of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention to illustrate the toilet seat in the raised position and the disinfection apparatus 40 away from the toilet seat to free access to the toilet seat 10;

[0037] [Fig.5b] [Fig.5b] illustrates the device according to the invention in the same plane of section as on [Fig.5a], while the seat is in the lowered position with the disinfection apparatus 40 placed on a radial edge of the seat 10 to disinfect it;

[0038] [Fig.6a] [Fig.6a] is a top view of the device illustrated in [Fig.5a] with the cover of the disinfection apparatus 40 made transparent to illustrate the first and second scrapers 41, 41b, the nozzle 42 and the ultraviolet radiation generator 43 allowing to clean and disinfect the upper surface of the seat 10 which moves relative to the apparatus 40;

[0039] [Fig.6b] [Fig.6b] is a magnified view of part of the sanitary device 1 illustrated in [Fig.6a];

[0040] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a vertical cross-sectional view of the disinfection apparatus 40 showing the flow of wash liquid projected by the nozzle 42 onto the upper face of the seat 10 and showing a notch in part of the upper edge at the rear of the bowl 2 to form a channel 2x to guide wash liquid flowing over the seat towards the internal area of ​​the bowl 2;

[0041] [Fig.8a] [Fig.8a] is a schematic view of the disinfection apparatus 40 observed along a radial direction of the annular telescope 10;

[0042] [Fig.8b] [Fig.8b] is a schematic view of the disinfection apparatus 40 illustrated in [Fig.8a], this apparatus 40 being observed here in a direction perpendicular to a radial plane of the annular telescope 10;

[0043] [Fig.9a] [Fig.9a] is a cross-sectional view in a vertical plane of the sanitary device 1 while water is admitted into the internal area of ​​the bowl via the upper inlets 23, 23b, 23c to generate a single vortex on the tubular internal surface of the bowl (the exclusively convex shape of the profile of this tubular part observed in vertical section associated with the narrowing of the cross-section of the tubular part going towards the bottom of the bowl contributes to the quality of the cleaning);

[0044] [Fig.9b] [Fig.9b] is a top view of the bowl of [Fig.9a] (without its seat);

[0045] [Fig.9c] [Fig.9c] is a cross-sectional view of the sanitary device 1 in a vertical plane while the water intake via the upper inlets 23 is interrupted (the internal tubular surface of the bowl is cleaned) and pressurized water is admitted via the lower inlet 24 to evacuate effluents towards the lower passage 22;

[0046] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a side view of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention (without its side cover 70), the valve apparatus 25 being illustrated here with its hydraulic ports;

[0047] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of a lower part of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention with its side cover 70 made transparent for visualize the hydraulic pipes connecting the valve device 25 to the different water inlets 23, 24 of the basin;

[0048] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a top perspective view of the sanitary device according to the invention showing the removable aspect of its side cover 70 and its top cover 71. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] With reference to figures 1a to 12, the invention essentially relates to a toilet-type sanitary device 1.

[0050] This device 1 comprises a bowl 2 having: - a tubular internal surface S; - an upper passage 21 opening towards the tubular internal surface S to admit excrement towards an internal zone of the bowl 2; - a lower passage 22 for the evacuation of excrement out of the internal area of ​​the bowl 2.

[0051] The underpass 22 opens into a siphon intended to connect the underpass 22 to an effluent drainage network that is external to the sanitary device. This external drainage network will therefore not be described.

[0052] The siphon is intended to maintain a minimum water level in the bowl to prevent air from passing freely between the external network and the internal area of ​​the bowl via the lower passage 22.

[0053] The sanitary device 1 also includes: - an annular toilet seat 10 positioned above the bowl 2 to define a seating surface on an upper face of the seat 10 (the seating surface allows a user of the sanitary device to sit above the bowl); and - a disinfection device 40 of the seat 10.

[0054] As can be seen in particular in Figures 4a to 9a, the disinfection apparatus 40 comprises: - a first scraper 41 of the annular bezel seating surface 10; - at least one nozzle 42 arranged to spray part of the upper surface of the seat 10 with washing fluid; and - at least one ultraviolet radiation generator 43 directed to illuminate, with ultraviolet radiation, at least a portion of the upper face of the goggle 10 in order to disinfect it.

[0055] Preferably, this at least one ultraviolet radiation generator 43 generates at least UV-C, that is to say UV radiation with a wavelength between 100-280 nm which is particularly suitable for carrying out disinfection in particular of E. Coli germs.

[0056] The radiation generator is preferably equipped with several LEDs distributed to diffuse the radiation over a portion of the surface of the seat, each of these LEDs generating at least a part of said ultraviolet radiation.

[0057] Preferably, the LEDs are arranged in several LED alignments.

[0058] Preferably the means of movement and the radiation generator are arranged so that when the telescope is moved relative to the radiation generator, a point on the seating surface entering an area illuminated by the ultraviolet radiation generator 43 is moved into the illuminated area so as to be exposed to ultraviolet radiation in that illuminated area for an exposure time greater than 0.3 seconds, preferably less than 1 second, preferably between 0.4 and 0.9 seconds, preferably between 0.49 and 0.84 seconds.

[0059] Preferably each LED has a self-power greater than 100mW, preferably of at least 200mW.

[0060] The sanitary device also includes a means of movement 50 arranged to generate a relative movement between the seating surface of the toilet seat 10 and the disinfection apparatus 40.

[0061] This relative displacement of the seating surface with respect to the disinfection apparatus 40 is such that areas of the seating surface to be cleaned are: - sprayed with washing liquid delivered by said at least one nozzle 42; - scraped by said first scraper 41; then - illuminated by ultraviolet radiation generated by said generator 43.

