Toilet pan for pets

Abstract

To provide a toilet pan for pet capable of eliminating cost for a urine absorption sheet, solving labor and time for replacement of the urine absorption sheet, and maintaining cleanliness of the pet toilet and a periphery thereof.SOLUTION: There is provided a toilet pan 50 for pet on which a toilet 80 for pet is mounted. The toilet pan for pet has a prescribed thickness and comprises: a top end face 53; and a water discharge groove 55 which becomes hollow downward from the top end face 53. A part of the toilet 80 for pet is engaged with a part of the water discharge groove 55, a water discharge hole 56 is provided on a bottom face 55a of the water discharge groove 55, and the bottom face 55a has a down grade toward the water discharge hole 56.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when providing a dedicated toilet for pets (pet toilet) represented by cats in buildings such as condominiums and detached houses, the pet toilet is generally installed in corners such as the entrance, corridor, living room, human toilet, and dressing room. For example, in Patent Document 1, a pet toilet corner is formed by partitioning a corner in a human toilet with a partition plate, a pet toilet is placed on the pet toilet corner, and a pet passage is provided on the boundary wall at the entrance of the human toilet separately from the door for entering and leaving the human toilet. A house with a pet toilet has been proposed.

[0003] By the way, in the above-mentioned pet toilet, a plastic container containing a granular material called so-called cat litter is generally used. The plastic container has an open upper surface, and a scoop for containing cat litter is attached inside thereof. And a tray that can be removed from the container is disposed below the scoop in the container, and a urine absorption sheet for absorbing the urine of the pet that has passed through the scoop is laid inside the tray. The pet owner keeps the pet toilet clean by removing the feces of the pet left on the cat litter with a scoop or the like and replacing the urine absorption sheet regularly. In addition, since the cat litter is also soiled with urine and feces, and a part of the cat litter is also collected when removing the feces, clean cat litter is replenished regularly.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the pet toilet described in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to periodically replace the urine absorption sheet, there is a problem of the cost (running cost) required for the urine absorption sheet, and there is also a problem that it takes time to replace the urine absorption sheet.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a pet toilet pan that can eliminate the cost required for the urine absorption sheet, eliminate the trouble of replacing the urine absorption sheet, and maintain the cleanliness of the pet toilet and its surroundings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, one aspect of the pet toilet pan according to the present invention is a pet toilet pan on which a pet toilet is placed, having a predetermined thickness, having a top end surface and a drain groove recessed downward from the top end surface, a lower end of the pet toilet is locked to a part of the drain groove, a drain port is provided on the bottom surface of the drain groove, and the bottom surface has a downward gradient toward the drain port.

[0008] According to this aspect, by applying a pet toilet pan on which a pet toilet is placed, it is not necessary to periodically replace the urine absorption sheet as in the conventional pet toilet, so the cost (running cost) required for the urine absorption sheet can be reduced, and the trouble of replacing the urine absorption sheet can be eliminated.

[0009] Another aspect of the pet toilet pan according to the present invention is characterized in that a pet passage is provided around the drain groove on the top end surface.

[0010] According to this aspect, since the pet toilet pan has a pet passage, pets such as cats can smoothly access the pet toilet through the pet passage.

[0011] Also, another aspect of the pet toilet pan according to the present invention is the drainage groove has a stepped portion, and a part of the pet toilet is fitted and locked into the stepped portion.

[0012] According to this aspect, since the drainage groove has a stepped portion at its edge or the like, and a part (for example, the lower part) of the pet toilet is fitted and locked into the stepped portion, the effect of preventing the pet toilet from shifting is enhanced.

[0013] Also, another aspect of the pet toilet pan according to the present invention is the planar shape of the drainage groove is substantially rectangular or elliptical, one water tap constituting the cleaning device is provided at an eccentric position in the planar shape of the drainage groove, and the cleaning water discharged from the water tap is drained to the drain opening while generating a swirling flow on the bottom surface of the drainage groove.

[0014] According to this aspect, since the tip of one water tap constituting the cleaning device is disposed at an eccentric position in the planar shape of the drainage groove, the cleaning water discharged from the water tap is drained to the drain opening while generating a swirling flow on the bottom surface of the drainage groove, and it becomes possible to effectively drain the urine of the pet to the drain opening.

[0015] Also, in another aspect of the pet toilet pan according to the present invention, the predetermined thickness is in the range of 40 mm to 70 mm.

[0016] According to this aspect, since the thickness of the pet toilet pan is in the range of 40 mm to 70 mm, it is possible to form a pet toilet that is easy to use even for elderly pets with weakened motor abilities and pets with disabled legs.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] As can be understood from the above description, according to the pet toilet pan of the present invention, the cost required for the urine absorption sheet can be eliminated, and while eliminating the trouble of replacing the urine absorption sheet, the cleanliness of the pet toilet and its surroundings can be maintained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, after showing an accommodation structure of a pet toilet and a plurality of examples of accommodation units, an example of a pet toilet pan according to an embodiment will be described. In the present specification and drawings, substantially the same components may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0020] [The First Example of the Accommodation Structure of a Pet Toilet and the Accommodation Unit] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the first example of the accommodation structure of a pet toilet and the accommodation unit will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the first example of the accommodation structure of a pet toilet and the accommodation unit, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the first example of the accommodation structure of a pet toilet and the accommodation unit, showing a state in which a pet toilet is installed in a pet toilet pan. Further, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of a sleeve wall.

