PET TOILET WITH INTEGRATED CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

PET LATE BOX INTEGRATING A CLEANING DEVICE The present invention relates to a pet litter box for domestic animals, such as cats or rodents, comprising a cylinder where the litter is placed, a means of separating the excrement from the litter and a remote and enclosed device for collecting the excrement. The animal toilet box incorporates a cleaning device comprising the rotating cylinder on a chassis (101), the rotation being generated by a rotation means (114a, 114b) actuated by a control means (113) of said rotation means (114a, 114b), said enclosure comprising a means for collecting excrement coupled to a hatch (104) having a locking and unlocking means (156) interdependent with a control means for unlocking said hatch (104) and a means (138) for guiding the hatch (104) coupled to the excrement collection means towards an excrement receiving reservoir (106).Figure for the abridged version: figure 9.

Description

Title of the invention: PET TOILET INCLUDING A CLEANING DEVICE Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a litter box for domestic animals, such as cats or rodents, comprising a rotating cylinder in which the litter is placed, a means of separating the excrement from the litter and a remote and enclosed device for collecting the excrement. Technological background

[0002] Traditionally, pet owners, and particularly cat owners, provide their animals with litter boxes for their needs. These boxes have many drawbacks: the odor, the litter being scattered outside the box when the animal scratches, and above all, the need to empty and clean them very regularly.

[0003] To remedy this, closed devices leaving only an opening for the passage of the animal, and incorporating a means of automated collection of excrement, have been invented.

[0004] WO2012154175 describes a toilet consisting of a cylindrical enclosure A rotating chamber in which the bedding is placed, with an opening allowing the animal to enter and exit. A rectangular sifting drawer is integrated into the inner wall of the cylinder. As the cylinder rotates 360°, the drawer passes through the bedding; the waste is retained in the sifting drawer while the filtered bedding remains inside the chamber. The drawer is then removed from the cylinder for emptying. However, the drawer's presence within the cylinder significantly reduces the space available for the animal. Furthermore, the fact that the drawer is not enclosed poses hygiene problems, particularly regarding odors.

[0005] EP0297015, which describes the same type of rotating enclosure equipped with a harrow used to Filtering the excrement presents a similar disadvantage since the receptacle intended to collect the excrement is inside the cylinder.

[0006] FR2693872 differs from previous documents in that it provides for a tray of External collection of manure occurs around the cylinder. As the cylinder rotates, a harrow passes through the bedding and collects the excrement. Once it reaches a certain height, a lid, connected to the harrow, tilts by gravity, pulling the harrow down with it. Finally, the excrement empties into the collection drawer. However, this reservoir is Being open, it again presents hygiene and odor problems. And even with a lid, excrement could not be emptied into it without manual intervention.

[0007] The proposed solutions therefore only shift the hygiene problem without really solving it, since the proposed devices imply that the excrement always remains in contact with the outside air and / or require frequent handling.

[0008] The present invention overcomes all the weaknesses of prior art devices by providing an external, enclosed, and removable excrement collection tank and a means for collecting and extracting the excrement interdependent with said tank. Description of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a toilet box that remedies all the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] The invention thus relates to an animal toilet incorporating a cleaning device comprising a cylindrical enclosure intended to receive the bedding, perforated with an access means for the animal, rotating on a chassis, the rotation being generated by a rotation means actuated by a control means of said rotation means, said enclosure comprising a means for collecting excrement coupled to a hatch having a locking and unlocking means interdependent with a control means for unlocking said hatch and a means for guiding the hatch coupled to the excrement collection means towards an excrement receiving reservoir.

[0011] Advantageously, the tank includes a lid hinged on one of its lengths and is provided with an opening guide on the other length, said guide being located on the axis of rotation of the locking and unlocking means of the hatch and being pushed by the latter when they come into contact in order to lift and open the tank lid.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the chassis is provided with a locking control means for the locking and unlocking means of the hatch, said locking and unlocking means also being provided with a complementary locking means.

