Patent Publication Number: US-2019191662-A1

Title: Animal toilet

Description:
This Nonprovisional application claims priority under U.S.C. § 119 on Patent Application No. 2017-250221 filed in Japan on Dec. 26, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an animal toilet. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Toilets for pet animals are in general use. Patent Literature 1 discloses an animal toilet including (i) a support table that allows a pet animal to stand thereon, (ii) an excretion tray configured to be slid in the main container to be positioned under the support table, and (iii) a weight scale provided under the excretion tray inside the main container. The weight scale is inserted in the main container through a through hole in the bottom of the main container, and supports the excretion tray inside the main container in such a manner as to lift the excretion tray from below. 
     The animal toilet is configured such that the excretion tray receives urine discharged by a pet on the support table and that the weight scale measures how much the excretion tray is heavier due to the received urine in order to weigh the urine discharged by the pet. This helps monitor the health condition of the pet. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     [Patent Literature 1] 
     Japanese Patent Application Publication, Tokukai, No. 2017-153400 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     The excretion tray is detachable from the main container in order for the pet owner to easily remove an excretion received by the excretion tray and clean the excretion tray. The owner may, for instance, forget to insert the detached excretion tray in the main container, so that the excretion tray is kept detached from the main container. In a case where the pet uses the animal toilet with the excretion tray detached therefrom, the animal toilet cannot weigh the excretion, and/or the excretion leaks through the through hole in the bottom of the main container out of the main container, dirtying the area surrounding the animal toilet. 
     It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide an animal toilet capable of weighing an excretion and preventing an excretion from leaking out even with an excretion receiving container detached. 
     Solution to Problem 
     In order to attain the above object, an animal toilet in accordance with an aspect of the present invention includes: a support table having a bottom surface having an opening through which an excretion of an animal passes; an excretion receiving container, the excretion receiving container being detachable and configured to (i) face the opening when attached and (ii) receive the excretion having passed through the opening; and a weight scale present opposite to the support table across the excretion receiving container as attached, the weight scale being configured to weigh the excretion received by the excretion receiving container, the weight scale including (i) a table configured to be pressed by the excretion receiving container as attached and (ii) a weight sensor configured to output an electric signal indicative of a value of a measured weight which value corresponds to a pressing force from the table, the table included in the weight scale having at least one depressed portion that coincides with the opening across the excretion receiving container as attached. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     An aspect of the present invention produces an effect of weighing an excretion and preventing an excretion from leaking out even with an excretion receiving container detached. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 1, illustrating the configuration of the pet toilet. 
       (a) of  FIG. 2  is a plan view of the pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 1, illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet. (b) of  FIG. 2  is a left side view of the pet toilet illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet. (c) of  FIG. 2  is a right side view of the pet toilet illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet. (d) of  FIG. 2  is a front side view of the pet toilet illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 2 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 1. 
       (a) of  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a weight scale included in the pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 1, illustrating the configuration of the weight scale on the side of its upper surface. (b) of  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the weight scale illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 4 , illustrating the configuration of the weight scale on the side of its lower surface. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a control device included in the pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a pet toilet in accordance with a comparative example, illustrating the configuration of the pet toilet. 
       (a) of  FIG. 7  is a plan view of a pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 2, illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet. (b) of  FIG. 7  is a left side view of the pet toilet illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet. (c) of  FIG. 7  is a right side view of the pet toilet illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet. (d) of  FIG. 7  is a front side view of the pet toilet illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 2, illustrating the configuration of the pet toilet. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a weight scale included in a pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 3. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a weight scale included in a pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 4. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a weight scale included in a pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 5. 
       (a) of  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a weight scale included in a pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 6. (b) of  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the weight scale illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 12 . 
       (a) of  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a weight scale included in a pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 7. (b) of  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the weight scale illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 13 . 
       (a) of  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a weight scale included in a pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 8. (b) of  FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the weight scale illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 14 . 
