Pet litter box structure with a washing device

Abstract

A litter box structure for domestic animals, in particular for cats, comprising a base (30), a rim (40) surrounding the base (30), a discharge outlet (50) on the base (30), and a water inlet (90) on the base (30). The base (30) comprises a flat free area (31) and a discharge area (32), and the flat free area (31) is at least 50% of the base (30). The discharge outlet (50) is in the discharge area (32) of the base (30), and the water inlet (90) is configured to introduce a jet of water (91) that sweeps the flat free area (31), carries away waste, and reaches the discharge area (32). The edge (40) has an edge inlet / outlet portion (41) adjacent to the flat free area (31), the edge (40) has an edge discharge portion (42) opposite the edge inlet / outlet portion (41) with respect to the flat free area (31), the edge discharge portion (42) is adjacent to the discharge area (32) and to the discharge outlet (50). The pet can easily and quickly get used to using the litter box by simply entering through the entry / exit portion (41) and standing on the flat free area (31) of base (30) to do its business, finding a comfortable resting place on it and without interfering with the discharge area (32) and the discharge outlet (50). It can then exit the litter box (1) through the entrance / exit portion of the edge (41) of the edge (40), without interfering with the discharge area (32) or passing over it. The flat free area (31) includes a central protrusion (33) that is substantially flat and convex, and shallow side channels (34) with a slight slope towards the discharge outlet (50).

Description

TITLEPET LITTER BOX STRUCTURE WITH A WASHING DEVICEDESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an article for pets.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a litter box for pets equipped with a washing device.

[0003] In particular, the invention relates to a litter box structure for cats with a washing device.Prior art - Technical problems

[0004] Cat litter boxes are very common, in which cat litter is placed, normally in various compositions of clay granules, which are the most common types, or silica gel granules, paper, and plant materials, which are less common types.

[0005] There are also washable litter boxes, as described in DE19718689A1 and CN114451309, which provide a space for washable plastic granule litter, a drum-type granule washing system, and a disposal system for waste and washing fluid. However, these solutions have found little application.

[0006] There are also toilets for animals, which are still not very widespread, that include containers where animals get used to doing their business, and that have a drain to send the waste into the sewer system.

[0007] For example, US3921582A and US2017245459A1 provide for the pet to stand on a toilet bowl equipped with a drain, while US4117555A provides for the pet to stand over an opening so that its waste falls into a channel below with a water drain.

[0008] In pet toilets, the animals need to be trained to use them. However, due to the cost of purchase and of connection to the domestic drain, these solutions are rarely adopted, also because of the uncertainty of being able to get pets used to using them.

[0009] EP2801251 B1 describes a toilet for pets with a surface and a washing device comprising at least one sensor to detect the presence of excrement and / or the pet stepping off the surface. When detected, a cleaning agent suchas water can be released onto the surface so that the excrement on it is removed. The discharge area is on the opposite side of the entrance, while water emission nozzles are on the entrance side.

[0010] KR20220159168A describes another pet toilet solution comprising a drawer-type urine collection container configured to be removable from a base frame, a drain box comprising an inclined drain surface, and a mesh plate on which the pet can stand in order to use the toilet. A removable urine flow wall is provided and arranged on one side of a base frame edge so as to induce a male pet to urinate against the wall. A water delivery pipe arranged above the urine flow wall allows cleaning water and urine to flow toward the inclined drainage surface. This solution includes a water tank with an immersion pump activated by a pet presence sensor to supply cleaning water to the water delivery tube at the urine flow wall. The urine collection container is connected to a drain pipe for urine disposal.

[0011] W02014007497A1 describes another pet toilet comprising a main frame, a mesh plate that filters urine and feces, a pet entry and exit detection sensor, and a humidity sensor to detect urine passing through the mesh plate of the defecation part. A mobile spraying unit on the main frame sprays water into the defecation part to wash away excrement, which is collected in a collection unit. A control unit activates the spraying unit and the excrement collection unit based on the signal transmitted by the detection sensor and the humidity sensor.

[0012] The above devices are complex to manufacture and use, which has limited their widespread use.Summary of the invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is therefore to provide a litter box structure for pets, in particular for cats, with a washing device that encourages animals to use it without special training.

[0014] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a litter box structure for pets with a washing device that is economical to manufacture compared to known devices.