[0013] Preferably, the means for collecting excrement includes means for passing the litter supplemented by a means for modulating the width of said means for passing the litter.

[0014] According to one variant, the toilet box includes a means of collection and transport.

[0015] Advantageously and according to the invention, the means for rotating comprise at least one cylindrical support with an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder configured to support the cylinder and such that a rotation of at least one cylindrical support causes a rotation of the cylinder.

[0016] Advantageously and according to the invention, the control means of the rotation means are removable and the toilet box is configured to allow manual change of the control means of the rotation means between two rotations of the cylindrical enclosure. List of figures

[0017] In this description, reference is made to the attached drawings on which: - Fig. 1 schematically represents, in front view, a chassis and cylinder assembly of a toilet box according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically represents in rear view a chassis and cylinder assembly of a toilet box according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.3] schematically represents in front view a chassis of a toilet box according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.4] schematically represents in rear view a chassis of a toilet box according to a first embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.5] schematically represents a harrow of a toilet box according to a first embodiment of the invention; - Figure [Fig. 6] schematically represents, in front view, a toilet compartment according to a first embodiment of the invention with a lid, - Figure 7 schematically represents, in perspective, a toilet compartment according to a second embodiment of the invention. - Figure 8 schematically represents, in perspective, a toilet compartment according to a second embodiment of the invention. - Figure [Fig. 9] schematically represents, in exploded perspective, a toilet compartment according to a second embodiment of the invention, - [Fig. 10] schematically represents a transparent front view of a toilet box according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0019] In the figures, the scales and proportions are not strictly respected for the purposes of illustration and clarity.

[0020] In addition, identical, similar or analogous elements are designated by the same references in all figures.

[0021] Figures 1 to 6 schematically represent different views of a chamber pot according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0022] According to this first embodiment of the invention, the toilet according to the invention consists of associating on a chassis 1, on the one hand a cylindrical enclosure, called rotating cylinder 2, intended to collect bedding and animal excrement and to sort them by means of a system associating a harrow 3, forming a means of collecting the excrement, and a trapdoor 4 and on the other hand a reservoir 6 receiving the excrement, external and adjoining the cylinder 2, equipped with a lid 5 whose opening and closing are interdependent with the rotation of said cylinder 2.

[0023] The chassis 1 is rectangular in shape and consists of a base 39, a front wall 7, a rear wall 8 and two side walls which can be defined, when facing the device, as a right side wall 9 and a left side wall 45.

[0024] The front wall 7 has a first semi-circular cutout 10 designed to support a front face 46 of the cylinder into which it will be fitted. This first cutout 10 itself has two semi-circular notches into which two rollers 11 will be fixed, allowing the cylinder to rotate. Near the first cutout 10, which receives the front face 46 of the cylinder, there is a hole 12 serving as a means for the passage and attachment of a crank 13, which forms a control means for the rotation mechanism. This crank 13 will be fitted onto the front face 46 of the cylinder, which has an opening 21, forming an access means for the animal, the edges of which are curved to form a pulley 22. When the cylinder is fitted, the pulley 22 protrudes from the frame.A roller 14 on the crank, which forms a means of rotation and is covered in rubber, then fits into the pulley 22 and acts as a friction wheel: the friction between the roller 14 of the crank and the cylinder 2 causes the latter to rotate. In one variant, the roller 14 of the crank is replaced by a toothed wheel, and the inside of the pulley 22 is also equipped with teeth. The teeth of the crank 13 engage with the teeth of the pulley, thus causing the cylinder 2 to rotate.

[0025] The front wall 7 of the chassis also has an opening serving as a means 15 for the passage of the tank. Just above, a first circular notch 16a serves as a means for the passage and fixing of the hinge 19 of the tank cover 5.

[0026] According to other embodiments of the invention, the opening serving as a means of passage may be provided on another wall of the chassis, in particular the rear wall or the right side wall.

