Animal toilet

Abstract

To provide an animal toilet which can suppress granular materials from being caught.SOLUTION: An animal toilet has a rib having a first length and a rib having a second length. At a first prescribed position in a vertical direction between the uppermost part and the lowest part of the rib having the first length, a dimension in a width direction of the rib having the first length is the maximum dimension, and the uppermost part of the rib having the first length and an end part in the width direction of the rib having the first length on the first prescribed position are coupled by a curved surface. At a second prescribed position in a vertical direction between the uppermost part and the lowest part of the rib having the second length, a dimension in a width direction of the rib having the second length is the maximum dimension, and the uppermost part of the rib having the second length and an end part in the width direction of the rib having the second length on the second prescribed position are coupled by a curved surface. The rib having the second length is shorter than the rib having the first length in a vertical-directional length. The rib having the second length is formed in a shape in which a lower side is shorter than a position of the maximum dimension in the vertical direction, and a cross sectional shape is similar to a circular form, in comparison with the rib having the first length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet for animals.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a toilet for animals, those used by animals such as cats raised indoors are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a toilet for animals including a liquid passage portion (urine passage portion) having a plurality of openings (slits) through which urine excreted by an animal passes, and an absorber installation portion where an absorber that absorbs the urine passing through the liquid passage portion is disposed. Further, when using such a toilet for animals, granular materials (cat litter) such as stone sand are placed on the liquid passage portion. Therefore, the openings of the liquid passage portion are formed to have a size that allows urine to pass through but does not allow the granular materials to pass through.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the granular materials (for example, stone sand) may be chipped, and there is a risk that the chipped granular materials may be caught (jammed) in the openings. When the granular materials are caught in the openings, they cannot be easily removed, resulting in problems such as hygiene issues and the need for the trouble of preparing dedicated tools.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a toilet for animals that can make it difficult for granular materials to be caught.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is having an up-down direction, A liquid passage portion provided with a plurality of openings for allowing urine to pass downward, An absorber installation portion where an absorber for absorbing urine that has passed through the liquid passage portion is installed, Comprising, an animal toilet on which a plurality of granular materials are placed on the liquid passage portion, The opening has a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, The maximum width of the opening in the width direction is 2.5 mm or less, The liquid passage portion has a plurality of first ribs arranged along the longitudinal direction and in the width direction. The plurality of first ribs include ribs having a first length in the vertical direction and ribs having a second length different from the first length. At a first predetermined position in the vertical direction between the uppermost part and the lowermost part of the ribs of the first length, the dimension of the ribs of the first length in the width direction is the maximum dimension. The uppermost part of the ribs of the first length and the end portion of the ribs of the first length in the width direction at the first predetermined position are connected by a curved surface. At a second predetermined position in the vertical direction between the uppermost part and the lowermost part of the ribs of the second length, the dimension of the ribs of the second length in the width direction is the maximum dimension. The uppermost part of the ribs of the second length and the end portion of the ribs of the second length in the width direction at the second predetermined position are connected by a curved surface. The ribs of the second length are shorter in the vertical direction than the ribs of the first length. The ribs of the second length are shorter in length below the position of the maximum dimension in the vertical direction compared to the ribs of the first length and have a shape close to a circular cross-section. It is an animal toilet characterized by this.

[0007] Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description in this specification and the attached drawings.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an animal toilet that can make it difficult to pinch the granular material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

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Figure 12B

Figure 12C

Figure 12D

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] From the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings, at least the following matters become clear.

[0011] A liquid passage part having an up-and-down direction and provided with a plurality of openings for passing urine downward, and an absorber installation part where an absorber for absorbing the urine that has passed through the liquid passage part is installed, and a plurality of granular materials are placed on the liquid passage part. A toilet for animals, wherein the opening has a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the maximum width of the opening in the width direction is 2.5 mm or less. A toilet for animals characterized by this.

[0012] According to such a toilet for animals, by setting the width of the opening of the liquid passage part to 2.5 mm or less, the number of granular materials (sand) pinched by the opening becomes less than half of the conventional (2.7 mm) (refer to the clogging test described later). Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for granular materials to be pinched by the opening.

[0013] Such a toilet for animals, it is desirable that the maximum width of the opening is 2.3 mm or less.

[0014] According to such a toilet for animals, it is possible to make it more difficult for granular materials to be pinched.

[0015] Such a toilet for animals, it is desirable that the liquid permeability in a state where the plurality of granular materials are placed on the liquid passage part is 90% or more.

[0016] According to such a toilet for animals, it is possible to reduce the urine staying in the liquid passage part, and it is difficult for a bad smell to occur.

[0017] Such a toilet for animals, it is desirable that the maximum width of the opening is 1.7 mm or more.

[0018] According to such a toilet for animals, it is possible to make it difficult for granular materials to be pinched while maintaining the liquid permeability.

[0019] Such a toilet for animals, wherein the liquid passage portion has a plurality of first ribs arranged along the longitudinal direction and side by side in the width direction, the opening is formed between the first ribs adjacent to each other in the width direction, and it is desirable that the maximum width of the opening is larger than the maximum dimension of the first rib in the width direction.

[0020] According to such a toilet for animals, it is possible to make it difficult for particulate matter to be pinched.

[0021] Such a toilet for animals, wherein the liquid passage portion has a plurality of first ribs arranged along the longitudinal direction and side by side in the width direction, and it is desirable that the maximum dimension of the first rib in the width direction is 2.2 mm or less.

[0022] According to such a toilet for animals, when particulate matter is pinched in the opening, the particulate matter can be removed by getting over the first rib.

[0023] Such a toilet for animals, wherein at a predetermined position in the vertical direction between the uppermost part and the lowermost part of the first rib, the dimension of the first rib in the width direction is the maximum dimension, and it is desirable that the uppermost part of the first rib and the end portion of the first rib in the width direction at the predetermined position are connected by a curved surface.

[0024] According to such a toilet for animals, when particulate matter is pinched in the opening, the particulate matter can be moved along the curved surface of the first rib. Therefore, it becomes easier to remove the particulate matter.

[0025] Such a toilet for animals, wherein in the vertical direction, it is desirable that the difference between the position of the uppermost part of the first rib and the predetermined position is 1.1 mm or less.

[0026] According to such a toilet for animals, when particulate matter is pinched in the opening, it is easy to remove.

[0027] Such a toilet for animals is preferably such that the center distance in the width direction between the first ribs adjacent in the width direction is 4.7 mm or less.