[0015] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a litter box structure for pets that is easy to use and clean for users.

[0016] The above and other purposes are achieved by a litter box structure for pets, in particular for cats, comprising: a base, a rim surrounding the base, a drain outlet on the base, a water inlet on the base, wherein the base comprises a flat free area and a discharge area, and:- the flat free area is at least 50% of the base,- the drain outlet is in the discharge area of the base,- the water inlet is configured to introduce a jet of water that sweeps the flat free area and reaches the discharge area,- the edge has an edge in let / outlet portion adjacent to the flat free area,- the edge has an edge discharge portion opposite the edge entry / exit portion with respect to the flat free area,- the edge discharge portion is adjacent to the discharge area and the discharge outlet,- where the flat free area comprises a substantially flat and convex central projection and, adjacent to it, shallow side channels with a slight slope towards the discharge outlet area.

[0017] In this way, any residual water droplets after washing quickly drain into the shallow side channels and the flat convex central area dries very quickly after washing, allowing the cat to reuse the litter box after a very short time.

[0018] In addition, the waste water pushes the residues towards the side channels where a stronger current is formed, facilitating their conveyance to the drain.

[0019] In this way, the pet can enter the litter box from the entrance / exit portion of the edge and settle on the flat free area at the base to do its business, finding a comfortable and dry place to stand without interfering with the drain outlet.

[0020] The flat area, due to its essentially flat nature, also allows small amounts of paper or sawdust to be placed on it the first few times, to help pets quickly get used to using the litter box. The waterjet can easily sweep away any fragments or sawdust towards the drain.

[0021] Once the pet has vacated the litter box, the water jet can be activated, sweeping the flat area and carrying the waste towards the drain.

[0022] Thanks to its simple design, it is possible to wash the flat free area with just one jet of water. For example, the water jet can produce a wave that sweeps the flat free area towards the drain area, carrying any waste on the flat free area towards the side channels or towards the drain portion.

[0023] In some designs, the flat free area is at least 60% of the base, while in other particularly advantageous designs, the flat free area is at least 70% of the base.

[0024] In some embodiments, the flat free area occupies at least 90% of the base, and the discharge outlet is preferably formed as a discharge channel on a portion of the base adjacent to the discharge portion of the edge.

[0025] Preferably, the litter box is made of low-adhesion material so that the base is also low-adhesion and waste can be easily swept away by the water jet without leaving any residue.

[0026] In possible embodiments, the water jet exits from a nozzle located in the discharge portion of the rim and is directed towards the flat free area. In this way, the jet crosses the discharge area and the flat free area, hits the inlet / outlet portion of the rim and forms a distributed return wave that washes the flat free area and carries the waste towards the discharge outlet. This solution allows the flat free area to be washed with a single jet. In some embodiments, the return wave can be created with at least one waterjet coming out of a water inlet located at any point on the edge surrounding the flat free area and directed opposite the discharge outlet. In possible embodiments, water inlet openings may be provided on the side walls of the edge surrounding the flat free area, for example one opening for each side edge or two openings for each side edge.

[0027] In another embodiment, the water jet comes out of an inlet located on the entry / exit portion of the edge adjacent to the flat free area and directed towards the discharge portion of the edge. In this case, the inlet can be distributed along an elongated section of the inlet / outlet portion of the edge, so as to form a washing wave that sweeps the flat free area and carries the waste towards the discharge area.

[0028] I n one possible embodiment, the flat free area is inclined at an angle of between 0.1 ° and 5° relative to the horizontal, preferably between 0.1 ° and 1 ° towards the discharge portion of the edge. This facilitates the drainage of rinse water and prevents the localized accumulation of water droplets, allowing the flat free area to dry quickly and be reused by the pet. The flat free area can be substantially flat to allow the pet to have a stable footing, but at the same time have a slight slope or camber towards the side channels to allow for quick drying after washing. The slight slope may be between 0.1 ° and 5° from the horizontal, preferably between 0.1 ° and 1 °, towards the side channels.

[0029] Even shallow side channels may have a degree of inclination of between 0.1 ° and 5° from the horizontal, preferably between 0.1 ° and 1 °, towards the drain outlet.

[0030] Preferably, the flat convex central area is made of non-stick material or coated with a non-stick film to facilitate the sliding of water droplets towards the shallow side channels.

