Animal toilet

Abstract

The present invention provides an animal toilet in which a through hole is unlikely to be clogged by urine. The animal toilet (1) comprises a main body (10) and a partition (20). The main body (10) is box-shaped and has a bottom portion (10a) and a side portion (10b). The partition (20) is plate-shaped and divides the main body (10) into upper and lower parts. The partition (20) has a through hole (22) for urine to pass through. The thickness of the partition (20) at the peripheral portion of the through hole (22) is smaller than the thickness of the partition (20) at the remaining portion other than the peripheral portion. The peripheral portion of the through hole (22) is inclined downward toward the through hole (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to animal litter boxes. Background Art

[0002] As a conventional animal toilet, there is an animal toilet described in Patent Document 1, for example. The animal toilet described in the document has a box-shaped main body (container) and a plate-shaped partition. A through hole is formed in the partition for urine to pass through. The internal space of the main body is divided into an upper space and a lower space by the partition. A plurality of non-absorbent granules are laid in the upper space (on the partition). Excrement disposal materials that absorb urine are laid in the lower space.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-41038 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the above-mentioned animal toilet, urine excreted on the granules passes through the gaps between the granules and then moves from the upper space to the lower space through the through-holes of the partition. However, in the conventional animal toilet, there is a problem that urine adheres to the inner surface of the through-hole due to surface tension and clogs the through-hole. If the through-hole is clogged, urine is prevented from moving smoothly from the upper space to the lower space.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an animal litter box in which the through-holes are less likely to be clogged with urine.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] The animal toilet of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a box-shaped main body having a bottom surface and side surfaces; and a plate-shaped partition having a through hole for urine to pass through and dividing the inside of the main body into upper and lower parts; a first thickness of the partition at a peripheral portion of the through hole is smaller than a second thickness of the partition at a remaining portion other than the peripheral portion, and the peripheral portion is inclined downward toward the through hole.

[0011] In the animal toilet, the thickness of the partition at the periphery of the through hole (first thickness) is smaller than the thickness of the partition at the portion other than the periphery (remaining portion) (second thickness). Thus, by thinning the partition at the periphery of the through hole, the length of the through hole can be reduced. As a result, the amount of urine adhering to the inner surface of the through hole due to surface tension is reduced, and thus the through hole is less likely to be clogged with urine.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an animal litter box in which the through-holes are unlikely to be clogged by urine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is an end view showing one embodiment of the animal litter box of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 It is an end view showing the main body 10 .

[0016] Figure 3 It is a front view showing the main body 10 .

[0017] Figure 4 It is a plan view showing the main body 10 .

[0018] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the drawer unit 14 .

[0019] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the partition portion 20 .

[0020] Figure 7 It means along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross section taken along line VII-VII.

[0021] Figure 8 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 End view of the effect of using a toilet for animals.

[0022] Fig. 9 It is used to illustrate Figure 1 End view of the effect of using a toilet for animals.

[0023] Fig.10 This is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the partition portion 20 .

[0024] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view for explaining another modified example of the partition portion 20 .

[0025] Fig.12 This is an end view for explaining another modified example of the partition portion 20 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0027] Figure 1This is an end view showing an embodiment of an animal toilet of the present invention. The animal toilet 1 includes a main body 10, a drawer 14, a partition 20, a plurality of granular bodies 30, and a water-absorbent sheet 40. The main body 10 is in a box shape having a bottom portion 10a and a side portion 10b. In this embodiment, the main body 10 is in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. As a material of the main body 10, for example, plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene can be used.

[0028] The main body 10 has a protrusion 10c provided in a manner protruding from the side surface 10b toward the inner side of the main body 10. The protrusion 10c may be a protrusion or a ridge. The protrusion 10c may be integrally formed with the side surface 10b, or may be separately formed from the side surface 10b and then mounted on the side surface 10b. The protrusion length of the protrusion 10c (the length in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface of the side surface 10b on which the protrusion 10c is provided) is, for example, not less than 5 mm and not more than 15 mm.