[0028] According to such a toilet for animals, when the granular matter is pinched at the opening, the granular matter can be removed by getting over the first rib.

[0029] Such a toilet for animals is preferably such that the plurality of first ribs include those having a first length in the vertical direction and those having a second length different from the first length.

[0030] According to such a toilet for animals, since the first ribs include those with different lengths (heights), even when the granular matter is pinched at the opening, it is possible to easily remove the pinched granular matter.

[0031] Such a toilet for animals is such that the liquid passage portion has a plurality of second ribs arranged along the width direction and in the longitudinal direction, the opening is surrounded by the first rib and the second rib on the outer periphery, and it is preferable that a curved portion that curves upward is provided at at least one lower end of the first rib and the second rib.

[0032] According to such a toilet for animals, urine easily flows downward along the curved portion, so the urine flow is improved.

[0033] ===Embodiment=== The toilet for animals according to this embodiment is for use by animals such as cats kept indoors, for example. The "animals" in this specification include not only so-called pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and hamsters, but also cubs of tigers and lions, etc.

[0034] ≪Overall configuration≫ FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the animal toilet 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of the animal toilet 1. Further, in the following description, as shown in FIG. 1, the “front-rear direction”, the “left-right direction”, and the “up-down direction”, which are three directions perpendicular (intersecting) to each other, are defined. The front-rear direction is the direction along the longitudinal direction of the animal toilet 1. The side where the tray 20 is pulled out from the lower container 30 is defined as “front”, and the opposite side is defined as “rear”. The left-right direction is the direction along the width direction of the animal toilet 1. When the animal toilet 1 is viewed from the front, the right side is defined as “right”, and the opposite side (left side) is defined as “left”. The up-down direction is the direction along the vertical direction. The upper side in the vertical direction is defined as “up”, and the lower side in the vertical direction is defined as “down”.

[0035] The animal toilet 1 includes an upper container 10, a lower container 30, a tray 20 housed in the lower container 30, and a cover 40. The upper container 10, the tray 20, the lower container 30, and the cover 40 are each formed of a polyolefin-based thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the materials forming each member are not limited to this. For example, other resins, metal plates such as stainless steel plates and aluminum plates may also be used.

[0036] The upper container 10, the tray 20, the lower container 30, and the cover 40 can be disassembled and assembled with each other as shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, the lower container 30 is assembled by being stacked below the upper container 10. The lower container 30 detachably houses a tray 20 in which an absorber 20a for absorbing excreted urine and the like can be installed. And a cover 40 is assembled above the upper container 10. Since each member can be disassembled from each other in this way, operations such as cleaning are facilitated.

[0037] <Configuration of the upper container 10> FIG. 3A is a top view of the upper container 10. FIG. 3B is a right side view of the upper container 10. FIG. 3C is a front view of the upper container 10. The upper container 10 is a substantially box-shaped member with an open top, and an animal such as a cat excretes on the upper surface side of the upper container 10. The upper container 10 of the present embodiment has a bottom 12, an outer peripheral portion 13, a side portion 14, and a folded-back portion 15.

[0038] The bottom 12 is a portion that constitutes the bottom surface of the upper container 10 and is located at the lowest position in the vertical direction of the upper container 10. A urine passage portion 100 (corresponding to a liquid passage portion) for allowing urine and the like excreted by an animal to pass from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical direction is provided in the bottom 12. The urine passage portion 100 has a plurality of holes 12a (corresponding to openings) that penetrate in the vertical direction to allow urine to pass downward, and the excreted urine passes through the holes 12a and moves from the upper side to the lower side of the upper container 10.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3A, the urine passage portion 100 has a plurality of horizontal ribs 110 (corresponding to the second ribs) arranged along the left-right direction and in the front-rear direction. Further, the urine passage portion 100 has a plurality of vertical ribs 120 (corresponding to the first ribs) arranged along the front-rear direction and in the left-right direction. And the urine passage portion 100 is formed in a lattice shape by the plurality of horizontal ribs 110 and the plurality of vertical ribs 120, and the holes 12a are formed with their outer peripheries surrounded by the horizontal ribs 110 and the vertical ribs 120. Specific configuration examples of the urine passage portion 100 (horizontal ribs 110, vertical ribs 120, holes 12a) will be described later.

[0040] The outer peripheral portion 13 is continuously provided from the bottom 12, and in the present embodiment, it is continuously provided so as to incline upward from the periphery of the urine passage portion 100. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, plate members 16 along the vertical ribs 120 are provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the plurality of vertical ribs 120 (urine passage portion 100) on the back side of the outer peripheral portion 13. As shown in FIG. 3C, the pair of plate members 16 protrude downward and have, for example, a function as legs when the upper container 10 is placed on the floor.

[0041] The side portion 14 is a surface that stands upright upward from the periphery of the outer peripheral portion 13, and has a greater inclination than the outer peripheral portion 13.

[0042] The folding-back portion 15 is a portion formed by folding back the upper end of the side portion 14 downward. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3B, notches 150 are respectively formed at positions facing each other in the left-right direction of the folding-back portion 15. The notches 150 are provided so that the owner or the like can hook a finger when assembling the upper container 10 to the lower container 30 or removing the upper container 10 from the lower container 30. In FIGS. 2 and 3B, only one of the two notches 150 is shown.

[0043] <Configuration of Tray 20> FIG. 4 is a plan view of the tray 20. The tray 20 is a shallow-bottomed flat box-shaped container in which an absorber 20a for absorbing urine that has passed through the urine passage portion 100 of the upper container 10 is installed. The tray 20 has a bottom portion 21, a side portion 22, an absorber installation portion 23, and a handle portion 24.

[0044] The bottom portion 21 is a portion that forms the bottom surface of the tray 20, and as shown in FIG. 4, the planar shape is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0045] The side portion 22 is a wall-like portion formed at the end of the bottom portion 21 so as to surround the outer periphery of the tray 20.

[0046] The absorber installation part 23 is an area on the bottom part 21 where the absorber 20a that absorbs urine or the like is installed, and is formed surrounded by the side parts 22. In FIG. 4, a state where the absorber 20a (hatched part in the figure) is installed in the absorber installation part 23 is shown. The absorber 20a is a liquid-absorbent sheet member that absorbs urine excreted by animals such as cats, and is formed of a liquid-absorbent material such as pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers. Further, deodorizing microcapsules or antibacterial agents may be included in the absorber 20a to contain the odor of the absorbed urine and prevent the growth of various bacteria. In FIG. 4, the absorber 20a is represented as a rectangular sheet member, but there is no limitation on the shape of the absorber 20a as long as it can be held in the absorber installation part 23.

