Cat litter box capable of combing hair
By designing an automatic hair-grooming device in the litter box, using a turntable and negative pressure device to automatically groom and clean the cat's fur, the problem of tangled fur and time-consuming manual grooming for long-haired cats is solved, thus achieving automated fur management.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-24
AI Technical Summary
Long-haired cats' fur is prone to tangling and requires frequent manual grooming. Existing manual and electric grooming tools still require manual operation by the user and cannot achieve automatic grooming.
Design a cat litter box that can comb cat hair, including a base, support, first turntable, hair-scraping comb, hair-scraping nozzle adjustment mechanism and negative pressure device. The turntable drives the hair-scraping comb to comb the cat hair, and the negative pressure device sucks away loose hair, thus achieving automatic combing and cleaning.
It enables automatic grooming and cleaning of pet cats' fur, reducing the user's operating time and effort.
Smart Images

Figure CN224022560U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The utility model belongs to pet supplies field, concretely relates to a cat litter basin that can comb hair. BACKGROUND
[0002] With the improvement of living standards, the user of pet cat of more and more domesticated breed is more and more, especially long hair pet cat such as lion cat, bunnies or maine coon, but long hair pet cat is easy to shed a lot, and hair is easy to knot, which needs people to comb hair frequently, and combing pet cat hair during pet cat shedding consumes the energy of user very much, in order to reduce the time of user to take care of pet cat hair, the market has developed manual hair comb and electric hair comb, but manual hair comb and electric hair comb still need user to operate personally, and the effect of automatically combing pet cat hair is not achieved. SUMMARY
[0003] Therefore, the utility model aims at providing a cat litter basin that can comb hair to overcome the above problems or at least partially solve or alleviate the above problems.
[0004] The utility model provides a cat litter basin that can comb hair, comprising:
[0005] The base is directly or indirectly placed in cat litter;
[0006] The support is provided with a first ring opening as a passageway;
[0007] The first rotating disc is rotatably assembled on the support, the inner edge of the first rotating disc is aligned with the first ring opening, the inner edge of the first rotating disc is provided with a hair scraping folding edge, a plurality of hair scraping holes are arranged on the hair scraping folding edge, and a rotating disc driving mechanism is arranged between the first rotating disc and the support;
[0008] A plurality of hair scraping combs are swingably arranged on the first rotating disc, one side of the end portion of each hair scraping comb is respectively provided with a comb tooth, and the comb tooth extends to the inside of the first ring opening through the hair scraping hole;
[0009] The combing diameter changing mechanism is arranged between a plurality of hair scraping combs and is used to drive a plurality of hair scraping combs to swing;
[0010] The negative pressure device is arranged in the base, the inlet of the negative pressure device is connected with a hair suction pipe, the front end opening of the hair suction pipe extends into the inside of the first ring opening and the hair scraping folding edge, and is directed to the comb tooth;
[0011] The top is buckled on the base.
[0012] The utility model also has the following optional features.
[0013] Optionally, an air extractor is arranged in the ceiling, and an air outlet of the air extractor is arranged outside the ceiling, and an exhaust hose is connected to the air outlet.
[0014] Optionally, a cat litter drawer is arranged in the base and is arranged to slide.
[0015] Optionally, a filter box is arranged in the base and is arranged to slide, and an inner end of the filter box is detachably connected to the negative pressure device.
[0016] Optionally, the rotating disc driving mechanism comprises a first motor, the first motor is fixedly arranged relative to the support, and a belt transmission mechanism or a gear transmission mechanism is arranged between a main shaft of the first motor and the first rotating disc.
[0017] Optionally, the comb aperture changing mechanism comprises:
[0018] a second rotating disc, the second rotating disc is arranged to rotate relative to the first rotating disc, a plurality of oblique sliding holes are arranged on the second rotating disc, a guide column is arranged on each of the combing combs, and the guide columns respectively pass through the oblique sliding holes;
[0019] a second motor, the second motor is fixedly arranged relative to the support, a driving gear is arranged on a main shaft of the second motor, and a gear tooth is arranged on an edge of the second rotating disc, and the gear tooth is engaged with the driving gear.