[0031] In advantageous embodiments, the litter box has a shape very similar to current litter boxs on the market, for example, a substantially rectangular shape, with the edge having an inlet / outlet portion and a discharge portion opposite each other, and two sides perpendicular to the inlet / outlet portion and the discharge portion. This makes it easy for pets already accustomed to rectangular litter boxes to recognize the new litter box as a familiar object. In possible embodiments, a dome may be provided to be placed over the litter box with a tilting entrance of a known type, if the pet is accustomed to using covered litter boxes.

[0032] In advantageous embodiments, a frame-shaped cabinet is provided to contain the litter box, with an internal recess configured to engage the edge of the litter box. The cabinet may have a minimum height to allow the washing water inlet and drain outlet fittings to be concealed and to form a recess for inserting the litter box.

[0033] In possible embodiments of the invention, there is a sensor for detecting the presence of the pet in the litter box, and an opening unit to cause water to be fed through the mouth, a control unit being provided which receives data from the presence sensor and is configured to control the opening unit with a predetermined delay when the presence sensor changes from a presence signal to a no-presence signal of the animal. The presence sensor is preferably aweight sensor or a switch that is activated by the weight of the pet in the litter box. In this way, the activation of the opening unit causes the litter box to be cleaned when the pet has relieved itself on the flat free area, and the delay prevents the waterjet from being activated immediately after the pet leaves the litter box. The delay can be between 1 and 5 minutes, for example between 2 and 3 minutes.

[0034] In possible embodiments of the invention, the inlet is connected via a valve to a water source, in particular a toilet cistern, capable of supplying a predetermined flow rate of water.

[0035] In advantageous embodiments, the inlet to the toilet cistern is arranged so that it can be operated manually, for example by means of a button, or automatically, in the case of a presence sensor, control unit, and device for opening a valve for emptying the toilet cistern.

[0036] In some embodiments, the toilet cistern may comprise a tank connected to the inlet through a first emptying valve, and further comprises at least one additional emptying valve configured to be connected to a toilet bowl. Alternatively, in an equivalent embodiment, the toilet cistern may comprise a first tank connected to the inlet through a first tank emptying valve, and at least one additional adjacent tank configured to be connected to a toilet bowl.

[0037] This solution allows for the creation of a single toilet system for pets and people, with an adjacent toilet bowl and a single or integrated toilet cistern, resulting in savings during installation.

[0038] In some embodiments, a weight sensor is provided which signals the presence of the animal to a control unit, which may comprise a timer which activates an opening valve after a predetermined time.

[0039] In some embodiments, it is comprised a front water inlet configured to emit a jet of water for example in the form of a water blade, capable of sweeping the flat free area and reaching the discharge area.

[0040] In some embodiments, said central projection has an inclination or curvature towards said side channels of between 0.1 ° and 5° with respect to the horizontal, preferably between 0.1 ° and 1 °.

[0041] In some embodiments, said central projection raised relative to the lateral channels is formed as a wall of a shell forming the entire litter box.

[0042] In some embodiments, the edge is provided with lateral washing nozzles arranged on both sides of said lateral edge and configured to emit a plurality of lateral water jets directed towards the inlet / outlet portion so that the lateral jets can form return waves shown by the arrows and promote the recirculation of water for the elimination of excrement by directing it towards said lateral channels and then towards the discharge area.Brief description of the drawings

[0043] The present invention will now be described on the basis of the above summary of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings and corresponding reference numbers. The drawings illustrate only a few examples of the invention, which are not intended to be limiting.

[0044] In the drawings:Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a form of the toilet cistern according to the invention;- Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sanitary box according to the invention with a discharge device;- Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a form of toilet cistern according to the invention;- Figure 2B shows a first cross-section of a toilet cistern according to the invention, also including a cabinet with a drain;- Figure 2C shows a longitudinal section of an embodiment of Figure 2A also including a cabinet with a drain;- Figure 2E shows a cross section of another embodiment of the toilet cistern according to the invention;- Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the sanitary box;- Figure 4 shows a plan view from above of another embodiment of the litter box according to the invention;- Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sanitary box according to the invention;- Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the sanitary box according to the invention;- Figure 7 shows a plan view from above of the embodiment of Figure 6;- Figure 8 shows a partially sectioned perspective view of another embodiment of the litter box according to the invention;- Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a possible variant of the pet litter box according to the invention;- Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 9;- Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 9;- Figure 12 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a pet litter box connected to a toilet bowl;- Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a further variant of the embodiment of the pet litter box;- Figure 14 shows a sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 13.

