KR20240068279A - Companion animal defecation device with sterilization function using photocatalyst and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of controlling a companion animal, such as a cat toilet device or toilet device, and a defecation device that provides a sterilization function using a photocatalyst are provided. The toilet device includes a case body; A toilet bowl disposed within the case body; a filter disposed at least partially within the litter box and comprising a photocatalyst coating layer or photocatalyst particles; and a control device including a light source disposed within the case body and configured to directly or indirectly irradiate light toward the filter.

Description

Companion animal defecation device with sterilization function using photocatalyst and control method thereof {COMPANION ANIMAL DEFECATION DEVICE WITH STERILIZATION FUNCTION USING PHOTOCATALYST AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a companion animal excrement device having a sterilizing function and a control method thereof. In detail, it relates to a method of controlling a companion animal, such as a cat toilet device or toilet device, that provides a sterilization function using a photocatalyst, and a defecation device.

Recently, the number of people raising companion animals such as cats or dogs has been increasing. Companion animals spend their lives dependent on their owners, and their owners can gain psychological stability and happiness through interaction and communication with their pets. However, one of the problems encountered while raising a pet is the odor of the pet. If the pet's hygiene, such as defecation or bathing, is not properly managed, unpleasant odors will permeate not only the indoor space where the pet lives, but also the pet owner's clothes and body.

Conventionally, toilet seats for companion animals such as dogs are used. The toilet sheet has an absorbent resin material inside, so it absorbs urine well, and the toilet sheet can be disposed of immediately after use, which has the advantage of easily reducing odor.

However, some companion animals, such as cats, prefer to defecate on dirt or sand rather than litter sheets, and have an instinctive habit of covering their excrement with dirt or sand. For this reason, it is common to use particulate ceramics such as bentonite or sand, or particulate plastic imitating them, as fillers or litter in litter boxes for domestic cats.

KR 10-2022-0105735 A (2022.07.28) KR 10-2018-0100034 A (2018.09.06)

Cats are known to be clean animals compared to other animals, but their excrement, specifically urine, contains a substance called felinin, so cat urine has a relatively strong odor compared to other pets. As mentioned above, cats prefer to defecate on particulate fillers such as sand rather than litter sheets. However, unlike litter sheets, which are relatively inexpensive and can be discarded immediately, litter is not something that can be disposed of immediately, and it is pointed out as the main cause of odor in indoor spaces where companion cats are kept.

In addition, cats have habits such as playing in the sand using the sand they used to excrete and leaving traces, or sitting on the sand. However, bacteria and mold grow very actively in the litter, and if the pet owner does not replace the litter frequently, it can lead to cystitis, urethritis, skin disease, and eye disease in cats.

Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a companion animal excrement device that can increase the usage cycle of the particulate filler by effectively sterilizing the litter, that is, the particulate filler filled in the litter box of the pet cat, thereby suppressing the growth of bacteria or mold. It is provided.

In addition, another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a control method for the above-described companion animal toilet device.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

A defecation device according to an embodiment for solving any of the above problems includes a case body; A toilet bowl disposed within the case body; a filter disposed at least partially within the litter box and comprising a photocatalyst coating layer or photocatalyst particles; and a control device including a light source disposed within the case body and configured to directly or indirectly irradiate light toward the filter.

The litter box may include a frame member that forms the exterior of the litter box and has light-opacity, and a light guide member disposed on the frame member.

At this time, a portion of the side surface of the light guide member is exposed without being covered by the frame member, the light is incident through the exposed side surface of the light guide member, and the light incident on the light guide member is at least the upper surface of the light guide member. It can be released through .

The light guide member may include a horizontal light guide portion extending in a horizontal direction, and a vertical light guide portion protruding upward from an edge of the horizontal light guide portion.

And the filter may be directly disposed at least partially on the horizontal light guide part and the vertical light guide part.

The frame member may include a horizontal frame that overlaps the horizontal light guide in the direction of gravity.

Additionally, the horizontal frame includes a frame spacer formed on its upper surface, and the horizontal frame and the horizontal light guide part can be at least partially spaced apart by the frame spacer.

The upper surface of the litter box may be configured to be at least partially light-transmitting, the filter may be placed directly on the light-transmitting portion of the litter box, and the particulate filler may be directly received on the filter.

The filter includes a filter frame having a mesh structure, the photocatalyst coating layer or photocatalyst particles disposed directly on the filter frame, and a cover film partially in contact with the filter frame and partially spaced apart from the filter frame.

The cover film may include a first film disposed on the upper surface of the filter frame, and a second film disposed on the lower surface of the filter frame.

The first film has porosity, and the second film can be at least partially in contact with the light-transmitting upper surface of the litter box and at least partially spaced apart from the light-transmitting upper surface.

In addition, the control device may include one or more sensor modules, and the sensor module may include a motion sensor that senses movement within the case body, or a weight sensor that senses the weight applied to the ceiling plate of the case body. .

A litter box according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above other problems is a litter box including a bottom and a side wall protruding upward from the edge of the bottom, wherein the bottom is a horizontal plane having light-opacity. A frame and a horizontal light guide disposed directly on the horizontal frame, wherein a side of the horizontal light guide is at least partially exposed and not covered by the side wall portion.

