Automatic cat litter box

Abstract

The embodiment of the present disclosure provides an automatic cat litter box which is mainly composed of a basin assembly, a base assembly and a driving assembly; wherein the basin assembly mainly comprises a defecation space and at least one cat litter screening area connected to one side of the defecation space, and the cat litter screening area is communicated with the defecation space through a filter screen; the base assembly supports the basin assembly, the driving assembly drives the basin assembly to move relative to the base assembly, so as to change the posture of the basin assembly relative to the base assembly; and a cavity sufficient to accommodate the body of a pet or a part of the limbs of the pet is arranged in the overlapping area of the basin assembly and the base assembly. The present disclosure guarantees the safety of pets, ensures that the product does not cause mechanical damage such as extrusion and shearing to pets, and also avoids the damage of stress or suffocation of pets caused by being trapped in a certain closed space of the product; the product has complete safety characteristics in the time dimension and the space dimension.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to the field of automatic pet feces cleaning, and more specifically, to an automatic cat litter box. Background Technology

[0002] There are three main types of automatic litter boxes commonly found on the market (i.e., automatic cat waste cleaning devices, hereinafter referred to as "products"). One type is a closed automatic litter box where both the cat's entrance / exit and the waste outlet are located on the radial outer wall of the litter box assembly. Another type is a closed automatic litter box where the cat's entrance / exit is located on the axial outer wall of the litter box assembly, and the waste outlet is located on the radial outer wall of the litter box assembly. The third type is an open automatic litter box where both the cat's entrance / exit and the waste outlet are shared. All three types of automatic litter boxes greatly reduce the workload for users cleaning up cat excrement, but while providing convenience, they also pose some safety hazards. When an automatic litter box is in operation, there is a direct relative displacement between the automatically rotating litter box assembly and the relatively stationary base assembly. In particular, when the cat's entrance / exit or waste outlet on the litter box assembly is close to the base assembly, the space between the two approaching components is compressed and sheared, which may cause compression and shearing injuries to the pet. It may also trap the pet in a space inside the product, causing stress or suffocation.

[0003] Existing technologies typically address these safety hazards by adding electronic components to the product. For example, this involves adding electronic components such as photoelectric switches, pyroelectric sensors, weight sensors, and microwave radar sensors to collect signals and determine if a pet has entered or remained in the cramped space. If so, a stop command is sent to the power unit. However, these technologies also have drawbacks: First, a single electronic component may lose the signal indicating the presence of a pet. For instance, pyroelectric and microwave radar components lose signals when the animal is stationary, while pets often remain still to observe and analyze prey. Using such components could lead to a failure to detect the presence of a pet in the cramped space, posing a safety hazard. Second, all electronic components have a lifespan. If the actual lifespan of the automatic litter box's drive mechanism exceeds that of the electronic components used for signal collection, serious safety risks arise. Third, aging, water ingress, or corrosion from pet urine can all cause electronic components to malfunction.

[0004] To eliminate the aforementioned defects, some manufacturers use multiple electronic components stacked together to detect whether a pet has entered or remained in an oppressive space. However, this introduces other technical drawbacks: various environmental conditions can affect the stability of the electronic components' judgments. For example, photoelectric switches may misjudge when their surface is contaminated or their detection area is obstructed by other obstacles. Weight sensors may misjudge due to uneven ground or other interference, causing them to fail to output accurate weight signals. When any of these electronic components misjudges, it will output a stop-operation command, which will be perceived as a product malfunction by the user, leading to various after-sales losses. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To at least partially address the aforementioned and other potential problems, embodiments of this disclosure provide an automatic litter box that ensures pet safety through structural optimization, ensuring that the product does not cause mechanical injuries such as squeezing or shearing to the pet, and also avoids stress or suffocation injuries to the pet caused by being trapped in a confined space within the product; the product has complete safety features in both time and space dimensions, and can still ensure the pet's safety even if electronic components fail or are misdetected.

[0006] This disclosure provides an automatic litter box. The automatic litter box mainly comprises a basin assembly, a base assembly, and a drive assembly; wherein, the basin assembly mainly includes a waste disposal space and at least one litter filtering area connected to one side of the waste disposal space, the litter filtering area and the waste disposal space being connected via a filter screen; the base assembly supports the basin assembly, and the drive assembly drives the basin assembly to move relative to the base assembly to change the posture of the basin assembly relative to the base assembly; a cavity sufficient to accommodate a pet's body or part of its limbs is disposed within the area where the basin assembly and the base assembly overlap.

[0007] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the shape of the basin assembly is not designed as a complete sphere due to product function and packaging size requirements. When the relative posture of the basin assembly and the base assembly changes, the space of the relatively overlapping area between the basin assembly and the base assembly changes, resulting in spatial compression or shearing. Therefore, the main location where existing automatic litter boxes cause mechanical injury to pets is in the relatively overlapping area. This disclosure, however, by configuring a cavity within the relatively overlapping area large enough to accommodate the pet's body or parts thereof, ensures that even if the pet returns to the product during operation, the cavity can guarantee that the basin assembly and the base assembly maintain a relatively stable distance even at the minimum spacing. It can accommodate a pet's body or parts of its limbs without squeezing or cutting the pet. The product will not cause mechanical injury such as squeezing or cutting to the pet, and avoids stress or suffocation injuries caused by the pet being trapped in a confined space of the product, ensuring the complete safety characteristics of the product in the spatial dimension. Moreover, through structural optimization, even if the electronic components such as the sensors that detect foreign objects fail or falsely detect, other systems of the product fail or are damaged, or the user continues to use the product beyond its design life, it will still not squeeze or cut the pet, further ensuring the complete safety characteristics of the product in the time dimension.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the basin assembly and the base assembly move relative to each other, the relative overlapping area also includes the intersection and overlap area of ​​the basin assembly and the base assembly during relative movement.

[0009] In this way, when the litter box assembly moves relative to the base assembly, the overlapping area is released, creating a completely open space that pets may explore out of curiosity. When the litter box assembly returns to the overlapping area, the edges of the litter box assembly and the base assembly approach each other, creating a shearing action. If electronic components such as sensors used to detect foreign objects malfunction, and the pet is unaware of the danger and does not leave in time, or if some of its limbs are not removed in time, the pet's body may be trapped between the edges of the litter box assembly and the base assembly or the fecal passage, resulting in mechanical injury. During the overlapping process of the edges of the litter box assembly and the base assembly, there is an overlapping area where spatial shearing and spatial compression also occur, which can cause further mechanical injury to the trapped pet. Human children, lacking cognitive ability, may also explore out of curiosity, potentially leading to the risk of their limbs being trapped. On the other hand, because the litter box assembly carries 5kg to 10kg of cat litter, the drive assembly typically uses a low-speed, high-torque geared motor, resulting in a large shearing force when the edges of the litter box assembly and the base assembly shear, which can cause more severe mechanical injury to the pet.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the basin assembly and the base assembly move relative to each other, the overlapping area is mainly formed by the overlapping of the projections of the movement trajectory of the basin assembly onto the base assembly.

[0011] In this way, the risk of mechanical injury that exists between the basin assembly and other fixed obstacles in the environment when the basin assembly moves can be avoided in practical applications by adjusting the product's placement. However, the basin assembly must rely on the base assembly to support changes in its posture. During the movement of the basin assembly relative to the base assembly, the area formed by the intersection and overlap of the projection of the basin assembly's movement trajectory onto the base assembly may exceed the relative overlap area when the basin assembly and the base assembly are stationary. Therefore, retaining sufficient cavity in this intersection and overlap area can increase the product's safety margin.

[0012] In some embodiments, the basin assembly further includes an opening edge portion; when the basin assembly rotates relative to the base assembly, the overlapping area is mainly formed by the overlapping of the projections of the movement trajectory of the opening edge portion onto the base assembly.

[0013] In this way, the main danger in the relatively overlapping area between the basin assembly and the base assembly is crushing injury to the pet, while the danger that occurs when the opening edge on the basin assembly moves relative to the base assembly is shearing injury to the pet from the opening edge. Therefore, by configuring a cavity in the area formed by the intersection and overlap of the movement trajectory of the opening edge on the base assembly, shearing injury to the pet can be further avoided.

[0014] In some embodiments, the opening edge is an opening or hole provided on the basin assembly, including but not limited to a cat inlet / outlet and / or a feces outlet provided on the basin assembly.

[0015] In this way, the edge of the opening is not limited to the cat's entrance or feces outlet. Any opening or hole that is made on the basin assembly and may cause shearing injury to the pet when the basin assembly moves relative to the base assembly is considered to be the edge of the opening.

[0016] In some embodiments, the relative motion between the basin assembly and the base assembly can be one of lifting, translation, flipping, or rotation, or a combination of at least two of these motions.

[0017] In this way, the relative movement between the basin assembly and the base assembly is not limited to one type. As long as it can change the posture of the basin assembly relative to the base assembly and achieve the separation and collection of cat litter and cat excrement, it falls within the scope of the relative movement between the basin assembly and the base assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cavity is disposed on the base assembly and / or the basin assembly.

[0019] In this way, the cavity is configured on the base assembly and / or the basin assembly, which allows the overall distance between the basin assembly and the base assembly to be closer, which helps to improve the overall compactness of the product size. It also allows the height of the basin assembly from the ground to be reduced, making it easier for pets to enter the basin assembly to defecate.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cavity may be in communication with the outside and have a communication area configured to allow the pet's body or a portion of its limbs to pass through.

[0021] In this way, the cavity can be connected to the outside world and has a connecting area, which can prevent pets from being trapped in the cavity and unable to escape, avoiding the risks of hunger, dehydration, stress, suffocation and other entrapment risks caused by being trapped in the cavity. On the other hand, if a pet enters the cavity when the pelvic component moves, the pelvic component will exert a pushing force on the pet's body or part of its limbs when it comes into contact with the pet. The connecting area can avoid the risk of squeezing caused by obstacles in the direction of the pushing force, thus preventing the pet from being squeezed and injured.

[0022] In some embodiments, the automatic litter box is equipped with a cover that is used to selectively close the cavity from the outside.

[0023] In this way, when dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or entrapment occur, the cover can selectively open the connecting area to connect the cavity with the outside world to eliminate the danger and avoid harm to the pet. On the other hand, the odor of pet excrement can spread to the outside environment through the connecting area. The cover can isolate the odor and further prevent pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for a long time, which can lead to the growth of bacteria, insects, and pollution of the living environment.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cover plate is movably connected to the base assembly or the basin assembly.

[0025] In this way, when danger occurs, the cover can detach or pivot relative to the base assembly or basin assembly under external force to open the cavity and connect with the outside, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone. The structure is simple and reliable, effectively isolating odors while ensuring the pet can easily escape the danger zone, thus protecting the pet's safety. The external force can be an indirect pushing or pulling force from the basin assembly, or a pushing force from the pet; here, the external force is slight pressure, meaning a force that does not reach the pain threshold of the pet or person, or a force that will not cause harm. The cover can detach or pivot under slight pressure to open the cavity and connect with the outside. The connection methods include, but are not limited to, detachable connections, magnetic connections, and pivoting connections. Detachable connections, such as the combination of elastic claws and locking holes, have the advantage of lower cost; magnetic connections, such as the combination of magnetic and conductive materials, have the ability to automatically correct and align the installation, making it more convenient for users to install the cover; pivoting connections, such as hinges, can prevent the cover from being lost after detachment.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cover plate is made of an elastic material, with one end connected to the base assembly or the basin assembly.

[0027] In this way, when danger occurs, the cover can elastically deform relative to the base assembly or basin assembly under external force to open the cavity and connect with the outside, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone. The structure is simple and reliable, effectively isolating odors while ensuring the pet can easily escape the danger zone, thus protecting the pet's safety. The external force can be an indirect pushing or pulling force from the basin assembly, or it can be a pushing force from the pet; here, the external force is slight pressure, meaning a force that does not reach the pain threshold of the pet or person, or a force that will not cause harm; the cover can elastically deform under slight pressure to open the cavity and connect with the outside.

[0028] In some embodiments, the automatic litter box further includes at least one limiting support configured to define the distance between the connected area and other obstacles, forming a space that can accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs.

[0029] In this way, by setting up limiting supports, the system ensures that pets inside the cavity can exit the automatic litter box through the connecting area, guaranteeing their safety. It also prevents other obstacles in the environment from interfering with the connecting area and preventing pets from successfully exiting the automatic litter box and thus avoiding the risk of them becoming trapped. Other obstacles mainly refer to walls or other obstacles that pets cannot push.

