Cat litter box capable of detecting residual amount of cat litter

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cat litter box capable of detecting the remaining amount of cat litter, and relates to the field of cat litter boxs.The cat litter box comprises a cat litter box body, a first sensor is fixedly connected to one side of the surface of the cat litter box body, a sealing door is slidably connected to the interior of the cat litter box body, and a cat litter tray used for containing cat litter is arranged in the cat litter box body; according to the cat litter box, the cat litter tray is arranged on the reset spring and the second sliding groove which can be compressed and moved, unused cat litter in the cat litter tray extrudes the reset spring and is located at the bottom end of the first sliding groove due to the fact that the weight of the unused cat litter is too heavy, and the amount of the cat litter is gradually reduced after the cat litter is used; the cat litter tray slides upwards in the first sliding groove through the elastic force of the reset spring, the second sensor detects the distance from the cat litter tray to the bottom of the cat litter box body to judge the remaining amount of the cat litter, and when the remaining amount of the cat litter is insufficient, a user is reminded to add the cat litter in time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cat litter boxes, and more particularly to a cat litter box capable of detecting the remaining amount of cat litter. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of pet cats in households, litter boxes and cat litter have become essential tools for cats' daily elimination. When cats defecate in the litter box, the litter absorbs urine and feces and clumps together, consuming a certain amount of litter. These clumps of litter need to be cleaned. As the frequency of elimination increases and litter is cleaned, the amount of litter in the litter box gradually decreases. Currently, litter boxes require manual and regular checks of the litter level. Owners need to open the lid multiple times a day to check, especially in multi-cat households where this is more frequent, time-consuming, and tedious. If a cat defecates 3-4 times a day, litter needs to be replenished after 3 days. However, manual checks can lead to replenishing too early or too late, and it is difficult for humans to accurately judge the remaining amount of litter, thus affecting the cat's elimination experience and health. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the issue of inaccurate manual detection of cat litter balance, this application provides a cat litter box capable of detecting the remaining amount of cat litter.

[0004] The litter box that can detect the remaining litter volume provided in this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A litter box capable of detecting the remaining amount of cat litter includes a litter box body, a first sensor fixedly connected to one side of the surface of the litter box body, a slidable door connected inside the litter box body, a litter tray for holding cat litter inside the litter box body, and a detection component for detecting the remaining amount of cat litter inside the litter box body.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, the detection component can detect when the cat litter is low and remind the user to add more in time, eliminating the need for the user to check the litter level multiple times. It can also prevent the litter tray from moving when the cat enters, ensuring the cat's comfort and safety during elimination.

[0007] Preferably, the detection component includes a first sliding groove symmetrically opened on the inner wall of the cat litter box body, a second sliding groove opened on one side of the surface of the first sliding groove, a support column slidably connected through the interior of the second sliding groove, and a return spring fixedly connected between one end of the support column located inside the second sliding groove and the inner wall of the second sliding groove.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the first groove constrains the horizontal displacement of the litter box, and the second groove provides a vertical compression stroke through the support column, ensuring that the litter box moves only in the preset direction and avoiding detection errors caused by skewing.

[0009] Preferably, one side of the surface of the second slide groove is fixedly connected to a litter tray that is slidably connected inside the first slide groove, and a baffle plate that is slidably connected inside the first slide groove is fixedly connected to the side of the litter tray away from the second slide groove.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the baffle completely covers the opening of the first chute, preventing sand particles from entering the chute when the cat is digging, thus avoiding mechanical jamming.

[0011] Preferably, a second sensor is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the litter box body.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the second sensor is used to detect the movement distance of the litter box, thereby calculating the remaining amount of litter in the litter box.

[0013] Preferably, a protective shell is fixedly connected to one side of the surface of the cat litter box body, and a cylinder located inside the protective shell is provided on the surface of the cat litter box body.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, the protective shell encloses the cylinder to prevent the cylinder from being exposed to the environment.

[0015] Preferably, the cat litter box body is internally connected to a support plate that is fixedly connected to the output shaft end of the cylinder.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the support plate is used to support the litter tray when the cat enters the litter box body, and to prevent the support plate from moving after compressing the reset spring.

