WO2019021868A1

WO2019021868A1 - Animal toilet

Info

Publication number: WO2019021868A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/026554
Authority: WO
Inventors: 綾子関根; 健志高橋; 義広安部
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2017-07-24
Filing date: 2018-07-13
Publication date: 2019-01-31

Abstract

Provided is an animal toilet wherein putting an excessive amount of a granular material, such as an excrement treating material, thereinto can be prevented. In the animal toilet, a litter tray (12) is provided with a side wall (12w). In the side wall, a notch (121) or an opening is formed so that, when the height of a granular material in the litter tray exceeds a preset level, the granular material overflows outside the side wall. The notch or opening forms a space, said space connecting the inside and outside of the side wall, positioned at a preset height.

Description

Animal toilet

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an animal litter box provided with a particulate matter containing portion for containing particulate matter.

Some pet toilets contain particulate matter such as a waste disposal agent to form a stool bed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the excrement treating material is accommodated in the upper layer portion in the toilet body.

Japanese Patent Publication "Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-4664 (released on January 13, 2011)"

However, the prior art as described above has a problem that the appropriate amount of the excrement treating material used for the stool bed is unclear and the excrement treating material is excessively input.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one aspect of the present invention is to realize an animal litter box capable of preventing excessive accommodation of particulate matter such as excrement for excrement and the like. To aim.

In order to solve the above problems, the animal litter box according to one aspect of the present invention is an animal litter box provided with a granular material storage unit for storing granular material, and the side wall has a side wall in the granular material storage unit. The side wall is provided with a notch or a notch so that when the particulate matter in the particulate matter containing portion exceeds a predetermined height lower than the height of the side wall, the particulate matter overflows to the outside of the side wall. There is an opening, and the notch or the opening forms a space connecting the inside and the outside of the side wall at the position of the predetermined height.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to discharge the amount of particulate matter that has been excessively introduced into the animal litter box.

(A) And (b) is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the toilet for pets which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the toilet for pets which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the sand tray which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the configuration of a main body according to the first embodiment. (A) And (b) is a fragmentary sectional view of the pet toilet according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the configuration of a top cover according to the first embodiment. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the top cover which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the notch cover which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) to (d) is a figure which shows the example of the joint of the end surface of the side wall which forms the notch which concerns on this Embodiment 1, and the end surface of a notch cover. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the influence of the shape of the end surface of the side wall which concerns on this Embodiment 1 on the movement of a granular material, and the shape of the end surface of a notch cover. (A) to (c) is a figure which shows the example of the shape of the notch which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) to (c) is a figure which shows the other example of the notch cover which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) to (e) is a figure which shows an example of the opening part which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) to (c) is a figure which shows an example of the opening cover provided with the cover fastener which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the sand collection tray which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) to (c) is a figure which shows an example of the accommodation procedure of the granular material which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the modification of the sand tray which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) to (c) is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the toilet for pets which concerns on this Embodiment 2. FIG. (A) to (e) is a figure which shows an example of the stepwise height in which the height adjustment part 17 which concerns on this Embodiment 2 is hold | maintained. is there. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the toilet 1 for pets which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, the pet toilet 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

(Summary of Pet Toilet 1)
First, an overview of the pet toilet (animal toilet) 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the pet toilet 1. (A) of FIG. 1 is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of the toilet 1 for pets. As shown to (a) of FIG. 1, the toilet 1 for pets is provided with the sand tray (particulate material accommodating part) 12 which accommodates granular materials, such as sand. For example, the granular material is a so-called cat sand such as so-called cat sand, such as mineral zeolite, bentonite which hardens when absorbed in river sand, urine and the like, and crushed cellulose and the like which are solidified into granular material.

FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the sand tray 12. (A) and (b) of FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows an example of a structure of the sand tray 12. As shown in FIG. As shown to (a) and (b) of FIG. 3, the notch 121 is formed in the side wall of the sand tray 12 by predetermined | prescribed height. The predetermined height is the height of the side wall where the notch 121 is located (i.e., the lower end of the notch). The notches 121 form a space connecting the inside and the outside of the side wall of the sand tray 12. Although details will be described later, an opening may be formed on the side wall of the sand tray 12 instead of the notch 121. When the particulate matter in the sand tray 12 exceeds a predetermined height set at a position lower than the height of the side wall of the sand tray 12, the particulate matter passes through the space connecting the inside and the outside of the side wall. It overflows to the outside of the side wall. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the particulates from being excessively stored in the sand tray 12. For example, when the particulate matter is contained in excess, the amount of excrement adhering to the particulate matter increases. That is, the amount of excrement remaining in the sand tray 12 is increased. Therefore, it causes odor, bad hygiene and so on. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the excessive introduction of the particulate matter. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of urine remaining in the sand tray 12 and to suppress the generation of an offensive odor or an unsanitary environment. Therefore, it is not necessary to use a deodorant or the like. Therefore, the financial burden on the pet owner can be reduced. In addition, excessive storage of particulate matter increases the economic burden on the pet owner. According to the above configuration, the storage amount of the particulate matter is defined. Therefore, it can prevent that a granular material is stored more than necessary, and can reduce the economic burden on the pet owner.

In addition, there are animals that have the habit of concealing excrement by sanding it after excretion. If the amount of particulates contained in the sand tray 12 is small, the amount of particulates used by the pet to hide excrement will be reduced. Therefore, the pet does not excrete. According to the above configuration, by charging the granular material from the sand tray 12 until it overflows, it is possible to accommodate the amount of granular material necessary for the pet to excrete.

(Configuration of Pet Toilet 1)
Next, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the structure of the toilet 1 for pets is demonstrated. (B) of FIG. 1 is a side view which shows the whole structure of the toilet for pets. As shown in (b) of FIG. 1, in order to facilitate entry of the pet into the pet toilet 1, a part of the side wall of the pet toilet 1 is formed in a slope which becomes lower toward the outside. In addition, the pet toilet 1 may be provided with a handle for carrying the pet toilet 1 by the pet owner.

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the pet toilet 1. In detail, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the pet toilet 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the pet toilet 1 includes a top cover 11, a sand tray 12, a sand recovery tray (particulate matter recovery unit) 13, a main body 14, a urine receiving tray 15 and a urine recovery drawer 16. The top cover 11 is formed in an annular shape and is disposed on the top of the side wall of the sand tray 12. The top cover 11 can be removed from the pet toilet 1. Also, the sand tray 12 is held at a predetermined position in the main body 14. The urine receiving tray 15 is held below the position where the sand tray 12 in the main body 14 is held. Below the urine receptacle tray 15 is a urine collection drawer 16 which can be withdrawn from within the body 14 by withdrawing the urine collection drawer 16 from the body 14. Further, the sand collection tray 13 is held at a predetermined position in the main body 14 and can be pulled out from the main body 14.

At the bottom of the sand tray 12, a mesh-like structure 123 having a mesh of a size that does not allow the passage of particulate matter is formed. That is, the reticulated structure 123 allows the urine of the pet to pass without passing the particulate matter. The urine of the pet collects in the urine receiving tray 15.

(Sand tray 12)
The configuration of the sand tray 12 will be described with reference to FIG. The sand tray 12 contains particulate matter. As shown in FIG. 3A, the sand tray 12 is formed of a bottom and side walls 12w. The side wall 12 w has a notch 121. The notch 121 forms a space connecting the inside and the outside of the side wall 12w at a predetermined height position of the side wall 12w. When the particulate matter in the sand tray 12 exceeds the predetermined height which is lower than the height of the side wall 12w, the particulate matter overflows to the outside of the side wall 12w.

The notch 121 can maintain the strength of the sand tray 12 and is formed in a size through which particulate matter passes. Also, the space formed by the notch 121 may be covered by a notch cover 111 or the like described later. In the configuration in which the notch cover 111 covers the space formed by the notch 121, the shape of the notch 121 may be formed so that the notch cover 111 can easily cover the space. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a reticulated structure 123 is formed at the bottom of the sand tray 12. The network structure 123 holds the particles on the network structure 123.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, the sand tray 12 is provided with a rib 122 extending toward the outside of the side wall 12w at the top of the side wall 12w. Ribs 122 are provided to hold the sand tray 12 in place within the body 14.