       (a) of  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a weight scale included in a pet toilet in accordance with Embodiment 9. (b) of  FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the weight scale illustrated in (a) of  FIGS. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiment 1 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 1, illustrating the configuration of the pet toilet  1 . (a) of  FIG. 2  is a plan view of the pet toilet  1 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet  1 . (b) of  FIG. 2  is a left side view of the pet toilet  1 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet  1 . (c) of  FIG. 2  is a right side view of the pet toilet  1 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet  1 . (d) of  FIG. 2  is a front view of the pet toilet  1 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet  1 .  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the pet toilet  1 . 
     The pet toilet  1  in accordance with the present embodiment is an example animal toilet. The pet toilet  1  is used by a pet such as a cat or a dog (that is, an animal kept domestically) when the pet urinates. The pet is not limited to a cat or a dog, and may be another animal. The present embodiment described here is a pet toilet  1  having the function of measuring, for example, the amount of discharged urine and the number of times of urination for the pet&#39;s healthcare. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the pet toilet  1  includes a support plate  11 , vertical poles  12 , a main container  13 , a support table frame  14 , an excretion tray  19 , a support table  20 , and a weight scale  40 . The pet toilet  1  further includes a control device  30  (see  FIG. 5 ). The pet toilet  1  may further include a cover (not shown) that covers the support table  20 . 
     The main container  13  is supported by four vertical poles  12  each standing at one of the four corners of the support plate  11 . The main container  13  is hollow, and has (i) an upper surface (that is, the surface on the side of which the support table  20  is inserted into the main container  13  as described later) with an opening and (ii) a lower surface (that is, the surface on the side of which the weight scale  40  is inserted into the main container  13  as described later) with an opening. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the main container  13  is configured to contain (i) a support table  20  on which a pet (animal) stands (that is, a support table configured to support an animal) and (ii) an excretion tray  19  under the support table  20  which excretion tray  19  is capable of being slid into the main container  13 . The support table  20  may be filled with a filler such as water-repellent gravel, sand, or glass beads. The support table  20  may itself be water-repellent to (i) prevent urine from remaining thereon and (ii) allow urine to easily run thereon. The pet toilet  1  may alternatively further include a member other than the support table  20  which member is supported by the support table  20  and be configured such that an animal stands on that member. 
     The support table  20  is inserted into the main container  13  through the upper opening of the main container  13  to be mounted in the main container  13 . The support table frame  14  is mounted on the edge of the support table  20 . 
     The support table  20  is a table on which an animal stands for excretion. The support table  20  includes a bottom part  21  having a mesh (opening)  22  including a plurality of slits  23 . An excretion (in this example, urine) that an animal has discharged from above the mesh  22  passes through the mesh  22  to fall onto the excretion tray  19  placed to face the bottom part  21  of the support table  20 . The mesh  22  in this example allows a liquid to pass therethrough, but does not allow, for example, feces or an object (for example, a toy) that the animal has brought in its mouth. 
     The support table  20  may have, instead of the mesh  22 , an opening with a different shape which opening allows an excretion to pass therethrough. The support table  20  in accordance with the present embodiment is shaped like a recessed container. The shape of the support table  20  is, however, not limited to such a shape. The pet toilet  1  may alternatively further include a member other than the support table  20  which member is supported by the support table  20  and be configured such that an animal stands on that member. The bottom part  21  in accordance with the present embodiment is flat, and has a mesh  22  across the entire surface thereof. The mesh  22  may be provided in only a portion of the bottom part  21 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the excretion tray  19  includes an excretion receiving container  16  and a slidable frame  17 . The excretion tray  19  is capable of being inserted in the main container  13 . The slidable frame  17 , on which the dish-shaped excretion receiving container  16  is placeable, is a rectangular frame having an opening  17   a  at its center. Fitting the excretion receiving container  16  into the opening  17   a  allows the excretion receiving container  16  to be mounted on the slidable frame  17 . The excretion receiving container  16  is combined with an absorbing sheet  18  as a retainer laid on the excretion receiving container  16 . The absorbing sheet  18  is preferably, for example, a retainer containing a water absorbent resin and having high water absorbency. The retainer is, however, not limited to such a retainer, and may be any retainer capable of absorbing liquid such as sponge or paper. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the excretion tray  19  is slid into the main container  13  through a side opening  13   a  in a side portion of the main container  13 . This allows the excretion tray  19  to be positioned under the bottom part  21  of the support table  20  mounted on the main container  13 , in other words, allows the excretion tray  19  to face the bottom part  21  of the support table  20  mounted on the main container  13 . Sliding the excretion tray  19  in the main container  13  in such a manner as to pull out the excretion tray  19  through the side opening  13   a  allows the excretion tray  19  to be separated from the main container  13 . 