[0030] In some embodiments, a fecal storage area is disposed below the basin assembly, and the fecal storage area is in communication with the cavity; or the fecal storage area is placed inside the cavity.

[0031] In this way, after the excrement in the basin component leaves the basin component, it can fall into the feces storage area through the cavity. That is, in addition to accommodating the pet's body or part of its limbs, the cavity can also serve as a feces passage. Alternatively, after the excrement in the basin component leaves the basin component, it can fall directly into the feces storage area placed in the cavity. That is, in addition to accommodating the pet's body or part of its limbs, the cavity can also serve as a feces storage area.

[0032] In some embodiments, a fecal passage is provided between the basin assembly and the fecal storage area, and the cavity communicates with the fecal passage.

[0033] In this way, in addition to accommodating the pet's body or parts thereof, the cavity can also serve to connect the basin assembly to the fecal passage, meaning that after the excrement in the basin assembly leaves the basin assembly, it can fall into the fecal storage area through the fecal passage.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cavity may communicate with the outside and have a communication area configured to allow a pet's body or part of its limbs to pass through; the automatic litter box is equipped with a cover for selectively closing the cavity from the outside.

[0035] In this way, the cavity can connect to the outside and has a connecting area, which can prevent pets from being trapped inside the cavity and unable to escape, avoiding the risks of hunger, dehydration, stress, and suffocation caused by being trapped. On the other hand, if a pet enters the cavity when the basin assembly moves, the basin assembly will exert a pushing force on the pet's body or part of its limbs when it comes into contact with the pet. The connecting area can avoid the risk of squeezing due to obstacles in the direction of this pushing force, preventing the pet from being squeezed and injured. When dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or being trapped occur, the cover can selectively open the connecting area to connect the cavity to the outside and relieve the danger, preventing harm to the pet. Furthermore, the odor of pet excrement can spread to the outside environment through the connecting area. The cover can isolate the odor and further prevent pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for a long time, which can lead to the growth of bacteria, insects, and pollution of the living environment.

[0036] In some embodiments, a second cover is provided at the connection between the cavity and the fecal storage area.

[0037] In this way, the second cover can selectively seal the feces storage area, trapping the odor within and preventing it from spreading to the outside environment. This further avoids the problem of pet excrement being exposed to the environment for extended periods, which could lead to bacterial growth, insect infestation, and environmental pollution. The second cover can replace the main cover, allowing the cavity to remain open to the outside at all times, eliminating concerns about continuous odor leakage. It also makes it easier for pets to leave the automatic litter box, improving safety. Furthermore, since the second cover is movably connected to the feces storage area or the base assembly, and unlike the main box assembly, it does not contain litter, its own load is minimal. When the second cover is equipped with a drive mechanism, the power required to open or close it is only the weight of the cover itself, posing no threat to the pet.

[0038] In some embodiments, the fecal storage area is movably connected below the base assembly.

[0039] In this way, the feces storage area connected to the base assembly can receive and collect pet excrement falling from the basin assembly. When users clean up pet excrement regularly, they only need to remove the feces storage area from the base assembly, improving user convenience. On the other hand, when the pet is large, the pet's pushing force can act on the feces storage area, causing the feces storage area to move and open relative to the base assembly. Even if the pet's body size exceeds the cavity area, it can allow the pet to escape from the danger zone, ensuring the pet's survival space and avoiding harm to the pet.

[0040] In some embodiments, the fecal storage area is provided with a cover plate, the cavity is in communication with the outside, and the cover plate can selectively close the communication between the cavity and the outside.

[0041] In this way, the cover installed on the feces storage area can isolate odors, preventing them from spreading to the outside environment and further preventing pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for a long time, which could lead to the growth of bacteria, insects, and pollution of the living environment. On the other hand, when dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or entrapment occur, the cover on the feces storage area can accept external forces such as the pushing force from the pet to connect the cavity to the outside, thereby relieving the danger and allowing the pet to escape from the danger zone, avoiding harm to the pet. When the pet is large, the pushing force from the pet can also act on the feces storage area, and the cover can be moved together with the feces storage area, opening the feces storage area and allowing the pet to escape from the danger zone, further ensuring the pet's living space and avoiding harm to the pet.

[0042] In some embodiments, the basin assembly and the base assembly are detachably connected via a basin locking assembly; wherein the basin locking assembly is provided with an auxiliary functional accessory, one of the basin locking assembly and the base assembly is provided with a coupler plug, and the other is provided with a coupler socket, the coupler plug and the coupler socket being adapted to enable power and / or electrical signal connection.

[0043] In this way, the auxiliary functional accessories connected to the base assembly via the basin locking component, in addition to their own functions, can also detach from the base assembly or create more living space if the pet's body or limbs are squeezed or crushed when the pet is between the moving basin assembly and the stationary accessory. This prevents the pet from being squeezed or sheared by the accessory and avoids injury. Furthermore, since the accessory is mounted on the basin locking component, if it is damaged or malfunctions, either the accessory or the basin locking component can be replaced separately, reducing after-sales maintenance costs. These auxiliary functional accessories can include camera modules, deodorizing modules, sterilization modules, automatic litter replenishment modules, litter level detection modules, and other similar components.

[0044] This disclosure also provides another implementation of an automatic litter box. The automatic litter box mainly comprises a basin assembly, a base assembly, and a drive assembly; the basin assembly mainly includes an excretion space and at least one litter filtering area connected to one side of the excretion space, the litter filtering area and the excretion space being connected via a filter screen; the base assembly supports the basin assembly, and the drive assembly drives the basin assembly to move relative to the base assembly to change the posture of the basin assembly relative to the base assembly; a feces storage area is disposed below the base assembly; at least one side wall of the base assembly is partially recessed inward to form a cavity sufficient to accommodate a pet's body or part of its limbs; at least a portion of the cavity connects the basin assembly and the feces storage area to form a feces passage.

[0045] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one sidewall of the base assembly is partially recessed inward to form a cavity. The presence of the cavity ensures pet safety, preventing the product from causing mechanical injuries such as squeezing or shearing to the pet, and also avoiding stress or suffocation injuries to the pet caused by being trapped in a confined space within the product. The product possesses complete safety features in both time and space dimensions, ensuring pet safety even if electronic components fail or malfunction. On the other hand, compared to placing the cavity between the basin assembly and the base assembly, the cavity on the base assembly shares at least a portion of the space with the feces passage, reducing the height increase due to the cavity's separate existence, further reducing the overall product size, and achieving a more compact overall product size. It also reduces the climbing height of the cat entrance / exit on the basin assembly, making it easier for pets to enter.

[0046] In some embodiments, the feces passage and / or the feces storage area are configured with sufficient space to accommodate the pet's body or parts thereof.

[0047] In this way, the feces passage and / or feces storage area are configured with enough space to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs, which can further expand the living space that the cavity can accommodate for the pet, allowing pets that are larger than average to use the product safely.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cavity may be connected to the outside and have a connecting area that allows the pet's body or parts thereof to pass through.

[0049] In this way, the cavity can be connected to the outside world and has a connecting area, which can prevent pets from being trapped in the cavity and unable to escape, avoiding the risks of hunger, dehydration, stress, suffocation and other entrapment risks caused by being trapped in the cavity. On the other hand, if a pet enters the cavity when the pelvic component moves, the pelvic component will exert a pushing force on the pet's body or part of its limbs when it comes into contact with the pet. The connecting area can avoid the risk of squeezing caused by obstacles in the direction of the pushing force, thus preventing the pet from being squeezed and injured.

[0050] In some embodiments, a cover plate is provided at the communicating area for selectively sealing the cavity from the outside.

[0051] In this way, when dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or entrapment occur, the cover can selectively connect the connected area to the outside, eliminating the danger and preventing harm to pets. The odor of pet excrement can spread to the outside environment through the connected area; the cover can isolate the odor and further prevent pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for extended periods, thus avoiding problems such as bacterial and insect growth and environmental pollution. On the other hand, the fecal passage and cavity share at least a portion of the space; with the cover's insect-proof and odor-proof function, this effectively expands the excrement storage capacity of the fecal storage area. Furthermore, when the fecal storage area is full of excrement, if the user does not clean the fecal storage area in a timely manner or is away for an extended period, new excrement can continue to accumulate in the cavity or fecal passage, effectively extending the effective cycle of the product's automatic operation. The cover's sealing effect also prevents pollution of the living environment. When the cavity is also full of excrement, if the user does not clean it in time, new excrement will continue to fall into the cavity from the basin assembly. During the final reset movement of the basin assembly at the end of the cleaning action, it will come into contact with the excrement and apply pressure to it. When the excrement is forced to move to the position of contacting the cover, the cover will separate from the product or pivot relative to the product under slight force, thus opening the communication area between the cavity and the outside. The excrement will overflow directly from the communication area and will not be sheared or smeared on the outer wall of the basin assembly, further extending the effective cycle of the product's automatic operation. Due to the existence of the cavity, the automatic litter box disclosed herein has structural safety characteristics. It does not need to rely on photoelectric sensors to detect whether there is a pet intrusion in the feces storage area, nor does it need to set a program to pause cleaning based on the signal of the photoelectric sensor. Therefore, even if the photoelectric sensor fails, the product can still continue to perform the task of automatically cleaning feces. Especially when the user is away from home and cannot return in time, the main function of the product can continue to operate, reducing user anxiety, reducing the user's cleaning burden, and extending the effective cycle of the product's automatic operation. In addition, even if the photoelectric sensor reports that the feces storage area is full, the product does not need to stop the automatic scooping program to avoid the feces being cut by the edge of the basin component, which is equivalent to increasing the product's feces storage space and the product's usage time.

[0052] Furthermore, when users are away for extended periods or fail to clean the fecal storage area in a timely manner, the feces will accumulate in the fecal passage or cavity. Thanks to the sealing effect of the cover, the living environment will not be polluted. In addition, even if the fecal volume sensor installed in the fecal storage area signals that the storage area is full, the product does not need to stop the automatic scooping program to avoid the feces being cut by the edge of the basin component, which is equivalent to increasing the product's fecal storage space and the product's usage time.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cover is movably connected to the base assembly or the fecal storage area.

[0054] In this way, when danger occurs, the cover can detach or pivot relative to the base assembly or feces storage area under external force to open the cavity and connect with the outside, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone. The external force can be an indirect pushing or pulling force from the basin assembly, or it can be a pushing force from the pet. The connection methods include, but are not limited to, detachable connections, magnetic connections, and pivoting connections. Detachable connections, such as the cooperation of elastic claws and locking holes, or the cooperation of mounting buckles and mounting holes, have the advantage of lower cost. Magnetic connections, such as the cooperation of magnetic materials and magnetically conductive materials, have the ability to automatically correct and align the installation, making it more convenient for users to install the cover. Pivoting connections, such as hinges, can prevent the cover from being lost after detachment.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cover plate is provided with a cover plate mounting buckle, and the base assembly is provided with a cover plate mounting hole adapted to the cover plate mounting buckle.

[0056] In this way, the cover plate can be movably installed on the base assembly through the detachable matching relationship between the cover plate mounting buckle and the cover plate mounting hole. The structure is simple, the stability is high, and the cost is low.

[0057] In some embodiments, the fecal storage area is movably connected below the base assembly.

[0058] In this way, the feces storage area connected to the base assembly can receive and collect pet excrement falling from the basin assembly. When users clean up pet excrement regularly, they only need to remove the feces storage area from the base assembly, improving user convenience. On the other hand, when the pet is large, the pet's pushing force can act on the feces storage area, causing the feces storage area to move and open relative to the base assembly. Even if the pet's body size exceeds the cavity area, it can allow the pet to escape from the danger zone, ensuring the pet's survival space and avoiding harm to the pet.

[0059] In some embodiments, the fecal passage and / or the cavity is partially surrounded by the base assembly.

[0060] In this way, the base assembly has high strength and can stably support the basin assembly, thus making the weighing system more stable.

[0061] This disclosure also provides a third implementation of an automatic litter box. The automatic litter box mainly comprises a basin assembly, a base assembly, and a drive assembly; the basin assembly mainly includes an excretion space and at least one litter filtering area connected to one side of the excretion space, the litter filtering area and the excretion space being connected via a filter screen; the base assembly supports the basin assembly, and the drive assembly drives the basin assembly to move relative to the base assembly to change the posture of the basin assembly relative to the base assembly; the outer peripheral wall of the basin assembly is partially concave inward to form a cavity sufficiently large to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs.