[0021] The accommodation structure 100 of the illustrated pet toilet is a structure formed around the washbasin 10 in the dressing room D, and examples of pets for which the pet toilet is used include cats and indoor dogs. The accommodation structure 100 of the pet toilet includes a washbasin 10 (an example of an upper body), a sleeve wall 20 located below the right side of the washbasin 10, a partition wall 70 partitioning the dressing room D and the corridor P, and a storage space 12 formed by the lower surface of the washbasin 10, the sleeve wall 20, and the partition wall 70.

[0022] In addition, the storage unit 200 of the pet toilet shown in the figure has a washbasin 10 and a sleeve wall 20, and these components are an integrated product that has been commercialized as a single unit. Since the storage unit 200 is an integrated product that constitutes the storage structure 100, the attachability of the storage unit 200 to the building is improved. Note that the storage structure 100 of the pet toilet may be provided not only in the dressing room D shown in the illustrated example but also in a human toilet. For example, a storage space may be formed below a washbasin (handwashing sink) in a human toilet.

[0023] The washbasin 10 has a first internal space 10a, and the sleeve wall 20 has a second internal space 20a. In either one or both of the first internal space 10a and the second internal space 20a, an odor capture body for capturing odors from the pet toilet is accommodated. In the storage structure 100 and the storage unit 200 shown in the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 3, a fan 35 is accommodated in the second internal space 20a as an example of the odor capture body.

[0024] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the first internal space 10a and the second internal space 20a communicate with each other. A slit (opening) (not shown) that leads to the first internal space 10a is provided on the lower surface of the washbasin 10, and an opening 22a is also provided in the side wall 22 of the sleeve wall 20 as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, both openings communicate with the storage space 12, and odors are effectively captured in the first internal space 10a and the second internal space 20a through both openings. Through the first internal space 10a and the second internal space 20a that communicate with each other, the captured odors can be efficiently exhausted by the fan 35.

[0025] In the storage space 12 below the washbasin 10, a pet toilet pan 50 according to an embodiment on which a pet toilet 80 is placed is stored.

[0026] A rod-shaped rack 15 is attached to the rear wall D1 of the washbasin 10, and a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of storage boxes 17 for storing pet grooming supplies and the like are attached to the rack 15.

[0027] The washstand 10 has a sink 11 and a lift-up shower 13. Although not shown, it is preferable that a deep drain basket is provided in the center of the sink 11 so that pet hair and dust generated when trimming a pet at the sink 11 can be captured.

[0028] On the side opposite to the partition wall 70 of the washstand 10, there is a washing machine M placed on the washing machine pan T. Also, on the back wall D1, above the washing machine M, a pair of rod-shaped racks 16 are attached in a set of two, and a pet placing stand 18 is placed on the shelf receivers 16a that move up and down both racks 16. The pet placing stand 18 is formed by two facing materials 18a and hinges 18b provided at both ends, and is foldable via the hinges 18b. For example, after shampooing a pet at the sink 11, the pet placing stand 18 can be placed on the top plate of the sink 11, and the pet can be placed on the pet placing stand 18 and dried with a dryer.

[0029] Regarding the dimensions of the elements forming the storage structure 100 and the storage unit 200, the depth t1 of the washstand 10 can be set to about 600 mm, the width t2 of the washstand 10 can be set to about 980 mm, the height t3 of the washstand 10 can be set to about 950 mm, the width t4 of the sink 11 can be set to about 660 mm, the maximum depth t5 of the sink 11 can be set to about 260 mm, the height t6 of the storage space 12 below the washstand 10 can be set to about 500 mm, and the width t7 of the side wall 20 can be set to about 230 mm.

[0030] When the width t4 of the sink 11 is set to about 660 mm and the maximum depth t5 of the sink 11 is set to about 260 mm, a shower from the side that cats prefer becomes possible, and it can be used for multiple purposes such as cleaning pet supplies. Also, when the height t3 of the washstand 10 is set to about 950 mm, good workability can be enjoyed by the owner who shampoos a pet using the sink 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the washstand 10 may be provided with a pull-out storage (cabinet) below the sink 11 at its front, and a storage space 12 may be provided below the cabinet. In this form, a detachable front panel may be attached to the front of the cabinet, and a control device to be described in detail below may be stored inside the cabinet, or consumables for the pet toilet and pet grooming goods may be stored.

[0032] Also, a cushion mat (or rubber mat) may be prepared, and the pet may be placed on the cushion mat placed on the bottom of the sink 11 for shampooing and trimming.

[0033] Furthermore, a translucent facing material may be attached to the front of the storage space 12 orthogonal to the sleeve wall 20 and the partition wall 70. With the translucent facing material, while hiding the storage space 12 in which the pet toilet 80 is stored, the owner can feel the presence of the pet using the toilet through the translucent facing material.

[0034] Here, the "translucent facing material" includes a resin facing material and a glass facing material. The resin facing material can be formed from styrene resins, acrylic resins, PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) resins, etc., and the glass facing material can be formed from ground glass, frosted glass, etc. Also, at the front of the storage space, the translucent facing material can be attached in various forms such as a fixed form, a single sliding door form, a double sliding door form, a pocket door recessed form, etc.

[0035] At the lower position of the partition wall 70, a pet access opening 71 is provided that allows the pet to freely enter and exit between the corridor P and the storage space 12 below the washstand 10 in the X1 direction. The pet access opening 71 in the illustrated example is an opening that is always open, and even when the door (not shown) of the dressing room D is closed, the pet can freely access the pet toilet 80 through the pet access opening 71.

[0036] Here, there is a human presence sensor above the pet access opening 71, and a sliding door for opening and closing the pet access opening 71 is provided. The human presence sensor detects that the pet is in front of the pet access opening 71, and the pet access opening 71 is opened by the sliding of the sliding door. This may also be the case.