[0029] The drawer 14 can be inserted and withdrawn from the main body 10 through the opening 12 formed in the side surface 10b. The water-absorbent sheet 40 is stored in the drawer 14. As the material of the drawer 14, for example, plastic such as polypropylene and polyethylene can be used.

[0030] The partition 20 is placed on the protrusion 10c. The partition 20 is in the shape of a plate and is arranged in parallel with the bottom surface 10a. The partition 20 is set at a position separated from both the water-absorbent sheet 40 and the upper end of the main body 10. Thus, the partition 20 divides the main body 10 into upper and lower spaces. That is, the internal space of the main body 10 is divided into an upper space S1 and a lower space S2 by the partition 20. The partition 20 can be loaded and unloaded relative to the main body 10. The partition 20 has a through hole 22 for urine to pass through. As a material for the partition 20, for example, plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene can be used.

[0031] A plurality of granules 30 are arranged in the main body 10. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "a plurality of granules 30" refers to all granules 30 arranged in the main body 10. The plurality of granules 30 are arranged in the main body 10 in a state of being laid on the partition 20. When the animal litter box 1 is used, the granules 30 directly receive the excreted urine. The granules 30 are water-repellent. That is, the granules 30 have the property of not absorbing liquids such as urine at all, or absorbing them but not absorbing them substantially.

[0032] The granules 30 are water repellent in that the water repellency measured by the following test needs to be 80% or more. First, put a plurality of granules 30 (samples) equivalent to 50g in a tea strainer. Set an empty beaker under the tea strainer. Then, use a syringe without a needle to drip 30ml of water into the sample over 10 seconds. After standing for 1 minute, measure the amount of water in the beaker. The ratio of the measured amount of water to the amount of water dripped (30ml) is taken as the water repellency. That is, if the amount of water in the beaker is more than 24ml, the water repellency is more than 80%, so it can be said that the granules 30 are water repellent. For reference, the water repellency of commercially available general absorbent cat litter is about 5%.

[0033] The granular body 30 is formed into a granular shape. Examples of the shape of the granular body include a sphere, a cylinder, and an ellipsoid. The particle size of the granular body 30 is, for example, greater than 5 mm and less than 15 mm. Here, the particle size is defined as the diameter of the smallest sphere that can contain the granular body 30. The granular body 30 preferably uses organic matter as a main material. Here, the main material refers to a material that accounts for the largest weight proportion in the granular body 30 among one or more materials constituting the granular body 30. As the organic matter, for example, paper, tea dregs, plastics, or tofu dregs can be used.

[0034] Paper refers to a material mainly composed of pulp. Examples of paper include, in addition to ordinary paper, vinyl chloride wallpaper fractions (paper obtained by fractionating vinyl chloride wallpaper), fluff pulp, papermaking sludge, pulp sludge, etc. Examples of plastic include diaper fractions (plastic obtained by fractionating diapers). Tofu dregs are preferably dried tofu dregs. These materials may also be subjected to water repellency treatment.

[0035] The material constituting the granules 30 may be only one kind or may be two or more kinds. In the former case, the material constituting the granules 30 is only the above-mentioned main material. In the latter case, the granules 30 are composed of a mixture of the main material and other materials. As other materials, for example, gypsum can be cited. By adding gypsum, the water repellency of the granules 30 can be improved. The amount of gypsum is, for example, 5% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less relative to the entire granules 30.

[0036] The granules 30 can be manufactured, for example, by the following method. First, a granulating device is used to granulate the granulated material (the material constituting the granules 30), thereby forming granules that become the granules 30. As the granulating device, for example, an extrusion granulator can be used. The granules can also be subjected to a water-repellent treatment as needed. The water-repellent treatment can be performed, for example, by coating the surface of the granules with a water-repellent. In the case where no water-repellent treatment is performed, it is preferred to increase the pressure applied to the granulated material during granulation so as not to generate gaps in the granules as much as possible. This is because the gaps become a path for water such as urine to penetrate into the interior of the granules 30. Before granulation, the granulated material is subjected to pretreatment such as pulverization, kneading, and water addition as needed. In addition, after granulation, post-treatment such as screening (classification) and drying is performed as needed.