[0045] The elements and features illustrated in the various embodiments, including the drawings, may be combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as described and claimed herein.

[0046] The elements and features illustrated in the various embodiments, including the drawings, may be combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as described and claimed herein.Description of embodiments of the invention

[0047] With reference to Fig. 1 , a litter box structure 1 for pets, in particular for cats, as is known, is defined by a rim 40 and a base 30. The rim 40 surrounds the base 30 along its perimeter.

[0048] According to the invention, base 30 comprises a flat free area 31 and a discharge area 32, a water inlet 90 on the base 30 and a discharge outlet 50 also on the base 30.

[0049] The drain outlet 50 may be located at drain area 32 of the base 30, and the water inlet 90 may be configured to deliver a jet of water 91 that sweeps the flat free area 31 and only then reaches discharge area 32, carrying with it any waste or residue left by the pet 6 on the flat free area 31 .

[0050] For illustrative purposes, in some of the perspective and plan views, the flat free area 31 is shown with footprints, to distinguish it from the unloading area 32 of the base 30, and to indicate the area that can be walked on by thepet 6 without interfering with the unloading area, it being clear that the flat free area 31 can be made in a solid color or with any other design.

[0051] Normally, the flat free area will be made of smooth material, such as enamel or non-stick and water-repellent material, to ensure rapid drying and prevent water stagnation or the adhesion of droplets.

[0052] Again, for illustrative purposes, in the figures, the discharge area 32 of the base 30 is shown significantly lower than the flat free area 31 , it being clear that the discharge area 32 can be substantially at the same level as the flat free area 31 with a slight slope towards the discharge outlet 50 to allow water and waste to flow towards the discharge outlet 50.

[0053] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, flat free area 31 is approximately 80% of the base 30 and discharge area 32, i.e. , the area not intended to be walked on by the pet approximately 20%. In general, according to the invention, flat free area 31 is at least 50% of the base 30, but may also be greater than 60%, or 70% or even up to 90% of the base 30, and the drain outlet 50 may be located near a base wall.

[0054] In particular, according to the invention, an inlet / outlet portion 41 of the edge 40 adjacent to the flat free area 31 and an outlet portion 42 of the edge 40 opposite the inlet / outlet portion 41 with respect to the flat free area 31 may be provided. In this way, the discharge portion 42 of the edge 40 is adjacent to the discharge area 32 and the discharge outlet 50, and the discharge area 32 is located between the discharge portion 42 of the edge 40 and the flat free area 31 .

[0055] Although not visible in the schematic view of Figs. 1 and 2, but as described in the following embodiments, flat free area 31 comprises a substantially flat and convex central projection 33 and shallow side channels 34 with a slight slope towards said discharge outlet area 50.

[0056] In this way, any residual water droplets after washing with the water jet 91 drain quickly into shallow side channels 34 and the flat convex central area 33 dries very quickly after washing, allowing the cat to reuse the litter box after a very short time.

[0057] In addition, the waste water 91 pushes the residues towards the side channels 34 where a more intense current is formed, facilitating their conveyance to the drain 50.

[0058] In the embodiments already described, and in those described below, the pet 6 shown, for example a cat, can enter the litter box 1 from the entrance / exit portion 41 of the edge 40 and position itself on the flat free area 31 of the base 30 to do its business, finding a comfortable resting place on it and without interfering with the discharge area 32 and the discharge outlet 50. It can then exit the litter box 1 again from the entrance / exit portion of the edge 41 of the edge 40, without interfering with the discharge area 32 or passing over it.

[0059] The flat free area 31 , due to the fact that it is substantially flat, also allows small quantities of litter, such as pieces of paper or sawdust, to be placed on top of it, at least in the first few times it is used, to help pets quickly become accustomed to using the litter box 1 . The waterjet 91 can easily wash away such fragments or sawdust towards the discharge area 32 and towards the discharge outlet 50. After the first few times, the pet will generally get used to relieving itself on the flat free area 31 without the need to place small amounts of litter on it.