[0017] Preferably, an auxiliary shell is fixedly connected to one side of the surface of the cat litter box body, and a third groove is provided on one side of the inner wall of the cat litter box body, which penetrates the interior of the cat litter box body and extends into the interior of the auxiliary shell.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the third groove is hidden inside the auxiliary shell, reducing exposed moving parts and preventing cats from scratching or getting their fur tangled.

[0019] Preferably, the third slide groove is slidably connected to a connecting rod that is fixedly connected to one side of the support plate surface, and the end of the connecting rod away from the support plate is fixedly connected to one side of the closed door surface.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the connecting rod transmits the cylinder power to the closed door, ensuring that the lifting of the support plate and the opening action are strictly synchronized.

[0021] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0022] 1. By placing the litter tray on a compressible and movable return spring and a second slide, the unused litter in the litter tray presses against the return spring and is located at the bottom of the first slide. As the litter is used, the amount gradually decreases, and the elasticity of the return spring causes the litter tray to slide upward inside the first slide. The second sensor detects the distance between the litter tray and the bottom of the litter box body to determine the remaining litter level. When the litter level is low, the user will be reminded to add litter in time. This eliminates the need for the user to check the litter level multiple times, helping to ensure that the litter level is always maintained at an appropriate level and preventing the cat from defecating outside the litter box due to insufficient litter.

[0023] 2. The use of a support plate allows the first sensor to detect when a cat approaches and open the closed door, making it easier for the cat to enter the litter box to defecate. At the same time, the support plate moves to support the litter box, preventing the cat's weight from increasing when it is inside the litter box and offsetting the compression of the spring by its weight. This prevents the litter box from moving when the cat enters, thus ensuring the cat's comfort and safety during defecation. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this application.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection components in this application;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of the detection component of this application.

[0029] Attached reference numerals: 1. Litter box body; 2. First sensor; 3. Sealing door; 4. Litter tray;

[0030] 5. Detection component; 51. First slide rail; 52. Second slide rail; 53. Support column; 54. Return spring; 55. Baffle plate; 56. Second sensor;

[0031] 57. Protective shell; 58. Cylinder; 59. Support plate; 510. Auxiliary shell; 511. Third slide groove; 512. Connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1-5 This application will be described in further detail.

[0033] This application discloses a litter box that can detect the remaining amount of cat litter.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 A litter box capable of detecting the remaining litter volume includes a litter box body 1. The top of one side of the litter box body 1 is fixed to a fixed end of a first sensor 2. The first sensor 2 is preferably an infrared sensor, specifically an HD-DS25CM-3MM infrared beam splitter sensor, used to detect whether a cat is approaching a closed door 3. The inner wall of the litter box body 1 near the first sensor 2 slides smoothly against the outer wall of the closed door 3 without gaps. The litter box body 1 is provided with an entrance and exit, and the closed door 3 is used to block the entrance and exit. The litter box body 1 is provided with a matching litter tray 4 inside, which is used to hold cat litter. The litter box body 1 is provided with a detection component 5 inside, which is used to detect the remaining litter volume and prevent the litter tray 4 from moving when a cat enters.

[0035] The first sensor 2 detects the cat approaching and automatically controls the cylinder 58 to open and close, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the closed door 3, realizing contactless entry and exit, reducing the spread of odors and dust spillage.

[0036] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 The detection component 5 includes first grooves 51 symmetrically formed on the inner wall of the litter box body 1. Three second grooves 52 are arranged in a parallel array on the bottom surface of each of the two first grooves 51. The three second grooves 52 are of equal size, independently set, and not connected to each other. The inner wall of the second groove 52 slides against the outer wall of the support column 53. The top of the support column 53 penetrates through the second groove 52. One end of the support column 53 inside the second groove 52 is fixed to the fixed end of a return spring 54. The end of the return spring 54 away from the support column 53 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the second groove 52. The top of the second groove 52 is fixed to the fixed end of the bottom of the litter tray 4. The litter tray 4 slides inside the first groove 51, and the outer wall of the litter tray 4 fits seamlessly against the inner wall of the first groove 51. This design prevents cat litter from falling into the bottom of the litter tray 4 through the gaps, making it difficult to clean. A baffle plate 55 is fixedly connected to both ends of the upper surface of the litter tray 4 near the second slide groove 52. The bottom end of the baffle plate 55 slides inside the first slide groove 51, and the top end of the baffle plate 55 is attached to and slides against the inner wall of the litter box body 1. The baffle plate 55 is used to prevent cat litter from entering the first slide groove 51 and to block the movement of the litter tray 4. A second sensor 56 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the litter box body 1. The second sensor 56 is located below the litter tray 4 and is preferably an ultrasonic ranging sensor, specifically an HC-SR04 model ultrasonic sensor, used to measure the distance between the litter tray 4 and the bottom of the litter box body 1.