[0037] Among the sleeve walls 20, a human presence sensor 40 is attached to the side wall 22 facing the storage space 12, and a cleaning device 45 is provided below the human presence sensor 40. The cleaning device 45 includes a single faucet 46 and a water supply duct 47 for supplying water to the faucet 46. Note that the cleaning device may include two faucets. In the illustrated example, the human presence sensor 40 and the cleaning device 45 are integrally configured, and thus form an automatic microbubble faucet with a sensor. Note that an automatic flush valve faucet with a sensor or the like may be applied. Here, the human presence sensor and the cleaning device may be configured separately. The human presence sensor 40 is formed by, for example, an infrared sensor, but may be an imaging sensor such as a CCD camera.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the pet toilet pan 50 stored in the storage space 12 has a main body 51 and a drainage groove 55 recessed downward from the top end surface 53 of the main body 51, and a drain port 56 is provided on the bottom surface 55a of the drainage groove 55. This drain port 56 communicates with a drain duct constructed on the floor of the dressing room D. The tip of a single faucet 46 is placed on the bottom surface 55a of the drainage groove 55.

[0039] With the tip of the faucet 46 placed on the bottom surface 55a of the drainage groove 55, a part (for example, the lower part) of the pet toilet 80 is locked to a part of the drainage groove 55, whereby the pet toilet 80 is installed on the pet toilet pan 50. Note that the more specific configuration of the pet toilet pan 50 according to the embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the sleeve wall 20 has a pair of corresponding side walls 22, 23, a bottom plate 24 connecting the side walls 22, 23, and an opening / closing door 21 attached to one side wall 23 via a hinge 21a so as to be openable and closable in the X2 direction, and includes a second internal space 20a.

[0041] On the side wall 22 on the storage space 12 side, a plurality of openings 22a are provided to communicate the storage space 12 with the second internal space 20a inside the sleeve wall 20. Here, there may be only one opening 22a. Further, although the front view shape of the opening 22a in the illustrated example is circular, openings with various front view shapes such as a rhombus, a square, an elongated slit, etc. may be provided, or openings with a plurality of types of front view shapes may be provided. On the bottom plate 24, a partition plate 25 is erected to partition the second internal space 20a into left and right, and on one side (the left side in FIG. 3) of the partition plate 25, a temporary placement space 26 for temporarily placing the feces storage body S in which the feces of the pet are stored is provided.

[0042] On the other side (the right side in FIG. 3) of the partition plate 25, a control device 60 for controlling the operation of the cleaning device 45 based on the detection information of the pet by the human sensor 40 is placed. As described above, when the washstand has a cabinet, the control device 60 may be accommodated in the cabinet.

[0043] Further, inside the sleeve wall 20, a fan 35 (an example of an odor capture body) is accommodated, and an exhaust duct 36 communicating with the fan 35 leads to the outside through the wall of the building. In the illustrated example, the suction surface of the fan 35 faces downward, sucks the odor that may be generated from the feces storage body S below in the X3 direction, and also sucks the odor that may be generated in the pet toilet 80 in the X4 direction through the opening 22a. Also, as described above, since an opening (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the washstand 10, the odor captured at the opening on the lower surface of the washstand 10 is also sent from the first internal space 10a to the second internal space 20a, so that effective exhaust of the odor by the fan 35 is realized.

[0044] In this way, since the sleeve wall 20 near the pet toilet 80 has the side wall 22 provided with a plurality of openings 22a, the odor that may be generated in the pet toilet 80 can be sucked by the fan 35 in the second internal space 20a of the sleeve wall 20. Further, the odor that may be generated from the feces storage body S temporarily placed in the temporary placement space 26 provided in the sleeve wall 20 can also be sucked by the fan 35. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively capture (deodorize) the odor from the feces and urine of the pet in and around the pet toilet 80.

[0045] And in addition to the above actions, by making the inside of the sleeve wall 20 invisible through the side wall 22, the exterior design property of the sleeve wall 20 can be enhanced. Note that when no exterior design property is expected, the sleeve wall may not include the side wall 22 and the inside of the sleeve wall may be visible.

[0046] Further, since the fan 35 that sucks the odor generated from the pet toilet 80 or the like is accommodated in the second internal space 20a of the sleeve wall 20 that can be easily attached inside the building, it is possible to construct the storage structure 100 of the pet toilet not only in a new building but also in an old building. At this time, by applying the storage unit 200 in which the washstand 10 and the sleeve wall 20 are integrated, the attachability of the storage unit 200 to the building is improved. Furthermore, since the pet toilet 80 is placed in the storage space 12 below the washstand 10, the washstand 10 and the pet toilet 80 overlap in a planar manner. Therefore, it is not necessary to secure the occupied area only for the pet toilet.

[0047] [Second Example of Storage Structure and Storage Unit for Pet Toilet] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, a second example of the storage structure and storage unit for the pet toilet will be described. Here, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the second example of the storage structure and storage unit for the pet toilet, and FIG. 5 is a view seen in the direction of arrow V in FIG. 4. Further, FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the situation of attaching the fan-built-in deodorizer to the outlet in the second internal space.

[0048] The storage structure 100A of the pet toilet has a washbasin 10A (an example of an upper body), a sleeve wall 20 located below the right side of the washbasin 10A, a drawer storage 30 (cabinet) standing upright upward on the left side of the washbasin 10A, legs 31, and a storage space 12 formed by these components.