[0060] Once the pet 6 has vacated the litter box 1 and exited the entrance / exit portion of the edge 41 of the rim 40, the water jet 91 can be activated, which sweeps the flat free area 31 , carrying the waste toward the discharge area 32 and the discharge outlet 50, and reaching a discharge conduit, such as a siphon 55.

[0061] Thanks to its simple design, it is possible to wash the flat free area 31 with just one water jet 91. For example, as shown in Fig. 1 , the water jet 91 can be directed towards the inlet portion 42 of the edge 40, reflect off it and form a return wave (not shown) that sweeps the flat free area 31 towards the discharge area 32, dragging with it the waste present on the flat free area 31. Other possibilities for orienting the jet 91 are possible as shown in similar embodiments below.

[0062] Preferably, the litter box 1 is made of low-adhesion material, so that the base 30 is also low-adhesion and the waste is swept away by the waterjet 91 and easily removed from the flat free area 31 towards the discharge area 32 without leaving any residue.

[0063] The litter box 1 may have a shape and size similar to normal litter boxes for cats, for example, substantially rectangular in shape with rounded edges, with edge 40 having the entry / exit portion of edge 41 and the discharge portion of edge 42 opposite each other, as defined above, and two sides 43orthogonal to the entry / exit portion of edge 41 and to the discharge portion of edge 42. Not shown in the figures, in possible embodiments, a removable dome with a tilting entrance of a known type may be provided above the litter box 1 , if the pet is accustomed to using covered litter boxes.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a possible embodiment in which flat free area 31 is arranged at a certain angle to the horizontal, for example with respect to the floor 10. This can be achieved, for example, with a raised section 37 placed under the litter box 1 , or, in a manner not shown but easily implemented, with the base 30 of variable thickness sloping down from flat free area 31 towards the discharge area 32. This facilitates the drainage of residual water generated by the waterjet 91 , preventing the localized accumulation of water droplets and allowing the flat free area 31 to dry quickly so that it can be reused by the pet 6. In general, the degree of inclination of the flat free area 31 with respect to the horizontal, both in the case of the raised section 37 and the base 30 with a sloping thickness, can be between 0.1 ° and 5° and usually between 0.1 ° and 1 ° sloping towards the drainage area 32.

[0065] Fig. 2 also shows the siphon 55, which is not part of the invention and is connected to the discharge outlet 50 with standard hydraulic fittings and located in a box 56 in the floor 10. This type of connection can be made by a plumber in any way that is most suitable for the structure of the room in which litter box 1 is located. Other connections and / or drainage systems not shown, known to a technician in the field, may be used for connection to the drain outlet 50.

[0066] Various embodiments of the invention will be described below, for which the characteristics described above with reference to Figures 1 or 2 apply, where applicable.

[0067] With reference to Fig. 2A, another embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the pet litter box structure 1 defined by the edge 40 and the base 30 also comprises the discharge area 32 and a flat free area 31 comprising a substantially flat and convex central projection 33, and shallow side channels 34 with a slight slope towards the discharge area 32 and the discharge outlet 50.

[0010] In a possible embodiment shown in Fig. 2A, the entrance / exit portion 41 may have the shape of an entrance opening configured to facilitate the entry of the pet 6.

[0068] The central protrusion 33 in this embodiment may have a slight inclination so as to facilitate the discharge of water during the discharge phase and drag the excrement from the central protrusion 33 towards shallow side channels 34, and then from these towards the discharge area 32 and the discharge outlet 50. The central protrusion 33 may be substantially flat to allow the pet to have a stable footing, but may at the same time have such a slight inclination or curvature towards the side channels 34 also to allow rapid drying after washing. The slight inclination may be between 0.1 ° and 5° from the horizontal, preferably between 0.1 ° and 1 °, towards the side channels and / or towards discharge area 32.

[0069] The shallow side channels may also have a degree of inclination of between 0.1 ° and 5° with respect to the horizontal, preferably between 0.1 ° and 1 °, towards the discharge area 32 to facilitate the flow of water and residues.

[0070] Also as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 2A, the edge 40 of the side washing nozzles 90L arranged on both sides 43 may be configured to introduce a plurality of side water jets 91 L directed towards the inlet / outlet portion 41 so that the side jets 91 L can form return waves shown by the arrows 91 L and promote the recirculation of water for the elimination of excrement exit portion 41 so that the side jets 91 L can form return waves shown by the arrows 91 L and promote the recirculation of water for the elimination of excrement by directing it towards the side channels 34 and then towards the discharge area 32.