     The bottom part of the main container  13  has a weight scale through hole  13   b.  With the weight scale through hole  13   b,  the main container  13  is open below the excretion tray  19  inserted in the main container  13 . 
     (a) of  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the weight scale  40 , illustrating the configuration of the weight scale  40  on the side of its upper surface. (b) of  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the weight scale  40 , illustrating the configuration of the weight scale  40  on the side of its lower surface. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the weight scale  40  includes one or more weight sensors  41  and a table  42 . The table  42  includes (i) a plate-shaped section (plate-shaped member)  43  as a base and (ii) a protruding section  44  protruding from the plate-shaped section  43 . The plate-shaped section has two principal surfaces, one of which is a first surface  43   a  (upper surface) present on the side of the excretion receiving container  16  inserted in the main container  13  and the other of which is a second surface  43   b  (lower surface) present opposite to the first surface and on the side of the support plate  11 . 
     The weight sensors  41  are attached to the second surface  43   b  of the plate-shaped section  43  in such a manner that the head of each weight sensor  41  is in contact with the second surface  43   b.  The present embodiment is configured such that four weight sensors  41  (namely, weight sensors  41   a,    41   b,    41   c,  and  41   d ) are each attached to one of the four corners of the second surface  43   b  of the plate-shaped section  43 . The weight sensors  41  are each configured to, when pressed by the table  42 , convert the pressing force into an electric signal and output the electric signal. 
     The weight sensors  41  are each, for example, a load cell. In a case where the weight sensors  41  are each a load cell, the load cell is any of various load cells such as a spring-type load cell, a piezoelectric load cell, a magnetostrictive load cell, a capacitive load cell, a gyroscopic load cell, and a strain gauge load cell. The weight sensors  41  may each be other than a load cell, for example, an electromagnetic equilibrium sensor or a tuning fork sensor. 
     The weight sensors  41  may each be integrated with the table  42 . In a case where, for instance, the weight sensors  41  are each a load cell of a strain sensor type, the weight sensors  41  are each configured such that an internal component of the weight sensor  41  is deformed by a weight, that the strain sensor converts the amount of the deformation of the internal component into an electric signal, and that the weight sensor  41  outputs the electric signal. This allows the weight scale  40  to measure a weight. 
     The weight scale  40  may include only one weight sensor  41  on the second surface  43   b  of the plate-shaped section  43 . However, the weight scale  40  preferably includes two or more (for example, four) weight sensors  41  as illustrated in, for example,  FIG. 4 . Such two or more weight sensors  41  make it possible to accurately weigh an excretion even in a case where the excretion has fallen onto random positions on the plate-shaped section  43 . 
     The protruding section  44  has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. The protruding section  44  protrudes from the first surface  43   a  of the plate-shaped section  43 . The protruding section  44  has a top surface  45  having a depressed portion  46 . The depressed portion  46  of the protruding section  44  has a side surface  47  along the four sides which side surface  47  is inclined such that the depressed portion  46  is narrower at the bottom surface  48  and wider at the top surface  45 . The bottom surface  48  of the depressed portion  46  is, for example, a flat surface. The protruding section  44  is, in other words, shaped like a dish including a bottom surface  48  and a wall surrounding the bottom surface  48 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the depressed portion coincides with the mesh  22  across the excretion receiving container  16  inserted in the main container  13 . The depressed portion  46 , in other words, faces the mesh  22  with the excretion receiving container  16  removed from the main container  13 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the main container  13  is placed on the vertical poles  12 , the protruding section  44  of the table  42  enters the main container  13  through the weight scale through hole  13   b  of the main container  13 . 