[0062] Thanks to the disinfection apparatus 40, the dirt 100 present on the upper face of the seat 10 is sprayed with the washing liquid delivered at least by the nozzle 42, scraped at least with the first scraper 41 which allows to evacuate dirt and the washing liquid present on the seat 10.

[0063] Finally, the upper surface of the glasses, thus washed, is disinfected by projection of ultraviolet radiation.

[0064] As the means of movement 50 moves the seating surface relative to the disinfection apparatus 40, the entire seating surface of the toilet seat 10 can be washed and disinfected efficiently and economically.

[0065] More particularly, the telescope 10 is circular and the displacement means 50 includes an orientation ring 3 of the telescope 10 on which said telescope 10 is fixed.

[0066] The means of movement 50 comprises a motor 5 and the orientation ring 3 of the telescope is movably mounted on the bowl 2 (for example via pads and / or rollers and / or slides) so as to be, under the effect of the motor of the means displacement 50, oriented in rotation with respect to the bowl 2 while maintaining the orientation ring 3 parallel to a superior plane of the bowl 2.

[0067] The orientation ring 3 of the telescope is here driven by the motorization 5 of the displacement means 50 arranged to generate the relative displacement between the seating surface and the disinfection apparatus 40.

[0068] The motorization M of the means of displacement 50 comprises a toothed pinion driven by a motor.

[0069] The toothed pinion is meshed against a complementary toothing formed on the orienting ring 3 so as to orient it relative to the bowl during the rotation of the motor 5.

[0070] The drive M of the means of displacement 50 may include a motor: - of the hydraulic type supplied by said valve apparatus 25 with pressurized water from an external pressurized water supply network Rx to the device 1; or - of the electrical type, selectively powered by an electric current delivered by an electrical power supply module belonging to the control unit of the sanitary device 1.

[0071] The disinfection device 40 is here carried by an arm movable relative to the seat 10 between: - a seat disinfection position (illustrated 1b, Id, 3, 5b to 7 and 9a) in which at least a portion of the upper surface of the seat is covered by the disinfection device 40 for disinfection; and - a seat usage position (illustrated in [Fig. aa], le, 4a to 5a) in which the disinfection device 40 is moved away from said upper portion of the seat to completely free said upper face of the seat.

[0072] An arm actuator 7 (particularly visible in figures 5a, 5b and 9a) is mechanically connected to said movable arm to move it between the positions of disinfecting the seat and using the seat.

[0073] The movable arm is here mounted to rotate relative to the bowl around a pivot of axis X which is substantially horizontal.

[0074] In the present case, as the arm and the seat are fixedly connected to each other, under the effect of the arm actuator 7 which also serves as a seat actuator, the arm and the seat move together relative to the bowl around this pivot of axis X.

[0075] In the present case, the movable arm and the flap are fixedly connected to each other (the flap can in some cases constitute the movable arm), the flap actuator 7 and the arm actuator are here one and the same actuator 7, in this case linear piston cylinder 7.

[0076] This linear actuator 7 can be: - of a hydraulic type supplied by said valve apparatus with pressurized water from an external pressurized water supply network (Rx) to the sanitary device according to the invention; or - of the electrical type, selectively powered by an electric current delivered by an electrical power supply module belonging to the control unit of the sanitary device according to the invention.

[0077] As can be understood in particular from figures 6a, 6b and 7, the disinfection apparatus 40 includes a second scraper 41b of the seat surface of the annular lens.

[0078] Said at least one nozzle 42 is oriented so that said sprayed part of the upper face of the lunette 10 extends at least in part between said first and second scrapers 41, 41b of the seating surface.

[0079] In this embodiment with two scrapers in contact with the lens 10, the first scraper 41a has the main function of drying the surface sprayed by the nozzle 42 before its illumination by the ultraviolet radiation generator.

[0080] The quality of disinfection by ultraviolet is increased by drying the irradiated surface beforehand.

[0081] The second scraper 41b has the function of scraping dirt carried by the upper face of the seat upstream of the first scraper 41, with respect to the direction of movement SI of the upper surface of the seat relative to the disinfection apparatus 40.

[0082] The nozzle 42 has the function of spraying at least a part of the upper face of the lens 10 located between the first and second scrapers 41, 41b to remove the dirt 100 scraped by the second scraper 41b before drying the part sprayed by the first scraper 41, then disinfection by ultraviolet radiation.

[0083] It should be noted that the washing liquid L1 delivered by said at least one nozzle 42 may be water but it could also be a solution of water and a bactericidal disinfectant product.

[0084] In the latter case, the sanitary device 1 may include a reservoir for bactericidal disinfectant and a mixing chamber having: - a water inlet connected, possibly via the valve equipment 25, to the Rx network for supplying water under external pressure; - a disinfectant inlet connected to the disinfectant reservoir; and - an outlet connected, possibly via the valve equipment 25, to at least one nozzle 42 to deliver the said washing liquid (i.e. a mixture of water and disinfectant).

[0085] It should be noted that the sanitary device according to the invention could also include a second nozzle to deliver a rinsing product on a part of said upper face of the seat 10 located between the part sprayed by said at least one nozzle 42 (here referred to as the first nozzle) and the first scraper 41.

[0086] Such a second nozzle could be connected to a valve apparatus 25 which will be presented below to be selectively supplied with water from an Rx pressurized water supply network external to the sanitary device.

[0087] This second nozzle would thus allow the washing liquid present on the seat to be rinsed with water.

[0088] In the present case, the second scraper 41b comprises a taut wire extending between an external annular edge of the upper face of the telescope 10 and an internal annular edge of the upper face of the telescope 10 while being in contact with said upper face of the telescope 10.

[0089] This tensioned wire 41b of the disinfection apparatus 40 has the advantage of being able to roll on the seat 10 to limit the risk of its fouling.