[0047] The handle part 24 is a part formed at both front and rear ends of the tray 20 in the front-rear direction. When accommodating the tray 20 in the lower container 30 or pulling out the tray 20 from the lower container 30, the tray 20 can be slid in the front-rear direction by gripping and operating the handle part 24. Note that the tray 20 of the present embodiment has a symmetric shape in the front-rear direction and can be accommodated in the lower container 30 with the front-rear direction reversed. A hanging hole 240 for hooking the hand is formed in the handle part 24 when inserting and removing (attaching and detaching) the tray 20 with respect to the accommodation space 36 of the lower container 30.

[0048] <Configuration of the lower container 30> FIG. 5A is a top view of the lower container 30. FIG. 5B is a right side view of the lower container 30. FIG. 5C is a front view of the lower container 30.

[0049] The lower container 30 is a substantially box-shaped member with an open upper part, and is assembled by being stacked below the upper container 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 when the animal toilet 1 is in use. And the lower container 30 supports the upper container 10 from below.

[0050] The lower container 30 has a bottom part 31, side wall parts 32, a front wall part 33, a rear wall part 34, a folded-back part 35, and an accommodation space 36.

[0051] The bottom 31 is a part that constitutes the bottom surface of the lower container 30. As shown in FIG. 5A, the bottom 31 of the present embodiment is provided with a bottom opening 31a that penetrates in the vertical direction.

[0052] The side wall portion 32 is a part that constitutes the left and right side surfaces of the lower container 30, and is a wall-like part erected upward from both ends in the left-right direction of the bottom 31.

[0053] The front wall portion 33 is a part that constitutes the front side surface of the lower container 30, and is a wall-like part erected from the front end of the bottom 31. The front wall portion 33 is provided with a detachable opening 33a for inserting and removing (detaching) the tray 20 into and out of the accommodation space 36. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5C, the front wall portion 33 is formed with a recess 33b so that the hand (finger) does not hit the front wall portion 33 when grasping the tray 20 by hand.

[0054] The rear wall portion 34 is a part that constitutes the rear side surface of the lower container 30, and is a wall-like part erected from the rear end of the bottom 31.

[0055] The folded-back portion 35 is a part where the upper ends of the side wall portion 32, the front wall portion 33, and the rear wall portion 34 are folded downward. At positions facing each other in the left-right direction of the folded-back portion 35, fitting pieces 352 provided with convex portions 352a project downward. In FIGS. 2 and 5B, only one of the two fitting pieces 352 is shown. Further, at the upper end of the folded-back portion 35, two protrusions 351 protruding upward are respectively provided at positions facing each other in the left-right direction. The protrusions 351 are interposed in the space formed by the folded-back portion 15 of the upper container 10 when the upper container 10 is assembled to the lower container 30. Thereby, the movement of the upper container 10 in the left-right direction with respect to the lower container 30 is restricted.

[0056] The accommodation space 36 is a space for accommodating the tray 20 inside the lower container 30. In FIGS. 2 and 5B, the accommodation space 36 is indicated by a broken line.

[0057] <Configuration of Cover 40> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 40 has a cover opening 41, side wall portions 42, a front wall portion 43, a rear wall portion 44, and a protruding portion 45.

[0058] The cover opening 41 is a part that serves as an entrance and exit for animals to the animal toilet 1. Animals can enter and exit the animal toilet 1 through this cover opening 41.

[0059] The side wall portions 42 are wall-like parts provided on both sides in the left - right direction of the cover opening 41 respectively.

[0060] The front wall portion 43 is a wall-like part provided on the front side of the cover opening 41, and the rear wall portion 44 is a wall-like part provided on the rear side of the cover opening 41. By providing such wall parts (side wall portions 42, front wall portion 43, rear wall portion 44), it is possible to suppress the spilling or scattering of particulate matter S (see FIG. 6) and excrement outside the animal toilet 1 (upper container 10). Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the height of the side wall portion 42 is formed to be lower toward the front side. Thereby, while suppressing the scattering of particulate matter S and excrement on the rear side, on the front side, a wide field of view of the animal is ensured so that it is easy to check the situation outside from inside the toilet. By ensuring a sufficient field of view even during excretion, the animal can be made to use the animal toilet 1 with confidence.

[0061] The protruding portion 45 is a part that protrudes downward from the lower ends of the side wall portions 42, the front wall portion 43, and the rear wall portion 44. In the present embodiment, the side wall portions 42, the front wall portion 43, the rear wall portion 44, and the protruding portion 45 are integrally formed. Also, the cover 40 does not have a bottom surface and penetrates in the vertical direction.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, the overhanging portion 45 is formed by the fitting pieces 450 each having a through hole 450a formed therein projecting downward at positions facing each other in the left-right direction. In FIG. 2, only one of the two fitting pieces 450 is shown. The through hole 450a is for fitting the convex portion 352a of the lower container 3 when the cover 40 is assembled to the lower container 30 to which the upper container 10 is assembled. In the present embodiment, the through hole 450a is formed in the shape of a cat's face.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the front-rear direction of the animal toilet 1. In FIG. 6, the cover 40 is not shown.

[0064] When the animal toilet 1 is in use, as shown in FIG. 6, granular materials S such as cat litter are placed on the urine passage portion 100, and animals such as cats excrete on the granular materials S. The granular materials S have the effects of absorbing ammonia components to deodorize and removing moisture by coming into contact with urine and the like excreted by the animal. Further, since the granular materials S are installed in the urine passage portion 100, it becomes easier for the animal to recognize that the portion (urine passage portion 100) is the place where excretion should be performed. In the present embodiment, sand made of zeolite is placed as the granular materials S. Details of the granular materials S (sand) will be described later.

[0065] When an animal such as a cat excretes, it enters the animal toilet 1 from the cover opening 41 and excretes urine and the like on the portion of the urine passage portion 100 where the granular materials S are placed on the upper surface of the upper container 10. The excreted urine passes through the plurality of holes 12a of the urine passage portion 100 while contacting the granular materials S and falls downward. Then, it is absorbed by the absorber 20a disposed below the urine passage portion 100 and stored in the tray 20.