     Then, when the excretion tray  19  has been slid into the main container  13  through the side opening  13   a,  the back surface of the excretion receiving container  16  (that is, the surface opposite to the surface on which the absorbing sheet  18  is present) comes into contact with the top surface  45  of the protruding section  44 , so that the excretion receiving container  16  is placed on the table  42 . In other words, sliding the excretion tray  19  into the main container  13  through the side opening  13   a  causes the back surface of the excretion receiving container  16  to slide along the top surface  45  of the protruding section  44  while in contact with the top surface  45 . 
     When the excretion tray  19  has been fully inserted into the main container  13 , the excretion receiving container  16 , which used to be supported by the slidable frame  17 , has been lifted on the table  42 , so that the excretion receiving container  16  is supported by the table  42  and the weight sensors  41 . 
     When the excretion receiving container  16  has been inserted in the main container  13 , the excretion receiving container  16  presses the table  42 , which in turn presses the weight sensors  41 . When the excretion receiving container  16  has received an excretion, a pressing force corresponding to the weight of the excretion is transmitted from the excretion receiving container  16  to the table  42  and then to the weight sensors  41 . This configuration allows the weight scale  40  to weigh urine absorbed by the absorbing sheet  18  laid on the excretion receiving container  16 . 
     A cat as a pet, for example, discharges urine two to three times a day, in an amount of 20 g to 30 g a day per kilogram of the body weight. A mature cat, which typically has a body weight of 3 kg to 5 kg, discharges urine onto the absorbing sheet 18 in an amount of normally 60 g to 150 g per day. When a mature cat is, for example, sick, it tends to discharge urine fewer times and/or in a smaller amount. In combination with this knowledge, the pet owner, for example, can learn the health condition of the pet such as a cat by using the pet toilet  1  of the present embodiment to measure how many times and/or how much (weight) the pet urinates. 
     The table  42  does not come into contact with the main container  13 , and is thus not pressed by the main container  13 . 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a control device  30  included in the pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 1. The control device  30  carries out operations such as controlling how the weight scale  40  is driven and receiving electric signals from the weight sensors  41 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the control device  30  includes a power source section  31 , a sensor driving section  32 , a control section  33 , a storage section  34 , and a communication section  35 . The control device  30  is configured such that the sensor driving section  32  receives electric signals each indicative of the value (measured value) of a weight that a weight scale  40  has measured. 
     The power source section  31  supplies electric power to each section of the control device  30 , namely, the sensor driving section  32 , the control section  33 , the storage section  34 , and the communication section  35 . The power source section  31  may be, for example, a battery. 
     The sensor driving section  32  supplies electric power to the weight scale  40  for operation of the weight scale  40 . The sensor driving section  32  also receives data on measured values from the weight scale  40 . The sensor driving section  32 , when having detected that a pet such as a cat has stepped onto the pet toilet  1 , causes the weight scale  40  to make a measurement. The sensor driving section  32  outputs, to the control section  33 , information indicative of the measured values that the sensor driving section  32  has received. 
     The control section  33  calculates the weight of urine that a pet such as a cat has discharged. The present embodiment is configured as an example such that the measured values from the weight scale  40  indicate the combined weight of (i) the absorbing sheet  18  containing urine and (ii) the excretion receiving container  16 . The control section  33  thus subtracts the value of the combined weight of the absorbing sheet  18  not containing urine and the excretion receiving container  16  from the value of the combined weight (indicated by the measured values received) of the absorbing sheet  18  containing urine and the excretion receiving container  16  to calculate the amount of urine that the absorbing sheet  18  has absorbed. The value of the combined weight of the absorbing sheet  18  not containing urine and the excretion receiving container  16  is stored in the storage section  34  in advance. This stored value of the combined weight may be the value of a weight that the weight scale  40  measured immediately after an old absorbing sheet  18  was replaced with a new one. 