[0062] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the basin assembly is recessed inward to form a cavity. The presence of the cavity ensures the safety of the pet, ensuring that the product does not cause mechanical injuries such as squeezing or shearing to the pet, and also avoids injuries such as stress or suffocation to the pet caused by being trapped in a closed space of the product. The product has complete safety features in both time and space dimensions, and can still ensure the safety of the pet even if electronic components fail or malfunction. On the other hand, it can avoid increasing the product height between the basin assembly and the base assembly, and it can avoid the base assembly having to be designed with a certain height due to the space requirements of the cavity. Therefore, the recessed basin assembly to form a cavity can save the height of the cavity set between the basin assembly and the base assembly, as well as the height of the cavity set on the base assembly, further reducing the product height and the climbing height of the pet when using it.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cavity may be connected to the outside and have a connecting area that allows the pet's body or parts thereof to pass through.

[0064] In this way, the cavity can be connected to the outside world and has a connecting area, which can prevent pets from being trapped in the cavity and unable to escape, avoiding the risks of hunger, dehydration, stress, suffocation and other entrapment risks caused by being trapped in the cavity. On the other hand, if a pet enters the cavity when the pelvic component moves, the pelvic component will exert a pushing force on the pet's body or part of its limbs when it comes into contact with the pet. The connecting area can avoid the risk of squeezing caused by obstacles in the direction of the pushing force, thus preventing the pet from being squeezed and injured.

[0065] In some embodiments, a cover plate is provided at the communicating area for selectively sealing the cavity from the outside.

[0066] In this way, when dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or entrapment occur, the cover can selectively connect the connected area to the outside, eliminating the danger and preventing harm to the pet. On the other hand, the odor of pet excrement can spread to the outside environment through the connected area. The cover can isolate the odor and further prevent pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for a long time, which can lead to the growth of bacteria, insects, and pollution of the living environment.

[0067] In some embodiments, the cover plate is movably connected to the basin assembly or the base assembly.

[0068] In this way, when danger occurs, the cover can detach or pivot relative to the base assembly or basin assembly under external force to open the cavity and connect with the outside world, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone. The external force can be an indirect pushing or pulling force from the basin assembly, or it can be a pushing force from the pet. The connection methods for the movable connection include, but are not limited to, detachable connections, magnetic connections, and pivoting connections. Using detachable connections, such as the combination of elastic claws and locking holes, has the advantage of lower cost. Using magnetic connections, such as the combination of magnetic materials and magnetically conductive materials, has the ability to automatically correct and align the installation, making it more convenient for users to install the cover. Using pivoting connections, such as hinges, can prevent the cover from being lost after detachment.

[0069] This disclosure also provides a fourth implementation of an automatic litter box. An automatic litter box mainly comprises a basin assembly, a base assembly, and a drive assembly; wherein, the basin assembly mainly includes an excretion space and a litter filtering area, the litter filtering area and the excretion space being connected by a filter screen; the base assembly supports the basin assembly, and the drive assembly drives the basin assembly to move relative to the base assembly to change the posture of the basin assembly relative to the base assembly; a cavity sufficiently large to accommodate a pet's body or part of its limbs is configured within the overlapping area of ​​the basin assembly and the base assembly; the automatic litter box is equipped with a cover for selectively sealing the cavity from the outside. Its technical advantages are the same as those described above.

[0070] Further features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0071] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, which describe exemplary embodiments of the disclosure in more detail, wherein the same reference numerals generally denote the same parts.

[0072] Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view, an exploded view, and an AA sectional view of a prior art automatic litter box with a cat entrance / exit configured at the end of a shaft.

[0073] Figure 2 This paper presents a perspective view, an exploded view, and a BB cross-sectional view of another prior art automatic litter box with its cat entrance / exit configured on the periphery.

[0074] Figure 3 A perspective view, exploded view, and CC cross-sectional view of an open-type automatic litter box in the prior art are shown.

[0075] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the operation steps of an open-type automatic litter box in the prior art, as well as the squeezing, shearing, and trapping of pets within the existing litter box structure.

[0076] Figure 5 A perspective view, a front view, and a sectional view (DD) of a roller-enclosed automatic litter box with the cat entrance / exit configured on the periphery wall, as provided in the first aspect of this disclosure, are shown.

[0077] Figure 6 A perspective view, a front view, and an EE sectional view of the open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure are shown.

[0078] Figure 7 This disclosure illustrates Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the middle EE, and in this view, the projection of the movement trajectory of the basin assembly onto the base assembly.

[0079] Figure 8 An open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure is shown, and in this view, the projection of the edge of the opening of the litter box assembly along a first direction onto the base assembly is shown.

[0080] Figure 9 An open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure is shown, and in this view, the projection of the edge of the opening of the litter box assembly along a second direction onto the base assembly is shown.

[0081] Figure 10 The diagram shows a perspective view of a roller-enclosed automatic litter box with the cat entrance / exit configured on the periphery wall, a perspective view of a cavity configured in the base assembly, and an exploded view of the product, as provided in the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0082] Figure 11 It shows Figure 10The middle FF sectional view, and in this view, the projection of the movement trajectory of the opening edge of the basin assembly, including other holes, onto the base assembly.

[0083] Figure 12 The cleaning steps of the open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure are shown, as well as the technical support effect of the cavity on pet safety.

[0084] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 When encountering larger pets, the combined technical support effect of the feces storage area and cavity on pet safety.

[0085] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a basin assembly combining rotation, translation, and lifting motion is shown.

[0086] Figure 15 A perspective view of the cavity configuration on the basin assembly, an exploded view of the product, and a GG cross-sectional view are shown.

[0087] Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the cavity configuration on the basin assembly and the base assembly is shown.

[0088] Figure 17 A cross-sectional view is shown of a cavity configured on a basin assembly, with a movable cover plate optionally closing the cavity.

[0089] Figure 18 A cross-sectional view is shown of a cavity configured on the basin assembly and the base assembly, with a movable cover plate optionally closing the cavity.

[0090] Figure 19 An exploded view and a cross-sectional view (HH) of the product are shown, illustrating an open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure, wherein a cavity is configured on the basin assembly and a movable cover is available to close the cavity.

[0091] Figure 20 The diagram shows an open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure, a cavity that can be closed by a movable cover, and a schematic diagram of the movable cover being pushed open when a cat is trapped.

[0092] Figure 21 The diagram shows an open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure, a second cover that can be used to close off a fecal storage area, and a schematic diagram showing a cat freely moving through the cavity.

[0093] Figure 22 The diagram shows an open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure, in which the cavity and the feces storage area share a space, and in which the space is selectively closed by a movable cover, and a schematic diagram showing the movable cover being pushed open when a cat is trapped.

[0094] Figure 23 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the movable cover plate of this disclosure pivotally connected to the fecal storage area is shown.

[0095] Figure 24 It shows Figure 23 The image shows a three-dimensional view of the fecal storage area, which is pivotally connected to a movable cover.

[0096] Figure 25 A cross-sectional schematic diagram is shown, illustrating the optional enclosed cavity via a flexible, movable cover attached to the fecal storage area.

[0097] Figure 26 A cross-sectional schematic diagram is shown, illustrating the optional closure of the cavity by a flexible, movable cover plate attached to the basin assembly.

[0098] Figure 27 A cross-sectional schematic diagram is shown, illustrating a movable cover plate pivotally connected to a base assembly and optionally enclosing a cavity.

[0099] Figure 28 The diagram shows the selective closure of the connected area by the movable cover when the cavity is configured on the base assembly. A schematic diagram of the connected area on the base assembly with connecting beams is provided, which constructs a base assembly scheme with better load-bearing capacity. The diagram is shown in section II and exploded view of the product.

[0100] Figure 29 It shows Figure 28 An extended version of the publicly disclosed design features two connected areas on the base assembly, each with a corresponding movable cover plate that can selectively close the cavity to accommodate movement of the basin assembly in different directions. This is illustrated in a JJ sectional view and an exploded product diagram.

[0101] Figure 30 A schematic diagram is shown of the cavity and the fecal storage area being configured together between the basin assembly and the base assembly, and of at least one movable cover that can selectively close the cavity, presented in a KK sectional view and an exploded view of the product.

[0102] Figure 31 A schematic diagram showing the cavity and the fecal storage area together positioned below the basin assembly, and schematic diagrams showing the base assembly positioned on both sides of the basin assembly, the cavity and the fecal storage area, are presented in LL sectional view and exploded view of the product.

[0103] Figure 32 A schematic diagram showing the cavity and the fecal storage area together configured below the basin assembly is shown, as well as a schematic diagram showing the base assemblies respectively configured on both sides of the basin assembly, the cavity and the fecal storage area, and the base assemblies on both sides connected to each other above the basin assembly, is shown in MM cross-sectional view and exploded view of the product.

[0104] Figure 33 A schematic diagram of a scheme in which the movable cover is connected to the fecal storage area when the cavity is configured on the base assembly is shown, and a schematic diagram of the fecal storage area detached from the base assembly is shown in the disclosed scheme, presented in NN cross-sectional view and exploded view of the product.

[0105] Figure 34 A perspective view of an open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure is shown, with the feces storage area either open or separated from the base assembly.

[0106] Figure 35 A perspective view of an open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure is shown, with a movable cover movably connected to a base assembly.

[0107] Figure 36 A side view of the open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure is shown, with a limiting support to ensure the pet's exit space requirements after it has escaped danger.

[0108] Figure 37 A schematic diagram is shown of an open-type automatic litter box provided in the first aspect of this disclosure, with optional modular attachments for connecting to the product.

[0109] Figure 38 A perspective view, a front view, and a sectional view of the open-type automatic litter box provided in the second aspect of this disclosure are shown.

[0110] Figure 39 A perspective view, a front view, and a cross-sectional view of the roller-enclosed automatic litter box provided in the second aspect of this disclosure are shown.

[0111] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0112] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, which are only some, not all, of the embodiments described herein. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the technical solutions disclosed herein.

[0113] As used herein, the term "comprising" and its variations will be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including but not limited to". The term "embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the definitions of terms are consistent throughout the specification. The automatic litter box described herein is not limited to use by cats; it may be used by pets with the same or similar elimination habits as cats.

[0114] There are three main types of automatic litter boxes commonly found on the market (i.e., automatic cat waste cleaning devices, hereinafter referred to as the product): one is a closed automatic litter box where both the cat's entrance and exit are located on the radial outer wall of the litter box assembly; another is a closed automatic litter box where the cat's entrance and exit are located on the axial outer wall of the litter box assembly, and the waste outlet is located on the radial outer wall of the litter box assembly; and the third is an open automatic litter box where both the cat's entrance and exit and the waste outlet are shared. All three types of automatic litter boxes greatly reduce the workload for users cleaning up cat excrement, but while providing convenience, they also pose some safety hazards.

[0115] The first type is a closed automatic litter box, model 1000. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a basin assembly 1010, a base assembly 1020, a drive assembly 1030, and a feces storage area 1040. The basin assembly 1010 includes an excretion space 1011 and a litter filtering area 1012 connected to one side of the excretion space 1011. The litter filtering area 1012 and the excretion space 1011 are connected by a filter screen 1013. The base assembly 1020 includes a bracket 1021, which supports the basin assembly 1010. One axial end of the basin assembly 1010 is connected to the bracket 1021. Next, a cat inlet / outlet 1014 is provided on the other axial end; a drive assembly 1030 is provided on the bracket 1021, and the drive assembly 1030 acts on the basin assembly 1010 to make it move around its own rotation axis; a feces outlet 1015 is provided on the radial outer peripheral wall of the basin assembly 1010, and a feces channel 1060 is opened in the central area of ​​the base assembly 1020. After the excrement 1090 leaves the basin assembly 1010 through the feces outlet 1015, it falls into the feces storage area 1040 through the feces channel 1060. When the litter box assembly 1010 moves around its own rotation axis, it causes the feces outlet 1015 to approach and pass over the surface of the base assembly 1020. When the feces outlet 1015 connects with the feces channel 1060, if the pet returns to the automatic litter box out of curiosity or exploration, the pet's body or part of its limbs may fall into this connecting area. As the litter box assembly 1010 continues to move, the space between the feces outlet 1015 and the feces channel 1060 will be compressed and sheared. The pet that falls into this connecting area will be compressed or sheared by the moving litter box assembly 1010, causing injury to the pet. Even if the pet escapes the connecting area in time and enters the feces storage area 1040, it may still be at risk of stress or suffocation.