(Main unit 14)
Next, the configuration of the main body 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the main body 14. In detail, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main body 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the main body 14 is provided with a side wall 14w. Further, the inside of the side wall 14w of the main body 14 is hollow. The main body 14 stores the top cover 11, the sand tray 12, the sand collection tray 13, the urine receiving tray 15, and the urine collection drawer 16 in the cavity. Further, the side wall 14 w of the main body 14 is provided with a rib 141.

(A) and (b) of FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pet toilet 1. As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the sand tray 12 is held in place within the body 14. As shown in FIG. The ribs 141 of the body 14 hold the sand tray 12 in place within the body 14 by receiving the ribs 122 of the sand tray 12.

(Top cover 11)
Next, the configuration of the top cover 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6, FIG. 7 (a) and FIG. 7 (b) show an example of the configuration of the top cover 11. As shown in FIG. In detail, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the top cover 11 and a perspective view showing the configuration without the top cover 11 of the pet toilet. (A) of FIG. 7 and (b) of FIG. 7 are partial cross-sectional views of the pet toilet 1. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 (a) and 7 (b), the shape of the top cover 11 is annular. The top cover 11 is disposed on the top of the side wall of the sand tray 12. When the top cover 11 is installed on the sand tray 12, the top cover 11 is provided with a cover 113 that extends toward the center of the pet toilet 1. As mentioned above, some animals have the habit of concealing by filling sand with excrement after excretion. According to the above configuration, the cover 113 prevents the particulate matter from spilling from the sand tray 12 when the pet excretes the pet toilet 1 and applies the particulate matter to the excrement.

Moreover, as shown to (a) of FIG. 7, and (b) of FIG. 7, the top cover 11 is equipped with the rib 112 extended toward a downward direction. The rib 112 of the top cover 11 fits in a groove 124 formed in the inner periphery of the upper end of the side wall 12 w of the sand tray 12. Therefore, the top cover 11 can be fixed to the top of the side wall 12 w of the sand tray 12. Further, the top cover 11 is provided with a notch cover 111.

(Notch cover 111)
Next, the configuration of the notch cover (cover) 111 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. (A) and (b) of FIG. 8 is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the notch cover 111. FIG. Specifically, (a) and (b) of FIG. 8 are partial cross-sectional views of the pet toilet 1. As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 8, the notch cover 111 covers a space connecting the outside and the inside of the side wall 12 w formed by the notch 121. In addition, in order to prevent excrement of particulate matter and pets from falling out of the notch 121 provided in the sand tray 12, the gap between the notch 121 and the notch cover 111 is narrowed as much as possible. 121 and the notch cover 111 may be formed.

Here, a joint between the end face of the edge of the side wall 12 w forming the notch 121 and the end face of the notch cover 111 will be described. (A) to (d) of FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a seam between the end face of the side wall 12 w forming the notch 121 and the end face of the notch cover 111. Specifically, FIGS. 9A to 9D are partial cross-sectional views of the side wall 12 w and the notch cover 111.

In the example shown in FIG. 9A, the end face of the edge of the side wall 12w forming the notch 121 and the end face of the notch cover 111 are aligned with each other along a horizontal surface.

In the example shown in (b) of FIG. 9, the end face of the edge of the side wall 12 w forming the notch 121 and the end face of the notch cover 111 are aligned with each other along the vertical plane.

In the example shown in FIG. 9C, the end face of the edge of the side wall 12w forming the notch 121 and the end face of the notch cover 111 are aligned with each other along a plane inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

In the example shown in FIG. 9D, the end face of the edge of the side wall 12w forming the notch 121 and the end face of the cover fitted to the end face have steps that are complementary to each other. In other words, the end face of the edge of the side wall 12 w forming the notch 121 and the end face of the cover engage with each other.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show the influence of the shape of the end face of the side wall 12 w and the shape of the end face of the notch cover 111 on the movement of the particulate matter S. FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the end face of the edge of the side wall 12w forming the notch 121 and the end face of the notch cover 111 are aligned with each other along the vertical plane. When the notch cover 111 covers the space formed by the notches 121 from above, the particulate matter S around the edge of the side wall 12 w moves to the inside of the side wall 12 w.