A method of controlling a litter box according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above further problem is a method performed by at least one processor that controls a sensor module including a motion sensor or a weight sensor and a light source. A method of controlling a defecation device according to the invention includes stopping the operation of the light source when movement is detected by the motion sensor or weight is detected by the weight sensor while the light source is operating.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the particulate filler contained in the litter box can be sterilized by activating the photocatalyst using a light source, for example, an ultraviolet light source.

Through this, the occurrence of diseases caused by bacteria or mold can be suppressed and the bad smell of the toilet can be reduced.

Effects according to embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and further various effects are included in the present specification.

1 is a perspective view of a defecation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the defecation device of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the defecation device of Figure 1 taken along line AA'.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the defecation device of Figure 1 taken along line BB'.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view separately showing the defecation passage control device of the defecation device of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the frame member and the light guiding member of the litter box of Figure 5 separated.
Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part C of Figure 3.
Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part D of Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control device of the toilet device of Figure 1.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a defecation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a defecation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a control method of a defecation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a flow chart showing a control method of a defecation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments serve to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete, and those skilled in the art It is provided to fully inform the person of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. That is, various changes may be made to the embodiments presented by the present invention. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the embodiments, but should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes therefor.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings that can be commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly specifically defined.

As used herein, 'and/or' includes each and every combination of one or more of the mentioned items. Additionally, the singular form also includes the plural form unless specifically stated in the phrase. As used herein, 'comprises' and/or 'comprising' do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. The numerical range expressed using 'to' indicates a numerical range that includes the values written before and after it as the lower limit and upper limit, respectively. ‘About’ or ‘approximately’ means a value or numerical range within 20% of the value or numerical range stated thereafter.

In this specification, when referring to components, ordinal modifiers such as 'first component', 'second component', '1-1 component', etc. are used to distinguish one component from another component. It just happens. Accordingly, the first component referred to below may be referred to as the second component within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, what is referred to as a first component in one embodiment may be referred to as a second component in another embodiment. Also, of course, what is referred to as a first component in the description of the invention may be referred to as a second component in the claims.

The size, thickness, width, length, etc. of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience and clarity of explanation, so the present invention is not limited to the form shown.

Spatially relative terms such as 'above', 'upper', 'on', 'below', 'beneath', and 'lower' are used in the drawing. As shown, it can be used to easily describe the correlation between one element or component and other elements or components. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that include different directions of the element when used in addition to the direction shown in the drawings. For example, when an element shown in a drawing is turned over, an element described as 'below or beneath' another element may be placed 'above' the other element. Accordingly, the illustrative term 'down' may include both downward and upward directions.

In this specification, the first direction (X) refers to one direction within a certain plane, and the second direction (Y) refers to another direction that intersects or is perpendicular to the first direction (X) within the plane. Additionally, the third direction (Z) refers to another direction that intersects or is perpendicular to the plane.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a defecation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the defecation device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the defecation device of Figure 1 cut along line A-A', and is a cross-sectional view cut along the first direction (X). Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the defecation device of Figure 1 cut along line B-B', and is a cross-sectional view cut along the second direction (Y). Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view separately showing the defecation passage control device of the defecation device of Figure 3, and is a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the frame member and the light guide member of the litter box of Figure 5 separated, and is a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to Figure 5. Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part C of Figure 3. Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part D of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a hardware configuration diagram of the control device of the toilet device of Figure 1.

1 to 9, the defecation device 11 according to this embodiment includes a case body 100, a defecation container 200 disposed within the case body 100, and a control device disposed within the case body 100. It may include (300).

The case body 100 may be a part that forms the exterior of the defecation device 11. Some pets, such as cats, have a habit of defecating in enclosed spaces. Considering this, the case body 100 includes a bottom plate 110 (or body bottom), side plates 121, 122, 123, 124 (or body side walls), and a ceiling plate 130 (or body ceiling). It can be included. In addition, the side plates 121, 122, 123, and 124 may include a first side plate 121, a second side plate 122, a third side plate 123, and a fourth side plate 124. there is. The case body 100 may be made of a material that has a nice appearance and excellent strength and rigidity, for example, plastic resin.

In some embodiments, slit-shaped openings may be formed in the case body 100 to facilitate air communication between the internal space of the case body 100 and the external space. In addition, each plate of the case body 100 has a fitting protrusion and a fitting groove, so that it can be easily assembled and disassembled. 1, etc., the fitting protrusions of the second side plate 122 and the fourth side plate 124 are inserted into the fitting grooves of the first side plate 121 and the third side plate 123, and the bottom plate 110 A case where the fitting protrusion is inserted into the fitting groove of the second side plate 122 and the fourth side plate 124 is exemplified. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto.

The defecation device 11 may have a shape in which the length in the first direction (X) is longer than the width in the second direction (Y). In this case, the ceiling plate 130 may have an access opening (H) that is biased toward one side in the first direction (X). That is, companion animals such as cats can enter the inside of the defecation device 11 or come out from the inside through the access opening H formed in the ceiling plate 130 of the defecation device 11. As will be described later, the control device 300 may be configured to sense the weight applied to the ceiling plate 130 where the access opening (H) is formed. This will be described later.

A litter box 200 and a control device 300 are disposed within the case body 100, and the filter 400 may be arranged to be at least partially located within the litter box 200.

The control device 300 may be disposed on one side of the toilet bowl 200 in the first direction (X) within the case body 100. The control device 300 includes a light source module 330 and a sensor module 350, and a processor 321, memories 323, 324, other power management module 340, and communication necessary for controlling and operating them. It may refer to an electronic device that further includes a module 360 and constitutes one module. In addition, the method of controlling the defecation device 11 using the control device 300 may be understood as a method performed by the control device 300 or its processor 321.