[0037] By placing cat litter on top of the litter tray 4, the weight of the litter tray 4 compresses the return spring 54. As the amount and weight of cat litter gradually decrease with use, the compression on the return spring 54 gradually decreases, causing the litter tray 4 to slide upwards within the first groove 51, moving further away from the bottom of the inner wall of the litter box body 1. The displacement of the litter tray 4 is detected by the second sensor 56 to determine the remaining litter amount. This scheme uses the physical mapping of the displacement of the return spring 54 and the ultrasonic ranging of the second sensor 56 to convert the remaining litter amount into a quantifiable distance signal. Combined with filtering algorithms and calibration mechanisms, it achieves the detection of remaining litter and pushes the remaining data to the user's APP to remind them to replenish litter.

[0038] Reference Figure 5 A protective shell 57 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the litter box body 1. A cylinder 58 is installed at the bottom of the litter box body 1. The cylinder 58 is a standard DSNU series cylinder 58. The cylinder 58 is located inside the protective shell 57, which protects the cylinder 58 and prevents it from being exposed to the environment. The output shaft of the cylinder 58 slides through the interior of the litter box body 1. A support plate 59 is movably connected to the bottom of the inner wall of the litter box body 1. The bottom of the support plate 59 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the cylinder 58. An auxiliary shell 510 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the litter box body 1. A third groove 511 is provided at the bottom of the inner wall of the auxiliary shell 510, which allows the interior of the auxiliary shell 510 to penetrate the interior of the litter box body 1. A connecting rod 512 is slidably connected inside the third groove 511. One end of the connecting rod 512 is fixedly connected to the middle of the side of the support plate 59 near the closed door 3. The other end of the connecting rod 512 is divided into two parts, which are fixedly connected to the bottom ends of the closed door 3 respectively. In this way, when the connecting rod 512 moves and drives the closed door 3 to open the entrance and exit of the litter box body 1, the connecting rod 512 will not block the entrance and exit, and the connecting rod 512 slides inside the litter box body 1.

[0039] When the first sensor 2 detects that a cat is approaching, the cylinder 58 is automatically activated. The output end of the cylinder 58 extends and retracts, causing the support plate 59 to move upward. The support plate 59 is located at the bottom of the litter box 4, supporting the litter box 4 and preventing it from moving when the cat enters, thus ensuring the cat's comfort and safety during elimination. At the same time, the movement of the support plate 59 causes the connecting rod 512 to move upward and slide inside the third slide groove 511. The upward movement of the connecting rod 512 causes the closing door 3 to slide upward inside the litter box body 1, opening the entrance and exit of the litter box body 1, making it convenient for the cat to enter the interior of the litter box body 1.

[0040] The outer side of the cat litter box body 1 is equipped with a power supply and a switch. The power supply and the switch are electrically connected. The first sensor 2, the second sensor 56, and the cylinder 58 are all existing technologies. Their structural principles will not be described in detail. The connecting wires of the first sensor 2, the second sensor 56, and the cylinder 58 all pass through the inside of the cat litter box body 1 and are electrically connected to the power supply. The air inlet and exhaust port of the cylinder 58 are connected to the output end of the solenoid valve through the air pipe. The output end of the controller is connected to the input end of the solenoid valve through the control line. The button on the terminal is connected to the input end of the controller through the Wi-Fi module. First, the first sensor (2) detects the signal of the cat approaching. Its output end is connected to the controller. When a signal is detected, the controller controls the solenoid valve to operate, and the cylinder (58) extends the support plate (59) to support the litter tray (4). The second sensor (56) is electrically connected to the controller to measure the distance to the bottom of the litter tray (4) in real time. The controller processes the distance data through a preset algorithm. When the detected value exceeds the threshold (e.g., 15cm), it pushes a litter replenishment reminder to the user's APP through the Wi-Fi module. When the reset spring 54 is used for a long time and its elasticity is insufficient or it becomes fatigued, the user needs to replace the reset spring 54 and calibrate it. The reset spring 54 is implemented as a stainless steel compression spring to ensure that the spring is compressed to the appropriate position when the litter is full and rebounds when the margin is insufficient.