In the example shown in (b) of FIG. 10, the end face of the edge of the side wall 12w forming the notch 121 and the end face of the notch cover 111 are aligned with each other along a plane inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. When the notch cover 111 covers the space formed by the notches 121 from above, the particulate matter S around the edge of the side wall 12 w moves to the outside of the side wall 12 w.

According to the above configuration, the notch cover 111 can cover the space without biting particulate matter between the notch cover 111 and the side wall 12 w.

(Shape of notch 121)
Next, the shape of the notch 121 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing examples of the shape of the notch 121. FIG. In detail, it is a perspective view which shows a part of toilet for pets. In the example shown to (a) of FIG. 11, the width | variety of the notch 121 is formed uniformly. In the example shown in (b) of FIG. 11, the width of the notch 121 is formed wider as the height of the side wall 12 w becomes higher. For example, the shape of the notch 121 may be an inverted triangle or an inverted trapezoid. In the example shown in (c) of FIG. 11, at least a part of the notch 121 is formed in a curve. For example, the shape of the notch 121 may be a shape having no corner. The notch cover 111 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of each notch 121.

(Example of another notch cover 111a)
Next, another example of the notch cover will be described. FIG. 12 is a view showing another example of the notch cover. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a part of the pet toilet 1. The above-described notch cover 111 is shown as an example integrated with the top cover 11. As shown to (a) of FIG. 12, the notch cover 111a and the top cover 11 are isolate | separated in this example. (B) of FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a region R1 of the notch cover 111a shown in (a) of FIG. As shown in (b) of FIG. 12, the notch cover 111 a includes a rib 1111 on the side surface of the notch cover 111 a. Further, (c) of FIG. 12 is a diagram showing in detail the configuration of a region of R2 of the notch 121a shown in (a) of FIG. The end face of the edge of the side wall 12 w forming the notch 111 a is provided with a groove 125. In this example, the notch cover 111a is accommodated in the notch 121a by fitting the rib 1111 into the groove 125 and sliding it.

(The opening 126, the opening cover 111b)
Next, an example in which the side wall 12 w has an opening (opening) 126 instead of the notch 121 will be described. FIG. 13 shows an example of the opening 126. As shown in FIG. (A) and (b) of FIG. 13 is a perspective view which shows a part of structure of the toilet 1 for pets. (C) of FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a region R3 of the opening 126 shown in (b) of FIG. FIG. 13D is a perspective view showing the configuration of the opening cover 111b. (E) of FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the details of the R4 area of the opening cover 111b of (d) of FIG.

As shown in (a) to (e) of FIG. 13, an opening 126 is formed in the side wall 12 w of the sand tray 12. In addition, the sand tray 12 is provided with an opening cover (cover) 111 b that covers the opening 126. As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 13, the opening cover 111 b slides in the horizontal direction to open and close the opening 126. Further, as shown in (c) of FIG. 13, the upper and lower end surfaces of the edge of the side wall 12 w forming the opening 126 are provided with a groove 127. As shown in (d) of FIG. 13, the opening cover 111 b is provided with ribs 1112 on the upper and lower end surfaces. In the present example, the ribs 1112 fit into the grooves 127. The opening cover 111 b can be moved into the opening 126 by sliding the opening cover 111 b.