[0027] The rear wall 8 of the chassis also has a second semi-circular cutout 17, smaller than that of the front wall 7 but located on its axis: this second cutout 17 is intended to support and rotate the cylinder about an axis 18 of rotation and is located at the rear 41 of the cylinder. At the other end of the rear wall 8 there is a second circular notch 16b serving as a means 19 for the passage and fixing of the hinge of the cover of the tank 5, placed in the axis of the first notch 16a.

[0028] The cylinder 2 of the device according to the invention is composed of two half-cylinders 2a and 2b. They are connected to each other by hinges 20a and 26 in the form of tubes whose length corresponds to the width of the cylinder. On the rear 41 of the cylinder is the axis 18 of rotation, which is positioned on the second semi-circular cutout 17 of the rear face of the frame in this first embodiment. On the front of the cylinder 46 is a circular opening 21 through which the domestic animal enters to relieve itself in the litter box, then exits. The edges of this opening are curved to create a pulley 22 which allows, on the one hand, the cylinder to be fixed to the front wall 7 of the frame and, on the other hand, the roller 14 of the crank to be fitted into it in order to allow the cylinder to rotate. When in motion, the cylinder 2 is configured for 360° rotations.Cylinder 2 is preferably equipped with a handle 23 which allows it to be easily removed from the chassis when it is necessary to empty and clean it completely.

[0029] The cylinder 2 is equipped with a hatch 4 associated with a harrow 3 designed to extract animal excrement while retaining the unsoiled bedding. When the cylinder 2 is in its resting position, the hatch 4 is located on its top. The hatch 4 is rectangular, slightly curved to conform to the shape of the cylinder 2 and fit into it. Perpendicular walls 24 are present on each of the widths of the hatch 4 to ensure an airtight seal. The hatch is connected to a hinge on each of its lengths. The first hinge 20a connects the hatch 4 to the cylinder 2. The hatch 4 is attached to the hinge by means of retaining rings 25, which allow it to rotate and open. A return spring 40 is attached to this hinge 20a. It serves to close the hatch after it has been opened.The second hinge 26 is also held to the hatch 4 by means of fixing rings 25. This hinge protrudes slightly on either side of the cylinder. It is also equipped with small hooks 27 which provide an additional locking mechanism. These hooks 27 are elbow-shaped and allow the hatch 4, and consequently the cylinder 2, to close, ensuring it remains closed for almost the entire rotation, even when the lid is under the bedding and bearing its full weight. To ensure this closure, holes 28 are provided on the cylinder wall opposite the hooks 27. When the lid is closed, the hooks 27 will engage in the holes 28. When the cylinder begins its counterclockwise rotation, the second hinge 26, with the hooks, will descend and encounter, at the top of the front inner part of the frame 7, a first [element / point]. A beveled part 29, with its highest point facing downwards on the front wall of the chassis, engages with the second hinge 26. When it encounters this first beveled part 29, the second hinge 26 is progressively pushed towards the rear wall of the chassis 8, pulling the hooks 27 with it. These hooks then lock against the inner wall of the cylinder, locking the cover. The cylinder continues its rotation approximately 200°. The rear portion of the second hinge 26, which has been pushed and protrudes slightly from the cylinder, then encounters a second beveled part 30, located halfway up the rear inner wall of the chassis 8, with its highest point facing upwards. This second beveled part 30 pushes the second hinge 26 towards the front wall of the chassis 7, pulling the hooks 27 with it. These hooks are released from the inner wall of the cylinder and unlock.The lid will then be unlocked. This unlocking movement also causes the harrow 3 to shake and dislodge the excess filtered litter. The second hinge thus forms a locking and unlocking mechanism, interdependent with the second beveled piece 30, which acts as a control mechanism for unlocking the hatch 4. The first beveled piece 29 acts as a locking control mechanism for the second hinge. The small hooks 27 provide an additional locking mechanism.