[0020] Optionally, a plurality of circumferential long holes are arranged on the second rotating disc, a plurality of connecting columns are circumferentially arranged on the first rotating disc, each of the connecting columns passes through one of the circumferential long holes, and the second rotating disc is arranged to reciprocatingly rotate relative to the connecting columns on the first rotating disc through the circumferential long holes.
[0021] Optionally, a third rotating disc is further arranged, and the third rotating disc is connected to the first rotating disc through the connecting columns.
[0022] Optionally, a controller and an operation panel are further arranged, three signal output ends of the controller are respectively electrically connected to the rotating disc driving mechanism, the comb aperture changing mechanism and the negative pressure device, and the controller is bidirectionally signal-connected to the operation panel.
[0023] Optionally, a first pet detection device and a second pet detection device are further arranged, the first pet detection device and the second pet detection device are respectively arranged on an inner side and an outer side of the support, and signal output ends of the first pet detection device and the second pet detection device are respectively electrically connected to two signal receiving ends of the controller, so as to detect whether a pet passes through and moves away from the first ring opening.
[0024] This utility model of a cat litter box that can groom pets automatically grooms its fur by setting a first rotating disc and multiple grooming combs around the first ring of the litter box's support. When a pet enters or leaves the litter box, its fur will be groomed by the multiple grooming combs on the first rotating disc. The loose fur that is combed off is then sucked away by a negative pressure device through a suction tube, thus achieving the effect of automatically grooming the pet's fur without requiring the pet owner to manually groom the pet's fur. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the cat litter box with combable fur according to this utility model.
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the combable cat litter box of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A diagram showing the internal structure of the base of a cat litter box that allows for grooming;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the end face of the cat litter box that can comb hair according to this utility model.
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the third rotating disc of the cat litter box that can comb hair according to this utility model.
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the second rotating disc of the cat litter box that can comb hair according to this utility model;
[0031] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged structural diagram of the first turntable and the brush comb in the middle;
[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first turntable in the diagram;
[0033] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the control system of the cat litter box with combable fur according to this utility model.
[0034] In the above figure: 1, base; 101, mounting groove; 2, support; 201, first circle opening; 202, roller; 3, first rotary disc; 301, scraping edge; 302, scraping hole; 303, rolling edge; 304, fixing shaft; 305, connecting column; 4, scraping comb; 401, comb tooth; 402, guide column; 5, negative pressure device; 501, filter box; 6, hair suction pipe; 7, ceiling; 8, air extractor; 9, exhaust hose; 10, cat litter drawer; 11, first motor; 12, pulley transmission mechanism; 13, second rotary disc; 1301, inclined sliding hole; 1302, circumferential long hole; 14, second motor; 15, driving gear; 16, controller; 17, operation panel; 18, first pet detection device; 19, second pet detection device; 20, end face; 2001, second circle opening; 21, cover plate; 22, third rotary disc.
[0035] The utility model will be made further detailed description in combination with the drawings and examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Example 1
[0037] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the utility model discloses a cat litter basin that can comb hair, comprising: base 1, support 2, first rotary disc 3, a plurality of scraping combs 4, comb aperture change mechanism, negative pressure device 5 and ceiling 7;Base 1 directly or indirectly places cat litter;Support 2 is provided with first circle opening 201 as passageway;First rotary disc 3 is rotatably assembled on support 2, and the inner edge of first rotary disc 3 is aligned with first circle opening 201, and the inner edge of first rotary disc 3 is provided with scraping edge 301, and a plurality of scraping holes 302 are arranged on scraping edge 301, and rotary disc driving mechanism is arranged between first rotary disc 3 and support 2;A plurality of scraping combs 4 are swingably arranged on first rotary disc 3, and the side of the end of each scraping comb 4 is respectively provided with comb tooth 401, and comb tooth 401 extends to the inside of first circle opening 201 through scraping hole 302;Comb aperture change mechanism is arranged between a plurality of scraping combs 4, and is used for driving a plurality of scraping combs 4 to swing;Negative pressure device 5 is arranged in base 1, and the inlet of negative pressure device 5 is connected with hair suction pipe 6, and the front end of hair suction pipe 6 extends into the inside of first circle opening 201 and scraping edge 301, and is directed to comb tooth 401;Ceiling 7 is buckled on base 1.