In addition, after the opening 126 is covered by the opening cover 111 b (the opening 126 is closed), the opening 126 may be prevented from being easily opened. For example, the opening cover 111b may include a cover fastener 1113. FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of the opening cover 111b provided with the cover fastener 1113. As shown in FIG. FIG. 14A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the opening cover 111 b. As shown in (a) of FIG. 14, the opening cover 111 b is provided with a cover fastener 1113. The cover fastener 1113 includes a protrusion 11131 projecting toward the side wall 12w. Moreover, (b) of FIG. 14 is a perspective view which shows the structure of a part of toilet for pets. As shown in (b) of FIG. 14, a recess 127 is formed on the inner side of the side wall 12 w. (C) of FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a part of the pet toilet. As shown in (c) of FIG. 14, in the state where the opening cover 111 b closes the opening 126, the protrusion 11131 fits into the recess 127. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the opening 126 from being opened easily after the opening cover 111 b closes the opening 126. Therefore, the particulate matter can be prevented from leaking out from the opening 126.

(Sand recovery tray 13)
Next, the sand collection tray 13 will be described. FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the sand collection tray 13. 15A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the top cover 11, a perspective view showing the configuration of the sand recovery tray 13, and the top cover 11 of the pet toilet 1 and the sand recovery tray 13 are excluded. Is a perspective view showing the configuration. FIG. 15B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main body 14 and the sand collection tray 13. The sand collection tray 13 receives and collects the particulate matter discharged from the sand tray 12 through the space formed by the notch 121 or the opening 126. As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 15, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 15, an accommodation hole 145 for accommodating the sand recovery tray 13 is formed in the main body 14. . The sand collection tray 13 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 145. As shown in (b) of FIG. 15, the sand collection tray 13 is provided with projections 131 protruding toward the accommodation holes 145 on both side surfaces. Further, as shown in (b) of FIG. 15, a recess 142 is formed in the accommodation hole 145. In the state where the sand collection tray 13 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 145, the protrusion 131 is fitted in the recess 142. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the sand recovery tray 13 from being easily removed from the accommodation hole 145 after the sand recovery tray 13 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 145.

(Containing granular material)
Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the accommodation of the particulate matter in the sand tray 12 will be described. FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of the procedure for containing the particulate matter. Specifically, FIGS. 16 (a) to 16 (c) are partial cross-sectional views of the pet toilet 1. FIG. As shown in (a) of FIG. 16, an excessive amount of particulate matter supplied to the sand tray 12 overflows the sand collection tray 13 from the notch 121. As shown in (b) of FIG. 16, after the particulate matter is put into the sand tray 12, the sand recovery tray 13 is pulled out from the main body 14, whereby the particulate matter overflowing the sand recovery tray 13 is recovered. The recovered particulate matter can be reused. Further, as shown in FIG. 16C, the notch cover 111 covers the notch 121 by installing the top cover 11 after the granular material is put into the sand tray 12. Therefore, the particulate matter can be prevented from spilling out of the notch 121. According to the above configuration, the amount of particulates stored in the sand tray 12 is kept constant.

(Modification of sand tray 12)
Next, a modification of the sand tray 12 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a view showing the configuration of a modification of the sand tray 12. In detail, (a) and (b) of FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a part of the pet toilet 1. As shown in FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b), at a predetermined height of the side wall 12w of the sand tray 12, a mark indicating an appropriate amount of particulate matter may be provided partially or over the entire circumference. FIG. 17A shows an example in which a groove 128 is provided as the mark at a predetermined height inside the side wall 12 w. Moreover, in (b) of FIG. 17, the example in which the rib 128a is provided as the said mark in the predetermined height inside the side wall 12w is shown.

Second Embodiment
Another embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. In addition, about the member which has the same function as the member demonstrated in the said embodiment for convenience of explanation, the same code | symbol is appended and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Outline of Pet Toilet 1a)
First, an overview of the pet toilet 1a according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the sand tray 12a. FIG. 18A is a top view showing a part of the sand tray 12a. (B) and (c) of FIG. 18 is an arrow view in the direction A shown by (a) of FIG. As shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 18, the pet toilet 1 a includes a height adjustment unit 17 instead of the notch cover 111 described in the first embodiment. The other configuration of the pet toilet 1a is the same as the pet toilet 1 described in the first embodiment unless otherwise described. The height adjustment portion 17 gradually covers the height of the space so as to adjust the height of the space formed by the notch 121. The height adjustment portion 17 fits into the notch 121 and slides in the notch 121. According to said structure, the quantity of the granular material accommodated in the sand tray 12a can be changed in steps. In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the pet toilet 1a includes the sand tray 12a in which the notch 121 is formed will be described. On the other hand, the pet toilet 1a may include the sand tray 12a in which the opening 126 described in the first embodiment is formed instead of the notch 121. In this configuration, the height adjustment portion 17 fits in the cutout opening 126 and slides in the opening 126.