[0090] This wire is self-cleaned over its entire periphery by the washing liquid delivered by said at least one nozzle 42. For this purpose, said at least one nozzle is directed to spray the wire stretched by the second scraper 41b.

[0091] Another advantage of the tensioned wire 41b is that it adapts to irregularities in the shape of the spectacle profile 10 and can be compatible with different cross profiles / spectacle shapes (which is more difficult to achieve with scrapers having a predefined shape in length).

[0092] As can be understood from [Fig.7] which shows a cross-sectional view of the disinfection apparatus 40 in a plane where the tensioned wire 41b extends longitudinally, the nozzle 42 is oriented to deliver the flow of washing liquid going partly towards the tensioned wire 41b so that the dirt loosened by this wire 41b is conducted towards the inside of the bowl.

[0093] The profile of the upper face of the telescope 10 observed in cross-section is exclusively convex, which allows continuous contact of the wire against this upper face of the telescope.

[0094] As illustrated in Figures 5a, 6b, 7, 9a, 9b, the bowl 2 also includes an upper channel 2x inclined towards the internal area of ​​the bowl 2, this channel 2x extending below the disinfection apparatus 40 and below a portion of the annular seat 10 so as to collect washing liquid delivered by said at least one nozzle 42 and flowing under the seat.

[0095] The 2x channel extends beyond the outer annular edge of the annular lens to collect any splashes or drops and guide them to the inner area of ​​the bowl.

[0096] The flow of washing liquid flowing over the bezel is here separated into at least one liquid sheet NI going towards the inner edge of the bezel 10 and at least one liquid sheet N2 going towards the outer edge of the bezel.

[0097] It should be noted that the upper face of the seat is essentially inclined towards the annular inner edge of the seat 10 to promote flow towards the inside of the bowl 2.

[0098] As can be seen in particular in Figures 3, 5a to 7, the disinfection apparatus 40 also includes an upper cover 44 arranged to extend over an entire radial section S20 of the annular lens 10 when the disinfection apparatus 40 is used to disinfect the annular lens.

[0099] This hood 44 limits the area of ​​washing liquid projection and ultraviolet emission around the radial section of the lens during disinfection.

[0100] This improves disinfection while limiting the risk of emission of projections and ultraviolet rays in the environment of device 1.

[0101] The hood 44 can carry side seals between which are located all the areas of the lens which the apparatus 40 sprays and illuminates.

[0102] A control module belonging to the control unit of the disinfection equipment 40 is preferably arranged to selectively adopt a disinfection equipment power-on state and a disinfection equipment power-off state.

[0103] In the powered state, the control module allows the supply of washing liquid to said at least one nozzle 42, allows relative movement between the seating surface and the disinfection apparatus 40 and electrically supplies the ultraviolet radiation generator 43 to generate said ultraviolet radiation.

[0104] In the power-off state, the control module prohibits the supply of washing liquid to said at least one nozzle 42, prohibits said relative movement between the seating surface and the disinfection apparatus 40 and prohibits the electrical supply to the ultraviolet radiation generator 43.

[0105] The sanitary device here includes a main scraper R0, movable relative to the bowl 2, and which extends against the tubular internal surface S of the bowl to scrape it by moving the main scraper R0 relative to the bowl.

[0106] The sanitary device 1 may also include at least one upper water inlet 23 opening towards the tubular internal surface S of the bowl to admit water towards the internal area of ​​the bowl 2.

[0107] The upper water inlet is here formed through a wall of the basin, but it is also possible that the upper water inlet(s) be / are carried by one or more distribution ramps located above the upper edge of the basin, for example: - between the toilet seat and the bowl; and / or - directly fixed to the toilet seat.

[0108] The shape of the tubular internal surface S is flared going from a bottom of the bowl towards the upper passage 21.

[0109] The main scraper RO is mounted movable relative to the bowl 2 to scrape dirt from the internal tubular surface S.

[0110] Said at least one upper water inlet 23 allows the scraped dirt to be moved towards the lower passage 22 while washing the main scraper R0 which extends at least partly below the level of said at least one upper water inlet 23.

[0111] The excrement is evacuated, via the underpass 22, out of the internal bowl area by means of a flow of water injected towards the internal bowl area.

[0112] As will be seen later, water can be introduced into the internal area via different upper water inlets 23 and / or lower water inlets 24 depending on whether one wishes to wash the bowl or simply evacuate the effluents / excrement.

[0113] As can be understood in particular from figures 2, 3, 4b and 10 and 11, the main scraper R0 comprises a wire stretched F0 between first and second attachment zones ROa, ROb of the wire.

[0114] A first portion of the wire F0 extends between the first and second wire attachment zones ROa, ROb, this first portion being in contact against the internal tubular surface S so that the first portion of the tensioned wire F0 scrapes an exclusively convex part of the internal tubular surface S during the movement of the main scraper R0 relative to the bowl 2.

[0115] The use of a wire F0 to scrape the exclusively convex part of the internal surface S of the bowl 2 is advantageous because, under the effect of its tension, the wire F0 necessarily comes into contact, under pressure, against the exclusively convex part of the tubular internal surface.

[0116] Preferably, in all vertical cross-sectional planes of the tubular internal surface S passing through a principal axis of symmetry of the surface S, with the exception of areas of the tubular internal surface S where at least one upper water inlet 23, or at least one lower water inlet 24 or the lower passage 22 are located, the tubular internal surface S has an exclusively convex profile.

[0117] This convexity of the internal surface S is oriented towards the internal area of ​​the cup 2, the exclusively convex profile extends in height at least up to a high level where said first wire attachment zone ROa is located and at least up to a low level where said second wire attachment zone ROb is located.

[0118] In other words, outside the areas where the water inlets 23 and the underpass 22 for the evacuation of excrement open, from the upper level where the first wire attachment zone ROa up to the lower level where the second wire attachment zone ROb is located, the internal tubular surface S is exclusively convex in all vertical cross-section planes of the bowl 2.