[0116] The second type, the enclosed automatic litter box 1000, differs from the first type only in the location of the cat entrance / exit 1014. Figure 2As shown, the cat entrance / exit 1014 is located on the radial outer peripheral wall of the litter box assembly 1010 and is offset from the feces outlet 1015. When the automatic litter box 1000 is in operation, the cat entrance / exit 1014 on the litter box assembly 1010 may also be in communication with the feces channel 1060, so the space between the cat entrance / exit 1014 and the feces channel 1060 may be compressed and sheared.

[0117] The third type, the open-style automatic litter box 1000, differs from the first two types mainly in that the cat entrance / exit 1014 and the feces exit 1015 are shared. Figure 3 As shown, when the automatic litter box 1000 is operating, the cat inlet / outlet 1014 (feces outlet 1015) on the litter box assembly 1010 may also be connected to the feces passage 1060. Therefore, the space between the cat inlet / outlet 1014 (feces outlet 1015) and the feces passage 1060 may be compressed and sheared. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, when the litter box assembly 1010 is in its initial position relative to the base assembly (as shown in the upper left figure), the pet can normally enter the excretion space 1011 to defecate. After the pet leaves the automatic litter box, the automatic litter box will activate its cleaning function. At this time, the litter box assembly 1010 begins to move around its own rotation axis relative to the base assembly 1020. When the litter box assembly 1010 moves to the second position relative to the base assembly 1020 (as shown in the upper right figure), the cat entrance / exit 1014 (feces outlet 1015) connects with the feces channel 1060, and the excrement 1090 can fall into the feces storage area 1040. If the pet is curious or has other reasons at this time, the pet can then use the feces storage area 1040 to clean the litter box. If the pet returns to the automatic litter box, its body or parts may fall into the connecting area between the cat entrance / exit 1014 (feces outlet 1015) and the feces passage 1060. When the litter box assembly 1010 continues to move, the space between the feces outlet 1015 and the feces passage 1060 will be compressed and sheared (as shown in the lower right figure). The pet that falls into this connecting area will be compressed or sheared by the moving litter box assembly 1010, causing injury to the pet. Even if the pet escapes the connecting area in time and enters the feces storage area 1040 (as shown in the lower left figure), it may still be trapped, causing stress or suffocation.

[0118] Some existing automatic litter boxes have non-rotating components, such as rectangular ones; their pivot axis is also not located at the geometric center. The main technical goal of these products is to reduce the product's size in packaging, transportation, and storage, achieving economic value with a smaller packaging volume. Due to their irregular shape, there is a larger compression and shearing space between the litter box component and the base during rotation. Therefore, in terms of safety, they often present more risks of mechanical compression, shearing, and entrapment than the three types of automatic litter boxes mentioned above. Currently, pet safety is only partially ensured by various electronic sensors. These are also the technical objectives that this case needs to address. Due to space limitations, this will not be elaborated upon further.

[0119] In summary, when these three types of automatic litter boxes are in operation, there is a direct relative displacement relationship between the automatically operating litter box assembly 1010 and the relatively stationary base assembly 1020. In particular, when the cat inlet / outlet 1014 or feces outlet 1015 on the litter box assembly 1010 is close to the base assembly 1020, the space between the two close components is compressed and sheared, which may cause compression and shearing injuries to the pet, or may confine the pet to a certain space inside the product, causing stress or suffocation.

[0120] Existing technologies typically address these safety hazards by adding electronic components to the product. For example, this involves adding electronic components such as photoelectric switches, pyroelectric sensors, weight sensors, and microwave radar sensors to collect signals and determine if a pet has entered or remained in the cramped space. If so, a stop command is sent to the power unit. However, these technologies also have drawbacks: First, a single electronic component may lose the signal indicating the presence of a pet. For instance, pyroelectric and microwave radar components lose signals when the animal is stationary, while pets often remain still to observe and analyze prey. Using such components could lead to a failure to detect the presence of a pet in the cramped space, posing a safety hazard. Second, all electronic components have a lifespan. If the actual lifespan of the automatic litter box's drive mechanism exceeds that of the electronic components used for signal collection, serious safety risks arise. Third, aging, water ingress, or corrosion from pet urine can all cause electronic components to malfunction.

[0121] To eliminate the aforementioned defects, some manufacturers use multiple electronic components stacked together to detect whether a pet has entered or remained in an oppressive space. However, this introduces other technical drawbacks: various environmental conditions can affect the stability of the electronic components' judgments. For example, photoelectric switches may misjudge when their surface is contaminated or their detection area is obstructed by other obstacles. Weight sensors may misjudge due to uneven ground or other interference, causing them to fail to output accurate weight signals. When any of these electronic components misjudges, it will output a stop-operation command, which will be perceived as a product malfunction by the user, leading to various after-sales losses.

[0122] In existing technology, a photoelectric sensor is typically installed on the top of the feces storage area 1040. This sensor serves two purposes: firstly, it detects whether a pet has entered the feces storage area 1040 during the basin's movement 1010, allowing for timely suspension of the basin assembly 1010 to ensure pet safety; secondly, when the feces storage area 1040 is full of excrement, the photoelectric sensor detects excrement on the top of the feces storage area 1040 and will cease automatic cleaning, requiring manual cleaning by the user. This technical solution has the following drawbacks: Since excrement typically falls into the feces storage area 1040 from a fixed position on the basin assembly 1010, it accumulates in a mountainous pattern within the feces storage area 1040. If even one piece of excrement at the highest point obstructs the photoelectric sensor, a signal is triggered, stopping the product from cleaning and shortening its automatic operation cycle. When the photoelectric sensor's surface is contaminated or obstructed by excrement, insects, or other debris, it may incorrectly determine that the feces storage area 1040 is full, further shortening the product's automatic operation cycle. A single photoelectric sensor cannot cover the entire feces channel 1060; existing technologies typically use multiple photoelectric sensors to detect whether the feces storage area 1040 is full and whether a pet has entered. However, blind spots and malfunctions exist between these multiple photoelectric sensors. When a photoelectric sensor malfunctions, a pet entering the feces storage area 1040 during the cleaning process could lead to further problems. There is a high probability of damage; furthermore, if the feces storage area 1040 is full and the photoelectric sensor malfunctions, but the product's automatic cleaning continues, the excrement at the top will come into contact with the basin assembly 1010 during the final reset motion of the cleaning action. Simultaneously, it will be subjected to the pushing force from the basin assembly 1010 and the reaction force from the edge of the feces channel 1060, resulting in it being cut and smeared on the outer wall of the basin assembly 1010 and the edge area of ​​the feces channel 1060, causing additional cleaning burden for the user. When the product is not performing a cleaning task, the outer wall of the basin assembly 1010 is exposed to the external environment, and the excrement cut and smeared on the outer wall of the basin assembly 1010 will continuously release odors, polluting the living space. Additionally, the cut and smeared surfaces of the excrement are not covered by cat litter, so the odor will be far greater than that of intact excrement covered by cat litter. These negative reviews can be seen in many online platforms' automatic cat litter box sales links, becoming an industry problem.

[0123] The first aspect of this disclosure provides an automatic litter box 1000 to solve, or at least partially solve, the aforementioned and other potential problems. Reference will now be made to... Figures 5 to 37 To describe some example implementations.

[0124] Overall, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, according to the embodiments described herein, the automatic litter box 1000 disclosed herein mainly comprises a litter box assembly 1010, a base assembly 1020, and a drive assembly 1030; wherein, the litter box assembly 1010 mainly includes an excretion space 1011 and at least one litter filtering area 1012 connected to one side of the excretion space 1011, the litter filtering area 1012 and the excretion space 1011 being connected through a filter screen 1013; the base assembly 1020 supports the litter box assembly 1010 and drives... Component 1030 drives the basin assembly 1010 to move relative to the base assembly 1020, thereby changing the posture of the basin assembly 1010 relative to the base assembly 1020; under the combined action of gravity and filter screen 1013, the cat litter and excrement are separated, and the separated excrement leaves the basin assembly 1010 under the action of gravity; a cavity 1050 is provided within the area 1070 of the relative overlap between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020, which is large enough to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs.

[0125] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the basin assembly 1010 is not designed as a complete sphere due to product function and packaging size requirements. When the basin assembly 1010 changes its relative posture to the base assembly 1020, the space of the relatively overlapping area 1070 between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 changes, resulting in spatial compression or shearing. Therefore, the main location where existing automatic litter boxes cause mechanical injury to pets is in the relatively overlapping area 1070. However, this disclosure provides a cavity 1050 within the relatively overlapping area 1070 that is large enough to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs. Even if the pet returns to the product during operation, the cavity 1050 can ensure the safety of the basin assembly 1010. Even at the smallest distance, the distance between the base assembly 10 and the base 1020 is sufficient to accommodate the pet's body or some limbs, preventing any squeezing or cutting action. The product will not cause mechanical injury such as squeezing or cutting to the pet, and avoids stress or suffocation injuries to the pet caused by being trapped in a closed space within the product, ensuring the product's complete safety characteristics in the spatial dimension. Furthermore, through structural optimization, even if electronic components such as sensors that detect foreign objects malfunction or falsely detect, other systems of the product fail or are damaged, or the user continues to use the product beyond its design life, there will still be no squeezing or cutting action to the pet, further ensuring the product's complete safety characteristics in the time dimension.

[0126] It should be understood that the relative overlap area 1070 is the overlapping area of ​​the opposing surfaces between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020, including the projected area between the opposing surfaces and the overlapping area where the opposing surfaces brush past each other during relative movement. The relative overlap area 1070 is... Figure 5 and Figure 6The dashed shaded area shown represents the area from which the cavity 1050 can be configured. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The dashed shading fills the area shown in the image.

[0127] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, when the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 move relative to each other, the relative overlap area 1070 also includes the intersection and overlap area 1071 of the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 during their relative movement. More specifically, when the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 move relative to each other, the intersection and overlap area 1071 is mainly formed by the intersection and overlap of the projections of the movement trajectory of the basin assembly 1010 onto the base assembly 1020.

[0128] In this embodiment, when the basin assembly 1010 moves relative to the base assembly 1020, the overlapping area 1070 is released, forming a completely open space that a pet might enter to explore out of curiosity. When the basin assembly returns to the overlapping area 1070, the edges of the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 approach each other, creating a shearing action. If electronic components such as sensors used to detect the presence of foreign objects malfunction, and the pet is unaware of the danger and does not leave in time, or if some of its limbs are not removed in time, the pet's body may be trapped between the edges of the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 or the fecal passage, resulting in… Mechanical injury; during the process of the edge of the basin assembly 1010 and the edge of the base assembly 1020 overlapping each other, there is an overlapping area 1071. This area is also subject to spatial shearing and spatial compression, which can cause further mechanical injury to the trapped pet. Human children may also explore out of curiosity when they lack cognitive ability, which may also lead to the risk of their limbs being pinched. On the other hand, since the basin assembly 1010 bears 5kg to 10kg of cat litter, the drive assembly 1030 usually uses a low-speed, high-torque geared motor, which results in a large shearing force when the edge of the basin assembly 1010 and the edge of the base assembly 1020 are sheared, causing more serious mechanical injury to the pet.

[0129] In practical applications, the risk of mechanical injury to the basin assembly 1010 relative to other fixed obstacles in the environment during its movement can be avoided by adjusting the product's placement. However, the basin assembly 1010 requires the base assembly 1020 to support changes in its posture. During the movement of the basin assembly 1010 relative to the base assembly 1020, the area formed by the intersection and overlap of the projections of the basin assembly 1010's movement trajectory onto the base assembly 1020 (e.g., ...) Figure 7The dashed shaded area shown may exceed the relative overlap area between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 when they are stationary (e.g., Figure 6 (as shown by the dashed shaded area); therefore, by retaining sufficient cavity 1050 in this overlapping area, the safety margin of the product can be increased.

[0130] It should be understood that the overlapping area 1071 is mainly the area formed by the overlapping of the opposing surfaces of the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 when they move relative to each other. The relative movement of the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 can be one of the following: lifting, translation, flipping, or rotation, or a combination of at least two of these movements. As long as the relative movement can achieve the change of posture of the basin assembly relative to the base assembly and the separation and collection of cat litter and cat excrement, it falls within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0131] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the basin assembly 1010 also includes an opening edge portion 1016; when the basin assembly 1010 rotates relative to the base assembly 1020, that is, when the drive assembly 1030 acts on the basin assembly 1010 to make the basin assembly 1010 move around its own rotation axis, the intersection and overlap area 1071 is mainly formed by the intersection and overlap of the projection of the movement trajectory of the opening edge portion 1016 on the base assembly 1020. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The area filled with the dashed line is region 1053, where cavity 1050 can be configured.

