EP0689630B1 - Self-cleaning toilet - Google Patents

Abstract

A toilet comprising an inner bowl (11) with a U-bend (12) connectable to an external outlet (12a). The toilet comprises an outer body (4) and an upper concave wall (6) with a substantially oval opening (6a) over the bowl (11). Said opening (6a) is substantially parallel to a backward-sloping plane and a washing/rinsing assembly (14) is provided on the seat for automatically washing and rinsing at least the upper wall (6) thereof.

Description

The present invention relates to a self-cleaning commode.

Self-cleaning devices are already known, intended mainly for the use of the public.

Such devices may include, for example, a washing cabinet located behind the bowl and in which are provided means for washing and drying either a bezel tiltable on the bowl, or the whole bowl.

These known devices have the disadvantage of having a large size and of being of a relatively high cost price, which limits their distribution, in particular to individuals.

In addition, the complexity of production and development of these self-cleaning devices reduces their operating reliability.

GB-A-2.123.046 describes a self-cleaning comfort device in which a seat is fixedly arranged while being surrounded by smooth surfaces which are cleaned and disinfected by spraying liquids between two uses.

The seat of this device has an orifice bordered by two substantially horizontal raised bearing surfaces.

The present invention aims to provide a new self-cleaning toilet seat, the production of which is particularly simple, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost and to increase its operating reliability.

The subject of the present invention is a commode seat, internally comprising a bowl extending at its lower part by a siphon connectable to an external discharge duct, characterized in that it externally comprises a body closed by an upper wall concave provided with a substantially ovoid orifice opening into the bowl, this orifice extending substantially parallel to a plane inclined towards the rear, washing / rinsing means being provided on the seat for washing and automatically rinsing at least the wall thereof superior.

By its simplicity and small footprint, the commode seat according to the invention is particularly suitable for both domestic use and public use where it is unlikely to be damaged.

The commode seat according to the invention also has the advantage that the ovoid opening extends substantially parallel to a plane tilted back, which provides a more comfortable and natural seating position than that imposed by the horizontal glasses of traditional commode seats.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the upper wall of the body of the commode seat has the general shape of a quarter disc.

Such a commode can be placed in a corner of a room reserved for this use, in particular in a room placed in a public place.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the upper wall of the body of the commode seat has the general shape of a half-disc. Such a commode can be attached to a room partition by its flat side corresponding to a diameter of the upper wall, in particular in the case of private use in a dwelling.

Preferably, the upper wall of the body of the toilet seat according to the invention is slightly inclined towards the ovoid orifice, so as to direct the washing and rinsing water towards the internal bowl.

In a preferred embodiment, the oval orifice is extended internally by an edge which can have in places an inclination towards the interior markedly more marked than the upper wall and constitutes the part forming the seat proper on which a seat sits. user.

In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the edge of the oval orifice has a so-called "anatomical" shape, so as to provide optimal comfort for the user.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the washing / rinsing means comprise a pivoting arm articulated along a vertical axis and extending radially to the periphery of the upper wall where it is extended by a vertical branch covering at minus the top of the side wall of the body of the commode.

In this embodiment, the washing / rinsing means are operated automatically by a control member comprising in particular a motor which actuates them to sweep the entire surface to be cleaned of the commode seat.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the washing / rinsing means comprise nozzles which spray water and possibly washing liquid on the concave upper wall of the body of the seat and preferably also on the upper part of the side wall of the body of the commode seat.

Such nozzles can be fixed in the vicinity of the concave upper wall of the seat body or integral with a cover mounted for example pivoting on the seat body, the spraying of water then taking place only in the closed position of the cover so as to avoid possible splashes.

Drying means can also be provided on the commode, although these are not necessary if the commode is made of a non-wetting material on which the water droplets slide naturally, or if you mix with the rinsing water surface-active products which avoid the adhesion of water droplets on the surface of the toilet seat.