[0071] According to another variant of the invention (Fig. 2B and Fig. 2C), a litter box 1 , similar to those described above and for which the above description applies, may include a front water inlet 90F configured to allow a water jet 91 F, for example in the form of a water blade as shown, or with individual front spray nozzles, capable of sweeping the free flat area 31 and reaching the discharge area 32. The water inlet 90F can be arranged at the inlet / outlet portion 41 opposite the discharge area 32. The side water inlets 90L already shown in Fig. 2A may also be optionally provided.

[0072] The central projection 33, in particular, allows the water jet 91 to be divided into two parallel front flows 91 F (Fig. 2C), which allow the excrement to be drawn from the central projection 33 towards the shallow side channels 34 and finally eliminated through the discharge outlet 50 and a siphon 55 for odor elimination. In this way, even with the front jets 91 F, the shallow side channels34 facilitate drainage, and the shallow side channels 34 and the front outlet 90F ensure sufficient speed for the water to carry away residues and excrement compared to the known technique.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 2C, the invention may include a weight sensor 83 that signals the presence of the pet to a control unit 81 , which may include a timer, of a type known to a person skilled in the art, which activates an opening valve 82 after a few minutes, so as to ensure that the pet leaves the litter box 1 after use. This solution of the weight sensor and the timed opening control unit is obviously applicable to all forms of the invention. The valve actuated by the timer can be located at the outlet or further upstream to actuate multiple nozzles, as in the case of the 90L nozzles in Fig. 2A.

[0074] The weight sensor 83 may be a known type of electrical switch, for example a push button or a spring lever, or a load cell, a piezoelectric sensor, although other known sensors may be used. The weight sensor 83, shown in Fig. 2B mounted on the side of the discharge, can obviously be mounted in any other position capable of being activated by the presence of the pet on the free flat area in a manner that can be easily implemented by a technician in the field.

[0075] In Fig. 2B, the central projection 33 raised above the side channels 34 is made as a wall of a shell forming the entire sanitary box 1. In a variant shown in Fig. 2E, the litter box 1 alternatively provides that the convex central protrusion 33 is made by gluing or welding a spacer 84 of a shape similar to that already illustrated and therefore not described in greater detail to base 30.

[0076] With reference to Figures 3-11 and 13-14, in relation to advantageous embodiments of the invention, a frame-shaped cabinet 20 may be provided to contain the sanitary box 1 , with an internal recess 21 configured to engage the edge 40 of the sanitary box. The storage unit 20 may have a minimum height to allow the concealment of hydraulic fittings 92 for the washing water inlet and outlet 50, and the relative siphon 55.

[0077] In possible embodiments of the invention, Figs. 3-14, the inlet 90 may be connected via a valve 93, as shown in some figures, to a water source capable of supplying a predetermined flow rate. The source may be the domestic water supply or a toilet cistern 97. In particular, in advantageous embodiments, as shown in Figs. 3-14, the inlet 90 is connected to the toilet cistern 97, which can be operated manually, for example by means of a button 95, e.g. Fig. 3, 12, orautomatically, in the case of a presence sensor 80, control unit 81 , and device 82 for opening a valve 93 for emptying the toilet cistern 97 Figs. 9-11 .

[0078] In some embodiments, for example as shown in Figs. 6-8, the flat free area 31 occupies at least 90% of the base 30, and the drain outlet 50 is designed as a drain channel 51 on a portion of the base 30 adjacent to the drain portion of the rim 42.

[0079] In possible embodiments, for example as shown in Figs. 1 -2, Figs. 3-5, and Figs. 9-12, the water jet 91 exits from a mouth 90 located in the discharge portion of the edge 42 of the edge 40, and directed towards the flat free area 31. In this way, as already described for some of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 -2, Figs. 3-5, and Figs. 9-12, the jet crosses the discharge area32 and the flat free area 31 , strikes the in let / outlet portion of the edge 41 of the edge 40, and forms a distributed return wave (not shown) that washes the flat free area 31 and carries the debris toward the discharge outlet 50. This solution allows flat free area 31 to be washed with a single jet.