[0119] Thus, when the main scraper RO is rotated, the scraper wire FO, which is stretched against a portion of the exclusively convex internal surface, can scrape / sweep it continuously while remaining in contact over its wire length FO against this convex internal surface S.

[0120] Preferably, from the first to the second attachment zone ROa, ROb, the wire is in continuous contact against the part of the internal tubular surface which is exclusively convex.

[0121] The use of FO wire is advantageous since in the case of resistance to the movement of the FO wire against the internal surface S, the wire tends to deform elastically to catch any dirt forming an obstacle.

[0122] In addition, the wire tends to roll on itself when it scrapes the internal tubular surface, thus limiting the risk of fouling.

[0123] Ideally, the wire F0 has a diameter between 0.2 mm and 3 mm and is made of at least one material included in the group of materials comprising one or more polymers, one or more metal alloys.

[0124] Ideally, the tension applied to the wire is greater than 100 Newtons, preferably between 150 and 400 Newtons.

[0125] While deforming elastically, the wire tends to roll against the internal surface of the bowl, which is favorable on the one hand to the detachment of dirt and on the other hand to the evacuation of dirt along the wire.

[0126] The main scraper R0 is mounted pivoting relative to the bowl 2 around a pivot axis ZZ of the main scraper.

[0127] The tubular internal surface observed in a cutting plane in which extends said pivot axis ZZ of the main scraper R0 has exclusively convex profiles respectively arranged on either side of the pivot axis ZZ of the main scraper R0.

[0128] More particularly, the tubular internal surface S is essentially (mostly) a surface of revolution with a principal axis parallel to said pivot axis ZZ of the main scraper.

[0129] Preferably, said main axis is preferably coincident with the pivot axis ZZ around which the main scraper R0 pivots.

[0130] Thus, even if it is possible that the pivot axis ZZ of the main scraper and the main axis around which the internal tubular surface S of revolution of the bowl is defined, are slightly spaced apart from each other (for example to accept Dimensional tolerances during the manufacture of the device 1), it is preferable that the main axis and the pivot axis ZZ coincide.

[0131] Indeed, in the case where these axes are parallel and not coincident, the tension of the wire of the main scraper necessarily varies during the rotation of the RO scraper and the wire undergoes an elongation which makes the quality of the scraping vary according to the orientation of the main scraper relative to the bowl.

[0132] To homogenize this scraping of the internal surface S, it is preferable that the tension of the wire remains substantially constant during the pivoting of the main scraper RO.

[0133] Preferably, said first attachment zone ROa of the wire FO is mechanically connected to an orientation ring 3 mounted pivotally relative to the bowl 2 around said pivot axis ZZ of the main scraper RO.

[0134] The second attachment zone ROb of the wire FO is carried by a lower part rotating 4 relative to the cup 2 around said pivot axis ZZ of the main scraper.

[0135] Preferably, said orientation crown 3 carries the annular bezel 10 (the bezel is fixed on the crown 3).

[0136] In the present case, the first attachment zone ROa and the third attachment zone ROc (which will be shown below) are directly fixed to an underside of the annular bezel 10.

[0137] As illustrated in particular in figures 3, 4a and 9b, 9c and 10, the wire F0 is also stretched between third and fourth wire attachment zones ROa, ROb.

[0138] More particularly, a second portion of the wire F0 which extends between said third and fourth attachment zones ROc, ROd is in continuous contact against the tubular internal surface S so that the second portion of the tensioned wire scrapes an exclusively convex part of the tubular internal surface 2 during the movement of the main scraper R0 relative to the bowl.

[0139] The first and second portions of the tensioned wire F0 are in contact against opposite sides of said tubular internal surface S of the bowl.

[0140] The contact of the wire stretched on either side of the surface of the bowl allows the opposite faces of the internal tubular surface S to be scraped simultaneously, thus doubling the cleaned area for a given movement of the main scraper R0.

[0141] Moreover, this allows the forces applied to the main scraper to be symmetrical, which is favorable to improving the longevity of the main scraper.

[0142] It could also be arranged so that the first and second portions of the tensioned wire belong not to a single wire, but to two separate tensioned wires. This two-wire solution is, however, less advantageous than the single-wire solution because it remains less efficient in terms of symmetrical distribution of forces on either side of the scraper.

[0143] As can be seen in Figures 3, 4a, 4b and 9b, the third wire attachment zone ROc is mechanically connected to said orientation ring 3 and the fourth wire attachment zone ROd is carried by the lower rotating part 4.

[0144] The lower rotating part 4 can be surmounted by a fixed part (relative to the bowl) with a convex upper face against which said wire extends, this wire being in contact with the convex upper face of the fixed part so as to be able to scrape it when it is driven by the rotating ring 3.

[0145] In this case, the convex face of the fixed part is oriented towards said upper passage 21 and is delimited by a peripheral circular rim, the convex face of the fixed part thus tending to evacuate dirt towards its periphery.

[0146] The wire driven in rotation by the orienting ring 3 rotates the lower rotating part 4 which is covered by a fixed part and, as this wire passes over and against the domed upper face of the fixed part, it can simultaneously scrape the internal surface of the bowl and the domed face of the fixed part.

[0147] Alternatively, the lower rotating part 4 could have a domed face delimited by a peripheral circular rim, the domed face being oriented towards said upper passage 21.

[0148] In this way, the convex face tends to evacuate the suspended matter in water from the internal area of ​​the bowl towards the periphery of the lower rotating part 4, i.e. towards the internal tubular surface S.

[0149] In the present case, the lower passage 22 of the bowl opens into a part of the internal area of ​​the bowl which is located between said rotating lower part 4 and the upper passage 21.

