Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
  • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
  • A01K7/00—Watering equipment for stock or game
  • A01K7/02—Automatic devices ; Medication dispensers
  • A01K7/027—Drinking equipment with water heaters, coolers or means for preventing freezing

Definitions

• the invention relates to the field of watering devices for animals, in particular for cats.
• an object of the present invention is to provide a watering device easily accessible to animals, making it possible to maintain sufficiently fresh water while allowing the animal to hydrate serenely.
• the present invention provides a drinking device for animals comprising a support, which comprises:
• thermoelectric module powered by a current and having a first contact element and a second contact element, the first contact element being configured to cool the liquid.
• the present invention allows the animal to have sufficiently fresh water. Knowing that the nature of the animal makes it reluctant to drink lukewarm water, the present invention thus makes it possible to further prevent underhydration of the animal. Furthermore, the cooling of the water by the use of a thermoelectric module allows the animal to hydrate itself under favorable phonic conditions. Thus, the animal hydrates under anti-stress conditions, being beneficial to its health.
• FIG. 1A represents an external view of the device according to a first embodiment.
• Figure 1B shows a cross section of the device of Figure 1A.
• FIG. 2A represents an external view of the device according to a second embodiment.
• FIG. 2B represents a top view of the device of FIG. 2A.
• Figure 2C shows a cross section of the device of Figure 2A.
• the first contact element is in thermal conduction with the watering tank so as to allow heat exchange between the first contact element and the watering tank.
• the second contact element is in thermal conduction with a receiving element intended to receive calories.
• the second contact element has dissipation fins configured to dissipate heat towards the receiving element.
• a mechanical device turbine, fan, pump, etc.
• the support comprises a first part carrying the watering tank and a second part distinct from the first part so that the thermal conduction resistance of the first part is greater than the thermal conduction resistance of the second part . This makes it possible to better maintain the temperature of the liquid contained in the watering tank.
• the support comprises a support surface bordering the watering tank, said support having a lower face intended to rest with the ground so that the support surface is parallel to the lower face .
• the support surface is flush with an upper edge of the watering tank.
• the bearing surface has a depth P starting from the upper edge of the watering tank, said depth P being at least 4 cm.
• the support surface is intended to receive the legs of the animal, said support surface extending at least to the same height H as the upper edge of the watering tank.
• the present invention allows the animal through the support surface to hydrate by having its legs at the same level as the liquid, by having its head in the extension of the neck, the throat stretched, the back straight.
• the animal hydrates in a physiological position that facilitates swallowing.
• swallowing difficulties and pain due to poor posture, which can lead to underhydration of the animal are avoided.
• the support is partly hollow, defining an interior cavity of the support so that the receiving element is contained in the interior cavity of the support.
• the interior cavity of the support is located under the support surface.
• the interior cavity of the support has ventilation channels establishing a passage between the interior cavity of the support and the exterior of the support.
• the support comprises an additional tank, containing the receiving element in such a way as to allow heat exchange between the liquid contained in the drinking tank and the receiving element contained in the additional tank.
• the first contact element and the second contact element of the thermoelectric module are respectively a first heat-conducting plate and a second heat-conducting plate.
• the first plate is immersed in the watering tank.
• the first thermally conductive plate has a length substantially equal to the length of the watering tank.
• the watering tank is removable from the support.
• the watering trough is made of a material with a thermal conductivity greater than 10 watts / meter. Kelvin at 20 ° C.
• the cooling system comprises a thermostat configured to maintain the temperature of the liquid contained in the drinking trough at a temperature between 5 ° C and 15 ° C, preferably between 8 ° C and 12 ° C.
• FIGS. 1A and 1B A first embodiment is described by FIGS. 1A and 1B. We will first describe this mode.
• FIGS 1A and 2A show a watering device 1 for animals, preferably cats.
• This watering device 1 comprises a support 2.
• the support is held stably on the ground.
• the support 2 advantageously has a lower face 20 as shown in FIG. 1B, intended to bear, preferably isostatically, with the ground.
• the dimensions of the holder 2 are set to make it easy to access animals such as cats.
• the support 2 comprises a watering tank 3.
• the watering tank 3 may have at least one side wall, preferably four, and a bottom wall.