[0080] In another embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2B-2C, 6-8, and 13-14, the waterjet 91 exits from a mouth 90 or 90F provided on the inlet / outlet portion of the edge 41 adjacent to the flat free area 31 and oriented toward the discharge portion of the edge 42. In this case, the nozzle 90 can be distributed, as shown in Figs. 6-8, along a distributed section of the inlet portion 42 of the edge 40, so as to form a direct wave that sweeps the flat free area 31 and drags the debris towards the discharge area 32.

[0081] In all possible embodiments, and as also shown in Figs. 9-11 , the flat free area 31 comprises a substantially flat and convex central projection 33 and shallow side channels 34 with a minimal slope towards the discharge outlet area 50. In this way, as already described, any residual water droplets after washing quickly drain into the shallow side channels 34 and the flat convex central area33 dries very quickly after washing, allowing the cat to reuse the litter box after a very short time. In Figures 10 and 11 , the substantially flat and convex central projection 33 is shown in an accentuated form, but only a slight convexity is sufficient to achieve the above-mentioned effect. Even in these embodiments, as already described, the flat convex central area 33 is made of non-stick material or coated with a non-stick film or enamel to facilitate the sliding of water droplets 91towards the shallow side channels and accelerate drying even a few minutes after washing.

[0082] In advantageous embodiments, the inlet 90 is connected to the toilet cistern 97, which can be operated manually, for example by means of a button 95 (Fig. 3), or automatically, as shown in Figures 9-11 , where a presence sensor 80, a control unit 81 and a unit 82 for opening a valve 93 for emptying the toilet cistern 97.

[0083] The opening unit 82, in order to cause water 91 to be fed through outlet 90, may provide for the control unit 81 to receive data from a presence sensor 80 and be configured to control the opening unit 82 with a predetermined delay when the presence sensor 80 changes from a presence signal to a nopresence signal of the pet 6. In this way, the activation of the opening unit 82 causes the cleaning of the litter box 1 when the pet has relieved itself on the free flat area 31 , and the delay prevents the water jet 91 from being activated immediately after the pet 6 leaves the litter box 1. The presence sensor 80 can be trained to recognize the presence of the pet in 1 1 and discard presence signals triggered by the passage of people or animals in the environment. Alternatively, the opening unit 82 can also be activated by other types of sensors, such as cameras, weight sensors as described above, etc., as can be easily implemented by a technician in the field.

[0084] In possible embodiments, as shown in Fig. 12, the toilet cistern 97 can be a tank connected to the inlet 93 via a first emptying control 98 that can be activated, for example, with the button 95, and also includes at least one further emptying control 99, configured to be connected to a toilet bowl 100.

[0085] This solution allows for the creation of a single toilet system for pets and people, with a litter box 1 and toilet bowl 100 adjacent to each other and a single toilet cistern, with savings in installation costs.

[0086] Alternatively, in an equivalent design not shown, the toilet cistern 97, instead of a single tank, may include a first tank connected to the inlet through the emptying valve 93 of the first tank, and at least one additional adjacent tank configured to be connected to the toilet bowl 100.

[0087] In possible embodiments, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the drain 50 may begin in drain area 32 of the base 30, and may also be partially formed inportion 42 of the rim 40, for example suitable for rooms where drainage into the sewer is only possible through the wall and not through the floor.The above description of embodiments and variants of the invention is intended to show the invention from a conceptual point of view so that others, using known technology, can modify and / or adapt these embodiments in various applications without further research and without departing from the inventive concept, and therefore it is understood that such adaptations and modifications will be considered equivalent to the embodiments described. The means and materials for performing the various functions may be of various kinds without departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the expressions or terminology used are purely descriptive and, therefore, not limiting.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A litter box structure for pets , in particular for cats, comprising: a base (30), a rim (40) surrounding said base (30), a drain outlet (50) on said base (30), a water inlet (90) on said base (30), wherein said base (30) comprises a flat free area (31 ) and a discharge area (32), and:- said flat free area (31 ) is at least 50% of said base (30),- said drain outlet (50) is in said drain area (32) of said base (30),- said water inlet port (90) is configured to introduce a jet of water (91 ) that sweeps said flat free area (31 ) and reaches said discharge area (32),- said edge (40) has an edge inlet / outlet portion (41 ) adjacent to said flat free area (31 ),- said edge (40) has an edge discharge portion (42) opposite said edge inlet / outlet portion (41 ) with respect to said flat free area (31 ),- said edge discharge portion (42) is adjacent to said discharge area (32) and to said discharge outlet (50), characterized in that- said flat free area (31 ) comprises a substantially flat and convex central protrusion (33) and shallow lateral channels (34) with a minimal slope towards said discharge outlet area (50).