(Configuration of sand tray 12a)
Next, the configuration of the sand tray 12a will be described with reference to 18 and FIG. As shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 18, the sand tray 12 a is provided with a step structure 129. The step structure 129 forms a notch 121, and is disposed along the edges of the two opposing side walls 12w. In the present embodiment, an example of the sand tray 12a provided with the notches 121 having a constant width will be described. On the other hand, the sand tray 12a may be provided with the notch (refer (b) of FIG. 11, etc.) in which the width | variety of the notch 121 is formed widely as height in the side wall 12w becomes high. Moreover, the sand tray 12a may be provided with the notch (refer (c) of FIG. 11, etc.) by which at least one part is formed in the curve. In this case, the step structure 129 is disposed at a position close to the facing edge among the edges of the side wall 12 w forming the notch 121.

The step structure 129 has a plurality of steps (recesses) 1291 stepwise according to the height of the side wall 12 w. In the example shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 18, the step structure 129 has four steps 1291. The number of stages 1291 can be changed as appropriate depending on the design convenience.

(Configuration of height adjustment unit 17)
Next, the configuration of the height adjustment unit 17 will be described with reference to 18 and FIG. As shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 18, the height adjustment unit 17 includes a formed spring 171. The position (height) of the height adjustment portion 17 is maintained by fitting the forming spring 171 to the step 1291 of the step structure 129. Therefore, the height adjustment unit 17 can cover the space at a stepwise height.

FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of stepwise heights at which the height adjustment unit 17 is held. (A) of FIG. 19 is an arrow view of the direction A shown by (a) of FIG. As shown in (a) of FIG. 19, in the present embodiment, the upper end of the height adjustment unit 17 is held at four levels of height from stage G1 to stage G4. When the upper end of the height adjustment unit 17 is at the stage G1, the height of the space is the lowest, and the amount of particles stored in the sand tray 12a is the smallest. When the upper end of the height adjustment unit 17 is in step G4, the height of the space is the highest, or the entire space is covered. In this case, the amount of particles stored in the sand tray 12a is the largest. Note that after the upper end of the height adjustment unit 17 is maintained at a height from stage G1 to stage G3 and the granular material is accommodated in the sand tray 12a, the height adjustment is performed by setting the upper end of the height adjustment unit 17 to stage G4. The portion 17 may be used as the notch cover 111 described in the first embodiment.

(B) to (e) of FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B of FIG. 19 of the pet toilet 1a on which the sand tray 12a shown in (a) of FIG. 19 is installed. In detail, (b) of FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the pet toilet 1a when the upper end of the height adjustment unit 17 is held at the height of the step G1. FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view of the pet toilet 1a when the upper end of the height adjustment unit 17 is held at the height of step G2. FIG. 19D is a cross-sectional view of the pet toilet 1a when the upper end of the height adjustment unit 17 is held at the height of step G3. FIG. 19E is a cross-sectional view of the pet toilet 1a when the upper end of the height adjustment unit 17 is held at the height of step G4.

As shown in FIG. 19A, the boundary between the side wall 12w of the sand tray 12a and the bottom of the sand tray 12a is formed by a curved surface 120. Further, as shown in FIG. 19B, a guide 140 is installed in the main body 14 at a position facing the curved surface 120 when the sand tray 12a is held. The guide 140 is formed in a curved surface. When the sand tray 12 a is installed in the main body 14, a gap is formed between the curved surface 120 and the guide 140. For example, the height adjustment unit 17 is formed of a plastic material, and at least a part of the height adjustment unit 17 is accommodated between 120 and the guide 140. In other words, the height adjustment unit 17 is accommodated along the guide 140.