[0049] Also, the storage unit 200A of the pet toilet shown in the figure has a washbasin 10A, a sleeve wall 20, a drawer storage 30, and legs 31, and these components are an integrated product that is integrated and commercialized. Here, by extending the outer plate of the drawer storage 30 downward, the outer plate below the drawer storage 30 forms the legs 31. And in the example shown in FIG. 4, the drawer storage 30 and the legs 31 of the storage unit 200A are in contact with the partition wall 70. Therefore, a pet access opening 31a is opened at a position corresponding to the pet access opening 71 of the partition wall 70 on the legs 31.

[0050] The washbasin 10A is provided with a narrow-width U-shaped standing wall 10b in a plan view around the sink 11, and a flat drying area 14 is provided on the side of the lift-up shower 13 on the back side of the sink 11.

[0051] The washbasin 10A is, for example, an integrally molded product without a joint between the sink 11 and the standing wall 10b. Since the washbasin 10A is provided with a U-shaped standing wall 10b in a plan view, when shampooing a pet using the sink 11, the water splashing during shampooing can be covered by the standing wall 10b.

[0052] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a dryer hanger 32 for holding a dryer DR can be attached to a desired part of the standing wall 10b of the narrow-width U-shaped standing wall 10b, and a hands-free dryer can be used to achieve pet-friendly grooming.

[0053] Furthermore, by providing a flat drying area 14, temporary placement of a shampoo bottle or the like can be performed, and good grooming and the like can be realized.

[0054] Also, the dimensions of the sink 11 are preferably such that the depth and width are reassuring for pets such as cats. For example, the depth can be set to about 200 mm to 250 mm, the width to about 600 mm to 650 mm, and the depth to about 350 mm to 400 mm.

[0055] In the drawer storage 30 on the side of the washbasin 10A, consumables for the pet toilet and pet grooming goods can be stored, enabling smooth cleaning of the pet toilet and replacement of consumables.

[0056] Also, the washbasin 10A is provided with a front drawer storage 10c, in which consumables for the pet toilet and pet grooming goods can also be stored. On the back wall D1, a wall-mounted hook 19 for hangers is provided, where pet grooming goods can be hung and quickly removed for use.

[0057] In the accommodation unit 200A in the illustrated example, the overall depth t1 can be set to about 600 mm, the overall width t8 to about 1000 mm, the height t3 to the top edge of the sink 11 to about 900 mm, and the height t9 to the vertical wall 10b and the drawer storage 30 to about 1100 mm.

[0058] Also, similar to the accommodation unit 200 shown in FIG. 1 and the like, in the accommodation unit 200A shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the washbasin 10A has a first internal space 10a below the sink 11, and the sleeve wall 20 has a second internal space 20a, and the two internal spaces communicate with each other.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality (two in the illustrated example) of slits 10d are provided on the lower surface of the washbasin 10A, and a plurality (six in the illustrated example) of openings 22a are provided on the side wall 22 of the sleeve wall 20.

[0060] In the accommodation unit 200A, as shown in FIG. 6, there is an outlet 27 in the second internal space 20a of the sleeve wall 20. By inserting the power plug 35a of the fan-built-in deodorizer 35A (an example of an odor capture body) into the outlet 27, a more compact deodorizing device compared to the fan 35 shown in FIG. 3 can be accommodated in the second internal space 20a to effectively deodorize odors. That is, the installation work of the exhaust duct 36 as shown in FIG. 3 becomes unnecessary.

[0061] In addition, when there is sufficient space in the first internal space 10a of the washbasin 10A, the fan-built-in deodorizer 35A may be installed in an outlet (not shown) in the first internal space 10a, or the fan-built-in deodorizer 35A may be installed for each of the outlets in both the first internal space 10a and the second internal space 20a.

[0062] In the fan-built-in deodorizer 35A, the odor taken into the deodorizer by a built-in fan (not shown) can be deodorized to odorless by various catalysts (such as photocatalysts) (not shown) in the deodorizer.

[0063] Here, as the odor capture body to be applied, instead of the fan-built-in deodorizer 35A, a deodorizer without a fan (not shown) may be applied. Examples of this deodorizer include an ozone generation deodorizer. Since it does not have a fan, it becomes possible to deodorize with a more compact device.

[0064] Returning to FIG. 5, also in the accommodation unit 200A, since the first internal space 10a and the second internal space 20a communicate with each other, the odor from the pet toilet is taken into the first internal space 10a and the second internal space 20a through the slit 10d on the lower surface of the washbasin 10A and the opening 22a of the side wall 22 of the sleeve wall 20. The odor taken into the first internal space 10a is sent to the second internal space 20a and captured by the fan-built-in deodorizer 35A.

[0065] [Storage structure for pet toilet and third example of storage unit] Next, referring to FIG. 7, a third example of the storage structure of the pet toilet and the storage unit will be described. Here, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a third example of the storage structure of the pet toilet and the storage unit.

[0066] The storage structure 100B of the pet toilet has a storage table 10B (an example of an upper body), a sleeve wall 20 located below the right side of the storage table 10B, a leg 31A on the left side below the storage table 10B, and a storage space 12 formed by these, and the pet toilet pan 50 is accommodated in the storage space 12.

[0067] Also, the storage unit 200B of the pet toilet shown in the figure has a storage table 10B, a sleeve wall 20, and a leg 31A, and these components are an integrated product that has been commercialized as one. And in the example shown in FIG. 7, the leg 31A of the storage unit 200B is in contact with the partition wall 70. Therefore, a pet access opening 31a is provided at a position corresponding to the pet access opening 71 of the partition wall 70 on the leg 31A.