According to the invention, it is also possible to provide means for heating the upper wall of the body, so as to improve the comfort of use of the toilet seat. Such heating means also have the advantage of promoting the evaporation of water droplets which may be on the wall of the seat.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un siège d'aisance selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une section selon II-II de la figure 1,
• la figure 3 est une vue de dessus d'un siège d'aisance selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 4 est une section selon IV-IV de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 1 d'un siège d'aisance selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 6 est une vue de dessus du bord de l'orifice ovoïdal du siège d'aisance de la figure 5,
• les figures 6A à 6E sont des sections selon respectivement A-A à F-F de la figure 6,
• la figure 7 est une vue en coupe suivant VII-VII de la figure 5, et
• la figure 8 est une vue analogue à la figure 5 représentant une variante de ce troisième mode de réalisation.

In order to better understand the invention, we will now describe embodiments given by way of examples and without any limiting character, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a commode seat according to a first embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a section along II-II of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 3 is a top view of a commode seat according to a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 4 is a section along IV-IV of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 of a commode seat according to a third embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 6 is a top view of the edge of the ovoid orifice of the toilet seat of FIG. 5,
• FIGS. 6A to 6E are sections respectively according to AA to FF of FIG. 6,
• FIG. 7 is a sectional view along VII-VII of FIG. 5, and
• Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing a variant of this third embodiment.

FIG. 1 schematically represents part of a room for collective use of which a floor 1 and two partitions 2 and 3 can be seen.

In a corner of the room is mounted a commode seat according to a first embodiment of the invention.

In this embodiment, the general external shape of the body 4 of the comfort seat is that of a quarter of a cylinder cut along two planes (parallel to the partitions 2 and 3) orthogonal and intersecting along the axis 5 of the cylinder.

The cylindrical body 4 has an upper wall 6 and a side wall 7.

The walls 6 and 7 are connected in leaktight manner to the partitions 2 and 3 as well as to the floor 1 by seals 7 a .

The upper wall 6 comprises, in the vicinity of the partitions 2 and 3, a peripheral zone 8 very slightly inclined towards the inside and situated on either side of a range 9 substantially annular and more strongly inclined towards the bottom.

The area 9 defines an oval orifice 6 a which is internally extended by a seat portion 10 proper, constituted by an edge very inclined inward, as can be clearly seen in Figure 2 where only the area 9 and the edge 10 appear in section.

According to the invention, the orifice 6a extends substantially parallel to a plane inclined rearwardly.

A bowl 11 is placed inside the cylindrical body 4 in line with the opening delimited by the seat part 10.

The bowl 11 is connected to a waste water discharge conduit 12 a via a siphon 12.

In known manner, the bowl 11 has a flushing water supply conduit 13 which in this case opens onto one of the rear side faces of the toilet seat.

The bowl 11 described here has a shape similar to traditional bowls, with the difference that it does not have a foot. In traditional bowls, such a foot is necessary to support the weight of a user. However, in the toilet seat of the present invention, the user does not sit on the upper edge of the bowl 11, but on the seat part 10 which is integral with the side walls 7 of the body 4.

In fact, the external shape of the bowl 11 described here is indifferent, the only condition being that said bowl can take place inside the cylindrical body 4, in line with the orifice 6 a .

Alternatively, one could make the assembly consisting of the walls 6, 7 and the bowl 11 in a single block of impact resistant material, covered with an easily washable surface.

In accordance with the invention, the commode seat is provided with a washing / rinsing means which in this case consists of a bent arm 14 articulated around an axis 15 close to the axis of the cylinder 5.

The bent arm 14 extends radially over the entire upper wall 6, as well as over most of the side wall 7.

It is understood that, by a simple rotational movement, the bent arm 14 scans the entire wall 6 as well as most of the side wall 7.

A water supply pipe 16 crosses the bent arm 14 to supply nozzles 17 distributed over the entire length of the bent arm 14 opposite the walls 6 and 7.