[0132] In this embodiment, the primary danger in the overlapping area between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 is crushing injury to the pet. The danger arising from the relative movement of the opening edge 1016 on the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 is shearing injury from the opening edge 1016 to the pet. When the basin assembly 1010 moves relative to the base assembly 1020, the opening edge 1016 and the edge of the base assembly 1020 will approach each other, creating a shearing action. If electronic components such as sensors used to detect the presence of foreign objects malfunction, the pet may not realize the danger and may not seek medical attention. If the pet does not leave the opening edge 1016 in time, or if some of its limbs do not leave the opening edge 1016 in time, the pet's body will be trapped between the opening edge 1016 and the edge of the base assembly 1020 or the fecal passage. When the basin assembly 1010 moves further, the opening edge 1016 will experience shearing and compression, which will cause further shearing damage to the trapped pet's body or some of its limbs. Therefore, a cavity 1050 is provided in the area formed by the intersection and overlap of the movement trajectory of the opening edge 1016 and the projection on the base assembly 1020, which can further avoid shearing damage to the pet.

[0133] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the opening edge 1016 is an opening or hole provided on the basin assembly 1010, including but not limited to the cat inlet / outlet 1014 and / or feces outlet 1015 provided on the basin assembly 1010. The opening edge 1016 may also include other holes 1018 provided on the basin assembly 1010, such as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, in addition to the cat inlet / outlet 1014 and the feces outlet 1015, the radial outer surface of the basin assembly 1010 also has other holes 1018. When the basin assembly 1010 moves relative to the base assembly 1020, in addition to the cat inlet / outlet 1014 and the feces outlet 1015 having a shearing action when they approach the edge of the base assembly 1020, the other holes 1018 also have a shearing action when they approach the edge of the base assembly 1020. These are also opening edges that may cause shearing injuries to pets.

[0134] In such embodiments, the opening edge is not limited to the cat entrance or feces outlet. Any opening or hole that is formed on the basin assembly and may cause shearing injury to the pet when the basin assembly moves relative to the base assembly is considered to be the opening edge and is within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0135] In some embodiments, such as Figures 5 to 7 , Figure 14As shown, the relative motion between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 can be one of lifting, translation, flipping, or rotation, or a combination of at least two of these. Specifically, the drive assembly 1030 acts on the basin assembly 1010 to lift or translate it relative to the base assembly 1020; or, the drive assembly 1030 acts on the basin assembly 1010 to cause it to flip about a non-fixed axis of rotation; or, the drive assembly 1030 acts on the basin assembly 1010 to allow it to move about its own axis of rotation; or, the drive assembly 1030 acts on the basin assembly 1010 to cause it to undergo a combination of motions. Figure 14 As shown, when the basin assembly 1010 rotates around the external rotating shaft 1019 under the action of the drive assembly 1030, the basin assembly 1010 undergoes a combination of rotation, translation, and lifting relative to the base assembly 1030. If the external rotating shaft 1019 is not on the body of the basin assembly 1010, or is not at the geometric center of the basin assembly 1010, then the basin assembly 1010 will undergo a combination of movements.

[0136] In such embodiments, the relative movement between the basin assembly and the base assembly is not limited to any one type. As long as it enables the basin assembly to change its posture relative to the base assembly and achieve the separation and collection of cat litter and cat excrement, it falls within the scope of the relative movement between the basin assembly and the base assembly. It should be understood that the composite movement of at least two types can be a sequential composite movement, a simultaneous composite movement, or a composite movement combining sequential and simultaneous movements.

[0137] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 15 and 16 As shown, the cavity 1050 is disposed on the base assembly 1020 and / or the basin assembly 1010. A cavity 1050, large enough to accommodate the pet's body or parts thereof, can be disposed on the base assembly 1020, such as... Figure 9 As shown; alternatively, a cavity 1050, large enough to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs, can be configured on the basin assembly 1010, such as... Figure 15 As shown; a cavity 1050, large enough to accommodate a pet's body or part of its limbs, can also be configured on both the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020, such as... Figure 16 As shown.

[0138] In such an embodiment, the cavity 1050 is disposed on the base assembly 1020 and / or the basin assembly 1010, which can bring the overall distance between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 closer, which helps to improve the overall compactness of the product size. It can also reduce the height of the basin assembly 1010 from the ground, making it easier for pets to enter the basin assembly 1010 to defecate.

[0139] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figures 17 to 22 , Figures 25 to 29 As shown, the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside and has a connecting region 1051, which is configured to allow the pet's body or part of its limbs to pass through.

[0140] In such an embodiment, the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside and has a connecting area 1051, which can prevent the pet from being trapped in the cavity area and unable to escape, avoiding the risk of the pet being trapped in the cavity area such as hunger, dehydration, stress, and suffocation. On the other hand, if the pet enters the cavity area when the pelvic assembly 1010 is moving, the pelvic assembly 1010 will exert a pushing force on the pet's body or part of its limbs when it comes into contact with the pet, and the connecting area 1051 can avoid the risk of squeezing caused by obstacles in the direction of the pushing force, thus preventing the pet from being squeezed and injured.

[0141] It should be understood that the cavity 1050 may be directly connected to the outside, or selectively indirectly connected to the outside. The cavity 1050 has at least one connected region 1051 that communicates with the outside, such as... Figure 20 and Figure 22 As shown, the connected region 1051 can also be two or more.

[0142] In some embodiments, such as Figures 17 to 20 , Figure 22 , Figures 25 to 29 As shown, a cover plate 1052 is provided at the connecting area 1051. The cover plate 1052 is used to selectively close the connection between the cavity 1050 and the outside.

[0143] In such an embodiment, when dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or entrapment occur, the cover plate 1052 can selectively open the connecting area 1051 to connect the cavity 1050 with the outside world to eliminate the danger and avoid harm to the pet. On the other hand, the odor of pet excrement can spread to the outside environment through the connecting area 1051. The cover plate 1052 can isolate the odor and further prevent pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for a long time, which could lead to the growth of bacteria, insects, and pollution of the living environment.

[0144] In some embodiments, such as Figures 17 to 20 , Figure 22 , Figures 27 to 29 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is movably connected to the base assembly 1020 or the basin assembly 1010. Figure 17 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is movably connected to the basin assembly 1010; as Figure 19 and Figure 28 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is movably connected to the base assembly 1020; as Figure 18 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is movably connected to the basin assembly 1010 or the base assembly 1020. The cover plate 1052 and the basin assembly 1010, or the cover plate 1052 and the base assembly 1020, can be movably connected by separable connecting parts such as elastic claws and locking holes, or by magnetic connecting parts such as magnetic materials and magnetically conductive materials, or by pivoting connecting parts such as hinges. Figure 27 A non-limiting embodiment is provided as an example to facilitate better understanding: Figure 27 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is hinged to the base assembly 1020. When a danger occurs, under the action of an external force, such as the pushing force of a pet, the cover plate 1052 can pivot to the open position. At this time, the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside, and the pet can be removed from the danger zone. When there are two or more connected areas 1051, such as... Figure 20 , Figure 22 and Figure 29 As shown, the number of cover plates 1052 can correspond one-to-one with the number of connected regions 1051 to achieve the effect of isolating odors; the number of cover plates 1052 can also not correspond one-to-one with the number of connected regions 1051, for example, only one of the connected regions 1051 is equipped with a cover plate 1052.

[0145] In this embodiment, when danger occurs, the cover 1052 can detach or pivot relative to the base assembly 1020 or the basin assembly 1010 under the action of external force to open the cavity and achieve communication with the outside world, allowing the pet to escape from the danger zone. The structure is simple and reliable, effectively isolating odors while ensuring the pet can easily escape the danger zone, thus protecting the pet's safety. The external force can be an indirect pushing or pulling force from the basin assembly 1010, or a pushing force from the pet, etc.; here, the external force is slight pressure, which refers to a force that does not reach the pain threshold of the pet or person or a force that will not cause harm to the pet or person; the cover 1052 can detach or pivot under slight pressure to open the cavity 1050 and connect it to the outside world. The connection methods of the movable connection include, but are not limited to, detachable connection, magnetic connection, and pivot connection; detachable connection, such as the cooperation of elastic claws and locking holes, has the advantage of lower cost; magnetic connection, such as the cooperation of magnetic materials and magnetically conductive materials, has the ability to automatically correct and align the installation, making it more convenient for users to install the cover plate 1052; pivot connection, such as hinges, can prevent the cover plate 1052 from being lost after detachment.

[0146] In some embodiments, such as Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is made of elastic material, and one end of it is connected to the base assembly 1020 or the basin assembly 1010. Figure 25 As shown, one end of the cover plate 1052 is connected to the base assembly 1020, and the other end is a free end. Under the action of external force, the free end of the cover plate 1052 undergoes elastic deformation relative to the base assembly 1020 in a direction away from the base assembly 1020 to open the cavity 1050 and connect it to the outside world, allowing the pet to escape from the danger zone.

[0147] In this embodiment, when danger occurs, the cover 1052 can elastically deform relative to the base assembly or basin assembly under external force to open the cavity and connect with the outside, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone. The structure is simple and reliable, effectively isolating odors while ensuring the pet can easily escape the danger zone, thus protecting the pet's safety. The structure is simple, and the external force can be an indirect pushing or pulling force from the basin assembly, or a pushing force from the pet; here, the external force is slight pressure, meaning a force that does not reach the pain threshold of the pet or person, or a force that will not cause harm to the pet or person; the cover can elastically deform under slight pressure to open the cavity and connect with the outside.

[0148] In some embodiments, such as Figures 34 to 36As shown, the automatic litter box 1000 also includes at least one limiting support 1022, which is configured to limit the distance between the connecting area 1051 and other obstacles 1080, such as... Figure 36 As shown, a space is formed that can accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs, so that the pet in the cavity 1050 can exit the automatic litter box through the connecting area 1051.

[0149] In this embodiment, by setting a limiting support 1022, it is ensured that the pet in the cavity 1050 can exit the automatic litter box 1000 through the connecting area 1051, thus ensuring the pet's safety; it also prevents other obstacles 1080 in the environment from interfering with the connecting area 1051, which could prevent the pet from successfully exiting the automatic litter box 1000 and thus risking being trapped. Other obstacles mainly refer to walls or other obstacles that the pet cannot push.

[0150] In some embodiments, such as Figures 7 to 9 , Figure 22 , Figures 28 to 32 As shown, a feces storage area 1040 and a cavity 1050 are disposed below the basin assembly 1010, with the feces storage area 1040 communicating with the cavity 1050; or the feces storage area 1040 is placed within the cavity 1050. A feces passage 1060 is disposed between the basin assembly 1010 and the feces storage area 1040, and the cavity communicates with the feces passage 1060. The cavity 1050 is open to the outside and has a connecting area 1051, which is configured to allow a pet's body or part of its limbs to pass through; a cover 1052 is disposed at the connecting area 1051, which is used to selectively close the cavity 1050 from the outside.

[0151] Specifically, such as Figure 28 As shown, the base assembly 1020 is located below the basin assembly 1010, and the feces storage area 1040 is disposed below the base assembly 1020. The cavity 1050 communicates with the feces storage area 1040. A movable cover 1052 is disposed on the base assembly 1020. At least one cover 1052 is provided for selectively sealing the cavity 1050 from the outside environment. Pets can move the cover 1052 to escape the danger zone, preventing injury to the pet. Figure 29 As shown, two movably connected cover plates 1052 are disposed on opposite surfaces of the base assembly 1020 for selectively sealing the cavity 1050 from the outside environment; pets can escape the danger zone by moving either cover plate 1052, increasing escape routes for pets and preventing harm to them. Figures 7 to 9 As shown, a fecal passage 1060 is also provided between the basin assembly 1010 and the fecal storage area 1040, and the cavity 1050 is connected to the fecal passage 1060.