[0068] The storage table 10B is a box body with a front drawer storage 10c and a flat top end. There are various usage methods on this storage table 10B, such as placing pet grooming goods, the pet relaxing on it, or a person sitting on it. Also, different from the washbasins 10, 10A, since the storage table 10B has a simple structure supported only by the sleeve wall 20 and the leg 31A, it can be easily installed in various empty spaces in the building.

[0069] Similar to the storage unit 200A, in the storage unit 200B as well, for example, there is a power outlet 27 in the second internal space 20a of the sleeve wall 20, and the power plug 35a provided on the deodorizer 35A with a built-in fan is plugged into the power outlet 27.

[0070] [Fourth Example of the Storage Structure of the Pet Toilet and the Storage Unit] Next, referring to FIG. 8, a fourth example of the storage structure of the pet toilet and the storage unit will be described. Here, FIG. 8 is a front view showing a fourth example of the storage structure of the pet toilet and the storage unit.

[0071] The storage structure 100C of the pet toilet has a long washbasin 10C (an example of the upper body) extending across the wall on the outer wall side facing the partition wall 70. And, for example, at the central position below the washbasin 10C, there is a sleeve wall 20, and there are two storage spaces 12 on the left and right of the sleeve wall 20. The pet toilet pans 50 are placed in the respective storage spaces 12, and the pet toilets 80 are installed on each pet toilet pan 50. Regarding other configurations such as the internal structure of the sleeve wall 20, it is basically the same as the storage structure 100.

[0072] Also, the storage unit 200C of the pet toilet shown in the figure has a washbasin 10C and a sleeve wall 20, and these components are an integrated product made as one. The long washbasin 10C has a long first internal space 10a, and the sleeve wall 20 in the center has a second internal space 20a communicating with the first internal space 10a. And, for example, in the second internal space 20a of the sleeve wall 20, an odor capture body such as a fan (not shown) is accommodated.

[0073] The washbasin 10C has two sinks 11, and both sinks 11 may be sinks dedicated to pets, or one sink 11 may be a sink dedicated to pets and the other sink 11 may be a sink dedicated to humans.

[0074] Also, in the storage structure 100C, the pet enters and exits the storage space 12 in the X5 direction through the opening in the front of the storage space 12.

[0075] According to the accommodation structure 100C, for example, when there are two or more pets, two pets can use the toilet simultaneously, and the cleanliness of the two pet toilets 80 and their surroundings can be maintained. In addition, by providing a pet - dedicated sink 11, pet grooming and trimming can be freely carried out at any time. Furthermore, the pet owner can clean the pet toilet 80 in the storage space 12 below the pet - dedicated sink 11 or cleaning supplies used to clean the pet toilet 80 etc. at the pet - dedicated sink 11 above the storage space 12 without moving.

[0076] [The Fifth Example of the Accommodation Structure of the Pet Toilet and the Accommodation Unit] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the fifth example of the accommodation structure of the pet toilet and the accommodation unit will be described. Here, FIG. 9 is a front view showing the fifth example of the accommodation structure of the pet toilet and the accommodation unit.

[0077] The accommodation structure 100D of the pet toilet is an accommodation structure housed in a recess 91 provided in the wall 90. It has a ceiling material 10D (an example of an upper body) housed below the top end surface 92 of the recess 91, a sleeve wall 20 located right - hand side and below the ceiling material 10D, and a storage space 12 formed by these. The pet toilet pan 50 is housed in the storage space 12, and the pet toilet 80 is installed on the pet toilet pan 50.

[0078] Also, the illustrated accommodation unit 200D of the pet toilet has a ceiling material 10D and a sleeve wall 20, and these components are an integrated product formed as one. The ceiling material 10D has a first internal space 10a, and the sleeve wall 20 has a second internal space 20a communicating with the first internal space 10a. And in the first internal space 10a or the second internal space 20a, an odor - capturing body such as a deodorizer with a built - in fan (not shown) etc. is housed. Note that the accommodation unit may have legs on the left - hand side and below the ceiling material 10D. Also, a translucent facing material may be attached to the front surface of the recess 91.

[0079] In the storage structure 100D, the wall 90 of the building is effectively utilized, a recess 91 is provided at a lower position thereof, and the pet toilet 80 is installed. In the wall 90 of the illustrated example, various walls such as the wall of the human toilet and the wall facing the corridor can be applied.

[0080] [Sixth Example of Storage Structure and Storage Unit for Pet Toilet] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a sixth example of the storage structure and storage unit for the pet toilet will be described. Here, FIG. 10 is a front view showing the sixth example of the storage structure and storage unit for the pet toilet.

[0081] The storage structure 100E for the pet toilet is a storage structure accommodated in the under-stair space 96 below the staircase 95. It has a ceiling material 10E (an example of an upper body) accommodated below the top end surface 97 of the under-stair space 96, a sleeve wall 20 located right below the ceiling material 10E, legs 31, and a storage space 12 formed by these, and the pet toilet pan 50 is accommodated in the storage space 12.

[0082] Also, the illustrated storage unit 200E for the pet toilet has a ceiling material 10E and a sleeve wall 20, and these components are an integrated product that is commercialized as a single unit. The ceiling material 10E has a first internal space 10a, and the sleeve wall 20 has a second internal space 20a communicating with the first internal space 10a. And in the first internal space 10a or the second internal space 20a, an odor trapping body such as a deodorizer with a built-in fan (not shown) is accommodated. Note that the storage unit may have legs on the lower left side of the ceiling material 10E. Also, a translucent facing material may be attached to the front surface of the under-stair space 96.