First, the processor 321 (or control unit) may implement operations and/or functions related to the present invention based on instructions according to software in which the method according to the present invention is implemented, which resides in the memory 323. For example, by executing software, hardware components and/or software components connected to the processor 321 can be controlled, and data processing or calculations can be performed. That is, the processor 321 stores commands or data received from other components in the volatile memory 323 as part of data processing or calculation, processes commands or data stored in the memory 323, or stores the resulting data. It can be stored in volatile memory 324. Various hardware components connected to the processor 321 are connected through a data bus and can transfer data between each component through the data bus.

Additionally, the software may be a computer-readable program stored in a storage medium to perform methods to be described later. The processor 321 may use a known processor, but may be implemented using, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), another chipset, a logic circuit, and/or a data processing device.

The memories 323 and 324 may store various data used for at least one component. The data may include input data or output data for software and instructions related thereto. Memories may include volatile memory 323 and/or non-volatile memory 324.

Software or instructions implementing the above method may be loaded in the volatile memory 323. The volatile memory 323 may use any known memory, but may be implemented through, for example, Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, a memory card, a storage medium, and/or other storage devices. there is.

The non-volatile memory 324, for example, storage, may store application programming interfaces (APIs), libraries, resource files, etc. required for execution of software in which the method is implemented. Additionally, the non-volatile memory 324 can store software implementing the method. Additionally, the non-volatile memory 324 may store a database for performing the method according to the present invention. The contents of various databases required to perform operations and/or functions related to the method according to the present invention, which will be described later, can be understood.

The communication module 360 may support the establishment of a wired or wireless communication channel between the control device 300 and another external computing device, such as a user terminal (not shown), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. For example, communication module 360 may include a wireless communication module and/or a wired communication module. Examples of wireless communication modules include Wi-Fi modules, GNSS modules, or short-range communication modules such as Bluetooth or NFC. An example of a wired communication module is a LAN communication module.

The light source module 330 may emit light. For example, the light source module 330 may include a semiconductor-type light emitting diode (LED) that emits light in the ultraviolet wavelength band, for example, light with a wavelength of about 400 nm or less. Alternatively, the light emitting element of the light source module 330 may emit UV-A with a wavelength ranging from about 315 nm to 400 nm, and/or UV-B with a wavelength ranging from about 280 nm to 315 nm. The light emitted by the light source module 330 may itself have a sterilizing and sterilizing effect on the particulate filler (SD), or may react with the photocatalyst of the filter 400, which will be described later, to produce sterilizing, sterilizing, and deodorizing effects. there is.

FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the light source module 330 has a shape extending in the second direction (Y), and a plurality of light emitting elements of the light source module 330 are arranged to be spaced apart in the second direction (Y).

The sensor module 350 may be configured to collect and store various physical information about the control device 300 itself or its surrounding environment. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor module 350 includes a motion sensor 351 and a weight sensor 352, and may further include a temperature and humidity sensor 353 and an illumination sensor 354.

The motion sensor 351 can detect movement of an object within a predetermined distance. The motion sensor 351 is composed of a PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor) and can detect the movement of an object that emits infrared rays. Since the other sensors 352, 353, and 354 may be implemented in known ways, detailed descriptions will be omitted.

The power management module 340 may include an energy storage device, such as a battery. The power management module 340 may supply power for the operation of the control device 300.

The control device 300 is arranged to overlap or overlap within the case body 100, at least partially, with the toilet bowl 200 in a horizontal direction, for example, in the first direction (X), and at least partially with the toilet bowl 200 ) and may be arranged non-overlapping in the first direction (X). The control device 300 may be fixedly disposed on the inner surface of the fourth side plate 124.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light source module 330 may be disposed relatively lower and overlapped with the litter box 200 in the first direction (X). More specifically, the light emitting element of the light source module 330 may be arranged so that light is incident on the light guide member 230 of the litter box 200, which will be described later. Accordingly, other components having light-opacity are not disposed in the space between the light-emitting element and the light guiding member 230 of the light source module 330 spaced apart in the first direction (X), for example, the light-emitting element and the light guiding member 230 Members 230 may be at least partially face-to-face. Additionally, the light source module 330 may non-overlap with the light guide member 230 in the third direction (Z).

The control device protrusion 310 may be located above the light source module 330 in the third direction (Z). When the light emitted by the light source module 330 is light in the ultraviolet wavelength band, it is not desirable for companion animals to be continuously exposed to light in the ultraviolet wavelength band. Therefore, the control device protrusion 310 can be used to prevent the light emitted from the light source module 330 from going directly to the companion animal without passing through the litter box 200.

Specifically, the maximum protrusion length of the control device protrusion 310 in the first direction (X) may be greater than the maximum protrusion length of the light source module 330 in the first direction (X). In addition, the control device protrusion 310 may be positioned to at least partially overlap the litter box 200 in the first direction (X) and overlap the light source module 330 in the third direction (Z). Through this, it is possible to seal as much as possible from any gap through which light can travel on the side of the toilet bowl 200 in the first direction ( It can function as a blocking unit.

In order for the control device protrusion 310 to function as a light blocking portion, the control device protrusion 310 may be made of a light-opaque material.