[0038] Support 2 is arranged at the front end of base 1, and base 1 directly or directly holds cat litter, and base 1, support 2 and ceiling 7 form a closed cat litter basin.
[0039] The pet cat enters the litter box through the first circle opening 201 on the support 2, and a plurality of rollers 202 are arranged circumferentially on the support 2. The outer edge of the first rotating disc 3 is provided with a rolling flange 303, and the rolling flange 303 is in rolling cooperation with each roller 202, so that the first rotating disc 3 can rotate on the support 2 under the driving of the rotating disc driving mechanism.
[0040] The inner edge of the first rotating disc 3 is provided with a scraping flange 301, and the scraping holes 302 on the scraping flange 301 are long holes. A plurality of rows of scraping holes 302 are arranged circumferentially along the scraping flange 301, and each scraping hole 302 corresponds to a row of comb teeth 401. A plurality of fixed shafts 304 are arranged on the first rotating disc 3, and each scraping comb 4 is hingedly connected to one fixed shaft 304. The end of the scraping comb 4 is provided with the comb teeth 401, and the plurality of rows of comb teeth 401 can be inserted into the scraping holes 302 on the scraping flange 301 through the swinging of the scraping comb 4.
[0041] The end surface 20 is further connected to the support 2, and the end surface 20 covers the first rotating disc 3, the rotating disc driving mechanism, the scraping comb 4 and the comb diameter changing mechanism. The second circle opening 2001 is arranged on the end surface 20, and the second circle opening 2001 is aligned with the first circle opening 201. The first circle opening 201, the scraping flange 301 and the second circle opening 2001 form a pet passage.
[0042] When the pet cat enters or exits the litter box, it must pass through the pet passage. When the pet cat passes through the pet passage, the pet cat is combed by the plurality of scraping combs 4 on the first rotating disc 3, and the combed pet hair is left on the comb teeth 401. After the pet passes through the pet passage, the comb diameter changing mechanism drives the plurality of scraping combs 4 to retreat radially until the end of the comb teeth 401 is retracted into the scraping holes 302 on the scraping flange 301. At this time, the combed hair on the comb teeth 401 is left on the surface of the scraping flange 301. Then, the rotating disc driving mechanism drives the first rotating disc 3 to rotate, so that the scraping flange 301 rotates with the first rotating disc 3 and passes through the front end of the suction pipe 6. The negative pressure device 5 can suck the cat hair scraped by the scraping flange 301 through the front end of the suction pipe 6, so as to realize the functions of automatic combing and hair suction, and the pet owner does not need to manually clean the pet cat hair.
[0043] Embodiment 2
[0044] Reference Figure 1 On the basis of embodiment 1, the ceiling 7 is further provided with an exhaust fan 8, the air outlet of the exhaust fan 8 is arranged outside the ceiling 7, and the air outlet of the exhaust fan 8 is connected with an exhaust hose 9.
[0045] The air extractor 8 is a micro-sound fan, which does not produce noise. The air inlet of the air extractor 8 is connected with the inner side of the ceiling 7. The air outlet of the exhaust hose 9 can be connected with the outside of a window or a sewer. When the pet cat enters the litter box to defecate, the air extractor 8 can exhaust the air in the litter box to the outside of the window or the sewer, so that the odor does not leak from the outside of the pet channel. The air extractor 8 can be set to start running after the pet enters the litter box, or can be always powered on.
[0046] Embodiment 3
[0047] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 On the basis of embodiment 1, the cat litter drawer 10 is slidingly arranged in the base 1.
[0048] The cat litter drawer 10 is used for containing cat litter. One end of the cat litter drawer 10 extends out of the side wall of the base 1. In this way, the user can directly pull out the cat litter drawer 10 from the base 1 to clean the feces or add cat litter without opening the ceiling 7.