     The control section  33  then stores, in the storage section  34 , data on the measured time point of the urination and the measured weight of the urine. The control section  33  may transmit the data (stored in the storage section  34 ) from the communication section  35  to a terminal device of the owner of the pet. This configuration allows the owner of the pet to check the stored data on the time point (number) of the urination and the weight of the urine to learn the health condition of the pet. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 , the pet toilet  1  includes at least a support table  20 , an excretion receiving container  16 , and a weight scale  40 . The support table  20  includes a bottom part  21  having a mesh  22  through which an excretion of an animal can pass. The excretion receiving container  16  is capable of being inserted in the main container  13 . The excretion receiving container  16  as inserted faces the mesh  22  and receives an excretion having passed through the mesh  22 . The weight scale  40  is present opposite to the support table  20  across the excretion receiving container  16  as inserted. The weight scale  40  weighs an excretion received by the excretion receiving container  16 . 
     With the above configuration, the excretion receiving container  16  as inserted faces the mesh  22  of the support table  20  and is capable of receiving an excretion having passed through the mesh  22  of the support table  20 . 
     The weight scale  40  includes (i) a table  42  configured to be pressed by the excretion receiving container  16  as inserted and (ii) weight sensors  41  each configured to output an electric signal indicative of the value of a measured weight which value corresponds to a pressing force from the table  42 . This configuration allows the weight scale  40  to weigh an excretion received by the excretion receiving container  16 . 
     The excretion receiving container  16  is detachable, so it can be detached from the main container  13  for removal of a received excretion and cleaning. The excretion receiving container  16  is thus easy to keep clean. This allows the pet toilet  1  to have high convenience. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a pet toilet  100  in accordance with a comparative example, illustrating the configuration of the pet toilet  100 . The pet toilet  100  includes a weight scale  140  instead of the weight scale  40  of the pet toilet  1 . The weight scale  140  differs from the weight scale  40  in that the weight scale  140  includes a protruding section  44  with no depressed portion  46  and has an upper surface (that is, the surface to be in contact with the back surface of an excretion receiving container  16 ) that is entirely flat. The weight scale  140  is, in other words, configured such that the protruding section  44  has a top surface  45  that is entirely flat. 
     With the configuration of the pet toilet  100 , in a case where, for instance, a pet animal uses the pet toilet  100  with the excretion receiving container  16  detached therefrom as a result of, for example, the owner having forgot to insert the excretion receiving container  16 , an excretion passes through the mesh  22  and falls directly onto the top surface  45  (upper surface) of the protruding section  44 . Since the top surface  45  (upper surface) of the protruding section  44  is entirely flat, in a case where the excretion is urine (liquid), the urine runs along the upper surface and side surface of the protruding section  44  to finally drop downward from the table  42 . 
     Thus, with the configuration of the pet toilet  100 , in a case where a pet animal uses the pet toilet  100  with the excretion receiving container  16  detached therefrom, the weight scale  140  cannot weigh an excretion. In addition, an excretion that has dropped downward from the table  42  may leak out from the pet toilet  100 . 
     On the other hand, the pet toilet  1  is configured as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4  such that the table  42  has a depressed portion  46  that coincides with the mesh  22  across the excretion receiving container  16  as inserted. Thus, even with the excretion receiving container  16  detached from the main container  13 , the depressed portion  46  can receive an excretion that has passed through the mesh  22  of the support table  20 . Thus, even in a case where, for instance, a pet animal uses the pet toilet with the excretion receiving container  16  detached therefrom as a result of, for example, the owner having forgot to insert the excretion receiving container  16 , the weight scale  40  can weigh an excretion. In addition, even with the excretion receiving container  16  detached from the main container  13 , the pet toilet  1  can prevent an excretion from leaking out. 