[0041] The implementation principle of a litter box capable of detecting the remaining litter volume in this application embodiment is as follows: A specific weight of litter is placed in the litter tray 4. The weight of the litter is displayed on the terminal. If the unused litter in the litter tray 4 is too heavy, it will compress the return spring 54 and be located at the bottom of the first slide groove 51. As the amount of litter gradually decreases after use, the elasticity of the return spring 54 causes the litter tray 4 to slide upward inside the first slide groove 51. The second sensor 56 detects the distance the litter tray 4 moves from the bottom of the litter box body 1 to determine the remaining litter volume. When the remaining litter volume is insufficient, the terminal will remind the user to add litter in time. The terminal can be set as a mobile phone or other communication device, eliminating the need for the user to check the remaining litter volume multiple times. This helps to ensure that the litter volume is always kept at an appropriate level and prevents the cat from defecating outside the litter box due to insufficient litter.

[0042] When the first sensor 2 detects a cat approaching, the controller activates the cylinder 58. The output of the cylinder 58 moves the support plate 59 upward to support the litter box 4. As the support plate 59 moves, the connecting rod 512 drives the closing door 3 to open the entrance and exit of the litter box body 1, making it easier for the cat to enter the litter box body 1 to defecate. The movement of the support plate 59 supports the litter box 4, preventing the cat from gaining weight when inside the litter box 4, thus offsetting the compression of the spring by the cat's weight and preventing the litter box 4 from moving when the cat enters, thereby ensuring the cat's comfort and safety during defecation.

[0043] The above are merely optional embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A litter box with detectable litter level, characterized in that: Including cat litter box body (1), the surface side of cat litter box body (1) is fixedly connected with first sensor (2), the inside of cat litter box body (1) is slidably connected with closure door (3), the inside of cat litter box body (1) is provided with cat litter tray (4) for packing cat litter, the inside of cat litter box body (1) is provided with detection assembly (5) for detecting cat litter residual amount.

2. The litter box of claim 1, wherein: The detection assembly (5) includes the first sliding groove (51) symmetrically opened in the inner wall of the cat litter box body (1), the surface side of the first sliding groove (51) is provided with the second sliding groove (52), the inside of the second sliding groove (52) is slidably connected with the support column (53), and the one end of the support column (53) in the inside of the second sliding groove (52) is fixedly connected with the reset spring (54) between the inner wall of the second sliding groove (52).

3. The litter box of claim 2, wherein: The surface side of the second sliding groove (52) is fixedly connected with the cat litter tray (4) slidably connected in the inside of the first sliding groove (51), and the surface side, away from the second sliding groove (52), of the cat litter tray (4) is fixedly connected with the shielding plate (55) slidably connected in the inside of the first sliding groove (51).

4. The litter box of claim 1, wherein: The inner wall of the cat litter box body (1) is fixedly connected with the second sensor (56).

5. The litter box of claim 1, wherein: The surface side of the cat litter box body (1) is fixedly connected with the protective shell (57), and the surface of the cat litter box body (1) is provided with the air cylinder (58) in the inside of the protective shell (57).

6. The litter box of claim 5, wherein: The inside of the cat litter box body (1) is movably connected with the support plate (59) fixedly connected with the output shaft end of the air cylinder (58).

7. The litter box of claim 1, wherein: The surface side of the cat litter box body (1) is fixedly connected with the auxiliary shell (510), and the inner wall side of the cat litter box body (1) is provided with the third sliding groove (511) extending to the inside of the auxiliary shell (510) through the inside of the cat litter box body (1).

8. The litter box of claim 7, wherein: The inside of the third sliding groove (511) is slidably connected with the connecting rod (512) fixedly connected with the surface side of the support plate (59), and the end, away from the support plate (59), of the connecting rod (512) is fixedly connected with the surface side of the closure door (3).

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