[0066] <Configuration example of the urine passage portion 100> As described above, the urine passage portion 100 has a plurality of horizontal ribs 110 and a plurality of vertical ribs 120. The horizontal ribs 110 are provided along the left-right direction and connect between the plurality of vertical ribs 120 arranged in the left-right direction. Further, the vertical ribs 120 are provided along the front-rear direction and connect between the plurality of horizontal ribs 110 arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0067] FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of a part of the urine passage portion 100, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 7A. In FIG. 7B, for convenience, a cross-section is shown in a case where a curved portion is not provided at the lower end of the vertical rib 120.

[0068] In the following description, among two adjacent horizontal ribs 110, the horizontal rib 110 located in the front is referred to as "front-side horizontal rib 110a", and the horizontal rib 110 located in the rear is referred to as "rear-side horizontal rib 110b". Also, among two adjacent vertical ribs 120, the vertical rib 120 located on the left is referred to as "left-side vertical rib 120a", and the vertical rib 120 located on the right is referred to as "right-side vertical rib 120b". Further, in the present embodiment, the horizontal rib 110 and the vertical rib 120 are integrally formed, but this is not necessarily required, and the horizontal rib 110 and the vertical rib 120 may be separately formed and then joined together.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7A, in the present embodiment, the distance L between two adjacent horizontal ribs 110 (front-side horizontal rib 110a and rear-side horizontal rib 110b) is longer than the distance (opening width W of the hole 12a) between two adjacent vertical ribs 120 (L>W). Therefore, the hole 12a surrounded by the horizontal ribs 110a, 110b and the vertical ribs 120a, 120b has an elongated slit shape in the front-rear direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the front-rear direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the hole 12a, and the left-right direction corresponds to the width direction of the hole 12a.

[0070] Also, as shown in FIG. 7A, front-side curved surfaces 113a, 113b and rear-side curved surfaces 114a, 114b that curve toward the vertical rib 120 are provided at portions of the horizontal rib 110 that connect to the vertical rib 120.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, since the front curved surface 113a that curves toward the left vertical rib 120a and the front curved surface 113b that curves toward the right vertical rib 120b are continuously formed, an arc surface is formed from the left vertical rib 120a to the right vertical rib 120b on the front side of the horizontal rib 110. Similarly, on the rear side of the horizontal rib 110, an arc surface is formed by the rear curved surface 114a that curves toward the left vertical rib 120a and the rear curved surface 114b that curves toward the right vertical rib 120b.

[0072] Therefore, the hole 12a surrounded by the front horizontal rib 110a, the rear horizontal rib 110b, the left vertical rib 120a, and the right vertical rib 120b has a rounded shape by the front curved surfaces 113a, 113b and the rear curved surfaces 114a, 114b. Thus, compared with the case where the horizontal rib 110 and the vertical rib 120 are connected at a right angle (when the hole 12a is rectangular), the connection portion between the horizontal rib 110 and the vertical rib 120 becomes a smooth curved surface, so that dirt such as urine is less likely to accumulate at the connection portion. Specifically, when the hole 12a is rectangular (when the horizontal rib 110 and the vertical rib 120 are connected at a right angle), if urine remains at the end (one side) of the hole 12a, it is likely to accumulate at two points of the corner. On the other hand, when the end is arc-shaped as in this embodiment, urine is likely to accumulate at one point. Therefore, compared with the rectangular case, the amount of urine that accumulates is reduced, making it more hygienic.

[0073] The aforementioned opening width W is the width of the non-rounded part of the hole 12 (the part with the maximum length in the left-right direction), and corresponds to the maximum width of the hole 12a in the left-right direction (width direction).

[0074] Note that the front curved surfaces 113a, 113b and the rear curved surfaces 114a, 114b may not be provided (the hole 12a may be formed in a rectangular shape).

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7B, the horizontal rib 110 is provided with a lower inclined surface 112a that slopes obliquely upward from the vertical rib 120 on the lower side of the portion connected to the vertical rib 120. This makes it difficult for dirt such as urine to accumulate at the boundary between the horizontal rib 110 and the vertical rib 120, and also makes it easier to apply a brush or the like for cleaning.

[0076] Further, at the lower end of the horizontal rib 110, a curved portion 112 that curves in an arc shape upward is provided across between two adjacent vertical ribs 120, and a part of the curved portion 112 serves as the lower inclined surface 112a. By providing the curved portion 112, urine or the like that has flowed down from above along the horizontal rib 110 does not accumulate at the lower part of the horizontal rib 110, but easily flows downward along the curved portion 112 and easily flows down to the lower container 30 side (the urine breaks well).

[0077] In FIG. 7B, the lowermost part 110L of the horizontal rib 110 corresponds to the boundary with the vertical rib 120 in the lower inclined surface 112a. In the present embodiment, the vertical position of the lowermost part 110L is the same as the vertical position of the lowermost part 120L of the vertical rib 120. Here, the lowermost part 120L of the vertical rib 120 is the most protruding part of the vertical rib 120 toward the lower side.

[0078] As described above, FIG. 7B shows a cross-section when no curved portion is provided at the lower end of the vertical rib 120. However, a curved portion that curves upward may also be provided across between two adjacent horizontal ribs 110 at the lower end of the vertical rib 120. Even in this case, urine or the like easily flows downward along the curved portion of the vertical rib 120 and easily flows down to the lower container 30 side. Thus, by providing a curved portion on at least one of the horizontal rib 110 and the vertical rib 120, the break of urine can be improved compared to the case where no curved portion is provided.

[0079] The vertical rib 120 has a maximum dimension Da in the width direction (left - right direction) at a predetermined position in the vertical direction (for example, the lower surface of the bottom portion 12) between the uppermost portion 120H and the lowermost portion 120L. In the following description, the position (vertical position) of the portion of the vertical rib 120 where the maximum dimension Da is reached is also referred to as position T.

[0080] Also, between the uppermost portion 120H of the vertical rib 120 and both end portions in the width direction at position T, an upper - side curved surface 121 (corresponding to a curved surface) is connected. The upper - side curved surface 121 is a curved surface that curves upward. In this embodiment, the upper - side of the vertical rib 120 above position T has a semi - circular shape. As a result, urine or the like is less likely to accumulate on the upper portion of the vertical rib 120 and is more likely to flow downward. Also, as will be described later, when the granular material S is pinched by the hole 12a, it becomes easier to remove the granular material S.

[0081] Also, as shown in FIG. 7B, the vertical rib 120 is provided with a lower - side curved surface 122 that curves downward below position T, and the lower - side curved surface 122 is continuous with the lower - side inclined surface 112a of the horizontal rib 110. Therefore, in this embodiment, the curved portion 112 of the horizontal rib 110 and the lower - side curved surface 122 of the vertical rib 120 are smoothly continuous.