Further, as shown in (b) to (e) of FIG. 19, when the height of the upper end of the height adjustment portion 17 is held at a position (steps G2 to 4) higher than the step G1, the height adjustment portion The reference numeral 17 is drawn from the gap between the curved surface 120 and the guide 140.

Third Embodiment
Another embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIG. In addition, about the member which has the same function as the member demonstrated in the said embodiment for convenience of explanation, the same code | symbol is appended and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Overview of Pet Toilet 1b)
First, an overview of the pet toilet 1b according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of the configuration of the pet toilet 1b. In detail, FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the pet toilet 1b. The pet toilet 1b does not have the notches and openings described in the first and second embodiments. The other configuration of the pet toilet 1b is the same as that of the pet toilet 1 or pet toilet 1a described in the first and second embodiments unless otherwise described.

The pet toilet 1b is provided with a sand tray 12b for containing particulate matter. The sand tray 12b is provided with a side wall. The height of the side wall is set to such a height that the particulate matter of the portion excessively charged into the sand tray 12 b overflows from the sand tray 12 b. The pet toilet 1b is provided with a sand recovery tray 13b around the sand tray 12b for receiving and recovering particulate matter that has overflowed the side wall of the sand tray 12b.

(Configuration of sand tray 12b)
Next, the configuration of the sand tray 12b will be described. The height of the side wall of the sand tray 12b is set to accommodate a predetermined amount of particulate matter. According to the above configuration, when the particulate matter is excessively charged into the sand tray 12b, the excessively charged particulate matter overflows from the sand tray 12b.

(Sand recovery tray 13b)
Next, the configuration of the sand tray 12b will be described. As shown in FIG. 20, the sand collection tray 13 b is provided around the sand tray 12. The sand collection tray 13b may be disposed around the entire circumference of the sand tray 12b. Further, the height of the side wall of the sand collection tray 13 b is lower than the height of the side wall of the main body 14.

In addition, after the sand tray 12b contains the particulate matter, the top cover 11 is installed on the upper portion of the side wall of the sand tray 12b to prevent the particulate matter from leaking from the sand tray 12b.

[Summary]
The animal litter box (pet litter box 1, 1a) according to the first aspect of the present invention is an animal litter box provided with a granular material storage unit (

sand tray

12, 12a) for storing granular material, and the granular material The housing portion is provided with a side wall (12w), and when the particulate matter in the particulate matter housing portion exceeds a predetermined height lower than the height of the side wall, the particulate matter overflows to the outside of the side wall As such, the side wall has a notch (121, 121a) or an opening (opening 126), and the notch or the opening connects the inside and the outside of the side wall at the position of the predetermined height. It forms a space.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to discharge, from the particulate matter storage unit via the space, the particulate matter that has been introduced into the particulate matter storage unit beyond the predetermined height. Therefore, it can prevent that a granular material is excessively stored in a granular material accommodating part.

In the animal litter box according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the space is formed by the notch formed in the side wall, and the width of the notch becomes wider as the height in the side wall becomes higher. It may be formed.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to quickly discharge the particulate matter which is excessively charged and loaded at a high position among the particulate matter. That is, when the amount of the particulate matter excessively supplied to the particulate matter containing portion increases, the particulate matter can be promptly discharged to the outside of the particulate matter containing portion.

In the animal litter box according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the space may be formed by the notch formed in the side wall, and at least a part of the notch may be formed in a curve. . According to the above configuration, the owner of the animal can handle the animal litter box comfortably.

In the animal litter box according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 3, the animal litter box may be provided with a cover (notch cover 111, notch cover 111a, opening cover 111b) covering the space . According to said structure, it can prevent that the granular material accommodated in the granular material accommodating part spills through the said space.

In the animal litter box according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the end face of the edge of the side wall forming the notch or the opening defining the predetermined height and the end face of the cover are vertical It may be aligned with each other along the surface. According to the above configuration, the space can be covered by the cover without biting particulate matter between the cover and the side wall.