[0049] Embodiment 4
[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 On the basis of embodiment 1, the filter box 501 is slidingly arranged in the base 1. The inner end of the filter box 501 is detachably connected with the negative pressure device 5.
[0051] The base 1 is provided with a mounting groove 101. The negative pressure device 5 is assembled in the mounting groove 101. The upper part of the mounting groove 101 is provided with a cover plate 21. The cover plate 21 can prevent cat litter from entering the mounting groove 101. The cover plate 21 can also be used as a step inside the first ring opening 201. One end of the filter box 501 extends into the mounting groove 101 of the base 1 and is pluggably connected with the negative pressure device 5. The other end of the filter box 501 is located on the outer side surface of the base 1. The vacuum formed by the negative pressure device 5 is transmitted to the hair suction pipe 6 through the pipeline. The air and pet hair sucked into the hair suction pipe 6 move to the negative pressure device 5 in the pipeline. The pet hair and other sundries are filtered by the filter box 501 and remain in the filter box 501, so that the user can take out the filter assembly in the filter box 501 to centrally process the pet hair and sundries. The negative pressure device 5 can be a centrifugal fan or a vacuum pump.
[0052] Embodiment 5
[0053] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 9 On the basis of embodiment 1, the turntable driving mechanism includes a first motor 11. The first motor 11 is fixedly arranged relative to the support 2. A belt transmission mechanism 12 or a gear transmission mechanism is arranged between the main shaft of the first motor 11 and the first turntable 3.
[0054] The first motor 11 is fixed on the support 2, and a main shaft of the first motor 11 is connected with a driving pulley. The first rotating disc 3 is connected with a driven pulley, and the driving pulley and the driven pulley form a pulley transmission mechanism 12 through a transmission belt. The first motor 11 can drive the first rotating disc 3 to rotate through the pulley transmission mechanism 12, so that each scraping comb 4 on the first rotating disc 3 passes through the port of the suction tube 6 in turn.
[0055] Embodiment 6
[0056] With reference to Figure 5 On the basis of the embodiment 1, the comb diameter changing mechanism comprises a second rotating disc 13 and a second motor 14. The second rotating disc 13 is arranged to rotate relative to the first rotating disc 3. The second rotating disc 13 is provided with a plurality of oblique sliding holes 1301. Each scraping comb 4 is provided with a guide column 402, and the guide column 402 passes through one oblique sliding hole 1301. The second motor 14 is fixed on the support 2. A main shaft of the second motor 14 is provided with a driving gear 15. The edge of the second rotating disc 13 is provided with a gear tooth, and the gear tooth is engaged with the driving gear 15.
[0057] The second motor 14 is fixed on the support 2. The main shaft of the second motor 14 is connected with the driving gear 15. The driving gear 15 is engaged with the gear tooth on the second rotating disc 13, so that the second motor 14 can drive the second rotating disc 13 to rotate back and forth by a certain angle. When the second rotating disc 13 rotates, the guide column 402 is pushed through the oblique sliding hole 1301 to make the scraping comb 4 swing, so as to change the comb diameter of each scraping comb 4.
[0058] Embodiment 7
[0059] With reference to Figure 5 On the basis of the embodiment 6, the second rotating disc 13 is provided with a plurality of circumferential long holes 1302. The first rotating disc 3 is provided with a plurality of connecting columns 305 which are distributed in a circumferential direction. Each connecting column 305 passes through one circumferential long hole 1302, so that the second rotating disc 13 can rotate back and forth relative to the connecting column 305 on the first rotating disc 3 through the circumferential long hole 1302.
[0060] The plurality of circumferential long holes 1302 on the second rotating disc 13 are distributed on a circular track. The plurality of connecting columns 305 on the first rotating disc 3 pass through the circumferential long holes 1302 respectively, so that the second rotating disc 13 can rotate back and forth relative to the first rotating disc 3 by a distance. The distance is the length of the circumferential long hole 1302.