[0030] In other embodiments, alternative locking and unlocking solutions for the hatch 4 are possible. In particular, the second hinge 26 can be replaced by a different system, for example, a locking means arranged on the hatch and rotatable between a first position in which the hatch is locked and a second position in which the hatch is unlocked. Locking and unlocking is achieved by interaction with guide means fixed to the chassis, in particular a first guide means fixed to the left side wall 45 allowing the hatch to be locked and a guide means fixed to the right side wall 9 of the chassis, for example, to a wall (not shown) separating the cylinder 2 from the tank 6.

[0031] Furthermore, in an embodiment similar to that presented with reference to Figures 1 to 6, the locking and unlocking means may have similar functions with means of different shapes, in particular the second hinge may be replaced by a flat piece having similar hooks for interaction with, for example, holes in the cylinder as described above, or, for example, hook pieces fixed to the cylinder.

[0032] The harrow 3 is fixed under the hatch 4, and when the hatch is closed, the harrow is inside the cylinder. The harrow 3 is welded to the hatch, and in its movement, the harrow is fixed to the hatch. In its form, the harrow 3 descends perpendicularly. to trap 4 and then position itself parallel to it to form a jaw-like shape designed to collect excrement. Along its entire length, it has openings 31 which allow the unsoiled litter to flow out. The openings 31 thus form a means of litter passage.

[0033] To accommodate the size of animal droppings, the harrow is covered with a grid 32 that conforms to the jaw shape formed by the hatch 4 and the harrow 3 and fits into it, without being fixed, so as to remain mobile. This grid 32 has openings 33 similar to those of the harrow. This grid has, on its upper face, a rod 34 that protrudes from the hatch 4 through an opening 35 provided for this purpose. This opening is slightly wider than the rod 34 so that the latter can be manipulated by pushing it towards the front wall of the frame 7 or towards the rear wall of the frame 8. By doing so, the grid moves above the harrow and more or less covers the openings of the latter, thus modulating their size.The grid can be positioned to completely cover the openings 31 of the harrow 3; the latter will then be closed and able to collect all the litter during cleaning operations. The grid 32 thus provides a means of modulating the width of the openings.

[0034] When the gate 4 is closed and the cylinder 2 begins to rotate, the harrow is inside the cylinder. As it descends, it will pass through the litter, which it will filter. The droppings, which are larger than the openings 31 of the harrow, will be retained between the gate 4 and the harrow 3, and the unsoiled litter will be filtered and flow through the openings 31 of the harrow back to the bottom of the cylinder where it will be reused. After this filtering phase, the rotation of the cylinder will continue and the gate and the harrow will rise, carrying the droppings with them.

[0035] The waste container 6 is located inside the frame 1, along its right-hand side wall 9, and is adjacent to the cylinder 2. It is rectangular in shape, inserted into and removed from the frame via an opening 15 provided for this purpose, and is equipped with a handle 36 on its front for easier handling. The container is covered by a movable lid 5 which ensures better hygiene and prevents any odor spread. Along its length adjacent to the right-hand side wall 9 of the frame, the lid is attached to a hinge 19, which is fixed to the frame by means of two fixing notches 16a and 16b located on the front wall 7 and the rear wall 8 of the frame. On the other length of the container lid, located at the front, there is a small rectangular protrusion 37, forming an opening guide.

[0036] When the cylinder 2 rises after filtering the litter and just after the hatch 4 has been unlocked, the part of the hinge 26 for closing the hatch that is located towards the front wall of the frame 7 and that protrudes slightly from the cylinder 2, will The cylinder will come up against this protrusion 37. This protrusion, held in place by the hinge, will be driven upwards by the rotation of the cylinder, pulling the entire lid 5 of the reservoir with it, causing it to open. Simultaneously, the rear end of the lid's closing hinge 26 will encounter a cam 38 fixed to the rear wall of the cylinder 8, positioned obliquely on this wall. The hinge 26 will be held in place by the cam 38, under which it will slide, causing the hatch to open completely. Constrained by the shape of the cam 38 under which it is forced to slide, the hatch will eventually tilt, pulling the harrow 3 with it. By gravity, the manure will fall into the reservoir 6, whose lid 5 is now open.When the hatch has traveled the entire length of the cam 38, it will be released and fold down onto the cylinder, driven by the return spring 40 which is attached to the hinge 20a connecting the hatch 4 to the cylinder 2. When the hatch 4 folds down onto the cylinder 2, it will release the cover 5 of the reservoir 6, which will fall back onto the reservoir and close it. The cylinder 2 will then complete its rotation and stop when the hatch 4 has returned to its initial position on top of the cylinder. The cam 38 thus acts as a guide for the hatch coupled to the harrow.