[0152] like Figures 30 to 32 As shown, the base assembly 1020 is located below the basin assembly 1010. The base assembly 1020 is configured with at least a partial cavity 1050, and the fecal storage area 1040 is disposed within this partial cavity 1050. The base assembly 1020 can be a single, integrated component, such as... Figure 30 As shown, a portion of the upper surface of the base assembly 1020 is recessed inward to form at least a partial cavity 1050, such as... Figure 30 As shown, the fecal storage area 1040 is disposed within the cavity 1050; the base assembly 1020 may also consist of two separate components, which together support the basin assembly 1010 and enclose at least a portion of the cavity 1050, such as... Figure 31 As shown, the fecal storage area 1040 is disposed within the cavity 1050; the two separate components of the base assembly 1020 can also be connected above the basin assembly 1010 by the base connector 1026, as shown. Figure 32 As shown, the support strength of the base assembly 1020 is enhanced. The base assembly 1020 or the feces storage area 1040 is also equipped with a movable cover 1052, at least one of which works in conjunction with the feces storage area 1040 to selectively close the cavity 1050 from the outside environment; pets can move the cover 1052 and / or the feces storage area 1040 to escape the danger zone, avoiding injury to the pet. Figures 30 to 32 As shown, two movable cover plates 1052 are arranged on opposite surfaces of the base assembly 1020 for selectively sealing the cavity 1050 from the outside. Pets can escape from the danger zone by moving either cover plate 1052, increasing the pet's escape route and avoiding harm to the pet. The feces storage area 1040 can be removed from two directions. When the excrement is unevenly stacked, especially when the stack height at one end exceeds the height of the feces storage area 1040, or even overlaps with the basin assembly 1010 in the height direction, the bottom of the basin assembly 1010 will obstruct the feces storage area 1040 containing excrement in the horizontal direction. At this time, the feces storage area 1040 can be removed from the end with the higher stack height of excrement to prevent the excessively high stack of excrement from blocking the removal of the feces storage area 1040.

[0153] like Figure 22As shown, a fecal storage area 1040 is disposed below the basin assembly 1010. A cavity 1050 and the fecal storage area 1040 are disposed together between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020. The cavity 1050 communicates with the outside and has at least one communicating region 1051. A cover 1052 is movably connected to the at least one communicating region 1051, and the cover 1052 selectively closes the communication between the cavity 1050 and the outside. The cover 1052 can be disposed on the base assembly 1020 and / or the basin assembly 1010. When there are two communicating regions 1051, the cover 1052 can be configured as one or two. The cavity 1050 can also be directly used as the fecal storage area 1040, that is, in this case, the cavity 1050 replaces the fecal storage area 1040 and is used simultaneously to hold excrement, which is also considered a case where the fecal storage area 1040 is placed inside the cavity 1050.

[0154] In such an embodiment, after the excrement in the basin assembly 1010 leaves the basin assembly 1010, it can fall into the feces storage area 1040 through the cavity 1050. That is, in addition to accommodating the pet's body or part of its limbs, the cavity 1050 can also serve as a feces passage 1060 or connect the basin assembly 1010 and the feces passage 1060. Alternatively, after the excrement in the basin assembly 1010 leaves the basin assembly 1010, it can fall directly into the feces storage area 1040 located in the cavity 1050. That is, in addition to accommodating the pet's body or part of its limbs, the cavity 1050 can also serve as a support for the feces storage area 1040. The cavity 1050 is connected to the outside and has a connecting area 1051, which prevents pets from being trapped inside the cavity and unable to escape, avoiding risks such as hunger, dehydration, stress, and suffocation caused by being trapped. On the other hand, if a pet enters the cavity while the pelvic assembly 1010 is moving, the pelvic assembly 1010 will exert a pushing force on the pet's body or part of its limbs when it comes into contact with the pet. The connecting area 1051 can avoid the risk of squeezing caused by obstacles in the direction of this pushing force, preventing the pet from being squeezed and injured. When dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or being trapped occur, the cover 1052 can selectively open the connecting area 1051 to connect the cavity 1050 to the outside and relieve the danger, preventing harm to the pet. On the other hand, the odor of pet excrement can spread to the outside environment through the connecting area 1051. The cover 1052 can isolate the odor and further prevent pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for a long time, which could lead to the growth of bacteria, insects, and pollution of the living environment. On the other hand, the fecal passage 1060 and the cavity 1050 share at least a portion of the space. With the insect-proof and odor-proof function of the cover 1052, this effectively expands the storage capacity of the fecal storage area. Furthermore, when the fecal storage area 1040 is full of excrement, if the user does not clean the fecal storage area 1040 in a timely manner or if the user is away for an extended period, new excrement can continue to accumulate in the cavity 1050 or the fecal passage 1060, effectively extending the effective cycle of the product's automatic operation. The sealing effect of the cover 1052 also prevents pollution of the living environment. When cavity 1050 is also filled with excrement, if the user does not clean it in time, new excrement will continue to fall into cavity 1050 from basin assembly 1010. During the final reset movement of the basin assembly 1010 at the end of the cleaning action, it will come into contact with the excrement and apply pressure to it. When the excrement is moved to the position of contacting cover plate 1052 under pressure, the cover plate will separate from the product or pivot relative to the product under slight force, so as to open the communication area 1051 between the cavity and the outside. The excrement will overflow directly from the communication area 1051 outside the product. The excrement will not be sheared and smeared on the outer peripheral wall of basin assembly 1010, which further extends the effective cycle of automatic operation of the product.Due to the presence of the cavity 1050, the automatic litter box 1000 disclosed herein possesses structural safety features. It does not rely on photoelectric sensors to detect whether a pet has intruded into the feces storage area 1040, nor does it need to set a pause cleaning program based on photoelectric sensor signals. Therefore, even if the photoelectric sensor fails, the product can still continue to automatically clean feces. This is especially beneficial when the user is away and unable to return home promptly, ensuring the product's main functions continue operating, reducing user anxiety, cleaning burden, and extending the effective cycle of automatic operation. Furthermore, even if the photoelectric sensor signals that the feces storage area is full, the product does not need to stop the automatic scooping program to avoid feces being sheared by the edge of the basin assembly 1010, effectively increasing the product's feces storage space and usage time.

[0155] In some embodiments, such as Figure 21 As shown, a second cover plate 1042 is provided at the connection between the cavity 1050 and the fecal storage area 1040. The second cover plate 1042 is movably connected to the fecal storage area 1040 or the base assembly 1020.

[0156] In this embodiment, the second cover 1042 can selectively close the feces storage area 1040, containing the odor of excrement within the feces storage area 1040 to prevent the odor from spreading to the external environment. Furthermore, it prevents pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for extended periods, thus avoiding problems such as bacterial growth, insect infestation, and environmental pollution. The second cover 1042 can replace the cover 1052, allowing the cavity 1050 to remain connected to the outside at all times, eliminating concerns about continuous odor leakage. This also makes it easier for pets to leave the automatic litter box, improving safety. On the other hand, the second cover 1042 is movably connected to the feces storage area 1040 or the base assembly 1020. Unlike the basin assembly 1010, the second cover 1042 does not contain litter, so its own load is very small. When the second cover 1042 is equipped with a drive component, the power required to open or close the second cover 1042 is only enough to overcome its own weight, posing no threat to the pet.

[0157] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figures 8 to 13 As shown, the fecal storage area 1040 is movably connected to the bottom of the base assembly 1020.

[0158] In this embodiment, the feces storage area 1040, movably connected below the base assembly 1020, can receive and collect pet excrement falling from the basin assembly 1010; when the user regularly cleans up pet excrement, they only need to remove the feces storage area 1040 from the base assembly 1020 for cleaning, improving user convenience; on the other hand, when the pet is large, such as Figure 12 As shown, the pet's thrust can act on the feces storage area 1040, causing the feces storage area 1040 to move and open relative to the base assembly 1020. Even if the pet's body size exceeds the cavity area, the pet can be allowed to leave the danger zone, ensuring the pet's survival space and avoiding harm to the pet.

[0159] In some embodiments, such as Figure 12 As shown in step S01, the pet enters the litter box assembly 1010 to defecate. After defecation, the pet buries its excrement in the litter. The pet presence detection device on the product activates the cleaning program after the pet leaves. The litter box assembly 1010 begins to rotate, proceeding to step S02. Between steps S01 and S02, the litter flows into the screening area, while the excrement, being larger than the filter mesh size, is separated and leaves the litter box assembly, falling into the feces storage area. During this process, as the litter box assembly changes its orientation, the feces storage area and the cavity gradually open. Some pets, out of curiosity, may enter the cavity area or... During the feces storage area exploration activity, after excrement falls into the feces storage area, the basin assembly reverses and enters state S03. During this process, if the pet does not leave and the pet presence detection module fails, the pet will remain in the cavity or feces storage area. If there is no cavity, the pet will be sheared by the feces outlet and feces channel edge of the basin assembly. The cavity configured in this disclosure and the openness of the cavity and the area connecting the cavity to the outside prevent the pet from being sheared. Even if the basin assembly operates to state S04, the pet can still freely leave the cavity or feces storage area at any time by using the cavity and the connecting area.

[0160] In some embodiments, such as Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 33 As shown, a cover plate 1052 is provided on the fecal storage area 1040. The cavity 1050 can communicate with the outside, and the cover plate 1052 can selectively close the communication between the cavity 1050 and the outside. The cover plate 1052 can be fixedly connected to the fecal storage area 1040 or movably connected to the fecal storage area 1040; wherein, the movably connected connection method includes, but is not limited to, detachable connection, magnetic connection, and pivot connection.

[0161] by Figure 23 , Figure 24 and Figure 33As an example of a non-limiting embodiment for better understanding: The cover 1052 is hinged to the feces storage area 1040. In the event of danger, under slight external pressure, such as the pushing force of a pet, the cover 1052 can pivot to the open position, at which point the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone. Figure 33 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is fixedly connected to the feces storage area 1040. When the moving basin assembly 1010 applies pressure to the pet's limbs, the pet's limbs transmit the pressure to the cover plate 1052, causing the cover plate 1052 and the feces storage area 1040 to retract together, ensuring the pet's survival space, especially when the pet is large. It should be understood that when danger occurs, not only the pressure applied by the basin assembly 1010, but also other slight pressures, such as the pet's pushing force, can cause the cover plate 1052 and the feces storage area 1040 to move together. At this time, the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside, and the feces storage area 1040 is at least partially connected to the outside, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone, even for large pets.

[0162] In this embodiment, the cover 1052 configured on the feces storage area 1040 can isolate odors, prevent odors from spreading to the external environment, and further prevent pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for a long time, which could lead to the growth of bacteria, insects, and pollution of the living environment. On the other hand, when dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or being trapped occur, the cover 1052 configured on the feces storage area 1040 can receive external forces such as the pushing force from the pet to connect the cavity 1050 with the outside world to relieve the danger, allowing the pet to leave the danger area and avoid harming the pet. When the pet is large, the pushing force or other external forces of the pet can also act on the feces storage area 1040, and the cover 1052 can be moved together with the feces storage area 1040, opening the feces storage area 1040 and allowing the pet to leave the danger area, further ensuring the pet's living space and avoiding harming the pet.

[0163] In some embodiments, such as Figure 37As shown, the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020 are connected by a basin locking assembly 1023. The basin locking assembly 1023 is equipped with an auxiliary functional accessory 1024, which may be a camera module for remotely monitoring pet behavior. The basin locking assembly 1023 is equipped with a locking mounting buckle 1028, and the base assembly 1020 is correspondingly equipped with a locking mounting hole 1029. The locking mounting buckle 1028 and the locking mounting hole 1029 are compatible, enabling the basin locking assembly 1023 and the base assembly 1020 to connect. The basin assembly 1010 is detachably connected to the base assembly 1020. When the basin assembly 1010 is placed on the base assembly 1020, the basin locking assembly 1023 is connected to the base assembly 1020, which locks the rotating shaft 10101 of the basin assembly 1010 in its radial direction, thereby locking the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020. When the basin locking assembly 1023 is separated from the base assembly 1020, the radial lock of the rotating shaft 10101 of the basin assembly 1010 is unlocked, and the basin assembly 1010 is detachable from the base assembly 1020. The basin locking assembly 1023 is equipped with a coupler plug 1025, and the base assembly 1020 is equipped with a coupler socket 1027. The coupler plug 1025 and the coupler socket 1027 are adapted to achieve power and / or electrical signal connection.

[0164] In this embodiment, the auxiliary functional accessory 1024, connected to the base assembly 1020 via the basin locking component 1023, not only possesses its own functions but also, when the pet's body or parts of its limbs are between the moving basin assembly 1010 and the stationary auxiliary functional accessory 1024, in the event of compression, the auxiliary functional accessory 1024 can detach from the base assembly 1020 under the pet's pushing force, or create more living space, preventing the pet from being squeezed or sheared by the auxiliary functional accessory 1024 and thus avoiding injury. Furthermore, since the auxiliary functional accessory 1024 is mounted on the basin locking component 1023, if the auxiliary functional accessory 1024 is damaged or malfunctions, either the auxiliary functional accessory 1024 or the basin locking component 1023 can be replaced separately, reducing after-sales maintenance costs. The auxiliary functional accessory 1024 can be a camera module, deodorization module, sterilization module, automatic litter replenishment module, litter level detection module, or other auxiliary functional accessories.