• the watering tank 3 has a length dimension.
• the watering tank 3 has an internal surface and an external surface so that the external surface of the watering tank 3 is in contact with the support 2.
• the tank drinker 3 is intended to receive a liquid, preferably water. This aspect is separable from the characteristic of the cooling system.
• the support 2 comprises a first part 2a and a second part 2b.
• the first part 2a carries the watering tank 3 and the second part 2b is separate from the first part 2a.
• the watering tank 3 is removable from the support 2. This makes it easier to fill the watering tank 3 with said liquid. This also makes it possible to facilitate the cleaning of the watering tank 3. Another advantage is that, in the event of a breakage or failure of the watering tank 3, it is easy to replace it without having to change the entire device. watering 1. Thus, the mass of waste generated by the failure of a part of the watering device 1 is saved.
• the watering device 1 comprises a cooling system 4 for said liquid as shown in FIG. 1 B.
• the cooling system 4 comprises a thermostat configured to maintain the temperature of the liquid contained in the tank. drinker 3 at a temperature between 5 ° C and 15 ° C, preferably between 8 ° C and 12 ° C. This makes it possible to refresh or even maintain the temperature of the liquid contained in the watering tank 3 at a temperature adequate for the hydration of the animal.
• the animal has at its disposal conditions that favor its desire to drink. Indeed, it is known that lukewarm water repels animals, especially cats. This prevents underhydration of the animal, which keeps the animal in good health conditions.
• the liquid cooling system 4 comprises a thermoelectric module 41 supplied with a current.
• the thermoelectric module 41 is of the “Peltier module” type.
• the thermoelectric module 41 is advantageously located within the support 2.
• the support 2 has a length L, so that the thermoelectric module 41 is located for example at half the length L of the support 2.
• the thermoelectric module 41 has a first contact element 410a and a second contact element 410b.
• the first contact element 410a is configured to cool the liquid.
• the first contact element 410a is in thermal conduction with the watering tank 3, preferably the first contact element 410a is in thermal conduction with the external surface of the watering tank 3, again preferably with the surface. of the side wall of the drinking trough 3.
• the first contact element 410a is in thermal conduction with the outer surface of the bottom wall of the trough watering 3.
• a heat exchange between the first contact element 410a and the watering tank 3 is authorized.
• the drinking trough 3 contains the liquid, it is also a heat exchange between the liquid and the first contact element 410a which is authorized.
• the watering tank 3 is made of a material whose thermal conductivity is greater than 10 watts / Kelvin meter at 20 ° C. This makes it possible to facilitate the thermal transfer of the calories contained in the liquid to the water. internal surface of the watering tank 3, then towards the external surface of the drinking tank 3 and then towards the first contact element 410a.
• the second contact element 410b is in thermal conduction with a receiving element 5 intended to receive calories.
• the second contact element 410b is optionally located opposite the first contact element 410a, both located at opposite ends of the thermoelectric module 41.
• the receiving element 5 is located outside the watering tank 3.
• the second contact element 410b advantageously has dissipation fins 410b '.
• the function of the dissipation fins 410b ' is to dissipate heat to the receiver element 5.
• the dissipation fins 410b' may have a length extending along the entire interior cavity.
• the cooling system 4 is configured so as to cool the receiving element 5 and heat the liquid contained in the watering tank 3.
• the first contact element 410a and the second contact element 410b are configured in such a way as to maximize the heat exchange surfaces between, respectively, the liquid contained in the watering tank 3 and the receiving element 5.
• the first contact element 410a and the second contact element 410b are metallic elements. This helps promote heat transfer.
• the receiving element 5 is air.
• the support 2 is partly hollow. Indeed, the support 2, preferably the second part 2b of the support 2, defines an interior cavity 22.
• the interior cavity 22 advantageously contains the receiving element 5.
• the dissipation fins 410b ′ are preferably located in the interior cavity 22.
• the dissipation fins 410b ′ evacuate the heat in the heat sink.
• interior cavity 22 which also contains the receiving element 5 which will then receive the heat. Once the heat has been recovered by the receiving element 5, this heat is removed.
• the interior cavity 22 of the support 2 has ventilation channels 220.