[0037] It is possible to add to the device according to the invention a cover 42 covering the whole of the device forming a covering means, comprising a first notch on its front face fitting into the pulley 22 of the cylinder and a second notch on its rear face fitting into the axis of rotation 18, means 43 for fixing to the chassis and a handle 44 at its top for moving the whole of the device, the handle 44 thus forming a means of transport.

[0038] Figures 7 to 10 schematically represent different views of a chamber pot according to a second embodiment of the invention. The general operation of the chamber pot is the same as in the first embodiment, and elements identical or similar to those in the first embodiment of the invention will not be described again.

[0039] In this second embodiment of the invention, the toilet box comprises the cylinder 102 arranged in the chassis 101 and covered by the lid 142. The cylinder 102 is advantageously made from two assembled half-cylinders 102a and 102b, visible in [Fig.9].

[0040] The chassis 101 has a different shape from the first embodiment but performs the same functions. This shape has a different aesthetic but also fulfills certain technical functions. In particular, the left side wall 145 has a semi-cylindrical shape substantially conforming to the cylinder 102, and has internal support rails 150a and 150b on which the cylinder 102 rests and which accompany its rotation by sliding the cylinder on the rails. A portion 151a of rail visible in [Fig. 10] allows the retaining of the cylinder 102 in place in the frame 101. When the frame 101 and the cover 142 are each designed by molding, the rail arranged in the inner surface of the frame 101 each form a groove 150a', 150b' on the outer surface of the frame 101 which can be extended around the entire perimeter of the frame 101 and the cover 142, in particular on the left side wall 145, the right side wall 109, the upper wall of the cover and the lower wall of the frame, as shown here.

[0041] The cylinder 102 is also partially held by rotational means consisting of a cylindrical support 152 and two toothed wheels 114a and 114b replacing the roller of the first embodiment. The cylindrical support 152 extends from the front wall 107 to the rear wall of the toilet box and is fixed to said walls.

[0042] The cylindrical support thus forms a retaining and guiding roller and allows both support and rotation of the cylinder. The cylindrical support has an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder 102.

[0043] In this embodiment, the cylinder is held by the cylindrical support and the notch as described in the first embodiment is not necessary, but may nevertheless be present to form an additional support, in particular a support close to the axis of rotation of the cylinder, or for an aesthetic aspect.

[0044] The cylindrical support 152 is configured to be rotated by a crank 113, preferably removable, allowing the rotation of the toothed wheels 114a and 114b interacting with toothed portions 154 arranged on the cylinder 102. Alternatively, the cylinder comprises a single toothed portion, for example arranged in the middle of the cylinder and interacting with a single toothed wheel of the cylindrical support.

[0045] Alternatively, the crank 113 can be replaced by an electric motor, arranged at the base of at least one of the cylindrical supports or around said cylindrical support. The electric motor can, in particular, be a conventional electric motor or a programmable electric motor associated with an electronic control, for example, an integrated electronic control that is programmable in situ, or one that is programmable remotely, for example, via a smartphone, personal computer, tablet, or equivalent. The electric motor can, in particular, be an on / off type motor or be programmable over a range of rotational speeds as required.