2. The litter box structure according to claim 1 , wherein said flat free area (31 ) is at least 60% of said base (30), in particular the flat free area (31 ) is at least 70% of said base (30).

3. The litter box structure according to claim 1 , wherein said flat free area (31 ) occupies at least 90% of the base (30), and the drain outlet (50) is formed as a drain channel (51 ) on the drain area (32) of the portion of the base (30) adjacent to said drain portion of the edge (42).

4. The litter box structure according to the preceding claims, wherein the water jet (91 ) exits from a mouth (90) located in a position selected among:at said edge discharge portion (42) of said edge (40) and directed towards the flat free area (31 ); at said edge inlet / outlet portion (41 ) adjacent to said flat free area (31 ) and directed towards the edge discharge portion (42), in particular, said outlet (90) may be distributed along the entire length of said inlet portion, so as to form a washing wave that sweeps the flat free area (31 ) and carries the waste toward the discharge area (32).

5. The litter box structure according to the previous claims, wherein said flat free area (31 ) is arranged at an angle of inclination of between 0.1 ° and 5° with respect to the horizontal, preferably between 0.1 ° and 1 ° sloping towards said edge discharge portion (42).

6. The litter box structure according to the previous claims, wherein said flat convex central protrusion (33) is made of non-stick material or coated with a non-stick film or enameled to facilitate the sliding of water droplets (91 ) towards said shallow side channels (34).

7. The litter box structure according to the previous claims, comprising a frame (20) for containing the litter box with an internal recess (21 ) configured to engage the edge (40) of the litter box .

8. The litter box structure according to the previous claims, wherein a sensor (80) for detecting the presence of the pet in the litter box is provided, and an opening unit (82) for causing water (91 ) to be introduced through said mouth (90), a control unit (81 ) being provided which receives data from said presence sensor (80) and is configured to control said opening unit (82) with a predetermined delay when said presence sensor (80) changes from a presence signal to a non-presence signal of said pet .

9. The litter box structure according to the preceding claims, wherein a toilet cistern (97) is provided and said inlet opening (90) is connected to said toilet cistern (97), which is configured to be operated in a manner selected from: manual operation, in particular by means of a button (95), automatic operation, wherein said toilet cistern comprises a presence sensor (80), a control unit (81 ) and a device (82) for opening a valve (93) for emptying said toilet cistern (97) towards said inlet opening (90).

10. The litter box structure according to the previous claims, wherein a toilet cistern is provided and wherein said toilet cistern is configured in a manner selected from:- comprising a tank (97) connected to the inlet (93) via a first emptying control (98) and further comprising at least one additional emptying control (99) configured to be connected to a toilet bowl (100);- a first tank, connected to said inlet through a drain valve of said first tank, and comprising at least one further tank configured to be connected to a toilet bowl (100).

11. The litter box structure according to the previous claims, wherein a weight sensor (83) is provided which signals the presence of the animal to a control unit (81 ), which may comprise a timer which activates an opening valve (82) after a predetermined time.

12. The litter box structure according to the previous claims, wherein it comprises a front water inlet (90F) configured to emit a jet of water (91 F), for example in the form of a water blade, capable of sweeping the flat free area (31 ) and reaching the discharge area (32).

13. Litter box structure according to the previous claims, wherein said central projection (33) has an inclination or curvature towards said side channels (34) of between 0.1 ° and 5° with respect to the horizontal, preferably between 0.1 ° and 1 °.

14. The litter box structure according to the previous claims, wherein said central projection (33) raised relative to the lateral channels (34) is formed as a wall of a shell forming the entire litter box .

15. Litter box structure according to the preceding claims, wherein said edge The litter (40) is provided with lateral washing nozzles (90L) arranged on both sides (43) of said lateral edge and configured to emit a plurality of lateral waterjets (91 L) directed towards the inlet / outlet portion (41 ) so that the lateral jets (91 L) can form return waves shown by the arrows (91 L) and promote the recirculation of water for the elimination of excrement by directing it towards said lateral channels (34) and then towards the discharge area (32).

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