[0082] Since the lower - side curved surface 122 is also provided below the vertical rib 120, urine or the like flowing down from above along the vertical rib 120 is less likely to accumulate at the lower portion of the vertical rib 120 and is more likely to flow directly to the lower container 30 side. And because the lower - side curved surface 122 of the vertical rib 120 and the curved portion 112 of the horizontal rib 110 are smoothly continuous, it is possible to prevent dirt such as urine from accumulating at the boundary portion between the horizontal rib 110 and the vertical rib 120.

[0083] Also, below the position T of the vertical rib 120, the dimension D becomes smaller toward the lower end. As a result, urine or the like flowing down from above along the vertical rib 120 and urine or the like coming along the curved portion 112 of the horizontal rib 110 gather at the lowermost portion 120L to form large droplets, which are likely to fall downward due to their own weight, improving the breakage of urine. Note that it is not always necessary for the dimension D to become smaller toward the lower end of the vertical rib 120. Also, the curved surface (upper curved surface 121) above the position T does not necessarily have to exist. For example, the cross-section of the vertical rib 120 may be rectangular.

[0084] ≪Regarding the relationship between the granular material S and the urine passage portion 100≫ FIG. 8A is a schematic perspective view of the granular material S. FIG. 8B is a schematic side view of the chipped granular material S. The granular material S of the present embodiment is gravel formed of zeolite and is formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 8A. In the state of FIG. 8A (the non-chipped state), the particle size d of the granular material S is 5.5 mm and the particle length l is 10.0 mm.

[0085] However, such granular material S (gravel) may be chipped, for example, during the distribution of the product or when it is scratched or stepped on by an animal (such as a cat). FIG. 8B shows a part in the case of chipping at the broken line portion of FIG. 8A. In FIG. 8B, the maximum length in the particle length direction of the granular material S is defined as the length m (m < l), and the minimum length is defined as the length n (n < m).

[0086] As described above, the hole 12a of the urine passage portion 100 is formed to have a size that does not allow the granular material S to pass through. Specifically, the opening width W of the hole 12a is provided at 2.7 mm, and the granular material S in Fig. 8A (particle size d: 5.5 mm, particle length l: 10.0 mm) is not pinched by the hole 12a. However, when the granular material S is chipped as shown in Fig. 8B, there is a risk that the chipped granular material S will be pinched by the hole 12a (between the vertical ribs 120 adjacent in the width direction). In addition, if the granular material S is pinched by the hole 12a, it cannot be easily removed, and there are problems such as hygiene problems and the trouble of preparing a dedicated tool. Therefore, even when the granular material S is chipped, the conditions of the hole 12a of the liquid passage portion 100 were examined so that the chipped granular material S is less likely to be pinched. Here, as the granular material S, one with a length m smaller than the particle size d (specifically, less than 5.5 mm) was selected (that is, d > m > n).

[0087] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shape of the granular material S and the number of clogging times. Here, the same test as the clogging test described later was performed several times, and for the clogged granular material S (granules), the number of clogging times and the values of the length m and length n of the granules were evaluated. The test was performed with the opening width W of the hole 12a being 2.5 mm.

[0088] In Fig. 9, the granules with a clogging number of 5 times are particularly likely to clog. For these particularly clog-prone granules (granules with a clogging number of 5 times), the average value of the length n was 1.98 mm, and the average value of the length m was 3.06 mm. Also, the average value of m + n was 5.04 mm, and the average value of m - n was 1.08 mm.

[0089] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state where the granular material S is pinched by the hole 12a (between the vertical ribs 120). As shown in the figure, if the length n of the granular material S is smaller than the opening width W of the hole 12a (the interval between adjacent vertical ribs 120), the granular material S may enter the hole 12. However, as shown in Fig. 10, if the opening width W is smaller than (m + n) / 2, the amount entering the hole 12a is small, and it can be said that it is difficult to be pinched.

[0090] As described above, since the average value of m + n of the particles that are particularly likely to clog is 5.04 mm, it is desirable that the opening width W be less than 5.04 / 2 = 2.52 (mm). Also, in the particle clogging test described later, it was confirmed that by setting the opening width W to 2.5 mm or less, clogging can be reduced compared to the conventional case (2.7 mm).

[0091] However, if the opening width W is made too small, the liquid permeability (the liquid permeability in a state where a plurality of particulate matter S is placed on the urine passage portion 100) will decrease, and there is a risk that urine will stay in the urine passage portion 100. For this reason, it is desirable that the opening width W be in a range where a liquid passage rate of 90% or more can be maintained. Specifically, it is desirable that the opening width W be 1.7 mm or more (refer to the liquid permeability test described later). Thereby, the urine staying in the urine passage portion 100 can be reduced, and it is less likely to generate a bad smell. The method for calculating the liquid permeability and the like will be described later.

[0092] In addition, within the range satisfying the above dimensions, it is desirable that the opening width W be larger than the maximum dimension Da of the vertical rib 120. For example, when the maximum dimension Da of the vertical rib 120 is 2.2 mm, it is desirable that 2.2 < W ≤ 2.5. Even in this case, since the opening width W is 2.5 mm or less, it is possible to make it difficult to pinch the particulate matter S. However, this is not restrictive, and the opening width W may be less than or equal to the maximum dimension Da of the vertical rib 120. For example, when the maximum dimension Da of the vertical rib 120 is 2.2 mm, 2.2 ≥ W ≥ 1.7 may be acceptable.

[0093] Also, in the present embodiment, the uppermost part 120H of the vertical rib 120 and the end portion in the width direction (left - right direction) at the position T are connected by the upper curved surface 121. Thereby, when the particulate matter S is pinched in the hole 12a, the particulate matter S can be moved along the upper curved surface 121 of the vertical rib 120. Therefore, it becomes easier to remove the particulate matter S.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a view showing the state where the particulate matter S that is particularly likely to clog is clogged deepest. Among the particles that are particularly likely to clog (particles with 5 clogging occurrences), the particle that clogs deepest into the hole 12a is the particle with the smallest difference (m - n) between the length m and the length n (in Fig. 9, the particle with the length n of 2.12 mm and the length m of 2.62 mm). Fig. 11 shows the state in which the particle (particulate matter S) is clogged in the hole 12a.