In the animal litter box according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the end face of the edge of the side wall forming the notch or the opening defining the predetermined height and the end face of the cover are horizontal surfaces May be aligned with one another along a plane which is inclined with respect to. According to the above configuration, the space can be covered by the cover without biting particulate matter between the cover and the side wall.

In the animal litter box according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in the aspect 4, the end face of the edge of the side wall forming the notch or the opening defining the predetermined height and the end face of the cover fitting to the end face And may have steps complementary to each other. In other words, it can be said that the end face of the edge of the side wall forming the notch or the opening and the end face of the cover engage with each other. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the particulate matter from leaking between the cover and the side wall after the cover covers the space.

In the animal litter box according to aspect 8 of the present invention, in the above aspects 1 to 7, a particulate matter recovery unit that receives and recovers the particulate matter discharged from the particulate matter container through the space (sand recovery tray 13 ) May be provided. According to the above configuration, the particulate matter discharged from the particulate matter storage unit can be recovered.

In the animal litter box (pet litter box 1a) according to aspect 9 of the present invention, in the above aspects 1 to 3, the space is formed by a notch or opening formed in the side wall, and the inside or opening of the notch is formed. And a height adjusting portion (height adjusting portion 17) which covers the space stepwise so as to slide in the notch or the opening and change the predetermined height. According to the said structure, the quantity of the granular material accommodated in a granular material accommodating part can be changed in steps.

The animal litter box (pet litter box 1b) according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is an animal litter box provided with a granular material storage unit (sand tray 12b) for storing granular materials, and the side wall of the granular material storage unit The height of the side wall is set to such a height that the above-mentioned particulate matter which is excessively charged into the above-mentioned particulate matter containing portion overflows from the above-mentioned particulate matter containing portion, and A particulate matter recovery unit (sand recovery tray 13b) for receiving and recovering the overflowing particulate matter is provided around the particulate matter storage portion.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to discharge the particulate matter that has been excessively fed into the animal litter box and to receive the particulate matter that has overflowed from the particulate matter storage unit. The particulate matter recovery unit may be disposed around the entire periphery of the particulate matter storage unit.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

1, 1a, 1b Pet toilet (animal toilet)
12, 12a, 12b Sand tray (particulate matter storage unit)
12w side wall 13, 13b sand recovery tray (particulate matter recovery part)
17

Height adjustment part

111, 111a Notch cover (cover)
111b Opening cover (cover)
121, 121a Notch 126 Opening (opening)

Claims

An animal litter box comprising a granular material storage unit for storing granular material, wherein
A side wall is provided in the above-mentioned granular thing accommodation part,
The side wall has a notch or an opening so that the particulate matter overflows to the outside of the side wall when the particulate matter in the particulate matter container exceeds a predetermined height lower than the height of the side wall,
A toilet for animals characterized in that the notch or the opening forms a space connecting the inside and the outside of the side wall at the position of the predetermined height.
The animal according to claim 1, wherein the space is formed by a notch formed in the side wall, and the width of the notch is formed wider as the height at the side wall becomes higher. toilet.
The animal litter box according to claim 1, wherein the space is formed by a notch formed in the side wall, and at least a part of the notch is formed in a curved line.
The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the animal litter box includes a cover that covers the space.
The end face of the edge of the side wall forming the notch or the opening that defines the predetermined height, and the end face of the cover are aligned with each other along a vertical plane. Animal toilet.
The end face of the edge of the side wall that forms the notch or the opening that defines the predetermined height, and the end face of the cover are aligned with each other along a plane that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. The animal litter box according to claim 4.
The end face of the edge of the side wall that forms the notch or the opening that defines the predetermined height, and the end face of the cover that is joined to the end face have steps that are complementary to each other. The animal litter box according to claim 4.
8. The animal material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a particulate matter recovery unit for receiving and recovering the particulate matter discharged from the particulate matter storage unit via the space. toilet.
The space is formed by a notch or opening formed in the side wall,
A height adjusting portion is provided, which fits in the notch or opening, slides in the notch or opening, and covers the space stepwise so as to change the predetermined height. The animal toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 3.