[0061] Embodiment 8
[0062] With reference to Figure 4 On the basis of the embodiment 7, a third rotating disc 22 is further included. The third rotating disc 22 is connected with the first rotating disc 3 through the connecting column 305.
[0063] The third rotating disc 22 is connected with the first rotating disc 3 through a plurality of connecting columns 305 on one side, so that the plurality of circumferential sliding holes 1302 on the second rotating disc 13 cannot be axially separated from eaches connecting column 305, at the same time, the plurality of swing seat fur combs 4 cannot be axially separated from the first rotating disc 3, and the guide columns 402 cannot be axially separated from eaches inclined sliding hole 1301 on the second rotating disc 13, so as to ensure the stability of the cooperation between the first rotating disc 3, the second rotating disc 13 and eaches fur comb 4.
[0064] Embodiment 9
[0065] Reference Figure 9 On the basis of any one of the above embodiments, further comprising a controller 16 and an operation panel 17, three signal output ends of the controller 16 are respectively electrically connected with the rotating disc driving mechanism, the fur diameter changing mechanism and the negative pressure device 5, and the controller 16 is in bidirectional signal connection with the operation panel 17.
[0066] The controller 16 is in bidirectional signal connection with the operation panel 17, three signal output ends of the controller 16 are respectively electrically connected with the second motor 14 in the fur diameter changing mechanism, the negative pressure device 5 and the first motor 7 in the rotating disc driving mechanism, and an operator can input the fur diameter through the operation panel 17, the controller 16 can start the second motor 14 to drive the second rotating disc 13 to rotate, so that the plurality of fur combs 4 move to the position of the fur diameter input by the operator; after the pet cat is combed by the plurality of fur combs 4 when entering or leaving the litter box, the controller 16 can start the second motor 14 to drive the second rotating disc 13 to rotate, so that the plurality of fur combs 4 swing to the outside of the first circle port 201 until the comb teeth 401 on the plurality of fur combs 4 retreat into the fur holes 302 on the fur folding edge 301, so that the cat hair combed by the comb teeth 401 is left on the fur folding edge 301; the controller 16 starts the negative pressure device 5, and at the same time, starts the first motor 11 to drive the first rotating disc 3 to rotate through the belt transmission mechanism 12, so that the fur folding edge 301 passes through the port of the fur suction pipe 6 in rotation, and the negative pressure device 5 sucks away the cat hair left on the fur folding edge 301 through the fur suction pipe 6. The user can also operate the controller 16 through the operation panel 17, so that the controller 16 starts the air extractor 8 to perform air extraction and exhaust on the litter box.
[0067] Embodiment 10
[0068] Reference Figure 9 On the basis of embodiment 9, further comprising a first pet detection device 18 and a second pet detection device 19, the first pet detection device 18 and the second pet detection device 19 are respectively arranged on the inner side and the outer side of the support 2, and the signal output end of the first pet detection device 18 and the signal output end of the second pet detection device 19 are respectively electrically connected with two signal receiving ends of the controller 16, for detecting whether the pet passes through and moves away from the first circle port 201.
[0069] The first pet detecting device 18 can adopt one or more of distance sensor, photoelectric switch and radar, and is arranged on the end face 20 outside the support 2, and is used for detecting whether the pet cat is located near the outside of the litter box; the second pet detecting device 19 is arranged inside the support 2, and can adopt photoelectric switch, and is used for detecting whether the pet cat is located in the litter box. When the controller 16 detects that the pet cat stays near the end face 20 of the litter box through the first pet detecting device 18, or detects that the pet cat is still in the litter box through the second pet detecting device 19, in order to avoid the pet being frightened, the controller 16 will not start the negative pressure device 5, the rotating disc driving mechanism and the combing caliber changing mechanism; when it is detected that the pet cat leaves the litter box and is far away from the end face 20 of the litter box, the controller 16 starts the combing caliber changing mechanism to scrape the pet hair on the combing tooth 401, and then controls the rotating disc driving mechanism to drive the first rotating disc 3 to rotate, and at the same time, the pet hair on the scraping and folding edge 301 is sucked away through the negative pressure device 5.