In some embodiments, the control device protrusion 310 may be positioned substantially in contact with, or proximate to, the litter box 200 . Alternatively, although not shown in the drawing, an insertion groove or insertion protrusion is formed in the control device protrusion 310, and the outer surface of the side wall 202 on one side in the first direction (X) of the toilet bowl 200, specifically the vertical frame 212 ) A corresponding insertion protrusion or insertion groove is formed on the outer surface to enable sliding coupling, sliding engagement, or sliding close contact in the third direction (Z) between the control device protrusion 310 and the toilet box 200. .

As described above, the control device 300 may be provided by modularizing the above-described components into one piece. In this case, the control device protrusion 310 has an internal space, and a processor 321, memories 323, 324, power management module 340, communication module 360, or other sensor module ( 350), etc., at least some of the components may be accepted.

The motion sensor 351 may be located above the control device protrusion 310 in the third direction (Z). The motion sensor 351 can detect whether the companion animal is located within the case body 100 and whether the companion animal is moving. The cat may enter the case body 100 through the entrance opening (H) and be located on top of the particulate filler (SD). Accordingly, the motion sensor 351 may be arranged non-overlapping with the litter box 200 in the first direction (X) so that the motion sensor 351 can detect the movement of the cat. As a non-limiting example, the motion sensor 351 may be arranged to directly face the opposing second side plate 122.

Weight sensor 352 may be placed at the top of control device 300. Additionally, the weight sensor 352 may be arranged to overlap the ceiling plate 130 in the direction of gravity, that is, the third direction (Z). As described above, by forming the entrance opening H in the ceiling plate 130, a process such as the cat stepping on the ceiling plate 130 to enter the inside of the case body 100 is inevitably involved. At this time, the defecation device 11 according to this embodiment is configured to detect the state in which the companion animal is on top of the ceiling plate 130 by arranging the weight sensor 352 to overlap the ceiling plate 130 in the third direction (Z). It can be. Although not shown in the drawing, in order to increase measurement precision using the weight sensor 352, the connection between the ceiling plate 130 and other components of the case body 100 may be configured to have a predetermined third direction (Z) clearance. You can.

The toilet bowl 200 may be configured to form a concave receiving space. Particulate filler (SD), such as fecal sand, may be contained in the concave receiving space. As explained earlier, cats have the habit of excreting urine and feces in the litter, and using the litter to cover and mix the litter. Therefore, if the particulate litter is not sterilized, mold or bacteria may grow in the dark and moist litter, causing infectious diseases in companion animals. Accordingly, the present invention proposes a method that does not simply sterilize any part of the defecation device 11, but more directly sterilizes the particulate fecal sand, that is, the particulate filler (SD).

The litter box 200 may include a frame member 210 (or a non-light-transmitting member, or a non-light-transmitting portion) and a light guide member 230 (or a light-transmitting member, or a light-transmitting portion). The frame member 210 and the light guide member 230 may be stacked on each other. In addition, the frame member 210 forms the exterior of the toilet box 200 in a shape that relatively surrounds the outside of the toilet box 200, and the light guide member 230 is relatively located on the inside of the toilet box 200, especially It may be shaped to surround a concave receiving space.

As used herein, opacity or light-opacity refers to light transparency to light in the visible and ultraviolet wavelength bands of about 10% or less, or about 8% or less, or about 6% or less, or about 4% or less. , or about 2% or less, or about 1% or less, or having complete light-opacity. In addition, the light transmittance or light-transmittance is such that the light transmittance to light in the visible light wavelength band and the ultraviolet wavelength band is about 70% or more, or about 75% or more, or about 80% or more, or about 85% or more, or about 90% or more. % or more, or about 95% or more, or about 97% or more.

First, the frame member 210 may be shaped to have a substantially concave interior space. The frame member 210 may include a horizontal frame 211 (or a first frame portion, or a frame bottom portion) and a vertical frame 212 (or a second frame portion, or a frame side wall portion). The horizontal frame 211 may form the bottom of the frame member 210, and the vertical frame 212 may form the side wall part of the frame member 210. Both the horizontal frame 211 and the vertical frame 212 may be made of an opaque material, such as plastic or metal, and may be formed as one body without physical boundaries, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The horizontal frame 211 may include frame spacers 211s formed on its upper surface. The frame spacers 211s have a shape that protrudes upward in the third direction (Z) and may be arranged regularly or irregularly spaced apart in the horizontal direction including the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y).

The remaining upper surface of the horizontal frame 211 on which the frame spacer 211s is not disposed may be referred to as the horizontal frame base surface 211b. The frame spacer 211s may secure a space between the light guide member 230 and the horizontal frame base surface 211b. That is, the horizontal light guide 231 is in contact with the frame spacer 211s and is supported by the frame spacer 211s, and the frame spacer 211s is the light guide member 230, more specifically, the lower surface of the horizontal light guide 231. It may function to at least partially space the light guide member 230 and the horizontal frame 211 apart to increase the area in contact with the first air layer AG1. Through this, it is possible to facilitate total reflection of the light provided by the light source module 330 and traveling along the inside of the horizontal light guide part 231.

Figure 4 and other examples illustrate a case where the frame spacer 211s has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, but the frame spacer 211s may have a shape whose width becomes narrower toward the top. Through this, the contact area between the upper end of the frame spacer 211s and the lower surface of the light guide member 230, specifically the lower surface of the horizontal light guide part 231, is further reduced, and the lower surface of the horizontal light guide part 231 is connected to the first air layer AG1. The area in contact with can be increased.