[0095] The particle (particulate matter S) shown in Fig. 11 has entered deep between the vertical ribs 120. In this state, the vertical length of the particulate matter S protruding above the position T of the vertical rib 120 was approximately one-fifth (1.1 mm) of the particle size d (5.5 mm) of the particulate matter S. If the length X (the difference between the uppermost part 120H and the position T) of the vertical rib 120 is greater than 1.1 mm, it cannot be removed when pinched as shown in the figure. Therefore, it is desirable that the length X of the vertical rib 120 be 1.1 mm or less.

[0096] Also, it is desirable that half (Da / 2) of the maximum dimension Da of the vertical rib 120 be 1.1 mm or less (in other words, it is desirable that the maximum dimension Da be 2.2 mm or less). If Da / 2 is greater than 1.1 mm, when the particulate matter S is pinched as in Fig. 11, the particulate matter S cannot be removed by getting over the vertical rib 120. By setting Da / 2 to 1.1 mm or less (the maximum dimension Da to 2.2 mm or less), it becomes possible to remove the particulate matter S by getting over the vertical rib 120.

[0097] In addition, the center-to-center distance P (distance between the uppermost parts 120H) in the width direction (left-right direction) between adjacent vertical ribs 120 is W + (2 × Da / 2), so it is preferably 2.5 + 2.2 = 4.7 (mm) or less. This enables the removal of the granular material S by getting over the vertical rib 120. Also, when W + Da is 4.7 (mm) or less, the number of vertical ribs 120 per unit area increases, so the bottom 12 is less likely to bend and clogging does not occur, making it difficult for the granular material S to be pinched. Note that the center-to-center distance in the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) between adjacent horizontal ribs 110 is preferably 5 to 50 mm. If it is 50 mm or more, there is a risk that the bottom 12 (urine passage part 100) will bend when the animal's load is applied, and there is a risk that the granular material S will be easily pinched when returning from the bent state to the original state.

[0098] In addition, the ratio P / X of the center-to-center distance P (here W + Da) to the length X of the vertical rib 120 (here Da / 2) is preferably 4.3 or less (more preferably 4.1 or less). In this case, since the height from the uppermost part 120H to position H is low, even if the granular material S enters the hole 12a, it is easier to come out. Therefore, the granular material S is less likely to be pinched, urine does not accumulate, urine permeation is not hindered, and malodor is less likely to occur.

[0099] Also, the ratio W / X of the opening width W to the length X of the vertical rib 120 is preferably 2.3 or less (more preferably 2.1 or less). Thereby, since the granular material S is less likely to be pinched, urine does not accumulate, urine permeation is not hindered, and malodor is less likely to occur.

[0100] In addition, the ratio W / Da of the opening width W to the maximum dimension Da of the vertical rib 120 is preferably 1.2 or less (more preferably 1.1 or less). In this case, since the interval between the vertical ribs 120 is narrow, clogging of the granular material S can be suppressed. Since the granular material S does not clog, urine does not accumulate, urine permeation is not hindered, and malodor is less likely to occur.

[0101] ≪Evaluation test of opening width W≫ Using the test snowshoe, tests (clogging test and permeability test) were conducted to evaluate the suitable range of the opening width W.

[0102] <Clogging test> (Components used) · Test snowshoe: same pattern as urine passage part 100 (manufactured by 3D printer) Aperture width W (mm): 2.7, 2.5, 2.45, 2.4, 2.35, 2.3, 2.0, 1.9, 1.8 · Cylindrical member: inner diameter 100 mm, height 30 mm · Granular material: zeolite test sand (fine grains with grain length of 5 mm or less)

[0103] (Testing device) Sieve shaker Model: AS - 200 manufactured by Retsch Vibration speed: 3600 revolutions / min (60 Hz) Vibration amplitude: 1.80 mm Vibration time: 1 min

[0104] (Testing method) Figures 12A to 12D are schematic explanatory diagrams of the testing method for the clogging test.

[0105] First, as shown in Figure 12A, place (fix) the cylindrical member 52 on the test snowshoe 50, and put the granular material S (here, sand with a grain length of 5 mm or less) into the cylindrical member 52.

[0106] Next, as shown in Figure 12B, place the test snowshoe 50 prepared in Figure 12A, etc. on the sieve shaker 60, cover it with a lid (not shown), and vibrate it at 60 Hz for 1 minute (1 min).

[0107] After the vibration is completed, take out the test snowshoe 50 from the sieve shaker 60 and tilt it by about 90 degrees as shown in Figure 12C.

[0108] Then, as shown in Figure 12D, count the number of granular materials S (sand) clogged in the test snowshoe 50.

[0109] The above tests were each conducted 10 times for one test sieve 50 (aperture width W), and the number of clogged grains (average value) was compared.

[0110] (Test results) Figure 13 is a diagram showing the test results of the grain clogging test. The average of the aperture width W of 2.7 mm (conventional width) is 7.0 grains, while the average of the aperture width W of 2.5 mm is 2.3 grains, which is less than half. That is, it was confirmed that by setting the aperture width W to 2.5 mm, the granular material S can be made less likely to clog (less likely to be pinched) compared to the case where the aperture width W is 2.7 mm.

[0111] Furthermore, it was confirmed that when the aperture width W is 2.3 mm or less, the average is 0.1 grain or less, and almost no clogging occurs.

[0112] (Grain clogging test in product state) Using products from two companies (Unicharm Corporation, Iris Ohyama Co., Ltd.) that are commercially available as zeolite sand, the main component used in the system toilet, a grain clogging test was conducted in the product state (a state where the grain length is not selected).

[0113] (Members used) · Test sieve: The same as the grain clogging test Aperture width W (mm): 2.7, 2.5, 2.3 · Cylindrical member: Inner diameter 84 mm, height 30 mm · Granular material: Zeolite sand manufactured by Unicharm Corporation and Iris Ohyama Co., Ltd.

[0114] (Test method) Take out 50 ml of the granular material (zeolite sand) from the package of each company's product, put it into the cylindrical member installed on the test sieve, sieve it by hand 20 times, and after tilting the test sieve vertically (about 90 degrees), count the number of grains clogged in the test sieve. The above tests were each conducted 5 times for one test sieve (aperture width W) for each product (grain), and the average value of the clogged grains was calculated. Furthermore, the value obtained by multiplying the number of clogged grains (average value) by 40 was used as the 2L conversion value, and the evaluation was performed using the 2L conversion value.

[0115] (Test results) The test results are shown in Table 1.