[0083] In the storage structure 100E, the under-stair space 96 of the building is effectively utilized, and the pet toilet is installed.

[0084] [Pet Toilet Pan According to the Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, an example of a pet toilet pan according to an embodiment applied to the fitting structure of the pet toilet in each of the above examples will be described. Here, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a pet toilet pan according to an embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pet toilet is installed on the pet toilet pan according to the embodiment.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 11, the pet toilet pan 50 has a flat and substantially rectangular parallelepiped main body 51 and a drain groove 55 recessed downward from the top end surface 53 of the main body 51.

[0086] A top end edge rising 52 is provided at the edge of the top end of the main body 51, and a flat top end surface 53 is provided inside the top end edge rising 52.

[0087] Inside the top end surface 53, a drain groove 55 having a substantially rectangular or elliptical shape (for example, track shape) in plan view is provided, and a pet passage 54 on which a pet can walk is provided around the drain groove 55 on the top end surface 53. In the illustrated example, the pet passage 54 is provided in three directions around the drain groove 55.

[0088] Of the bottom surface 55a of the drain groove 55, a drain port 56 is provided on one side, and the bottom surface 55a has a downward slope inclined in the Y1 direction toward the drain port 56.

[0089] Further, the cleaning device 45 includes a single faucet 46, and the tip of the faucet 46 is placed on the bottom surface 55a of the drain groove 55. More specifically, the tip of the faucet 46 is provided at an eccentric position (near one corner) in the drain groove 55 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. In this way, since the tip of the faucet 46 is at the eccentric position in the plan view shape of the drain groove 55, the cleaning water discharged from the faucet 46 is drained to the drain port 56 while generating a swirling flow in the Y2 direction on the bottom surface 55a of the drain groove 55, and it becomes possible to effectively drain the pet's urine to the drain port 56.

[0090] Here, as the planar dimensions of the pet toilet pan 50, the width s1 can be set to about 730 mm to 750 mm, the depth s2 to about 480 mm to 500 mm, and the height s3 to about 40 mm to 70 mm. For example, by setting the height s3 to about 70 mm or less, consideration can be given to the universal design of the pet. Also, for the pet toilet pan 50, for example, a molded product made of antibacterial FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics) or the like can be applied.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 12, a part (edge) of the drain groove 55 locks a part (for example, the lower part) of the pet toilet 80, so that the pet toilet 80 is installed without shifting with respect to the pet toilet pan 50. Although not shown, the drain groove may have a stepped portion at the edge, and for example, the lower part of the pet toilet 80 may be fitted into and locked to the stepped portion. By fitting and locking, for example, the lower part of the pet toilet 80 into the stepped portion of the edge of the drain groove, the prevention of the shift of the pet toilet 80 is further enhanced.

[0092] Here, the pet toilet 80 has a container 81 made of plastic and having an opening 81a, and a sieve 82 placed inside the opening 81a of the container 81. The sieve 82 is provided with a number of flow holes 83, and for example, cat litter is placed on the sieve 82.

[0093] Also, an access opening 84 indicated by a dashed line may be provided in a part of the container 81, and through the access opening 84, it becomes possible for the pet to access the inside of the pet toilet 80 without straddling the container 81.

[0094] When a cat urinates on the cat litter, the urine flows down onto the bottom surface 55a of the drain groove 55 of the pet toilet pan 50 through the flow holes 83 of the sieve 82. The urine that has flowed down onto the bottom surface 55a is guided to the drain port 56 through the bottom surface 55a that slopes toward the drain port 56.

[0095] In addition, after the cat exits the pet toilet 80, the control device 60 operates to wash away the bottom surface 55a, so that urine does not remain on the bottom surface 55a of the drain groove 55, and the generation of odors caused by residual urine can be effectively suppressed. Incidentally, feces left on the cat litter are regularly removed by the owner with a scoop or the like. Then, the feces removed to the feces storage body S are accommodated, temporarily placed in the temporary placement space 26 in the sleeve wall 20, and then recovered from the temporary placement space 26.

[0096] In the housing structures 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E of the pet toilet, the fan 35 and the fan-integrated deodorizer 35A in the second internal space 20a of the sleeve wall 20 and the like are generally operated constantly. By constantly operating the fan 35 and the like in this way, it is possible to constantly capture odors that may be generated when the pet uses the toilet and odors that may be generated from the feces storage body S in the temporary placement space 26, and maintain the cleanliness of the pet toilet 80 and its surroundings.

[0097] [Control Device and Cleaning Device] Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16, an example of the control device 60 and the control mode of the cleaning device 45 by the control device 60 will be described. Here, FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example of the operation panel of the control device. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device. Further, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the cleaning control flow by the control device.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 13, the control device 60 includes a main power supply 61, a detailed setting unit 62, a mode switching button 63, an automatic cleaning mode display unit 64 that displays that it is in the automatic cleaning mode, and a manual cleaning mode display unit 65 that displays that it is in the manual cleaning mode.

[0099] The main power supply 61 includes a switching knob 61a for switching between power OFF and power ON.

[0100] The detailed setting unit 62 includes three types of switching knobs 62a, 62b, and 62c. The switching knob 62a is a setting knob for the cleaning time in all modes (both the automatic cleaning mode and the manual cleaning mode). In the illustrated example, it can be switched between 4 seconds, 7 seconds, and 10 seconds.