The vertical frame 212 may include a first vertical portion 212a and a second vertical portion 212b. The first vertical portion 212a is located above the second vertical portion 212b in the third direction (Z), and the horizontal width of the first vertical portion 212a, for example, the width in the first direction (X) is 2 It may be larger than the width of the vertical portion 212b in the first direction (X). Accordingly, the vertical frame 212 may have a vertical frame depression 212g that is depressed from the inner side to the outer side. That is, the first vertical portion 212a and the second vertical portion 212b may form a step. A vertical light guide portion 232, which will be described later, may be inserted into the vertical frame depression 212g. When the user, that is, the pet owner, puts the particulate filler (SD) into the litter box 200, the particulate filler (SD) can be contained to a height higher than the second vertical part (212b). Meanwhile, the first vertical portion 212a and the second vertical portion 212b, which have different widths to form a step, are expressed only in the vertical frames 212 on both sides of the first direction (X) and in the second direction (Y) It may not be expressed in the vertical frames 212 on both sides, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the vertical frame 212, specifically the second vertical portion 212b, may have a light incident opening 212p. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a certain side of the horizontal light guide 231 in the first direction (X) is not at least partially covered by the frame member 210, that is, the vertical frame 212, and light is incident It may be exposed through the opening 212p. The exposed side surface of the horizontal light guide 231 forms a light incident surface 231p and may face the light source module 330. Light emitted from the light source module 330 may travel to the inside of the light guide member 230 through the light incident surface 231p. The light incident opening 212p may be formed only on one side of the vertical frame 212 in the first direction (X), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Additionally, the vertical frame 212, specifically the first vertical portion 212a, may have a filter fitting groove 212h. The first direction (X) end of the filter 400, which will be described later, is at least partially inserted into the filter fitting groove 212h, and its position can be stably fixed. In particular, when the filter 400 is arranged to include a portion extending in the first direction (X) and a portion extending in the third direction (Z) so as to contact the light traveling through the vertical light guide 232, The filter fitting groove 212h may function as a height stopper in the third direction (Z). The filter fitting groove 212h may be formed only in the vertical frames 212 on both sides of the first direction (X), and may not be formed on the vertical frames 212 on both sides of the second direction (Y), but the present invention is not limited thereto. no.

Next, the light guide member 230 will be described. The light guide member 230 may be disposed to at least partially overlap the frame member 210 in the horizontal direction and the third direction (Z). The light guide member 230 may include a horizontal light guide portion 231 (or a first light guide portion, or a bottom portion of the light guide member) and a vertical light guide portion 232 (or a second light guide portion, or a side wall portion of the light guide member). .

The horizontal light guide portion 231 may form the bottom of the light guide member 230. That is, the horizontal light guide 231 may overlap the horizontal frame 211 in the third direction (Z) and may at least partially overlap the vertical frame 212 in the horizontal direction. Additionally, the vertical light guide portion 232 may overlap the horizontal frame 211 in the third direction (Z) and may overlap the vertical frame 212 in the horizontal direction. As described above, the vertical light guide portion 232 is inserted into the vertical frame depression 212g. The vertical light guide part 232 may be arranged to overlap the horizontal light guide part 231 in the third direction (Z).

Both the horizontal light guide part 231 and the vertical light guide part 232 may be made of a light-transmitting material. Light, especially light in the ultraviolet wavelength band, continuously travels through the light guide member 230, and glass materials may be used to prevent deterioration, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this case, the strength of the light guide member 230 may be less than that of the frame member 210. In another embodiment, the light guiding member 230 may be made of highly light-transmitting plastic, etc. In addition, in Figure 3, etc., in terms of ease of manufacturing the toilet bowl 200, the horizontal light guide part 231 and the vertical light guide part 232 form a physical boundary, and the vertical light guide part 232 is formed on the upper surface of the horizontal light guide part 231. Although the case where is arranged is exemplified, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Any side of the horizontal light guide 231 in the first direction (X) may form a light incident surface 231p. The horizontal light guide 231 may be at least partially inserted into the light incident opening 212p of the vertical frame 212. Additionally, the other side of the horizontal light guide 231 in the first direction (X) and both sides of the second direction (Y) may be covered by the vertical frame 212 and not exposed.

In some embodiments, the lower surface of the horizontal light guide 231 may be at least partially recessed upward to have the light modulation structure 231g. The remaining bottom surface of the horizontal light guide 231 on which the light modulation structure 231g is not formed may be referred to as the bottom surface of the horizontal light guide 231s.

For example, the light modulation structure 231g may be a depressed structure in a substantially square pyramid shape, that is, a depressed groove. The light modulation structure 231g may be regularly arranged along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The light modulation structure 231g may contribute to changing the path of light traveling along the horizontal light guide 231. That is, at least a portion of the light traveling along the horizontal light guide 231 is reflected by the light modulation structure 231g forming an optical interface in the oblique direction, and the filter 400 disposed on the upper surface of the horizontal light guide 231 You can proceed to the side. If the light modulation structure 231g is omitted, the present invention is not limited thereto, but total reflection of light traveling along the horizontal light guide 231 is dominant, making it difficult for a sufficient amount of light to proceed toward the filter 400. there is.