[0070] The above is only the preferred embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be limited by the protection scope of the claims. The components and structures not described in detail in the embodiment are the components and structures commonly used in the industry or common means, which are not described here.
Claims
1. A cat litter box with combable fur, characterized in that, include: A base (1) in which cat litter is placed directly or indirectly; Support (2), wherein a first ring (201) is provided on the support (2) as a channel; The first turntable (3) is rotatably mounted on the support (2). The inner edge of the first turntable (3) is aligned with the first ring (201). The inner edge of the first turntable (3) is provided with a scraping fold (301). The scraping fold (301) is provided with a plurality of scraping holes (302). A turntable drive mechanism is provided between the first turntable (3) and the support (2). Multiple shaving combs (4) are oscillatingly arranged on the first turntable (3). Each shaving comb (4) has a comb tooth (401) on one side of its end. The comb tooth (401) passes through the shaving hole (302) and extends into the first ring (201). A combing diameter changing mechanism is provided between multiple hair-scraping combs (4) for driving the multiple hair-scraping combs (4) to swing. Negative pressure device (5), the negative pressure device (5) is disposed in the base (1), the inlet of the negative pressure device (5) is connected to a hair suction tube (6), the front end of the hair suction tube (6) extends into the inner side of the first ring (201) and the hair scraping fold (301), and faces the comb teeth (401). A canopy (7) is fastened to the base (1).
2. The cat litter box with combable fur according to claim 1, characterized in that, An exhaust fan (8) is also installed inside the ceiling (7). The exhaust fan (8) has an outlet that leads to the outside of the ceiling (7). An exhaust hose (9) is connected to the outlet of the exhaust fan (8).
3. The cat litter box with combable fur according to claim 1, characterized in that, A cat litter drawer (10) is slidably disposed in the base (1).
4. The cat litter box with combable fur according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter box (501) is slidably disposed in the base (1), and the inner end of the filter box (501) is detachably connected to the negative pressure device (5).
5. The cat litter box with combable fur according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turntable drive mechanism includes a first motor (11), which is fixedly arranged relative to the support (2). A pulley transmission mechanism (12) or a gear transmission mechanism is provided between the main shaft of the first motor (11) and the first turntable (3).
6. The cat litter box with combable fur according to claim 1, characterized in that, The combing nozzle diameter changing mechanism includes: The second turntable (13) is rotatably arranged relative to the first turntable (3). The second turntable (13) is provided with a plurality of oblique sliding holes (1301). Each of the hair-scraping combs (4) is provided with a guide post (402). The guide post (402) passes through one of the oblique sliding holes (1301). The second motor (14) is fixedly mounted relative to the support (2). The main shaft of the second motor (14) is provided with a drive gear (15). The edge of the second turntable (13) is provided with gear teeth, which mesh with the drive gear (15).
7. The cat litter box with combable fur according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second turntable (13) is provided with a plurality of circumferential elongated holes (1302), and the first turntable (3) is provided with a plurality of connecting posts (305) distributed circumferentially. Each of the connecting posts (305) passes through one of the circumferential elongated holes (1302), so that the second turntable (13) can reciprocate relative to the connecting posts (305) on the first turntable (3) through the circumferential elongated holes (1302).
8. The cat litter box with combable fur according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a third turntable (22), which is connected to the first turntable (3) via multiple connecting posts (305).
9. The combable cat litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a controller (16) and an operation panel (17). The three signal output terminals of the controller (16) are electrically connected to the turntable drive mechanism, the combing diameter change mechanism and the negative pressure device (5), respectively. The controller (16) and the operation panel (17) are bidirectionally connected.
10. The cat litter box with combable fur according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a first pet detection device (18) and a second pet detection device (19), which are respectively disposed on the inner and outer sides of the support (2). The signal output terminals of the first pet detection device (18) and the second pet detection device (19) are electrically connected to two of the signal receiving terminals of the controller (16) to detect whether the pet passes through or moves away from the first ring (201).