[0150] Preferably, one side of the curved face of the fixed part arranged above the lower rotating part 4 or one side of the curved face of the lower rotating part 4 is opposite the lower passage 22.

[0151] The peripheral circular rim of the rotating lower part 4 may optionally include an annular sealing gasket that comes into sliding contact against the tubular internal surface S.

[0152] Thus, the convex face of the part 4 combined with its rotation allows the suspended materials to be guided towards the lower passage 22, the annular sealing joint limiting the passage of dirt under the rotating part 4 to avoid fouling of the bottom of the bowl 2.

[0153] Said means of displacement 50 also allows the rotational drive of the main scraper R0 relative to the bowl 2 around said pivot axis ZZ.

[0154] In the present case, the displacement means 50 makes it possible to create additional tension on the wire F0 of the main scraper stretched between the ring 3 and the lower rotating part 4.

[0155] Increasing the tension on the wire has the following effect: - to increase the scraping pressure of the wire against the internal surface S of the bowl; and - to force the movement of the wire relative to the bowl in order to clean it.

[0156] The movement of the wire also has the effect of causing the rotation of the lower rotating part 4 relative to the bowl.

[0157] The lower rotating part 4 is here mounted freely to rotate relative to the bowl 2 while being immobile in translation along the axis ZZ.

[0158] This pivot joint is here achieved by a vertical axis fixed at the bottom of the bowl on which pivots a bearing associated with part 4.

[0159] Thus, the orientation torque of the crown 3 is transmitted to the lower part 4 via the tensioned wire.

[0160] Of course, it could be envisaged to motorize the lower rotating part 4 so that the latter also allows the rotational drive of the main scraper relative to the bowl.

[0161] However, since the diameter of the lower part 4 is smaller than that of the ring 3, it is preferable to transmit the torque to the scraper R0 via the ring 3.

[0162] The motor 5 is located outside the basin 2, away from the wet areas of the basin.

[0163] As can be seen in the detail of [Fig.3], a circular profile 30 having a U-shaped cross-section with an upward-oriented annular hollow area extends in a horizontal plane, between an underside face of the lunette 10 and the bowl 2.

[0164] The lower face of the bezel 10 has a male annular shape coming inside the annular hollow area of ​​the profile 30.

[0165] Thus, a baffle is created between the circular profile 30 and the lower face of the annular bezel 10 / circular.

[0166] Such a baffle opposes the passage of water between the seat 10 and the bowl when water is admitted via said at least one upper water inlet 23.

[0167] The profile 30 may have a lower opening to allow water to flow from the annular hollow area of ​​the profile to the internal area of ​​the bowl.

[0168] A seal at least partially annular 31 can also provide additional at least partially annular sealing inside the profile 30.

[0169] This seal 31 extends between the crown 3 and an internal annular edge of the annular profile 30 to oppose the passage of water towards the crown 3.

[0170] This joint 31 is preferably fixed on the profile 30, in the hollow area.

[0171] The sanitary device 1 also includes a toilet seat 6 that is movable relative to the bowl 2 between a lowered position in which the flap 6 obstructs access to said overpass 21 and a raised position in which said flap 6 frees access to said overpass 21.

[0172] An actuator 7 of the flap 6 is arranged to move the flap 6 between its lowered and raised positions, according to a control signal.

[0173] The actuator 7 is here a telescopic linear cylinder, one end of which is mounted to rotate relative to a fixed point vis-à-vis the bowl and the other end of which is mounted to rotate on a fixed point relative to the toilet seat.

[0174] In this way, when the cylinder 7 is extended or retracted, it then moves the flap between the raised and retracted positions.

[0175] In the illustrated example, when the cylinder 7 is retracted, it moves the flap to its raised position, and when it is extended, it moves the flap to its lowered position.

[0176] Of course, we could do the opposite so that when the cylinder is extended, it moves the flap to its raised position, and when it is retracted, it moves the flap to its lowered position.

[0177] The toilet seat 6 is here mounted to rotate relative to the bowl 2 around a pivot of axis X which is substantially horizontal.

[0178] The toilet seat 6 has a transparent area 60 allowing the cleaning status of the bowl to be viewed and for it to be known when the bowl is being cleaned.

[0179] Thus, the user can simply visualize whether water is being projected into the internal area of ​​the bowl, whether the main scraper R0 or the annular seat 10 are moving relative to the bowl 2.

[0180] The use of the sanitary device 1 by the user is permitted only when the main scraper R0 and the seat 10 are stationary relative to the bowl 2.

[0181] The control signal for moving the toilet seat can be generated by the control unit of the sanitary device.

[0182] More particularly, to avoid the risks of interaction with a moving part, the control unit is preferably arranged to allow the operation of the disinfection apparatus (i.e. to allow the relative movement between the seating surface and the disinfection apparatus 40, the supply of washing liquid to the scraper 42 and the generation of ultraviolet radiation by said generator 43) when the seat 6 is in the lowered position and to prohibit the operation of the apparatus when the seat 6 is in the raised position.

[0183] We will now present some features of the basin. In this case, the aforementioned at least one upper water inlet 23 comprises first, second, and third upper water inlets 23, 23b, 23c, which are distributed around the perimeter of the tubular internal surface S to supply water to the tubular internal surface. The number of these water inlets is 3 here, but there could be more.

[0184] The first, second and third upper water inlets 23, 23b, 23c extend in the same water inlet plane towards the basin 2.

[0185] These first, second and third upper water inlets 23, 23b, 23c are here distributed at 120° to each other on the tubular periphery of the internal surface S of the basin 2.

[0186] Each upper water inlet 23, 23b, 23c is oriented so that the water arriving in the bowl forms the same water vortex on the tubular internal surface S.