In addition, as described above, the light guide member 230 according to the present embodiment includes not only a horizontal light guide part 231 extending in the horizontal direction, but also a vertical light guide part 232 extending in the vertical direction, that is, in the third direction (Z). ) may include.

Light traveling along the horizontal light guide 231 is emitted upward in the third direction (Z) and heads toward the portion extending in the first direction (X) of the filter 400, and travels along the vertical light guide 232. Light may be emitted in a horizontal direction, for example, in the first direction (X) and directed to a portion of the filter 400 extending in the third direction (Z). Through this, the sterilizing effect on the particulate filler (SD) does not simply depend on the light incident from the bottom, but uses the light incident from the side direction to achieve a more efficient and high sterilization effect. In other words, the light emitted from the light source module 330 can be guided to be directed toward the particulate filler (SD) in all directions.

At this time, a sufficient amount of light must be incident into the vertical light guide 232. To this end, at least a portion of the light modulation structure 231g of the horizontal light guide 231 may be positioned to overlap the vertical light guide 232 in the third direction (Z). Through this, light traveling along the horizontal light guide 231 can be reflected and made incident on the vertical light guide 232.

As described above, the horizontal light guide portion 231 is at least partially spaced apart from the horizontal frame 211 in the third direction (Z) by the frame spacer 211s, and the first air layer AG1 is formed therebetween. Total reflection can be efficiently performed due to the difference in refractive index between the first air layer AG1 and the horizontal light guide 231. The present invention is not limited to this, but of the total area of the lower surface of the horizontal light guide 231, the area exposed to the first air layer AG1 without contacting the frame spacer 211s is about 70% or more, or about 80%. It may be more than, or about 90% or more.

Although not shown in the drawing, a spacer (not shown) is also provided on the inner surface of the second vertical portion 212b, and the second vertical portion 212b and the vertical light guide portion 232 are also at least partially aligned in the first direction (X ) can also be separated.

Meanwhile, the horizontal frame 211 of the above-described frame member 210 and the horizontal light guide portion 231 of the light guide member 230 together form the bottom 201 of the litter box 200 to form the bottom portion 201 of the litter box 201. ), and the vertical frame 212 of the frame member 210 and the vertical light guide portion 232 of the light guide member 230 together form the side wall portion 202 of the litter box 200 to form the litter box side wall portion ( 202).

Next, the filter 400 will be described. The filter 400 includes a filter frame 410 and a photocatalyst coating layer 430 disposed on the filter frame 410, and may further include one or more cover films 451 and 452.

The filter 400 may be at least partially, or completely disposed within the litter box 200 . Additionally, the filter 400 may be at least partially disposed directly on the light guide member 230 . For example, the filter 400 is arranged to be curved to include a portion extending in the first direction (X) and a portion extending in the third direction (Z) on a cross-section cut in the first direction (X), The portion extending in the first direction (X) may be placed directly on the upper surface of the horizontal light guide 231, and the portion extending in the third direction (Z) may be placed directly on the side of the vertical light guide 232. there is.

The filter frame 410 may be a component that maintains the overall shape of the filter 400. The filter frame 410 may be made of a material such as plastic that has a certain strength and rigidity and has high flexibility. For example, the filter frame 410 may have higher flexibility than the frame member 210.

Additionally, the filter frame 410 may have a mesh structure. That is, it may have a structure having mesh holes 410h of a predetermined size. Accordingly, the filter frame 410 has a large surface area, and the photocatalyst coating layer 430 can be disposed, attached, or coated on the surface.

Additionally, the filter frame 410 may include a filter spacer 410s that has a greater height or thickness in the third direction (Z) than other parts. The filter spacer 410s may be attached to the upper film 452 and/or the lower film 451 so that the upper film 452 and the lower film 451 are spaced apart from the photocatalyst coating layer 430.

The photocatalyst coating layer 430 includes photocatalyst particles 431 and may further include a coating material 432. Here, the coating material 432 may include a synthetic resin with high light transparency, for example, an acrylate-based polymer material.

The photocatalyst particles 431 can absorb light energy, etc. to initiate or promote the photochemical reaction. Ions such as hydroxy radicals or active oxygen, such as OH ^- or O2 ^- , can be generated through a photochemical reaction. Additionally, the generated negative ions oxidize and decompose organic volatile substances (VOCs), exhibiting sterilizing effects, and can also contribute to reducing odor. Examples of the photocatalyst particles 431 may include titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ). At least some of the photocatalyst particles 431 may be disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the filter frame 410, and at least some may be inserted into the mesh hole 410h.

An upper film 452 (or first film) is disposed on the upper surface of the filter frame 410 coated with the photocatalytic coating layer 430, and a lower film 451 (or second film) is disposed on the lower surface of the filter frame 410. This can be placed.

The upper film 452 may be at least partially spaced apart from the filter frame 410 and the photocatalyst coating layer 430 in the third direction (Z). Particulate filler (SD) may be immediately filled on the filter 400 according to this embodiment. That is, the filter 400 may be configured to at least partially contact the particulate filler (SD). At this time, unlike the present embodiment, when the particulate filler (SD) directly contacts the photocatalyst coating layer 430, at least some of the photocatalyst particles 431 may flow out and be mixed with the particulate filler (SD). If a companion animal, such as a cat, plays with sand using particulate filler (SD), it may not be desirable for the cat to come into contact with the photocatalyst particles 431. Accordingly, the filter 400, including the upper film 452, can prevent the photocatalyst coating layer 430 from being exposed to the outside or the photocatalyst particles 431 from falling off. That is, the upper film 452 can function as a barrier layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the upper film 452 may have porosity and exhibit a predetermined air permeability so that ions and air generated near the photocatalyst coating layer 430 can flow toward the particulate filler (SD).