[0101] On the other hand, the switching knob 62b is a setting knob for the cleaning standby time in all modes. In the illustrated example, it can be switched between 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds. Here, "cleaning standby" means that after the human sensor 40 detects that the pet has used the pet toilet 80 and left the storage space 12, the cleaning device 45 waits for a predetermined time before operating. In this way, by having the cleaning device 45 operate after a certain time has passed since the pet has left, it is possible to prevent the cleaning device 45 from operating and startling the pet when the pet is near the pet toilet 80.

[0102] On the other hand, the switching knob 62c is a setting knob for the operating interval of the cleaning device 45 when regular cleaning is added in the automatic cleaning mode. In the illustrated example, it can be switched between 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours.

[0103] Also, by pressing the mode switching button 63, the mode can be switched in the order of the standard mode 66 (displayed in the standard mode, for example, green lighting) in the automatic cleaning mode, the mode 67 (displayed in the regular cleaning plus mode, for example, blue lighting) in which regular cleaning is added to the standard mode 66 in the automatic cleaning mode, and further, the manual cleaning mode 68 (yellow lighting).

[0104] The standard mode 66 is a mode in which the pet is detected in the pet toilet 80, and after detecting that the pet has left the pet toilet 80, the cleaning device 45 is operated. Also, the mode 67 in which regular cleaning is added is a mode in which regular cleaning is added in addition to the standard mode. Further, the manual cleaning mode 68 is a mode in which the owner operates the cleaning device 45 at a desired timing.

[0105] In the manual cleaning mode 68, when the owner presses the manual cleaning button 69, the cleaning device 45 operates. For example, by applying the manual cleaning mode 68, urine can be left on the drain 55 of the pet toilet pan 50 even after the pet urinates, and the owner can grasp the state of the pet's urine and perform health management of the pet.

[0106] In this way, the control device 60 has an automatic control mechanism for automatically controlling the cleaning device 45 and a manual control mechanism for manually controlling the cleaning device 45. Since both mechanisms can be switched freely, it becomes possible to enjoy the merits of both mechanisms each time. For example, by applying the automatic control mechanism, it becomes possible to perform regular automatic cleaning in addition to automatic cleaning after the pet urinates. On the other hand, by applying the manual control mechanism, urine can be left on the pet toilet pan even after the pet urinates, and as described above, the state of the urine can be grasped and the health management of the pet can be performed.

[0107] The control device 60 is formed by a personal computer or the like. As shown in FIG. 14, the control device 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 602, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 604, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 606, a communication device 608, a display device 610, and an input device 612, and they are connected by a system bus 614 so as to be capable of data communication.

[0108] The ROM 606 stores various programs and data used by the programs. The RAM 604 is used as a storage area for loading the programs stored in the ROM 606 and a work area for the loaded programs. The CPU 602 realizes various functions by processing the programs loaded into the RAM 604. For example, when detection data indicating that the pet has used the pet toilet 80 and exited the storage space 12 is sent from the human sensor 40, after the set cleaning standby time has elapsed, the cleaning device 45 is activated to clean the urine from the pet toilet pan 50. Incidentally, in addition, the control device 60 may have an auxiliary storage device (not shown) for storing installed programs and the like.

[0109] The display device 610 has a display section that indicates, for example, by lighting green, that it is in the standard mode 66 among the automatic cleaning modes, a display section that indicates, for example, by lighting blue, that it is in a mode in which a regular cleaning plus is performed in the standard mode 66 among the automatic cleaning modes, and further a display section that indicates, for example, by lighting yellow, that it is in the manual cleaning mode 68.

[0110] The communication device 608 is an electronic component such as an antenna that is required when performing wireless LAN or wired communication with the human sensor 40.

[0111] The input device 612 sets the cleaning time and cleaning standby time in all modes, and sets the operation interval of the cleaning device 45 when regular cleaning is added. Also, the input device 612 switches the modes in the order of the standard mode 66 in the automatic cleaning mode, the mode 67 in which a regular cleaning plus is performed in the standard mode 66 in the automatic cleaning mode, and further the manual cleaning mode 68 by pressing the mode switch button 63.

[0112] The control device 60 functions as a receiving section 620, an operation section 630, a display section 640, and a storage section 650 shown in FIG. 15 under the control of the CPU 602.

[0113] The human presence sensor 40 detects that a pet has entered the storage space 12, and then transmits detection data indicating that the pet has used the pet toilet 80 and exited the storage space 12 to the control device 60. The detection data is received by the receiving unit 620 and stored in the storage unit 650.

[0114] The storage unit 650 stores a data table of data such as the cleaning time and cleaning standby time in all modes, and the operating interval time of the cleaning device 45 when regular cleaning is added.

[0115] The operation unit 630 reads the selected mode (automatic cleaning mode or manual cleaning mode), cleaning time, cleaning standby time, etc. from the above-mentioned data table. Then, the operation unit 630 reads the detection data indicating that the pet has finished using the toilet and exited the storage space 12, which is transmitted from the human presence sensor 40 and stored in the storage unit 650. After the elapse of the selected cleaning standby time, an operation command signal is transmitted to the cleaning device 45 to supply water from the faucet 46 to the pet toilet pan 50 and execute the cleaning of the urine on the drain groove 55.

[0116] Here, referring to FIG. 16, the cleaning control flow by the control device 60 will be described.

[0117] The control device 60 determines whether the automatic cleaning mode is currently selected (step S10) or whether the manual cleaning mode is selected (step S12).

[0118] When the automatic cleaning mode is selected, the control device 60 further determines whether only the automatic cleaning mode is selected or whether, in the automatic cleaning mode, a mode with regular cleaning added is selected.