The water supply pipe 16 is connected, by means of a rotary joint 18, to a pipe 19 leading to a rear lateral face of the commode seat, a pipe for supplying pressurized water which may come connect to it.

A motor 20, placed inside the body 4 makes it possible to drive the bent arm 14 in a rotational movement to sweep the entire surface to be cleaned, while the nozzles 17 spray the walls 6 and 7 successively with water wash, then with rinse water.

In order to reduce splashing, the arm 14 can advantageously be provided with side skirts (not shown) located on either side of the nozzles 17.

The washing and rinsing water is recovered in a channel 21 provided for this purpose in the floor 1 of the room, along the side wall 7 and the partition 3.

In the embodiment shown, the arrival of flushing water in the duct 13, the starting of the motor 20, and the arrival of the washing and rinsing water in the duct 16, are controlled by appropriate means, such as those used in known washing cabinets and the triggering of which can, for example, be caused when the user leaves the room.

It can be seen, in particular in FIG. 1, that the toilet seat according to the present invention is both compact and not very vulnerable to acts of vandalism.

In this context, it is also possible, in a preferred variant, to arrange a housing in the partition 2 to allow the introduction of the arm 14 when it is in the rest position. In this way, the arm 14 is protected from any manual manipulation aimed at damaging it.

In Figures 3 and 4 there is shown a toilet seat according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In these figures, the reference numbers designating elements already described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 have been kept.

In the present case, the body 4 ′ of the toilet seat is substantially in the form of a half-cylinder, truncated on either side of its median plane by two planes parallel to the latter.

The cylindrical front side face 7 ′ of the body 4 ′ is therefore extended on each side of the commode seat by two flat side faces 7 ′ a and 7 ′ b .

This embodiment of the invention is more particularly intended for domestic use, the commode can be leaned against a partition 2 'of a room reserved for this use.

A bent and articulated arm 14 ′, not shown in FIG. 4, makes it possible to wash and rinse the bowl 11, as well as the upper wall 6 and the upper part of the side wall 7 ′ of the body 4 ′.

In this embodiment, a reservoir 22 supplied with 23 makes it possible to accumulate the flushing water necessary for emptying the bowl 11.

In this case, it is not necessary to bring the flushing water through an external conduit.

Such a commode being intended to equip dwellings, it does not require any particular equipment on the ground, only a gutter 21 ′ is provided directly on the side wall 7 ′ of the body 4 ′, so as to recover the washing water and rinse.

Figures 5 to 7 show a third embodiment of the invention.

As seen in Figure 5, this commode is also intended to be placed in a corner of a room.

The body 4 "of the seat is closed by a concave upper wall 6" in the shape of a quarter disc which has an oval orifice 6 " a central towards which it is slightly inclined.

According to the invention, the central opening 6 " a extends substantially parallel to a plane inclined towards the rear, as seen in FIG. 7.

In this embodiment, the upper wall 6 "is also inclined backwards.

The washing / rinsing means here consist of nozzles 24 which are mounted on ramps 25 integral with the body 4 ", along the partitions 2 and 3.

The nozzles 24 are supplied with washing and rinsing water by a conventional device not shown.

To wash at least the upper part of the side wall 7 ", additional nozzles and a gutter can be provided in the central part of the wall 7" or even a gutter at the foot of the body 4 ", as illustrated above.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to 7, the oval orifice 6 " a is extended internally by an edge 10" of anatomical shape which has the advantage of offering optimal comfort in using the seat while being particularly suitable wash well by spraying and / or flowing a liquid.

The anatomical shape of the edge 10 "is shown in Figures 6 and 6A to 6F.

In its median plane, the rear of the edge 10 ", has a relief 26 which is designed to follow the interfessio groove.

In its rear part 10a, the edge 10 "has a large inward angling, as shown in the section of Figure 6A, so as to form an almost vertical upstand.

In the rear lateral part 10 " b , as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the inclination of the edge 10" is less significant, because this part 10 " b of the edge 10 constitutes a surface on which the user rests.