[0046] According to another embodiment not shown, the cylinder is held alternately by at least two cylindrical supports, each extending from the front wall to the rear wall of the chassis, under the cylinder, and comprising means for fixing to the front and rear walls. The cylindrical supports thus form retaining and guiding rollers and allow both support and rotation of the cylinder. Each cylindrical support has an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder. Preferably, each cylindrical support has at least one toothed portion arranged to interact with a toothed portion located on the periphery of the cylinder, such that a rotation of the cylindrical supports causes a rotation of the cylinder, and / or conversely, a rotation of the cylinder causes a rotation of the cylindrical supports. A crank as described above can advantageously be fixed to the base of one of the cylindrical supports to allow its rotation, thereby causing a rotation of the cylinder for the same effect as the embodiment described.

[0047] The rotation of the cylinder 102 drives, in the same way as in the first embodiment, an opening and closing mechanism of the hatch 104 comprising the grid 103, so as to discharge any excrement into the reservoir 106. The hatch 104 opens and closes by pivoting around the hinge 120a. The tank cover 105 and the hatch 104 are opened when the hatch 104 passes over the tank, thanks to a rod 156 of the hatch 104 which is guided in a cam 138. When the tank 106 is full, it can be removed via an opening 158 in the front wall 107 of the frame 101. The rod 156 and the cam 138 form guiding means for the hatch coupled to the harrow.

[0048] Non-substantial modifications which would obviously result, for a person skilled in the art, from the use or manufacture for which the patent is sought here, without altering the original provisions, would be merely technical equivalents and also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. An animal litter box incorporating a cleaning device, characterized in that it comprises a cylindrical enclosure (2, 102) for receiving bedding, perforated by an access means (21) for the animal, rotating on a frame (1, 101), the rotation being generated by a rotation means (14, 114a, 114b) actuated by a control means (13, 113) for said rotation means (14, 114a, 114b), said enclosure (2, 102) comprising a waste collection means (3, 103) coupled to a hatch (4, 104) having a locking and unlocking means (26) interdependent with a control means (30) for unlocking said hatch (4, 104) and a hatch guiding means (38, 138) (4, 104) coupled to the means (3, 103) for collecting excrement to a reservoir (6, 106) for receiving excrement, said means for guiding the hatch comprising a cam (38, 138) guiding an opening of the hatch a tilting of the hatch (4,104) towards the manure collection reservoir (6, 106) during rotation of the enclosure on the chassis, and said hatch (4, 104) comprising a return spring (40) fixed on a hinge (20a, 120a) connecting the hatch (4, 104) to the cylindrical enclosure (2, 102) and configured to fold down the hatch when the hatch (4, 104) has traveled along the entire length of the cam (38, 138).

2. Toilet box according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank (6, 106) comprises a lid (5, 105) hinged on a hinge (19) on one of its lengths and having an opening guide (37) on the other length, said guide being located on the axis of rotation of the locking and unlocking means (26) of the hatch (4, 104) and being pushed by the latter when they come into contact in order to lift and open the lid (5, 105) of the tank (6, 106).

3. Toilet box according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the chassis (1, 101) is provided with a locking control means (29) for the locking and unlocking means (26) of the hatch (4, 104), said locking and unlocking means (26) being further provided with a complementary locking means (27).

4. A chamber pot according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the means (3, 103) for collecting excrement comprises means (31) for passing the litter supplemented by a means (32) for modulating the width of said means for passing the litter.

5. A toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a means (42, 142) of recovery and a means (44) of transport.

6. Toilet box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the means for rotating comprise at least one cylindrical support (152) with axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical enclosure configured to support the enclosure (102) and such that a rotation of at least one cylindrical support causes a rotation of the enclosure (102).

7. Toilet box according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the means (13, 113) for controlling the means (14, 114) for rotating comprise a hand crank, preferably removable.

8. Toilet box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control means (13, 113) of the rotation means (14, 114) comprise an electric motor.

9. Toilet box according to claim 8, characterized in that the electric motor is a programmable electric motor.

10. Toilet box according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the control means (13, 113) of the rotation means (14, 114) are removable and in that the toilet box is configured to allow manual change of the control means of the rotation means between two rotations of the cylindrical enclosure (102).

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