• the ventilation channels 220 establish a passage between the interior cavity 22 of the support 2 and the exterior of the support 2. This allows heat to be evacuated, which has been captured by the receiving element 5. Thus overheating of the support 2 is avoided and damage to the support 2 is also avoided.
• the support is preferably made of plastic or wood.
• first part 2a and the second part 2b of the support 2 are optionally configured so that the thermal conduction resistance of the first part 2a is greater than the thermal conduction resistance of the second part 2b. This makes it possible to better maintain the temperature of the liquid contained in the drinking trough 3. In fact, the freshness provided thus remains in the first part 2a of the support 2 and does not dissipate through the support 2, in particular through the second. part 2b of support 2.
• the support 2 preferably the second part 2b of the support 2, comprises a bearing surface 21 bordering the watering tank 3.
• the bearing surface 21 is arranged so as to be parallel to the lower face 20 of the support 2 and consequently to be parallel to the ground on which the lower face 20 rests.
• the watering tank 3 has an upper edge 30.
• the term "upper edge” means the edge 30 of the watering tank 3 advantageously extending to the height H of the support 2.
• the bearing surface 21 advantageously flush with the upper edge 30 of the watering tank 3.
• the bearing surface 21 has a depth P starting from the upper edge 30 of the watering tank 3.
• the depth P is optionally at least 4 cm.
• the bearing surface 21 is intended to receive the legs of the animal, preferably at least the front legs of the animal.
• the support surface 21 extends to the same height H as the edge of the watering tank 3 as shown in FIG. 1 B. This feature allows the animal through the support surface 21 to hydrate by having your paws at same level as the liquid, with his head in line with the neck, his throat stretched out and his back straight. Thus, the animal hydrates in a physiological position facilitating swallowing. As a result, swallowing difficulties and pain due to poor posture, which can lead to underhydration of the animal, are avoided.
• the preferential but non-limiting combination of sufficiently cool water, watering conditions in a silent and anti-stress environment, and a physiological position for watering the animal allows the animal to be in good health conditions, or to avoid the deterioration of these health conditions.
• the support surface 21 borders the entire watering tank 3.
• the support surface 21 borders at least part of the watering tank 3.
• the support 2 is configured so as to have several support portions around the watering tank 3.
• the support 2 comprises at least two support surfaces
• the two bearing surfaces 21 are adjacent, and for example at 90 ° to each other to extend over two edges of the tray 3, and advantageously allow the simultaneous access to the watering tank by several animals at the same time.
• This preferably makes it possible to keep a single internal cavity 22 while expanding the capacity of the watering device 1.
• the second part 2b comprises a set of bearing surfaces 21.
• the support 2 is configured so as to be able to cover the lower face 20. This advantageously allows a hermetic closure of the internal cavity 22 in which, for example, heat exchanges can take place.
• the drinking trough 3 is polygonal and at least two supporting surfaces 21 extend from at least two adjacent sides of the drinking trough 3.
• the watering device 1 comprises lateral protection elements configured so as to encourage the animal to climb on at least one support surface 21. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent the animal from coming to quench its thirst in the watering tank 3 from sides of the support 2 which do not have a support surface 21.
• the watering device 1 comprises at least one ventilation element. This advantageously makes it possible to lower the temperature within the interior cavity 22.
• the ventilation element is advantageously located in the interior cavity 22, preferably in the second part 2b.
• the ventilation element sucks in colder air from the outside, in particular from below the watering device 1, until it expels it in the direction of a radiator element in the internal cavity 22.
• This preferably makes it possible to evacuate the heat present within the internal cavity 22.
• the air flow can be directed towards the hot part of the Peltier device: towards the corresponding contact and / or a dissipating element such as a radiator placed in thermal conduction. with the hot contact of the Peltier module.
• the ventilation element is a parallelepiped fan with blades, oriented horizontally and configured to generate a vertical air flow. This makes it possible, for example, to make the watering device 1 more compact.
• the watering device 1 comprises a filter element configured so as to protect a ventilation element.
• the filter element advantageously allows air to pass between the exterior of the watering device and the ventilation element while preventing the passage of insects or dust.
• the present invention also describes a method for cooling the liquid intended to be contained in the watering tank 3 of said watering device 1.