[0119] When the control device 60 determines that only the automatic cleaning mode is selected, the human presence sensor 40 detects that the pet has entered the storage space 12 and has exited the storage space 12 after finishing using the toilet (human presence sensor ON, step S14). After transmitting the detection data to the control device 60, the human presence sensor 40 is turned off (step S16).

[0120] After receiving the detection data, the control device 60 waits for the set A seconds (step S18), and then controls the opening of the solenoid valve that can be automatically opened and closed (step S20). Here, the "A seconds" for waiting is the time selected from 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds in the example shown in FIG. 13. The solenoid valve is interposed, for example, at an intermediate position of the water supply duct 47 shown in FIG. 3.

[0121] After the solenoid valve is controlled to open and cleaning is performed for the selected cleaning time, a designation signal for controlling the closing of the solenoid valve is transmitted by the control device 60, and the solenoid valve is closed to end the cleaning (step S22). Here, the "selected cleaning time" is the time selected from 4 seconds, 7 seconds, and 10 seconds in the example shown in FIG. 13.

[0122] On the other hand, in the automatic cleaning mode, when a mode in which regular cleaning is added is further selected, in addition to performing steps S14 to S22 described above, regardless of whether the pet enters the storage space 12, a B-hour wait is performed (step S24), and then the solenoid valve is controlled to open (step S26). Here, the "B seconds" for waiting is the time selected from 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours in the example shown in FIG. 13.

[0123] After the solenoid valve is controlled to open and cleaning is performed for the selected cleaning time, a designation signal for controlling the closing of the solenoid valve is transmitted by the control device 60, and the solenoid valve is closed to end the regular cleaning (step S28).

[0124] When the control device 60 identifies that the manual cleaning mode is selected, the owner turns on the manual cleaning button 69 at a desired timing (step S30), whereby the electromagnetic valve is opened for control (step S20). After cleaning is performed for the selected cleaning time, a designated signal for closing the electromagnetic valve is transmitted by the control device 60, and the electromagnetic valve is closed to end the cleaning (step S22).

[0125] For example, after the owner checks the state of urine remaining on the pet toilet pan 50, the electromagnetic valve can be opened for control to perform cleaning.

[0126] By controlling the cleaning device 45 and the electromagnetic valve by the control device 60, the cleanliness of the pet toilet and its surroundings can be maintained, and the urine state of the pet can be checked as needed.

[0127] In addition, other embodiments in which other components are combined with the configurations described in the above embodiments may be possible, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations shown here. In this regard, it can be changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and can be appropriately determined according to the application form.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0128] 10, 10A, 10C: Upper body (washstand) 10, 10B: Upper body (storage stand) 10, 10D, 10E: Upper body (ceiling material) 10a: First internal space 10b: Standing wall 10c: Front drawer storage 10d: Opening (slit) 11: Sink 12: Storage space 13: Lift-up shower 15, 16: Rack 16a: Shelf support 17: Storage box 18: Pet mounting table 18a: Surface material 18b: Hinge 19: Wall-mounted hook for hanger 20: Sleeve wall 20a: Second internal space 21: Opening / closing door 21: Hinge 22, 23: Side walls 22a: Opening 24: Bottom plate 25: Partition board 26: Temporary placement space 27: Socket 30: Drawer storage 31, 31A: Legs 31a: Entrance / exit opening for pet 32: Dryer hanger 35: Odor capture body (fan) 35A: Odor capture body (deodorizer with built-in fan) 36: Exhaust duct 40: Human presence sensor 45: Cleaning device 46: Urinal faucet (faucet) 47: Water supply duct 50: Pet toilet pan 51: Main body 52: Top edge rise 53: Top surface 54: Pet passage 55: Drainage groove 55a: Bottom surface 56: Drainage opening 60: Control device 70: Partition wall 71: Entrance / exit opening for pet 80: Pet toilet 81: Toilet container 82: Scoop 83: Circulation hole 84: Entrance / exit opening 90: Wall 91: Recess (storage space) 92: Top surface 95: Stairs 96: Space under stairs 97: Top surface 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E: Fitting structure of pet toilet (fitting structure) 200, 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, 200E: Toilet accommodation unit for pets (accommodation unit) D: Dressing room M: Washing machine T: Pan for washing machine P: Corridor S: Feces storage body DR: Dryer

Claims

1. A toilet pan for pets on which a pet toilet is placed, having a predetermined thickness, and having a top surface and a drain groove recessed downward from the top surface, a part of the pet toilet being locked to a part of the drain groove, a drain opening being provided on the bottom surface of the drain groove, the bottom surface having a downward slope toward the drain opening, a pet passage being provided around the drain groove on the top surface, the planar shape of the top surface being a rectangle having two short sides and two long sides, on the top surface, a part of the drain groove having a substantially rectangular or elliptical planar shape intersecting with one of the short sides in plan view, the drain groove being provided so as to intersect, on the top surface, between the other one of the short sides and the two long sides and the drain groove, a pet passage in a U-shape continuous in three directions in plan view being provided. A toilet pan for pets, characterized by this.

2. The drain groove has a stepped portion, A part of the pet toilet being fitted into and locked to the stepped portion. The toilet pan for pets according to Claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The planar shape of the drain groove is substantially rectangular or elliptical, One water tap constituting a cleaning device being provided at an eccentric position in the planar shape of the drain groove, The cleaning water discharged from the water tap being drained to the drain opening while generating a swirling flow on the bottom surface of the drain groove. The toilet pan for pets according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by this.

4. The predetermined thickness being in the range of 40 mm to 70 mm. The toilet pan for pets according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized by this.

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