[0165] It should be understood that the positions of the coupler plug 1025 and the coupler socket 1027 are interchangeable. The locking mounting buckle 1028 and the locking mounting hole 1029 are only one way to achieve a detachable connection; other methods are also possible, such as tenon and mortise structures, dovetail groove and dovetail rib mating structures, bolt and nut mating structures, or magnetic mating structures. Any structure that can achieve a detachable connection function falls within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0166] The second aspect of this disclosure also provides an automatic litter box 1000 to solve, or at least partially solve, the aforementioned and other potential problems. Reference will now be made to... Figure 19 , Figures 23 to 25 , Figure 27 , Figures 34 to 35 , Figure 38 and Figure 39 To describe some example implementations.

[0167] Overall, such as Figure 38 and Figure 39 As shown, according to the embodiments described herein, the automatic litter box 1000 disclosed herein mainly comprises a litter box assembly 1010, a base assembly 1020, and a drive assembly 1030. The litter box assembly 1010 mainly includes a waste disposal space 1011 and at least one litter filtering area 1012 connected to one side of the waste disposal space 1011. The litter filtering area 1012 and the waste disposal space 1011 are connected by a filter screen 1013. The base assembly 1020 supports the litter box assembly 1010, and the drive assembly 1030 drives the litter box assembly 1010 to move relative to the base assembly 1020. The orientation of the basin assembly 1010 relative to the base assembly 1020 is changed; under the combined action of gravity and the filter screen 1013, the cat litter and excrement are separated, and the separated excrement leaves the basin assembly 1010 under the action of gravity; a feces storage area 1040 is arranged below the base assembly 1020; at least one side wall of the base assembly 1020 is partially recessed to form a cavity 1050 that is sufficient to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs; at least part of the cavity 1050 connects the basin assembly 1010 and the feces storage area 1040 to form a feces passage 1060.

[0168] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one sidewall of the base assembly 1020 is partially recessed inward to form a cavity 1050. The presence of the cavity 1050 ensures pet safety, preventing the product from causing mechanical injuries such as squeezing or shearing to the pet, and also avoiding stress or suffocation injuries to the pet caused by being trapped in a closed space within the product. The product possesses complete safety features in both time and space dimensions, ensuring pet safety even if electronic components fail or malfunction. On the other hand, compared to placing the cavity 1050 between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020, the cavity 1050 and the feces passage 1060 on the base assembly 1020 share at least a portion of the space, reducing the height increase due to the separate presence of the cavity 1050, further reducing the overall product size, and achieving a more compact overall product size. It also reduces the climbing height of the cat entrance 1014 on the basin assembly 1010, making it easier for pets to enter.

[0169] It should be understood that the relative movement between the litter box assembly and the base assembly can be one of the following: lifting, translation, flipping, or rotation, or a combination of at least two of these movements. As long as the movement enables the litter box assembly to change its posture relative to the base assembly and achieves the separation and collection of cat litter and excrement, it falls within the scope of the relative movement between the litter box assembly and the base assembly. The combination of at least two movements can be sequential, simultaneous, or a combination of sequential and simultaneous movements.

[0170] In some embodiments, such as Figure 38 and Figure 39 As shown, the feces passage 1060 and / or feces storage area 1040 are configured with sufficient space to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs.

[0171] In such an embodiment, the fecal passage 1060 and / or fecal storage area 1040 are configured with sufficient space to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs, which can further expand the pet living space that the cavity 1050 can accommodate, allowing pets larger than average to use the product safely.

[0172] In some embodiments, such as Figure 38 and Figure 39 As shown, the cavity 1050 can communicate with the outside world and has a communication area 1051, which allows the pet's body or part of its limbs to pass through.

[0173] In such an embodiment, the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside and has a connecting area 1051, which can prevent the pet from being trapped in the cavity area and unable to escape, avoiding the risk of the pet being trapped in the cavity area such as hunger, dehydration, stress, and suffocation. On the other hand, if the pet enters the cavity area when the pelvic assembly 1010 is moving, the pelvic assembly 1010 will exert a pushing force on the pet's body or part of its limbs when it comes into contact with the pet, and the connecting area 1051 can avoid the risk of squeezing caused by obstacles in the direction of the pushing force, thus preventing the pet from being squeezed and injured.

[0174] In some embodiments, such as Figure 19 , Figures 23 to 25 , Figure 27 and Figure 35 As shown, a cover plate 1052 is provided at the connecting area 1051 for selectively sealing the connection between the cavity 1050 and the outside.

[0175] In this embodiment, when dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or entrapment occur, the cover 1052 can selectively connect the connecting area 1051 to the outside world to eliminate the danger and prevent harm to the pet. The odor of pet excrement can spread to the outside environment through the connecting area 1051. The cover 1052 can isolate the odor and further prevent pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for a long time, which could lead to the growth of bacteria, insects, and pollution of the living environment. On the other hand, the fecal passage 1060 and the cavity 1050 share at least a part of the space. With the insect-proof and odor-proof function of the cover 1052, it is equivalent to expanding the storage volume of excrement in the fecal storage area. Furthermore, when the fecal storage area 1040 is full of excrement, if the user does not clean the fecal storage area 1040 in time or the user is away for a long time, new excrement can continue to accumulate in the cavity 1050 or the fecal passage 1060, which is equivalent to further extending the effective cycle of the product's automatic operation; under the sealing effect of the cover 1052, the living environment will not be polluted. When cavity 1050 is also filled with excrement, if the user does not clean it in time, new excrement will continue to fall into cavity 1050 from basin assembly 1010. During the final reset movement of the basin assembly 1010 at the end of the cleaning action, it will come into contact with the excrement and apply pressure to it. When the excrement is moved to the position of contacting cover plate 1052 under pressure, the cover plate will separate from the product or pivot relative to the product under slight force, so as to open the communication area 1051 between the cavity and the outside. The excrement will overflow directly from the communication area 1051 outside the product. The excrement will not be sheared and smeared on the outer peripheral wall of basin assembly 1010, which further extends the effective cycle of automatic operation of the product. Due to the presence of the cavity 1050, the automatic litter box 1000 disclosed herein possesses structural safety features. It does not rely on photoelectric sensors to detect whether a pet has intruded into the feces storage area 1040, nor does it need to set a pause cleaning program based on photoelectric sensor signals. Therefore, even if the photoelectric sensor fails, the product can still continue to automatically clean feces. This is especially beneficial when the user is away and unable to return home promptly, ensuring the product's main functions continue operating, reducing user anxiety, cleaning burden, and extending the effective cycle of automatic operation. Furthermore, even if the photoelectric sensor signals that the feces storage area is full, the product does not need to stop the automatic scooping program to avoid feces being sheared by the edge of the basin assembly 1010, effectively increasing the product's feces storage space and usage time.

[0176] In some embodiments, such as Figure 19 , Figures 23 to 25 , Figure 27 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is movably connected to the base assembly 1020 or the fecal storage area 1040.

[0177] The cover plate 1052 and the base assembly 1020, or the cover plate 1052 and the fecal storage area 1040, can be connected by separable connectors such as elastic claws and locking holes, magnetic connectors such as magnetic materials and magnetically conductive materials, or pivot connectors such as hinges. Figure 19 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is movably connected to the base assembly 1020. Figure 27 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is hinged to the base assembly 1020. Figure 23 and Figure 24 As shown, the cover 1052 is hinged to the feces storage area 1040. In the event of danger, under slight external pressure, such as the pushing force of a pet, the cover 1052 can pivot to the open position, at which point the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone. Figure 25 As shown, one end of the cover plate 1052 is connected to the base assembly 1020, and the other end is a free end. Under the action of external force, the free end of the cover plate 1052 undergoes elastic deformation relative to the base assembly 1020 in a direction away from the base assembly 1020 to open the cavity 1050 and connect it to the outside world, allowing the pet to escape from the danger zone.

[0178] In this embodiment, when danger occurs, the cover 1052 can be separated or pivoted relative to the base assembly 1020 or the feces storage area 1040 under the action of external force to open the cavity 1050 and achieve communication with the outside world, allowing the pet to escape from the danger zone; the external force can be an indirect pushing or pulling force from the basin assembly 1010, or it can be a pushing force from the pet, etc.; the external force here is slight pressure, which refers to a force that does not reach the pain threshold of the pet or human or a force that will not cause harm to the pet or human. The connection method of the movable connection includes, but is not limited to, detachable connection, magnetic connection, and pivot connection; using detachable connection, such as the cooperation of elastic claws and locking holes, or the cooperation of mounting buckles and mounting holes, has the advantage of lower cost; using magnetic connection, such as the cooperation of magnetic materials and magnetically conductive materials, has the ability to automatically correct and align the installation, making it more convenient for users to install the cover 1052; using pivot connection, such as hinges, can prevent the cover 1052 from being lost after being detached.

[0179] In some embodiments, such as Figure 35As shown, the cover plate 1052 is equipped with a cover plate mounting buckle 1054, and the base assembly 1020 is equipped with a cover plate mounting hole 1055 that matches the cover plate mounting buckle 1054. When the cover plate mounting buckle 1054 engages with the cover plate mounting hole 1055, the cover plate 1052 is connected to the base assembly 1020, sealing the cavity 1050 from the outside. When an external force is applied, such as the pushing force of a pet, the cover plate mounting buckle 1054 can disengage from the cover plate mounting hole 1055, and the cover plate 1052 separates from the base assembly 1020. At this time, the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside, and the pet can escape from the danger zone.

[0180] In this embodiment, the cover plate 1052 is movably mounted on the base assembly 1020 through the detachable matching relationship between the cover plate mounting buckle 1054 and the cover plate mounting hole 1055. The structure is simple, stable, and low in cost.

[0181] In some embodiments, such as Figure 34 , Figure 38 , Figure 39 As shown, the fecal storage area 1040 is movably connected to the bottom of the base assembly 1020.

[0182] In this embodiment, the feces storage area 1040, movably connected below the base assembly 1020, can receive and collect pet excrement falling from the basin assembly 1010; when the user needs to clean up pet excrement regularly, they only need to remove the feces storage area 1040 from the base assembly 1020 for cleaning, improving user convenience. Figure 34 As shown, users can remove and install the feces storage area 1040 from the front of the product, improving the convenience of daily waste cleaning. On the other hand, when the pet is large, the pet's pushing force can act on the feces storage area 1040, causing the feces storage area 1040 to move and open relative to the base assembly 1020. Even if the pet's body size exceeds the cavity area, the pet can be removed from the danger zone, ensuring the pet's living space and avoiding harm to the pet.

[0183] In some embodiments, such as Figure 38 and Figure 39 As shown, the fecal passage 1060 and / or cavity 1050 are partially surrounded by the base assembly 1020.

[0184] In such an embodiment, the base assembly 1020 has high strength and can stably support the basin assembly 1010, thereby making the weighing system more stable.

[0185] This disclosure also provides an automatic litter box 1000 to solve, or at least partially solve, the aforementioned and other potential problems. Reference will now be made to... Figure 15 , Figure 17To describe some example implementations.

[0186] Overall, such as Figure 15 As shown, according to the embodiments described herein, the automatic litter box 1000 disclosed herein mainly comprises a litter body assembly 1010, a base assembly 1020, and a drive assembly 1030. The litter body assembly 1010 mainly includes an excretion space 1011 and at least one litter filtering area 1012 connected to one side of the excretion space 1011. The litter filtering area 1012 and the excretion space 1011 are connected by a filter screen 1013. The base assembly 1020 supports the litter body assembly 1010, and the drive assembly 1030 drives the litter body assembly 1010 to move relative to the base assembly 1020 to change the posture of the litter body assembly 1010 relative to the base assembly 1020. Under the combined action of gravity and the filter screen 1013, the litter and excrement are separated, and the separated excrement leaves the litter body assembly 1010 under the action of gravity. The outer peripheral wall of the litter body assembly 1010 is partially concave inward to form a cavity 1050 sufficient to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs.