• the cooling system 4 comprises a thermoelectric module 41.
• the thermoelectric module 41 is powered. by mains current or by some other means, such as an on-board battery.
• a solar energy collector can be implemented, for example on the bearing surface, which is preferably quite large.
• the calories of the liquid contained in the watering tank 3 are evacuated from the said watering tank 3 by successively establishing contact with at least the following elements: liquid, first contact element 410a, second contact element 410b, heat receiving element 5.
• the support 2 of the watering device 1 comprises an additional tray 23.
• the receiving element 5 is then contained in the additional tray 23 such as it is illustrated in Figure 2C.
• the additional tank 23 has a bottom wall.
• the additional tank 23 is removable from the watering device 1, preferably removable from the support 2. This makes it possible to facilitate the filling of the additional tank 23 by the receiving element 5. This also makes it possible to facilitate cleaning of the tank. Additional 23.
• the receiving element 5 is advantageously a liquid such as water or air.
• the first contact element 410a and the second contact element 410b of the thermoelectric module 41 respectively comprise a first heat-conducting plate 411a and a second heat-conducting plate 411 b.
• the first heat-conductive plate 411a is immersed in the watering tank 3 so as to be in contact with the liquid to be cooled, while the second heat-conductive plate 411b is immersed in the additional tank 23 so as to be in contact. of the receiver element 5 to be heated.
• the first thermally conductive plate 411a has a length substantially equal to the length of the watering tank 3.
• a first passage orifice and a second passage orifice are provided in the support 2, preferably respectively in the first part 2a of the support 2 and in the second part 2b of the support 2.
• the first thermally conductive plate 411a is immersed in the liquid contained in the drinking trough 3
• the second thermally conductive plate 411b is in contact with the receiving element 5 so as to allow a heat exchange between the liquid and the receiving element 5.
• a first plurality of passage orifices and a second plurality of passage orifices are provided respectively in the first part 2a of the support 2 and in the second part 2b of the support 2.
• a first plurality of thermally conductive plates 411a and a second plurality of thermally conductive plates 411b are respectively inserted into the drinking trough 3 and into the additional trough 23 respectively through the first plurality of orifices. passage and the second plurality of passage orifices.
• the first passage orifice and the second passage orifice are configured in such a way that the first thermally conductive plate 411a and the second thermally conductive plate 411b are arranged respectively close to the wall bottom of the watering tank 3 and the bottom wall of the additional tank 23.
• the first thermally conductive plate and the second thermally conductive plate are not in contact with, respectively, the bottom wall of the drinking trough 3 and the bottom wall of the additional trough 23. This makes it possible to avoid thermal bridges between the first thermally conductive plate 411a and the bottom wall of the watering tank 3.
• the first thermally conductive plate 411a is configured so as to be in contact with the external surface of the drinking trough 3, preferably with the outer surface of the bottom wall of the drinking trough 3.
• the second heat-conducting plate 411b can be configured so as to be in contact with the external surface of the additional tank 23, preferably with the external surface of the bottom wall of the additional tank 23.
• the device as described by the invention has, through the characteristics mentioned above, a difference in temperature of the liquid of between 3 and 4 ° C which can be reached in 1 hour, preferably between 8 and 12 ° C attainable in 6 hours, for 1 liter of drinking water at room temperature cooled by a 150 Watt Peltier module.
• the invention is primarily intended for use by cats but can also be used by other animals, such as small dogs, ferrets, horses, etc.

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• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Environmental Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Husbandry (AREA)
• Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
• Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)
• Feeding And Watering For Cattle Raising And Animal Husbandry (AREA)
• Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=68343086

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Family Cites Families (8)

• 2019
  • 2019-07-08 FR FR1907624A patent/FR3098372B1/fr active Active
• 2020
  • 2020-07-03 JP JP2022500968A patent/JP2022540459A/ja active Pending
  • 2020-07-03 CN CN202080049882.4A patent/CN114390889A/zh not_active Withdrawn
  • 2020-07-03 EP EP20735010.9A patent/EP3996497A1/fr active Pending
  • 2020-07-03 US US17/625,642 patent/US20220264845A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2020-07-03 WO PCT/EP2020/068888 patent/WO2021004966A1/fr unknown

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