In the lateral part 10 " c , the edge 10" is very inclined as indicated in FIG. 6C.

The front side part 10 " d of the edge 10", shown in section in FIG. 6D, is slightly inclined and constitutes a connection zone between the side part 10 " c very inclined and the front part 10" e , 10 " f which has a substantially horizontal section, as seen in Figures 6E and 6F.

In its front part 10 " f , the edge 10" has an elevation which separates two zones 10 " e situated on either side of the median plane of the edge 10", provided for the passage of the legs of a user.

The general tilt back of the 10 "edge gives the seat optimum comfort of use.

Heating means for the top wall 6 "and the edge 10" can be provided to improve comfort and ensure elimination of water droplets which may remain on the seat after washing.

Such a heating means may consist, for example, of a heating resistor, not shown, applied against the underside of the wall 6 "or possibly incorporated in the latter, for example by overmolding, which keeps the edge 10" at a constant temperature d '' about 35 ° C.

In FIG. 8, a variant of this third embodiment is shown, in which the upper wall 6 "comprises a cover 27 hinged at 28 along the partition 3.

The cover 27 can be folded down on the upper wall 6 "so as to allow projection of washing water at high pressure without causing splashing in the room.

Nozzles 24 are present on the side walls 26 which border the upper wall 6 "along the partitions 2 and 3, as well as along the circular rim 29 of the cover 27.

For the sake of clarity of the drawing, the supply conduits for the nozzles 24 have not been shown, which may for example consist of channels coming from the molding of the walls 26 and of the cover 27.

Due to the vulnerability of the cover 27 vis-à-vis acts of vandalism, this variant is more particularly suitable for private use.

In all the embodiments which have just been described, it appears that by its simplicity, the commode seat according to the present invention guarantees good operating reliability.

It is understood that these embodiments have no limiting character and that they can receive any desirable modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

1. Toilet internally provided with a pan (11) extended in its lower part by a rap (12) connectable to an external discharge pipe (12a), externally provided with a body (4) closed by a concave upper wall (6) having a substantially ovoid orifice (6a) issuing into the pan, said upper wall being slightly inclined towards said ovoid orifice, and washing/rinsing means (14, 24) for automatically washing and rinsing at least said upper wall (6), characterized in that the ovoid orifice (6a) is internally extended by a rim (10) constituting the portion forming the actual seat on which a user sits, said rim (10) extending substantially parallel to a plane inclined towards the bottom at the rear with respect to the user.
2. Toilet according to claim 1, characterized in that the rim (10') of the ovoid orifice (6"a) is provided at the rear with a relief (260 for following the interbuttock furrow, said rim 10') having in its rear portion (10"a) a significant slope towards the interior, in its rear, lateral portion (10"b) a less pronounced slope, in its lateral portion (10"c) a pronounced slope, in its front, lateral portion (10"d) a limited slope constituting a connection area between the lateral portion (10"c), which slopes strongly and a front portion (10"e) having a substantially horizontal section for the passage of the legs of a user, a raised part being provided in the front portion (10"f) of the rim (10").
3. Toilet according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper wall (6') has the general shape of a half-disk and the toilet can be backed against a partition (2') of a room reserved for this purpose.
4. Toilet according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper wall (6') has the general shape of a half-disk and the toilet can be backed against a partition (2') of a room reserved for this purpose.
5. Toilet according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the washing/rinsing means have a pivoting arm (14, 14') articulated along a vertical shaft (15) and extending radially up to the periphery of the upper wall (6, 6') where it is extended by a vertical branch covering at least the upper portion of the lateral wall (7, 7') of the body (4, 4') of the toilet.
6. Toilet according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the washing/rinsing means have nozzles (24) spraying water and possibly washing liquid onto the concave, upper wall (6") of the body (4") of the toilet.
7. Toilet according to claim 6, characterized in that it has a cover (27) able to cover the upper wall (6") in order to permit the spraying of water without splashing.

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