     The table  42  includes a plate-shaped section  43  and a protruding section  44  protruding from the first surface  43   a  of the plate-shaped section  43 . The protruding section  44  has a depressed portion  46  on the top surface  45 . The depressed portion  46  is thus surrounded by a wall along the entire periphery. This allows the depressed portion  46  to receive a larger amount of excretion, with the result of increased convenience. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the present embodiment is configured such that the depressed portion  46  has an area not larger than the area of the region in which the mesh  22  is present. A small weight scale  40  is easy to handle. This allows an excretion received by the depressed portion  46  to be removed easily, making it easy to maintain the weight scale  40 . 
     The present embodiment is configured such that the depressed portion  46  and the mesh  22  are each present in a region whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the direction in which the excretion tray  19  is slid to be inserted. In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , W 22 &gt;W 46 , where W 46  represents the length (longitudinal dimension) of the region of the depressed portion  46 , and W 22  represents the length of the region of the mesh  22 . The two lengths W 22  and W 46  may be equal to each other. The present embodiment may be further configured such that the region of the depressed portion  46  has a width (that is, the dimension orthogonal to the length) not larger than the width of the region of the mesh  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 , and (a) of  FIG. 4 , the depressed portion  46  may have a side surface  47  inclined such that the depressed portion  46  becomes wider toward the mesh  22 . This configuration allows an excretion received by the depressed portion  46  to be removed easily, making it easy to maintain the weight scale  40 . 
     Embodiment 2 
     (a) of  FIG. 7  is a plan view of a pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 2, illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet  1 . (b) of  FIG. 7  is a left side view of the pet toilet  1  illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet  1 . (c) of  FIG. 7  is a right side view of the pet toilet  1  illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet  1 . (d) of  FIG. 7  is a front side view of the pet toilet  1  illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 7 , illustrating the overall configuration of the pet toilet  1 .  FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 2, illustrating the configuration of the pet toilet  1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the pet toilet  1  may be configured such that the depressed portion  46  has an area larger than the area of the mesh  22 . This configuration allows the depressed portion  46  to more reliably receive an excretion having passed through the mesh  22 . With the above configuration, even in a case where a pet animal uses the pet toilet  1  with the excretion receiving container  16  detached from the main container  13 , the weight scale  40  can more accurately weigh an excretion, and the pet toilet  1  can more effectively prevent an excretion from leaking out. 
     In  FIGS. 7 and 8 , W 46 &gt;W 22 , where W 46  represents the length (longitudinal dimension) of the region of the depressed portion  46 , and W 22  represents the length of the region of the mesh  22 . The present embodiment may be further configured such that the region of the depressed portion  46  has a width larger than the width of the region of the mesh  22 . 
     Embodiment 3 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a weight scale  40 A included in a pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 3. A pet toilet  1  may include, instead of the weight scale  40  (see  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 ), the weight scale  40 A illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The weight scale  40 A includes ribs  49  in the depressed portion  46 . The weight scale  40 A is otherwise similar in configuration to the weight scale  40 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates two ribs  49 , namely ribs  49   a  and  49   b.  The ribs  49   a  and  49   b  extend along the bottom surface of the depressed portion  46  in respective directions different from each other and cross each other. The ribs  49   a  and  49   b  each have opposite ends that are jointed with respective portions of the side surface  47  of the depressed portion  46  which portions face each other. The space inside the depressed portion  46  may consequently be divided by the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  into a plurality of regions (in  FIG. 9 , four regions). 
     With the above configuration, the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  allow the table  42  to be more rigid. This can prevent the table  42  from deforming due to, for example, degradation over time. Further, sliding the excretion receiving container  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) into the main container  13  causes the back surface of the excretion receiving container  16  to slide along the respective top surfaces of the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  while in contact with the respective top surfaces of the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  as well. Thus, when the excretion receiving container  16  is slid into the main container  13 , the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  guide the excretion receiving container  16 , thereby facilitating the insertion. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  as being orthogonal to each other. The ribs  49   a  and  49   b  are, however, not necessarily orthogonal to each other. The ribs  49   a  and  49   b  may cross each other in any manner that divides the space inside the depressed portion  46  into a plurality of regions. 