The lower film 451 may be at least partially spaced apart from the filter frame 410 and the photocatalyst coating layer 430 in the third direction (Z). The filter 400 according to this embodiment may be placed directly on the light guide member 230. In this case, the lower film 451 may at least partially contact the light guide member 230, specifically the horizontal light guide portion 231, and be at least partially spaced apart in the third direction (Z).

In an exemplary embodiment, the lower film 451 may exhibit a desired roughness or surface roughness. Through this, the lower film 451 is in contact with the horizontal light guide portion 231, but is at least partially spaced apart, and air is interposed between them to form the second air layer AG2. As described above, the light traveling along the inside of the light guide member 230 can cover a large area by traveling along the horizontal light guide portion 231 even when the light source module 330 is placed on only one side due to total reflection. You can. Therefore, the total reflectance can be improved by forming the second air layer AG2 between the lower film 451 and the light guide member 230 of the filter 400 according to this embodiment. That is, the lower film 451 has a spacer function and can function as a spacer layer for forming an air layer.

As described above, the horizontal light guide 231 is supported by the frame spacer 211s, and the lower surface of the horizontal light guide 231 may be in sufficient contact with the first air layer AG1. In this case, in some embodiments, the area where the horizontal light guide 231 contacts the second air layer AG2 may be smaller than the area where the horizontal light guide 231 contacts the first air layer AG1. The larger the area where the horizontal light guide part 231 is in contact with an air layer, such as the first air layer (AG1) or the second air layer (AG2), the easier it is for total reflection to occur on that surface. Meanwhile, if the total reflectance becomes too large, light may not be sufficiently emitted from within the light guide member 230.

Therefore, the lower surface of the horizontal light guide 231 is configured to have a large air layer facing area to achieve a high total reflection rate at the lower surface, but the upper surface of the horizontal light guide 231 is configured to have a relatively narrow air layer facing area to achieve a predetermined total reflection rate and , the amount of light emitted through the upper surface can be increased.

As a non-limiting example, the air permeability or porosity of the upper film 452 may be greater than the air permeability or porosity of the lower film 451. Additionally, the surface roughness of the lower film 451 may be greater than that of the upper film 452.

Meanwhile, Figure 8 shows a case where the photocatalyst coating layer 430, the upper film 452, and the lower film 451 are at least partially spaced apart and a third air layer AG3 is interposed therebetween.

As described above, the light emitted from the light source module 330 toward the first direction (X) is inserted into the light incident opening 212p of the frame member 210 of the litter box 200 and exposed by the light guide member 230. ) is incident on the light incident surface 231p. And the light incident into the light guide member 230, specifically the horizontal light guide 231, continues to proceed in the first direction (X) by total reflection on the upper and/or lower surfaces of the horizontal light guide 231, or may be exposed to light. In addition, some of the light incident on the inside of the horizontal light guide 231 is reflected by the light modulation structure 231g and enters the vertical light guide 232, and the light incident on the inside of the vertical light guide 232 is The light may continue to proceed or be guided in the third direction (Z) by total reflection on the sides of the vertical light guide portion 232.

Even when the light source module 330 is disposed on only one side through the above structure, light can be guided entirely along a portion of the side wall portion 201 and the bottom portion 201 of the litter box 200. And the light emitted through the side wall 201 and the bottom 202 of the litter box 200 is on the inner surface of the side wall 201 and/or the top surface of the bottom 202 of the litter box 200. It may be incident on the filter 400 disposed in and contribute to a photochemical reaction in the photocatalyst coating layer 430 of the filter 400. In other words, the particulate filler (SD) that is thickly piled up in the third direction (Z), that is, in the thickness direction and occupies a large area in the horizontal direction, is not sterilized only in one direction, but rather the particulate filler (SD) such as the bottom and sides of the particulate filler (SD) is sterilized. Sterilization efficiency can be increased by sterilizing from multiple directions surrounding the filler (SD).

In particular, the particulate filler (SD) is configured to be directly accommodated on the filter 400, so that the particulate filler (SD), which is in direct contact with the fecal matter rather than other parts, comes into contact with ions generated by photochemical reaction, and has excellent sterilizing and deodorizing effects. can represent.

Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, descriptions of configurations that are substantially the same or extremely similar to the previously described embodiments will be omitted, and this will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the attached drawings.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a defecation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a position corresponding to Figure 8.

Referring to FIG. 10, the defecation device 12 according to this embodiment includes a case body, a defecation container including a light guide member 231 disposed within the case body, and a filter 402. In addition, the filter 402 includes a filter frame 412, a photocatalyst coating layer 430, an upper film 462, and a lower film 461, and the filter spacer 412s of the filter frame 412 is at least partially formed on the lower part. It is different from the above-described embodiment in that it penetrates the film 461 and contacts the light guide member 231, specifically the horizontal light guide part, and a second air layer AG2 is formed between the lower film 461 and the light guide member 231. point.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, the second air layer AG2 was interposed between the light guide member and the lower film using the surface roughness of the lower film, thereby facilitating total reflection. However, the filter 402 according to this embodiment can interpose the second air layer AG2 using the filter spacer 412s. In other words, the filter spacer 412s functions as a spacer to secure not only the third air layer AG3 between the photocatalyst coating layer 430 and the cover films 461 and 462, but also the second air layer AG2. You can.