[0037] The water-absorbent sheet 40 is disposed below the partition 20. In the present embodiment, the water-absorbent sheet 40 is disposed in the main body 10 in a state of being stored in the drawer 14. The water-absorbent sheet 40 absorbs urine that has passed through the through-holes 22 of the partition 20.

[0038] When the animal litter box 1 is used, urine excreted on the granules 30 flows downward through the gaps between adjacent granules 30 . The urine moves from the upper space S1 to the lower space S2 through the through holes 22 of the partition 20 and is absorbed by the water-absorbent sheet 40 .

[0039] Below, refer to Figure 2 to Figure 7 The structure of each part of the animal litter box 1 will be described in detail. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 They are respectively an end view, a front view and a top view of the main body 10. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an opening 12 for inserting and removing the drawer 14 is formed on the side surface 10b of the main body 10. The opening 12 is located near the bottom surface 10a and is in a horizontally long rectangular shape. Figure 3 The length of the opening 12 in the longitudinal direction (in the left-right direction) is substantially equal to the lateral width of the inner side of the main body 10, for example, not less than 20 cm and not more than 40 cm. Figure 3 The length of the vertical direction is, for example, 2 cm or more and 5 cm or less. Figure 4 As shown, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 10c is composed of a protrusion provided in an annular shape over the entire circumference of the inner surface of the side surface portion 10b in a plan view.

[0040] Figure 51 is a perspective view showing a drawer portion 14. The drawer portion 14 has a bottom plate 14a, a front plate 14b, an inner plate 14c, and a pair of side plates 14d. The size of the bottom plate 14a is substantially equal to the size of the bottom surface portion 10a of the main body portion 10. The front plate 14b has substantially the same shape and size as the opening 12. A handle 15 is mounted on the front plate 14b.

[0041] Figure 6 2 is a top view showing the partition 20. Figure 7 It means along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross section taken along line VII-VII of FIG. A plurality of through holes 22 are formed in the partition 20. The plurality of through holes 22 are arranged two-dimensionally in the partition 20. In the present embodiment, the planar shape of each through hole 22 is circular. The through holes 22 allow urine to pass through. However, the through holes 22 do not allow the granules 30 to pass through. That is, the through holes 22 have a size and shape that allow urine to pass through but do not allow the granules 30 to pass through.

[0042] The thickness t1 (first thickness) of the partition 20 at the peripheral portion 24 of the through hole 22 is smaller than the thickness t2 (second thickness) of the partition 20 at the remaining portion 26 which is the portion other than the peripheral portion 24. The thickness t1 is preferably less than 1 / 2 of the thickness t2, and more preferably less than 1 / 4. The thickness t1 is equal to the minimum thickness of the partition 20. That is, the thickness of the partition 20 takes the minimum value at the peripheral portion 24. In addition, the thickness t2 is equal to the maximum thickness of the partition 20. That is, the thickness of the partition 20 takes the maximum value at the remaining portion 26. The thickness t1 is, for example, greater than 1 mm and less than 3 mm. In addition, the thickness t2 is, for example, greater than 5 mm and less than 10 mm.

[0043] Depend on Figure 7 It can be seen that the peripheral portion 24 is inclined downward toward the through hole 22. In the present embodiment, the peripheral portion 24 is inclined as a whole. The upper surface and the lower surface of the peripheral portion 24 are parallel to each other. In this way, the peripheral portion 24 is inclined, but its thickness t1 is defined as the length in the vertical direction (the direction perpendicular to the upper surface and the lower surface of the remaining portion 26). The inclination angle α of the peripheral portion 24 is preferably greater than 10° and less than 50°, and more preferably greater than 20° and less than 40°.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the portion of the partition 20 other than the through hole 22 has a thickness t1 or a thickness t2 as a whole. In other words, the thickness of the partition 20 is a constant value (t1) for the peripheral portion 24 as a whole, and a constant value (t2) for the remaining portion 26 as a whole. The partition 20 has a thickness t2 at the midpoint between two adjacent through holes 22. Here, the midpoint refers to the midpoint of the line segment connecting the centers of the two through holes 22 when viewed from above. In addition, the upper surface of the peripheral portion 24 is continuous with the upper surface of the remaining portion 26.