[0187] To form the same water vortex in the bowl, each at least one upper water inlet 23, 23b, 23c is oriented tangentially to the tubular internal surface so that the water brought into the bowl swirls in a single direction of vortex which can be clockwise or counterclockwise when the vortex is observed from a top view.

[0188] Preferably, the direction of vortex is chosen to be opposite to the direction of rotational movement of the main scraper R0 relative to the bowl.

[0189] Preferably, each upper water inlet 23, 23b, 23c is inclined relative to the tubular internal surface by the same value of angle of tangency.

[0190] Preferably, this same value of tangency angle is between 5 and 30° angle.

[0191] The angle of tangency for a given upper water inlet is the smallest angle formed between a principal axis of water outlet via the given upper water inlet and a theoretical surface extending the tubular internal surface at the location of the given upper water inlet (the theoretical surface is the shape that the tubular internal surface would have if it were not locally hollowed out / crossed by the given upper water inlet. This theoretical surface is tangent to the tubular internal surface over the entire periphery of the given upper water inlet).

[0192] According to another aspect of the invention, the bowl 2 has a first lower water inlet 24 opening towards the tubular internal surface S of the bowl 2.

[0193] Said at least one upper water inlet 23 is placed between a high plane in which the upper passage 21 extends and a low plane in which the lower passage 22 and the first lower water inlet 24 are located, these high and low planes being horizontal.

[0194] Thus, said at least one upper water inlet 23 can be used to wash the internal surface of the bowl 2 while the lower water inlet 24 can be used to evacuate the excrement from the internal area of ​​the bowl to the lower passage 22.

[0195] The principle of supplying these upper and lower inlets will now be presented.

[0196] To this end, the device 1 according to the invention comprises a valve apparatus 25 including: - a pressurized water inlet port suitable for connection to an external pressurized water network (Rx) outside the sanitary system; - at least one first water outlet port connected to at least one upper water inlet at each 23, 23b, 23c; and - at least one second water outlet port connected to said first lower water inlet 24.

[0197] The valve equipment 25 is arranged to selectively adopt a washing configuration and a discharge configuration.

[0198] In washing configuration, a pressurized water supply through the valve equipment 25 is permitted to said at least one upper water inlet and is prohibited to said first lower water inlet.

[0199] In evacuation configuration, a pressurized water supply through said valve equipment 25 is permitted to the first lower water inlet.

[0200] In the evacuation configuration, the valve equipment 25 can either be made to prohibit the supply of water to said at least one upper water inlet or alternatively permit it according to a predetermined criterion.

[0201] This embodiment allows, for example: - initially, to carry out the toilet bowl cleaning with a reduced flow rate / quantity of water specifically defined / adapted for said toilet, with at least one upper water supply; then - secondly, to evacuate the effluents containing the excrement by supplying the lower water inlet with a flow rate and quantity of water specifically determined for the sole purpose of evacuating the effluents via the lower passage.

[0202] These features of the invention make it possible to optimize the quantities and areas of water distribution to the bowl depending on whether one seeks to wash the internal surface of the bowl or to evacuate effluents out of the bowl.

[0203] Overall, thanks to this feature of the invention, the amount of water needed to clean the bowl and flush away the waste can be reduced compared to a conventional flushing mechanism which delivers water only through a top water inlet to both wash the bowl and flush away the waste.

[0204] Preferably, the control unit of the disinfection equipment 40 is functionally connected to a human-machine interface to control, according to one or more predefined operating sequences: - the movement of the main scraper R0 relative to the bowl; and / or - the movement of the seat 10 relative to the bowl; and / or - the movement of the toilet seat 6 relative to the bowl; and / or - the movement of the arm carrying the disinfection device 40 relative to the bowl; and / or - the water supply to said at least one upper water inlet 23, 23b, 23c opening towards the bowl; and / or - the water supply to said lower water inlet 24; and / or - the supply of washing fluid (which may be water) to said at least one nozzle 42; and / or - the power supply for said ultraviolet generator 43.

[0205] Typically, a predefined operating sequence may include: - the movement of the toilet seat relative to the bowl to the lowered position and / or the movement of the arm carrying the disinfection device to the seat disinfection position; followed by - the water supply to said at least one upper water inlet opening towards the bowl and / or the washing liquid supply to said at least one nozzle of the disinfection equipment; monitored for a predefined period - the movement of the toilet seat and / or the main scraper relative to the bowl while said ultraviolet generator is electrically powered and said supplies to the upper water inlet and said at least one nozzle are maintained; followed by - the water supply from said lower water inlet opening towards the basin; followed by - the shutdown of said upper and lower water supply lines and of said at least one sprinkler and of said ultraviolet generator; followed - the movement of the toilet seat relative to the bowl towards the raised position and / or the movement of the arm carrying the disinfection device towards the position of use; followed by - the emission of a signal to the user indicating the end of the disinfection cycle.

[0206] It is also possible that the predefined operating sequence includes a plurality of reversals of the direction of movement of said main scraper and / or of movement of said telescope, which may be useful to promote self-cleaning of the scrapers.

[0207] The invention can therefore also relate to a method of controlling the sanitary device 1 according to the invention by its control unit so as to implement the predefined operating sequence described above.

[0208] The human-machine interface may include a user presence detector in front of the device and / or a seat position detector and / or a position detector for the movable arm carrying the disinfection equipment and / or a push button and / or a touch control detection device and / or a multifunction mobile communication device (such as a multifunction mobile phone, also known as a smartphone) and / or indicator lights and / or an audible emitter. Any interface that does not involve contact with the user is preferred.

[0209] The advancement of the predefined operating sequence can be conditioned on the detection of predefined conditions detected by said human / machine interface.

[0210] It should be noted that the sanitary device 1 according to the invention may include a buffer water reserve (not shown), which may be a simple gravity-flowing water reserve or a pressurized water reserve (i.e., under a pressure greater than ambient atmospheric pressure), supplied with water by said network Rx external to the device and / or by a pump (not shown).