Meanwhile, as described above, the air permeability or porosity of the upper film 462 may be greater than that of the lower film 461.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a defecation device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing a position corresponding to Figure 8.

Referring to FIG. 11, the defecation device 13 according to this embodiment includes a case body, a defecation container including a light guiding member 231 disposed within the case body, and a filter 403. In addition, the filter 403 includes a filter frame 413 including a filter spacer 413s, a photocatalyst coating layer 430, an upper film 462, and a lower film 461, and the filter spacer 413s protrudes downward. ) may have a shape where the width gradually decreases toward the bottom.

That is, the contact area between the filter spacer 413s and the light guide member 231, or the area where the light guide member 231 contacts the second air layer AG2 can be adjusted by adjusting the width of the filter spacer 413s.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling a defecation device according to the present invention will be described.

Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a control method of a defecation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, the method (S10) for controlling a defecation device according to this embodiment includes operating a light source module (S100) and determining a detection value using a motion sensor (S201).

If the light source module emits light, especially light in the ultraviolet wavelength range, it may not be desirable for the companion animal to be exposed to the light. Therefore, the method according to this embodiment uses a motion sensor disposed in the case body to operate the light source module for a predetermined time if there is no object detected by the motion sensor, and sterilize and deodorize the particulate filler, that is, fecal sand. It can be done.

On the other hand, if a moving object is detected by the motion sensor (S201), such as a pet suddenly entering the case body through the entrance opening while the light source module is operating (S100), the operation of the light source module is immediately stopped or blocked. (S300).

Figure 13 is a flow chart showing a control method of a defecation device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the control method (S20) of the defecation device according to this embodiment is different from the control method according to the embodiment of FIG. 12 in that it uses a weight sensor rather than a motion sensor.

As described above, the weight sensor may be configured to detect the weight applied to at least a portion of the case body, for example, the weight applied to the ceiling plate. If, while the light source module is in operation (S100), the weight is detected by the weight sensor (S202), such as when a companion animal suddenly raises its legs or climbs on the ceiling plate, the operation of the light source module can be immediately stopped or blocked ( S300).

Although the above description focuses on the embodiments of the present invention, this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will understand the present invention without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent that various modifications and applications not illustrated above are possible.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include changes, equivalents, or substitutes of the technical ideas exemplified above. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

100: Case body
200: toilet box
300: control device
400: Filter

Claims (10)

case body;
A toilet bowl disposed within the case body;
a filter disposed at least partially within the litter box and comprising a photocatalyst coating layer or photocatalyst particles; and
A defecation device comprising a control device including a light source disposed within the case body and configured to directly or indirectly irradiate light toward the filter. According to paragraph 1,
The toilet bowl is,
A frame member forming the exterior of the litter box and having light-opacity, and
Including a light guide member disposed on the frame member,
A portion of a side surface of the light guide member is exposed without being covered by the frame member, and the light is incident through the exposed side surface of the light guide member,
A defecation device wherein the light incident on the light guide member is emitted through at least an upper surface of the light guide member. According to paragraph 2,
The light guide member includes a horizontal light guide portion extending in a horizontal direction, and a vertical light guide portion protruding upward from an edge of the horizontal light guide portion,
A defecation device in which the filter is directly disposed at least partially on the horizontal light guide part and the vertical light guide part. According to clause 3,
The frame member includes a horizontal frame that overlaps the horizontal light guide in the direction of gravity,
The horizontal frame includes a frame spacer formed on its upper surface, and the horizontal frame and the horizontal light guide are at least partially spaced apart by the frame spacer. According to paragraph 1,
The upper surface of the litter box is at least partially transparent to light,
the filter is disposed directly on the portion of the litter box having the light transmissivity,
A defecation device configured to receive particulate filler directly on the filter. According to clause 5,
The filter is,
a filter frame with a mesh structure,
The photocatalyst coating layer or photocatalyst particles disposed directly on the filter frame, and
A defecation device comprising a cover film partially in contact with the filter frame and partially spaced apart. According to clause 6,
The cover film is,
a first film disposed on the upper surface of the filter frame, and
It includes a second film disposed on the lower surface of the filter frame,
The first film has porosity,
The second film is at least partially in contact with the light-transmitting upper surface of the litter box and is spaced apart from the at least partially light-transmitting upper surface. According to paragraph 1,
The control device includes one or more sensor modules, wherein the sensor module includes:
A motion sensor that senses movement within the case body, or
A defecation device including a weight sensor that senses the weight applied to the ceiling plate of the case body. A bowel movement container comprising a bottom and a side wall protruding upward from the edge of the bottom,
The bottom part,
a horizontal frame having light-opacity, and
Including a horizontal light guide disposed directly on the horizontal frame,
A side surface of the horizontal light guide portion is at least partially exposed and not covered by the side wall portion. A method of controlling the defecation device of claim 1, which is performed by at least one processor that controls a sensor module including a motion sensor or a weight sensor and a light source,
A method comprising stopping operation of the light source when movement is detected by the motion sensor or weight is detected by the weight sensor while the light source is operating.