[0045] The peripheral portion 24 is a ring-shaped region surrounding the through hole 22 in a plan view. Figure 6 , the outline (outer outline) of the peripheral portion 24 is indicated by a dotted line. When viewed from above, the shape of the through hole 22 and the shape of the outline of the peripheral portion 24 are similar to each other. The outer diameter d2 of the peripheral portion 24 is larger than the particle diameter of the granular body 30 with the smallest particle diameter among the plurality of granular bodies 30. The outer diameter d2 of the peripheral portion 24 is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 2 times or more, the diameter d1 of the through hole 22. When viewed from above, the area of ​​the remaining portion 26 as a whole is larger than the area of ​​the peripheral portion 24 as a whole.

[0046] Regarding the thickness direction of the partition 20 ( Figure 7 The diameter d1 of the through hole 22 is constant (in the vertical direction). Therefore, the inner surface of the through hole 22 is cylindrical. The diameter d1 is smaller than the particle diameter of the granular body 30 with the smallest particle diameter among the plurality of granular bodies 30. The diameter d1 is, for example, greater than 2 mm and less than 4 mm. The length of the through hole 22 is equal to the thickness t1 of the peripheral portion 24.

[0047] The effect of the animal litter box 1 will be described. In the animal litter box 1, the thickness t1 of the partition 20 at the peripheral portion 24 of the through hole 22 is smaller than the thickness t2 of the partition 20 at the portion other than the peripheral portion 24 (the remaining portion 26). In this way, by thinning the partition 20 at the peripheral portion 24 of the through hole 22, the length of the through hole 22 can be reduced. As a result, the amount of urine adhering to the inner surface of the through hole 22 due to surface tension is reduced, so that the through hole 22 is less likely to be clogged with urine. Therefore, the animal litter box 1 in which the through hole 22 is less likely to be clogged with urine is realized.

[0048] In contrast, Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the thickness of the partition 20 is uniform (when the thickness of the peripheral portion of the through hole 22 is equal to the thickness t2 of the remaining portion), the length of the through hole 22 is large, and therefore the amount of urine 90 adhering to the inner surface of the through hole 22 due to surface tension increases. Thus, the through hole 22 is easily clogged with urine 90. In this regard, according to the animal litter box 1, the length of the through hole 22 is reduced as described above, thereby reducing the amount of urine 90 adhering to the inner surface of the through hole 22 due to surface tension (see FIG. 1 ). Fig. 9 ).

[0049] In addition, as a method of making it difficult for the through hole 22 to be clogged by urine attached to the inner surface of the through hole 22, it is also considered to increase the diameter d1 of the through hole 22. However, there is a limitation that the diameter d1 of the through hole 22 must be a size that does not allow the granules 30 to pass through. Under this limitation, even if the diameter d1 is increased, it is not possible to obtain a sufficient effect in that the through hole 22 is difficult to be clogged. In this regard, in the animal litter box 1, a method of thinning the peripheral portion 24 to reduce the length of the through hole 22 is adopted. According to this method, regardless of the above-mentioned limitation, the length of the through hole 22 can be reduced, so a sufficient effect can be obtained in that the through hole 22 is difficult to be clogged.

[0050] On the other hand, making the thickness t2 of the remaining portion 26 larger than the thickness t1 of the peripheral portion 24 is advantageous in ensuring the strength of the partition 20, compared with the case where the partition 20 is thinned as a whole (the case where the partition 20 has the thickness t1 as a whole). In the animal litter box 1, since animals defecate while standing directly on the granular bodies 30, the partition 20 is required to have sufficient strength.