[0211] In this particular embodiment where device 1 would include a buffer water reserve, the buffer water reserve could be of the bladder tank type.

[0212] The buffer water reserve could be connected to the valve device 25 to selectively supply at least one of the lower water inlet (via pipe C2), said at least one upper water inlet (via pipe Cl), said at least one sprinkler 42 (via pipe C3).

[0213] It should be noted that the pump, of the booster type, could be coupled to the water reservoir to supply it with water from said external network Rx but having a pressure higher than that of the external network Rx.

[0214] Preferably, the water delivered by the water reservoir and / or by the pump to at least one nozzle 42 is at a pressure Pn of at least 5 bars, preferably at least 10 bars, preferably 24 bars.

[0215] In this way, the quality of cleaning can be improved while limiting the amount of water consumed.

[0216] Alternatively, a pump could be connected on the one hand to the external network and on the other hand directly to at least one nozzle 42 to deliver pressurized water to it at said pressure Pn, without going through the valve device 25.

[0217] In some embodiments, the buffer water reserve and / or the pump could be coupled to the lower water inlet 24 to deliver to the basin a flow of water at a predetermined minimum flow rate and at a predetermined minimum pressure.

[0218] This is particularly useful in cases where the pressure and / or flow rate of the external water network Rx are insufficient.

[0219] The valve equipment 25 may include a hydraulic distribution valve of which a spool is moved by an electromagnetic actuator functionally connected to the control unit of the sanitary device 1.

[0220] Finally, as can be understood from the last figure ([Fig. 12]), the sanitary device 1 according to the invention may also include: - a removable side cover 70 forming an external side face of the sanitary device 1, the bowl 2 being surrounded on at least three of its sides by said side cover 70; and / or - a removable upper cover 71 constituting an upper portion of the sanitary device 1, this upper cover 71 having a first curved edge extending along a peripheral edge of the seat 10 and having a notch for the passage of a linking mechanism between said seat 6 and the bowl 2.

[0221] Preferably, an external edge of the removable upper cover 71 is adjacent to an upper edge of the removable side cover 70 so as to form a continuity between these edges of the covers 70, 71 thus preventing the passage of dirt towards the outer face of the bowl which is masked by these removable covers.

[0222] The fact that these covers 70, 71 are removable makes it possible to simplify access to the valve equipment 25 and to the pipes Cl, C2, C3 which respectively connect this valve equipment 25 to the upper inlets 23, 23b, 23c to the lower inlet 24 and to at least one nozzle 42 of the disinfection equipment 40. It should be noted that these pipes Cl, C2, C3 are here flexible pipes arranged around the bowl.

[0223] The pipeline Cl extends from a first port of the gate device 25 to each of the three upper water inlets 23, 23b, 23c.

[0224] Pipeline C2 extends from a second port of the gate device 25 to the lower water inlet 24.

[0225] The C3 pipe extends from a third port of the valve device 25 to the nozzle 42, extending along the movable arm which carries the disinfection apparatus and which is located on an upper rear area of ​​the bowl 2.

[0226] This makes it possible to facilitate the maintenance of the sanitary device 1 according to the invention while limiting the risk of degradation of the valve equipment 25.

[0227] Finally, these covers 70, 71 can be replaced to change the aesthetics or personalize / modulate the sanitary device 1.

[0228] In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figures 8a, 8b, said at least one nozzle 42 is oriented such that: - on the one hand, a principal axis 42x of the nozzle (i.e., the principal axis of projection of the washing liquid by the nozzle 42), which, when observed along a direction perpendicular to a radial plane of the telescope 10 (i.e., the observation direction of [Fig. 8b]), is inclined at a first angle Al with respect to a horizontal plane PI in which the annular telescope 10 extends; and that - on the other hand, said main axis (42x) of the nozzle, when observed along a direction parallel to said radial plane of the telescope 10 (that is to say the direction of observation of [Fig.8a]), inclined at a second angle A2 with respect to said horizontal plane PI in which the annular telescope 10 extends.

[0229] The first angle Al is between 20 and 70°, preferably between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°.

[0230] The second angle A2 is between 20 and 70°, preferably between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°.

[0231] Thus, as can be understood from figures 8a and 8b, the washing liquid projected by the nozzle 42 is directed towards the first scraper 41, which is here a lip seal and towards an inner edge of the seat 10, i.e. towards the inner area of ​​the bowl.

[0232] The dirt 100 stuck to the upper surface of the toilet seat is thus sprayed by the pressurized washing liquid to loosen it, then evacuated towards the inner area of ​​the bowl with a movement forcing this dirt 100 to move along the first scraper 4L

[0233] The scraper 41 allows to block the dirt, guide the dirt towards the inside of the bowl and dry the upper face of the seat before its disinfection by the ultraviolet ray generator.