[0187] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the basin assembly 1010 is recessed inward to form a cavity 1050. The presence of the cavity 1050 ensures pet safety, preventing the product from causing mechanical injuries such as squeezing or shearing to the pet, and also avoiding stress or suffocation injuries to the pet caused by being trapped in a closed space within the product. The product possesses complete safety characteristics in both time and space dimensions, ensuring pet safety even if electronic components fail or malfunction. On the other hand, the cavity 1050 avoids increasing the product height between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020, and avoids the base assembly 1020 having to be designed to a certain height due to the space requirements of the cavity 1050. Therefore, by recessing the basin assembly 1010 inward to form the cavity 1050, the height of the cavity between the basin assembly 1010 and the base assembly 1020, as well as the height of the cavity on the base assembly 1020, is saved, further reducing the product height and the climbing height for pets during use.

[0188] It should be understood that the relative movement between the litter box assembly and the base assembly can be one of the following: lifting, translation, flipping, or rotation, or a combination of at least two of these movements. As long as the movement enables the litter box assembly to change its posture relative to the base assembly and achieves the separation and collection of cat litter and excrement, it falls within the scope of the relative movement between the litter box assembly and the base assembly. The combination of at least two movements can be sequential, simultaneous, or a combination of sequential and simultaneous movements.

[0189] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17As shown, the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside and has a connecting area 1051, which allows the pet's body or part of its limbs to pass through.

[0190] In such an embodiment, the cavity 1050 is connected to the outside and has a connecting area, which can prevent the pet from being trapped in the cavity area and unable to escape, avoiding the risk of being trapped such as hunger, dehydration, stress, and suffocation. On the other hand, if the pet enters the cavity area when the pelvic assembly 1010 is moving, the pelvic assembly 1010 will exert a pushing force on the pet's body or part of its limbs when it comes into contact with the pet, and the connecting area 1051 can avoid the risk of squeezing caused by obstacles in the direction of the pushing force, thus preventing the pet from being squeezed and injured.

[0191] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, a cover plate 1052 is provided at the connecting area 1051 for selectively sealing the connection between the cavity 1050 and the outside.

[0192] In such an embodiment, when dangers such as squeezing, shearing, or entrapment occur, the cover 1052 can selectively connect the connecting area 1051 to the outside world to eliminate the danger and avoid harm to the pet. On the other hand, the odor of pet excrement can spread to the outside environment through the connecting area 1051. The cover 1052 can isolate the odor and further prevent pet excrement from being exposed to the environment for a long time, which could lead to the growth of bacteria, insects, and pollution of the living environment.

[0193] In some embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, the cover plate 1052 is movably connected to the basin assembly 1010 or the base assembly 1020.

[0194] The cover 1052 can be movably connected to the basin assembly 1010 or to the base assembly 1020 using detachable connectors such as elastic claws and locking holes, magnetic connectors such as magnetic materials and magnetically conductive materials, or pivot connectors such as hinges. The cover 1052 can be made of elastic material, with one end connected to the base assembly 1020 or the basin assembly 1010. Under external force, the cover 1052 undergoes elastic deformation to open the cavity 1050 and connect it to the outside, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone.

[0195] In this embodiment, when danger occurs, the cover 1052 can detach or pivot relative to the base assembly 1020 or the basin assembly 1010 under the action of external force to open the cavity 1050 and achieve communication with the outside world, allowing the pet to escape the danger zone; the external force can be an indirect pushing or pulling force from the basin assembly 1010, or it can be a pushing force from the pet, etc.; the external force here is slight pressure, which refers to a force that does not reach the pain threshold of the pet or human or a force that will not cause harm to the pet or human. The connection method of the movable connection includes, but is not limited to, detachable connection, magnetic connection, and pivot connection; using detachable connection, such as the cooperation of elastic claws and locking holes, has the advantage of lower cost; using magnetic connection, such as the cooperation of magnetic materials and magnetically conductive materials, has the ability to automatically correct and align the installation, making it more convenient for users to install the cover; using pivot connection, such as hinges, can prevent the cover from being lost after detachment.

[0196] It should be understood that the embodiments described in the first aspect of this disclosure regarding the limiting support, the second cover, and the litter box locking assembly are also applicable to the automatic litter boxes provided in the second and third aspects of this disclosure, and are also within the scope of protection of this disclosure. The automatic litter boxes disclosed in the above three aspects do not limit the form of the litter box assembly; that is, they can be closed litter box assemblies (such as...). Figure 5 (as shown), or it can be an open basin assembly (such as...) Figure 6 (as shown in the figure), etc. This disclosure does not limit the shape and number of cat litter screening areas and filters. Any structure that can achieve the mixing and separation of cat excrement and cat litter is within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0197] It should be understood that the detailed embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the protection scope of this invention. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic cat litter box, mainly composed of a basin body assembly (1010), a base assembly (1020) and a driving assembly (1030); wherein, The basin assembly (1010) mainly includes an excretion space (1011) and a litter filtering area (1012), and the litter filtering area (1012) and the excretion space (1011) are connected by a filter screen (1013); the base assembly (1020) supports the basin assembly (1010), and the drive assembly (1030) drives the basin assembly (1010) to move relative to the base assembly (1020) to change the posture of the basin assembly (1010) relative to the base assembly (1020); characterized in that a cavity (1050) sufficient to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs is provided within the area (1070) of the relative overlap between the basin assembly (1010) and the base assembly (1020).

2. The automatic litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relative overlapping area (1070) also includes the intersection and overlap area (1071) when the basin assembly (1010) and the base assembly (1020) move relative to each other.

3. The automatic litter box according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the basin assembly (1010) and the base assembly (1020) move relative to each other, the intersection and overlap area (1071) is mainly formed by the intersection and overlap of the projection of the movement trajectory of the basin assembly (1010) on the base assembly (1020).

4. The automatic litter box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The basin assembly (1010) also includes an opening edge portion (1016); when the basin assembly (1010) moves relative to the base assembly (1020), the intersection and overlap area (1071) is mainly formed by the intersection and overlap of the motion trajectory of the opening edge portion (1016) on the base assembly (1020).

5. The automatic litter box according to claim 4, characterized in that, The opening edge (1016) is an opening or hole provided on the basin assembly (1010), including but not limited to a cat entrance (1014) and / or a feces discharge outlet (1015) provided on the basin assembly (1010).

6. The automatic litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relative motion between the basin assembly (1010) and the base assembly (1020) can be one of lifting, translation, flipping, or rotation, or a combination of at least two of them.

7. The automatic litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity (1050) is disposed on the base assembly (1020) and / or the basin assembly (1010).

8. The automatic litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity (1050) is connected to the outside and has a connecting area (1051) configured to allow the pet's body or a part of its limbs to pass through.

9. The automatic litter box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The automatic litter box is equipped with a cover (1052) for selectively sealing the cavity (1050) from the outside.

10. The automatic litter box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cover plate (1052) is movably connected to the base assembly (1020) or the basin assembly (1010).

11. The automatic litter box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cover plate (1052) is made of elastic material, and one end of it is connected to the base assembly (1020) or the basin assembly (1010).

12. The automatic litter box according to claim 8, characterized in that, The automatic litter box also includes at least one limiting support (1022) configured to limit the distance between the connected area (1051) and other obstacles (1080), forming a space that can accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs.

13. The automatic litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basin assembly (1010) has a fecal storage area (1040) below it, which is connected to the cavity (1050); or the fecal storage area (1040) is placed inside the cavity (1050).

14. The automatic litter box according to claim 13, characterized in that, A fecal passage (1060) is provided between the basin assembly (1010) and the fecal storage area (1040), and the cavity (1050) is connected to the fecal passage (1060).

15. The automatic litter box according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The cavity (1050) is connected to the outside and has a connecting area (1051) configured to allow the pet's body or part of its limbs to pass through; the automatic litter box is equipped with a cover (1052) for selectively closing the cavity (1050) from the outside.

16. The automatic litter box according to claim 13, characterized in that, A second cover plate (1042) is provided at the connection between the cavity (1050) and the fecal storage area (1040).

17. The automatic litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automatic litter box is equipped with a feces storage area (1040), which is movably connected to the bottom of the base assembly (1020).

18. The automatic litter box according to claim 17, characterized in that, The fecal storage area (1040) is equipped with a cover plate (1052), the cavity (1050) can communicate with the outside, and the cover plate (1052) can selectively close the communication between the cavity (1050) and the outside.

19. The automatic litter box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basin assembly (1010) and the base assembly (1020) are detachably connected via a basin locking assembly (1023); wherein, the basin locking assembly (1023) is provided with an auxiliary functional accessory (1024), one of the basin locking assembly (1023) and the base assembly (1020) is provided with a coupler plug (1025), and the other is provided with a coupler socket (1027), the coupler plug (1025) and the coupler socket (1027) are adapted to each other to realize the connection of power supply and / or electrical signal.

20. An automatic litter box, mainly composed of a litter box assembly (1010), a base assembly (1020), and a drive assembly (1030); the litter box assembly (1010) mainly includes an excretion space (1011) and a litter filtering area (1012), the litter filtering area (1012) and the excretion space (1011) being connected by a filter screen (1013); the base assembly (1020) supports the litter box assembly (1010), and the drive assembly (1030) drives the litter box assembly (1010) to move relative to the base assembly (1020) to change the posture of the litter box assembly (1010) relative to the base assembly (1020); characterized in that, A fecal storage area (1040) is disposed below the base assembly (1020); at least one side wall of the base assembly (1020) is partially recessed to form a cavity (1050); at least a portion of the cavity (1050) connects the basin assembly (1010) and the fecal storage area (1040) to form a fecal passage (1060).

21. The automatic litter box according to claim 20, characterized in that, The feces passage (1060) and / or the feces storage area (1040) are configured with sufficient space to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs.

22. The automatic litter box according to claim 20, characterized in that, The cavity (1050) is connected to the outside and has a connecting area (1051) that allows the pet's body or part of its limbs to pass through.

23. The automatic litter box according to claim 22, characterized in that, The automatic litter box is equipped with a cover (1052) for selectively sealing the cavity (1050) from the outside.

24. The automatic litter box according to claim 23, characterized in that, The cover plate (1052) is movably connected to the base assembly (1020) or the fecal storage area (1040).

25. The automatic litter box according to claim 24, characterized in that, The cover plate (1052) is provided with a cover plate mounting buckle (1054), and the base assembly (1020) is provided with a cover plate mounting hole (1055) that is adapted to the cover plate mounting buckle (1054).

26. The automatic litter box according to claim 20, characterized in that, The fecal storage area (1040) is movably connected below the base assembly (1020).

27. The automatic litter box according to claim 20, characterized in that, The fecal passage (1060) and / or the cavity (1050) are partially surrounded by the base assembly (1020).

28. An automatic litter box, mainly composed of a litter box assembly (1010), a base assembly (1020), and a drive assembly (1030); the litter box assembly (1010) mainly includes an excretion space (1011) and a litter filtering area (1012), the litter filtering area (1012) and the excretion space (1011) being connected by a filter screen (1013); the base assembly (1020) supports the litter box assembly (1010), and the drive assembly (1030) drives the litter box assembly (1010) to move relative to the base assembly (1020) to change the posture of the litter box assembly (1010) relative to the base assembly (1020); characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the basin assembly (1010) is partially recessed to form a cavity (1050).

29. The automatic litter box according to claim 28, characterized in that, The cavity (1050) is connected to the outside and has a connecting area (1051) that allows the pet's body or part of its limbs to pass through.

30. The automatic litter box according to claim 29, characterized in that, The automatic litter box is equipped with a cover (1052) for selectively sealing the cavity (1050) from the outside.

31. The automatic litter box according to claim 30, characterized in that, The cover plate (1052) is movably connected to the basin assembly (1010) or the base assembly (1020).

32. An automatic litter box, mainly composed of a litter box assembly (1010), a base assembly (1020), and a drive assembly (1030); wherein, The litter box assembly (1010) mainly includes an excretion space (1011) and a litter filtering area (1012), wherein the litter filtering area (1012) and the excretion space (1011) are connected by a filter screen (1013); the base assembly (1020) supports the litter box assembly (1010), and the drive assembly (1030) drives the litter box assembly (1010) to move relative to the base assembly (1020) to change the posture of the litter box assembly (1010) relative to the base assembly (1020); characterized in that a cavity (1050) sufficient to accommodate the pet's body or part of its limbs is provided within the overlapping area (1070) between the litter box assembly (1010) and the base assembly (1020); the automatic litter box is equipped with a cover plate (1052) for selectively sealing the cavity (1050) from the outside.

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