[0051] Moreover, in this embodiment, the peripheral portion 24 is inclined downward toward the through hole 22. As a result, urine is less likely to remain on the upper surface of the peripheral portion 24, and the urine is easily guided to the through hole 22. Therefore, urine can smoothly move from the upper space S1 to the lower space S2. In addition, in this case, a pocket P1 (at the bottom of the pocket P1) is generated between the lower surface of the peripheral portion 24 and the side surface 26a of the remaining portion 26. Fig. 9 Even if urine (including urine absorbed by the water-absorbent sheet 40) accumulated in the lower space S2 generates a foul odor, the bag P1 can capture the odor. Thus, it is possible to suppress the odor from leaking from the lower space S2 to the upper space S1 through the through hole 22.

[0052] When the inclination angle α of the peripheral portion 24 is increased, it is advantageous to improve the effect of preventing urine from remaining on the upper surface of the peripheral portion 24 and to improve the effect of capturing odors by the bag P1. From this viewpoint, α is preferably 10° or more, and more preferably 20° or more. On the other hand, if α is too large, there is a disadvantage that the upper end of the bag P1 becomes sharp and dirt and the like are easily accumulated at the upper end. From this viewpoint, α is preferably 50° or less, and more preferably 40° or less.

[0053] When the partition 20 is made of plastic, the partition 20 needs to have a certain thickness in order to sufficiently ensure the strength of the partition 20. Therefore, the animal litter box 1 including the partition 20 in which only the peripheral portion 24 is thinned without thinning the remaining portion 26 is particularly useful.

[0054] The smaller the thickness t1 of the peripheral portion 24, the smaller the length of the through hole 22. From this point of view, the thickness t1 is preferably less than 1 / 2 of the thickness t2 of the remaining portion, and more preferably less than 1 / 4. On the other hand, if the thickness t1 is too small, the partition 20 at the peripheral portion 24 may be damaged. From this point of view, the thickness t1 is preferably more than 1 / 10 of the thickness t2.

[0055] The thickness t1 of the peripheral portion 24 is equal to the minimum thickness of the partition portion 20. As much as possible, reducing the thickness t1 is advantageous in reducing urine adhering to the inner surface of the through hole 22.

[0056] The thickness t2 of the remaining portion 26 is equal to the maximum thickness of the partition 20. Increasing the thickness t2 as much as possible is beneficial to improving the strength of the partition 20.

[0057] There is a space 28 at the bottom of the through hole 22 which is surrounded by the side surface 26a of the remaining portion 26 and communicates with the through hole 22 (see Fig. 9 ). In order to avoid the situation where the urine attached to the side 26a blocks the space 28 due to surface tension, it is advantageous to increase the outer diameter d2 of the peripheral portion 24. From this point of view, the outer diameter d2 is preferably 1.5 times or more of the diameter d1 of the through hole 22, and more preferably 2 times or more. On the other hand, if the outer diameter d2 of the thinned peripheral portion 24 is too large, the strength of the partition 20 may become insufficient. From this point of view, the outer diameter d2 is preferably 3 times or less of the diameter d1 of the through hole 22.

[0058] The outer diameter d2 of the peripheral portion 24 is larger than the particle diameter of the granular body 30 having the smallest particle diameter among the plurality of granular bodies 30. This is also advantageous in preventing urine from clogging the space 28. Unlike the diameter d1 of the through hole 22, the outer diameter d2 of the peripheral portion 24 is not limited to a size that does not allow the granular body 30 to pass through. Therefore, the outer diameter d2 of the peripheral portion 24 can be sufficiently increased so as not to cause clogging of the space 28.

[0059] In a plan view, the shape of the through hole 22 and the shape of the outline of the peripheral portion 24 are similar to each other. This improves the appearance of the partition 20. In addition, the overall structure of the partition 20 is simplified, so the partition 20 is easily molded.

[0060] In a plan view, the area of ​​the remaining portion 26 is larger than the area of ​​the peripheral portion 24. This is beneficial for improving the strength of the partition 20 by making the area of ​​the remaining portion 26 with a relatively large thickness larger than the area of ​​the peripheral portion 24 with a relatively small thickness.