Claims

1. Demands Sanitary device (1) comprising a bowl (2) having: - a tubular internal surface (S); - an upper passage (21) opening towards the internal tubular surface (S) to admit excrement towards an internal area of ​​the bowl (2); - a lower passage (22) for the evacuation of excrement from the internal area of ​​the bowl (2), the sanitary device (1) comprising an annular seat (10) disposed above the bowl (2) to define a seating surface on an upper face of the seat (10), characterized in that the sanitary device comprises: - a disinfection apparatus (40) for the seat (10), the disinfection apparatus (40) comprising a first scraper (41) for the seat surface of the annular seat (10), at least one nozzle (42) arranged to spray a portion of the upper surface of the seat (10) with washing liquid and at least one ultraviolet radiation generator (43) directed to illuminate, with ultraviolet radiation, at least a portion of the upper surface of the seat (10); and - a means of movement (50) arranged to generate a relative displacement between the seat surface of the toilet seat (10) and the disinfection apparatus (40) such that areas to be cleaned on the seat surface are sprayed with washing liquid delivered by said at least one nozzle (42), scraped by said first scraper (41) and then illuminated by ultraviolet radiation generated by said generator (43), the toilet seat (10) being circular and the means of movement (50) comprising an orientation ring (3) of the toilet seat (10) on which said toilet seat (10) is fixed, the means of movement (50) comprising a motor (5), the orientation ring of the toilet seat being movably mounted on the bowl (2) so as to be, under the effect of the motor (5) of the means of movement (50), oriented in rotation relative to the bowl (2) while maintaining the orientation ring parallel to an upper plane of the bowl,the disinfection apparatus (40) being carried by an arm movable relative to the seat (10) between:, - a disinfection position of the seat in which at least a portion of the upper face of the seat is covered by the disinfection device (40) to be disinfected; and - a seat use position in which the disinfection device is moved away from said upper portion of the seat to completely free said upper face of the seat (10).

2. Sanitary device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sanitary device (1) comprises at least one upper water inlet (23) opening onto the tubular internal surface (S) of the bowl.

3. Sanitary device according to claim 2, wherein the tubular internal surface (S) is a surface of revolution about a principal axis.

4. Sanitary device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a seat (6) movable relative to the bowl (2) between a lowered position in which the seat (6) obstructs access to said upper passage (21) of the bowl and a raised position in which said seat (6) frees access to said upper passage (21), an actuator (7) of the seat (6) being arranged to move, according to a control signal, the seat (6) between said lowered and raised positions.

5. Sanitary device (1) according to claim 4, wherein a control unit of the sanitary device (1) is arranged to allow the operation of the disinfection apparatus when the seat (6) is in the lowered position and to prohibit the operation of the disinfection apparatus (40) when the seat (6) is in the raised position.

6. Sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 combined with claim 2, wherein said at least one upper water inlet (23) comprises first, second and third upper water inlets (23, 23b, 23c) distributed around the periphery of the tubular internal surface (S) of the bowl (2) to bring water to the tubular internal surface, the first, second and third upper water inlets (23, 23b, 23c) extending in the same plane of water inlet to the bowl (2).

7. Sanitary device (1) according to claim 6, wherein each at least one upper water inlet (23, 23b, 23c) is oriented so that the water arriving in the bowl forms a uniform vortex of water on the internal tubular surface (S).

8. Sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 combined with claim 2, wherein the bowl has a first lower water inlet (24) opening onto the tubular internal surface (S) of the bowl (2), said at least one upper water inlet (23) being placed between a high plane in which the upper passage (21) extends and a low plane in which the lower passage (22) and the first lower water inlet (24) are located.

9. Sanitary device (1) according to claim 8, wherein: - a valve apparatus (25) comprising a pressurized water inlet port adapted to be connected to an external pressurized water network (Rx) to the sanitary device, at least one first water outlet port connected to each at least one upper water inlet (23, 23b, 23c) and at least one second water outlet port connected to said first lower water inlet (24), the valve apparatus (25) selectively adopting a washing configuration and a drainage configuration; - in washing configuration, a pressurized water supply by the valve apparatus is permitted to said at least one upper water inlet and is prohibited to said first lower water inlet; - in drainage configuration, a pressurized water supply by said valve apparatus is permitted to the first lower water inlet (24).

10. Sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an arm actuator is mechanically connected to said movable arm to move the arm between said seat disinfection position and seat use position.

11. Sanitary device according to claim 10 combined with claim 4, wherein the movable arm and the seat are fixedly connected to each other, the seat actuator and the arm actuator being one and the same actuator (7).

12. A sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the disinfection apparatus (40) for the toilet seat (10) comprises a second scraper (41b) for the annular toilet seat seating surface, said at least one nozzle (42) being oriented so that said sprayed portion of the upper face of the toilet seat (10) extends to less in part between the said first and second scrapers (41, 41b) of the seating surface.

13. Sanitary device according to claim 12, wherein the second scraper (41b) comprises a tensioned wire extending between an external annular edge of the upper face of the seat (10) and an internal annular edge of the upper face of the seat (10) while being in contact with said upper face of the seat (10).

14. Sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the bowl (2) has an upper channel (2x) inclined towards the internal area of ​​the bowl (2) and extending below the disinfection apparatus (40) and below a portion of the annular seat (10) to collect wash liquid delivered by said at least one nozzle (42).

15. Sanitary device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a control module for the disinfection apparatus (40) is arranged to selectively adopt a state of disinfection apparatus power supply and a state of disinfection apparatus power stop; - in the power supply state, the control module permits the supply of washing liquid to said at least one nozzle (42), permits relative movement between the seating surface and the disinfection apparatus and electrically supplies the ultraviolet radiation generator (43) to generate said ultraviolet radiation; and - in the power stop state, the control module prohibits the supply of washing liquid to said at least one nozzle (42), prohibits said relative movement between the seating surface and the disinfection apparatus and prohibits the electrical supply to the ultraviolet radiation generator (43).

16. A sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said at least one nozzle (42) is oriented such that: - on the one hand, a principal axis (42x) of the nozzle is, when viewed along a direction perpendicular to a radial plane of the telescope 10, inclined at a first angle (A1) with respect to a horizontal plane (P1) in which the annular telescope (10) extends; and that - on the other hand, said principal axis (42x) of the nozzle is, when viewed along a direction parallel to said radial plane of the telescope 10, inclined at a second angle (A2) with respect to said horizontal plane (PI) in which the annular telescope (10) extends, said first angle (Al) being between 20 and 70°, preferably between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°, said second angle (A2) being between 20 and 70°, preferably between 30° and 60°, preferably between 40° and 50°.