Table 1

[0116] Thus, even in the test using commercially available zeolite stone sand products, it was confirmed that by setting the opening width W to 2.5 mm or less, the granular material (stone sand) can be made less likely to clog (less likely to be pinched). Therefore, it can be said that the opening width W is preferably 2.5 mm or less (more preferably 2.3 mm or less).

[0117] <Liquid permeation test> (Components used) · Test snowshoe: same pattern as the urine passage part 100 (manufactured by 3D printer) Opening width W (mm): 2.7, 2.5, 2.45, 2.4, 2.35, 2.3, 2.0, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5 · Cylindrical member: inner diameter 84 mm, height 30 mm · Granular material: zeolite stone sand · Artificial urine: physiological saline

[0118] (Test method) Figures 14A to 14D are schematic explanatory diagrams of the test method for the liquid permeation test.

[0119] First, as shown in Figure 14A, a cylindrical member 52 is installed on the test snowshoe 50, and the granular material S (stone sand) is filled to the brim in the cylindrical member 52, and it is placed on top of an open receiving container 70.

[0120] Next, as shown in Figure 14B, using a syringe or the like, 20 g of artificial urine is dropped from a height of 20 mm above the cylindrical member 52 over about 10 seconds.

[0121] Leave it standing for 15 seconds after dropping, and then, as shown in FIG. 14C, measure the weight with the weighing scale 80. The weighing scale 80 is set in advance to be zero with only the receiving container 70 placed thereon. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 14C, the weight of the artificial urine that has passed through the test sno-cone 50 is 18.77 g.

[0122] Then, calculate the liquid permeability from the dropping amount (here, 20 g) and the measured weight according to the following formula (1). Liquid permeability (%) = Measured weight / Dropping amount × 100 ···· (1)

[0123] For example, when the measured weight is 18.77 g (FIG. 14C), the liquid permeability is 93.85% according to formula (1). The calculated liquid permeability of 90% or more is considered qualified (OK), and less than 90% is considered unqualified (NG).

[0124] (Test results) FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the test results of the liquid permeability test. The horizontal axis in FIG. 15 is the opening width W (mm), and the vertical axis is the liquid permeability (%). For each opening width W (test sno-cone 50), the liquid permeability test has been performed multiple times, and in FIG. 15, the results are shown in a box-and-whisker plot (maximum value, minimum value, quartiles).

[0125] From FIG. 15, the liquid permeability of 90% or more is maintained until the opening width W reaches 1.7 mm. However, when the opening width W is 1.6 mm or less, it cannot maintain 90% or more (liquid permeability NG). Therefore, it is desirable that the opening width W is 1.7 mm or more.

[0126] From the above results (the results of the clogging test and the liquid permeability test), it is desirable that the opening width W of the hole 12a is 1.7 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less (more preferably 2.3 mm or less). Thereby, while maintaining the liquid permeability at 90% or more, it is possible to make it difficult to pinch the granular material S.

[0127] ===Other embodiments=== As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, the above embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Also, the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and it goes without saying that the equivalents of the present invention are included therein. For example, the following modifications are possible.

[0128] In the foregoing embodiment, all the vertical ribs 120 (left vertical rib 120a and right vertical rib 120b) were formed in the same shape, but this is not limiting. For example, those (ribs) having different lengths in the vertical direction may be mixed.

[0129] FIGS. 16A and 16B are explanatory views of a modified example of the vertical rib 120. In this modified example, the vertical ribs 120 and the vertical ribs 120' are alternately arranged. In FIG. 16A, the uppermost positions of the vertical ribs 120 and the vertical ribs 120' are aligned, and in FIG. 16B, the lowermost positions of the vertical ribs 120 and the vertical ribs 120' are aligned.

[0130] The vertical rib 120 has the same shape as in the foregoing embodiment, and the length (height) in the vertical direction is h1.

[0131] The vertical rib 120' has a length in the vertical direction of h2 (<h1), and is shorter than the vertical rib 120 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the vertical rib 120' has a shorter length below the portion of the maximum dimension Da than the vertical rib 120, and is formed in a shape close to a circular cross-section.

[0132] By arranging the vertical ribs 120 having different lengths in the vertical direction in this way, even when the granular material S is sandwiched, the sandwiched granular material S can be easily removed. In this example, the shapes (shapes having different lengths in the vertical direction) of the vertical ribs 120 were two types, but this is not limiting, and three or more types may be used.

[0133] In the above-described embodiment, the hole 12a of the urine passage portion 100 was formed in a substantially rectangular shape (slit shape) that is long in the front-rear direction, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be an elliptical shape. In the case of an ellipse, the major axis direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction, and the minor axis direction corresponds to the width direction. Also in this case, the maximum width in the minor axis direction (width direction) may be set to 2.5 mm or less (preferably 2.3 mm or less). Thereby, it is possible to make it difficult to pinch the granular material S.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, zeolite sand was used as the granular material S, but it is not limited to this. For example, bentonite sand may be used. Also, silica gel, plant-derived sand, paper sand, etc. may be used. For example, as silica gel, "Deo Toilet Deodorizing Sand" (manufactured by Unicharm Corporation), as plant-derived sand, "Nyan Tomo Clean Toilet Deodorizing and Antibacterial Chip" (manufactured by Kao Corporation) or "Deo Toilet Deodorizing and Antibacterial Chip" (manufactured by Unicharm Corporation), and as paper sand, "Deo Toilet Non-Splashing Green Tea Ingredient-Containing Deodorizing Sand" (manufactured by Unicharm Corporation) can be mentioned. As a result of conducting a clogging test on these with a snowflake having an opening width of 2.5 mm, none of them clogged.

[0135] Also, the configuration and shape of the animal toilet are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the animal toilet 1 in the above-described embodiment includes four members: the upper container 10, the tray 20, the lower container 30, and the cover 40, but it does not necessarily have to be composed of these four members. For example, the following forms may also be possible.

[0136] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the animal toilet 1', and FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the animal toilet 1'. As shown in the figure, the animal toilet 1' includes an upper container 10' and a lower container 30'.

[0137] The upper container 10' is a container with an open top, and includes a bottom portion 12', an outer peripheral portion 13', and a side portion 14'.

[0138] The bottom 12' is the part that constitutes the bottom surface of the upper container 10'. A urine passage part 100' is provided on the bottom 12'. Further, a plurality of holes 12a' for allowing urine to pass downward are formed in the urine passage part 100'. The configuration of the urine passage part 100' is the same as that of the urine passage part 100 of the above-mentioned animal toilet 1. However, in this example, the orientation of the holes 12a' (vertical ribs, horizontal ribs) is different from that of the above-described embodiment, and the holes 12a' have an elongated shape in the left-right direction. That is, in this example, the left-right direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the holes 12a', and the front-rear direction corresponds to the width direction of the holes 12'.