[0061] The entire portion of the partition 20 other than the through hole 22 has a thickness t1 or a thickness t2. In this case, the portion of the partition 20 other than the through hole 22 is composed only of a portion having a thickness t1 (the peripheral portion 24) and a portion having a thickness t2 (the remaining portion 26). As a result, the overall structure of the partition 20 becomes simple, and thus the partition 20 can be easily molded.

[0062] The interior of the main body 10 is divided into upper and lower parts by the partition 20, and a plurality of granules 30 are arranged on the partition 20. Thus, the space (upper space S1) where the granules 30 are arranged and the space (lower space S2) where urine is stored can be distinguished. Therefore, the granules 30 can be prevented from contacting the urine stored in the lower space S2.

[0063] The upper surface of the peripheral portion 24 is continuous with the upper surface of the remaining portion 26. Therefore, the space 28 exists only below the through hole 22. In this case, the peripheral portion 24 is shaped like an eaves extending above the space 28 (see Fig. 9 ), so urine is difficult to adhere to the side surface 26a of the remaining portion 26. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent urine from clogging the space 28.

[0064] The partition 20 has a thickness t2 at the midpoint between two adjacent through holes 22. Making the thickness at the midpoint between two adjacent through holes 22 relatively large is advantageous in ensuring the strength of the partition 20.

[0065] The partition 20 is placed on the protrusion 10c. Thus, the partition 20 can be detachably provided with respect to the main body 10 with a simple structure. If the partition 20 is detachable, the main body 10 and the partition 20 can be cleaned separately in a state where the partition 20 is removed from the main body 10, so that the animal litter box 1 can be easily cleaned.

[0066] The water-absorbent sheet 40 is disposed below the partition 20. Thus, urine accumulated in the lower space S2 can be sealed in the water-absorbent sheet 40. Therefore, bad odor generated by urine accumulated in the lower space S2 can be alleviated.

[0067] The animal litter box 1 is provided with a drawer portion 14 that can be inserted and withdrawn from the main body portion 10. This allows the used water-absorbent sheet 40 to be easily replaced with a new one.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but can be modified in various ways. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the upper surface of the peripheral portion 24 is continuous with the upper surface of the remaining portion 26. Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 As shown, the upper surface of the peripheral portion 24 and the upper surface of the remaining portion 26 may also be discontinuous. Fig.10 In the embodiment, the lower surface of the peripheral portion 24 is continuous with the lower surface of the remaining portion 26. Fig.11 In the embodiment, the upper surface of the peripheral portion 24 is not continuous with the upper surface of the remaining portion 26, and the lower surface of the peripheral portion 24 is not continuous with the lower surface of the remaining portion 26. In the case where the upper surface of the peripheral portion 24 is not continuous with the upper surface of the remaining portion 26, at least a portion of the space 28 communicating with the through hole 22 exists in the upper portion of the through hole 22. In this way, if the space 28 having an opening larger than the through hole 22 exists in the upper portion of the through hole 22, urine is less likely to remain on the upper surface of the remaining portion 26, and thus urine is easily guided to the through hole 22. As a result, urine can be smoothly moved from the upper space S1 to the lower space S2.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the case where the entire peripheral portion 24 is inclined is exemplified. Fig.12 As shown, only a portion of the peripheral portion 24 may be inclined. In this figure, only a portion including the front end of the peripheral portion 24 is inclined downward toward the through hole 22, and the other portion of the peripheral portion 24 is not inclined but horizontal.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the case where the planar shape of the through hole 22 is circular is illustrated. However, the planar shape of the through hole 22 is arbitrary, for example, it can be a polygon such as a rectangle, or it can be an ellipse. In the case where the planar shape of the through hole 22 is not circular, the diameter d1 of the through hole 22 is defined as the diameter of the smallest circle that can enclose the through hole 22 when viewed from above. The planar shape of the contour of the peripheral portion 24 is the same. The planar shape of the through hole 22 and the planar shape of the contour of the peripheral portion 24 do not need to be equal to each other (i.e., similar), and can also be different.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the case where the partition 20 is composed of an independent component, that is, the case where the partition 20 constitutes the entirety of an independent component is illustrated. However, the partition 20 may be composed of a part of an independent component, that is, a part of an independent component. For example, the partition 20 may be composed of the bottom of a box-shaped component.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the case where the drawer portion 14 is provided is exemplified. However, it is not necessary to provide the drawer portion 14. When the drawer portion 14 is not provided, the water-absorbent sheet 40 is directly disposed on the bottom surface portion 10a. In this case, of course, the opening 12 is not provided on the side surface portion 10b.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the case where the water-absorbent sheet 40 is disposed in the main body 10 is exemplified. However, it is not necessary to dispose the water-absorbent sheet 40 in the main body 10. When the water-absorbent sheet 40 is not disposed, the drawer 14 is not provided.

[0074] Explanation of symbols

[0075] 1 Animal toilet

[0076] 10 Main body

[0077] 10a Bottom

[0078] 10b Side view

[0079] 10c Protrusion

[0080] 12 Opening

[0081] 14 Drawer

[0082] 15 Handle

[0083] 20 Divider

[0084] 22 Through hole

[0085] 24 Peripheral Department

[0086] 26 Remaining part

[0087] 26a Side

[0088] 28 Space

[0089] 30 Granules

[0090] 40 Water-absorbent sheet

[0091] 90 Urine

[0092] P1 Bag

[0093] S1 Upper Space

[0094] S2 Lower space

Claims

1. A toilet for animals, characterized in that: It has: A box-shaped main body having a bottom portion and side portions, and A plate-shaped partition having a through hole for urine to pass through and dividing the main body into upper and lower parts, The first thickness of the partition at the peripheral portion of the through hole is smaller than the second thickness of the partition at the remaining portion other than the peripheral portion. The thickness of the partition portion is such that the thickness of the entire peripheral portion is a constant value. The peripheral portion is inclined downward toward the through hole.

2. The animal litter box according to claim 1, wherein: The inclination angle of the peripheral portion is greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 50°.

3. The animal litter box according to claim 2, wherein: The inclination angle of the peripheral portion is greater than or equal to 20° and less than or equal to 40°.

4. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first thickness is less than 1 / 2 of the second thickness.

5. The animal litter box according to claim 4, wherein: The first thickness is less than 1 / 4 of the second thickness.

6. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first thickness is equal to a minimum thickness of the partition.

7. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second thickness is equal to the maximum thickness of the partition.

8. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The outer diameter of the peripheral portion of the through hole is 1.5 times or more the diameter of the through hole.

9. The animal litter box according to claim 8, wherein: The outer diameter of the peripheral portion of the through hole is at least twice the diameter of the through hole.

10. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In a plan view, the shape of the through hole and the shape of the outline of the peripheral portion are similar to each other.

11. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When viewed from above, the area of ​​the remaining portion is larger than the area of ​​the peripheral portion.

12. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The entire portion of the partition except for the through hole has the first thickness or the second thickness.

13. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The partition is made of plastic.

14. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The invention comprises a plurality of water-repellent granular bodies which are arranged on the partition.

15. The animal litter box according to claim 14, wherein: The outer diameter of the peripheral portion is larger than the particle diameter of a granular body having the smallest particle diameter among the plurality of granular bodies.

16. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: An upper surface of the peripheral portion is continuous with an upper surface of the remaining portion.

17. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: An upper surface of the peripheral portion is discontinuous with an upper surface of the remaining portion.

18. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The partition portion has a plurality of the through holes.

19. The animal litter box according to claim 18, wherein: The partition has the second thickness at a midpoint between two adjacent through holes.

20. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The main body has a protrusion provided so as to protrude from the side surface toward the inside of the main body. The partition portion is placed on the protruding portion.

21. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The invention includes a water-absorbent sheet which is disposed below the partition and absorbs the urine which has passed through the through-holes.

22. The animal litter box according to claim 21, wherein: It has a drawer portion for storing the water-absorbent sheet. An opening is formed on the side surface of the main body. The drawer portion can be inserted and withdrawn from the main body portion through the opening.

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