[0139] The outer peripheral part 13' is a part that surrounds the outside of the bottom 12', and has an upward slope (inclined surface) from the bottom 12' toward the outside.

[0140] The side part 14' is a wall surface that stands up from the peripheral edge of the outer peripheral part 13' and constitutes the outer wall of the upper container 10'. The side part 14' has an upper wall part 14A and an extending wall part 14B.

[0141] The lower end of the upper wall part 14A is continuous with the upper end of the outer peripheral part 13'. And the upper wall part 14A extends to the upper end part of the upper container 10' and is warped outward at the upper end part.

[0142] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the extending wall part 14B is a part that extends downward from the upper wall part 14A on the outer surface side of the upper wall part 14A. Further, the extending wall part 14B is located outside the lower container 30'. At the four corners of the upper container 10', the extending wall part 14B extends downward and constitutes a leg part 14C. Also, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the extending wall part 14B has a notch part 14D that is cut out so as to draw an arc upward between the leg parts 14C and the leg parts 14C.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 18, the lower container 30' is a container with an open upper part, and includes a bottom 31', a side wall part 32', and a handle part 37.

[0144] The bottom 31' is a part that receives urine passing through the plurality of holes 12a' in the liquid passage portion 100' of the upper container 10'. An absorber 20a is disposed above the bottom 31'. That is, the bottom 31' in this example corresponds to the absorber installation portion.

[0145] The side wall portion 32' is a wall-like part that stands up from the periphery of the bottom 31'.

[0146] The handle portion 37 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall portion 32'. The handle portions 37 are provided one by one (two in total) on the short sides of the lower container 30' in the lateral direction. The handle portions 37 are provided so as to protrude outside the lower container 30'.

[0147] Although not shown in the figure, granular material S is placed on the urine passage portion 100' of the upper container 10' in the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment. Also in this animal toilet 1', by forming the urine passage portion 100' (holes 12a', etc.) in the same manner as in the foregoing embodiment, it is possible to make it difficult for the granular material S to be pinched.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0148] 1, 1' Animal toilet 10, 10' Upper container, 12, 12' Bottom 12a, 12a' Hole (opening) 13, 13' Outer peripheral portion, 14, 14' Side portion 14A Upper wall portion, 14B Extended wall portion, 14C Leg portion 14D Notch portion, 15 Folded-back portion 20 Tray, 20a Absorber, 21 Bottom, 22 Side 23 Absorber installation portion, 24 Handle portion 30, 30' Lower container, 31 Bottom, 31' Bottom (absorber installation portion) 31a Bottom opening 32, 32' Side wall portion, 33 Front wall portion 33b Recess, 34 Rear wall portion 35 Folded-back portion 36 Accommodation space, 37 Handle portion 40 Cover, 41 Cover opening, 42 Side wall part, 43 Front wall part, 44 Rear wall part, 45 Protruding part, 50 Test sieve, 52 Cylindrical member, 60 Shaking sieve machine, 70 Receiving container 80 Weighing scale 100 Urine passage part (liquid passage part), 110 Horizontal rib (second rib), 110a Front side horizontal rib, 110b Rear side horizontal rib, 112 Curved part, 112a Lower inclined surface, 113a, 113b Front side curved surface, 114a, 114b Rear side curved surface, 120 Vertical rib (first rib), 120a Left side vertical rib, 120b Right side vertical rib, 120H Topmost part, 120L Lowermost part, 121 Upper side curved surface (curved surface), 122 Lower side curved surface, 240 Hanging hole, 351 Protrusion, 352 Fitting piece, 352a Convex part, S Granular matter W Opening width (maximum width) D Dimension, Da Maximum dimension

Claims

1. It has a vertical direction, a liquid passage portion provided with a plurality of openings through which urine passes downward; an absorbent installation section in which an absorbent that absorbs urine that has passed through the liquid passing section is installed; A plurality of granular objects are placed on the liquid passage portion, The opening has a longitudinal direction and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, The maximum width of the opening in the width direction is 2.5 mm or less, The liquid passing portion has a plurality of first ribs arranged along the longitudinal direction and in the width direction, The plurality of first ribs include a rib having a first length in the vertical direction and a rib having a second length different from the first length, At a first predetermined position in the vertical direction between a top and a bottom of the rib of the first length, the dimension in the width direction of the rib of the first length is a maximum dimension, the uppermost portion of the rib of the first length and the end portion of the rib of the first length in the width direction at the first predetermined position are connected by a curved surface, At a second predetermined position in the vertical direction between the uppermost portion and the lowermost portion of the rib of the second length, the dimension in the width direction of the rib of the second length is a maximum dimension, the uppermost portion of the rib of the second length and the end portion of the rib of the second length in the width direction at the second predetermined position are connected by a curved surface, The rib of the second length has a length in the up-down direction shorter than that of the rib of the first length, The rib of the second length has a length below the position of the maximum dimension in the vertical direction that is shorter than the rib of the first length, and has a cross section that is nearly circular. The animal litter box is characterized by the following:

2. The animal litter box according to claim 1, The maximum width of the opening is 2.3 mm or less. The animal litter box is characterized by the following:

3. The animal litter box according to claim 1 or 2, The liquid permeability in a state where the plurality of granular objects are placed on the liquid passage portion is 90% or more. The animal litter box is characterized by the following:

4. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The maximum width of the opening is 1.7 mm or more. The animal litter box is characterized by the following:

5. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The opening is formed between the first ribs adjacent to each other in the width direction, The maximum width of the opening is greater than the maximum dimension of the first rib in the width direction. The animal litter box is characterized by the following:

6. The animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The maximum dimension of the first rib in the width direction is 2.2 mm or less. The animal litter box is characterized by the following:

7. An animal litter box as claimed in claim 6, In the vertical direction, the difference between the top position of the first rib and the predetermined position is 1.1 mm or less. The animal litter box is characterized by the following:

8. An animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The center distance between adjacent first ribs in the width direction is 4.7 mm or less. The animal litter box is characterized by the following:

9. An animal litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The liquid passing portion has a plurality of second ribs aligned along the width direction and in the longitudinal direction, The opening is surrounded by the first rib and the second rib. At least one of the first rib and the second rib has a lower end provided with a curved portion curved upward. The animal litter box is characterized by the following:

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