     The number of ribs provided in the depressed portion  46  is not limited to two. The space inside the depressed portion  46  may be divided into a plurality of regions by a single rib or three or more ribs. 
     Embodiment 4 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a weight scale  40 B included in a pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 4. A pet toilet  1  may include, instead of the weight scale  40  (see  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 ), the weight scale  40 B illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The weight scale  40 B includes a protruding section  44  having a plurality of depressed portions  46   a,    46   b,    46   c , and  46   d.  The weight scale  40 B is otherwise similar in configuration to the weight scale  40 . 
     The protruding section  44  of the weight scale  40 B has a top surface  45  with depressed portions  46   a,    46   b ,  46   c,  and  46   d  arranged apart from one another. With the above configuration, the walls between the depressed portions  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d  allow the table  42  to be more rigid. This can prevent the table  42  from deforming due to, for example, degradation over time. In addition, when the excretion receiving container  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) is slid into the main container  13 , the walls between the depressed portions  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d  guide the excretion receiving container  16 , thereby facilitating the insertion. 
     The depressed portion  46   a  has a side surface  47   a  inclined such that the depressed portion  46   a  becomes wider toward the mesh  22  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). The depressed portion  46   b  has a side surface  47   b  inclined such that the depressed portion  46   b  becomes wider toward the mesh  22  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). The depressed portion  46   c  has a side surface  47   c  inclined such that the depressed portion  46   c  becomes wider toward the mesh  22  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). The depressed portion  46   d  has a side surface  47   d  inclined such that the depressed portion  46   d  becomes wider toward the mesh  22  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). This allows an excretion received by the depressed portions  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d  to be removed easily, making it easy to maintain the weight scale  40 B. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the depressed portions  46   a,    46   b ,  46   c,  and  46   d  as having respective bottom surfaces  48   a ,  48   b,    48   c,  and  48   d  that are flat. The bottom surfaces  48   a ,  48   b,    48   c,  and  48   d  are, however, not necessarily flat. 
     Not all of the respective side surfaces of the depressed portions  46   a,    46   b,    46   c,  and  46   d  are necessarily inclined. One, two, or three of the side surfaces may each be perpendicular to the bottom surface. The number of depressed portions in the protruding section  44  is not limited to four, and may be two, three, or five or more. 
     Embodiment 5 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a weight scale  40 C included in a pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 5. A pet toilet  1  may include, instead of the weight scale  40  (see  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 ), the weight scale  40 C illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The weight scale  40 C includes a plurality of ribs  51  in the depressed portion  46 . The weight scale  40 C is otherwise similar in configuration to the weight scale  40 . 
     The weight scale  40 C illustrated in  FIG. 11  includes in the depressed portion  46  a plurality of ribs  51  that extend in respective directions different from one another and that do not cross one another. The ribs  51  extend along the bottom surface  48  of the depressed portion  46 . 
     The ribs  51  each have an end  51   e   1  and another end  51   e   2 . The respective ends  51   e   1  of the ribs  51  are separated from one another by a first distance, whereas the respective ends  51   e   2  of the ribs  51  are separated from one another by a second distance larger than the first distance. 
     With the above configuration, removing the weight scale  40 C from the main container  13  and inclining the table  42  so that the ends  51   e   1  are below the ends  51   e   2  causes an excretion in the depressed portion  46  to be collected along the ribs  51  into a region in the vicinity of the ends  51   e   1  (that is, the region AR illustrated in  FIG. 11 ). This allows an excretion in the depressed portion  46  to be easily collected for removal, making it easy to maintain the weight scale  40 C. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates the space inside the depressed portion  46  as being divided by the five ribs  51  into six regions. The number of ribs  51  is, however, not limited to five, and is any number of two or more. 
     Embodiment 6 
     (a) of  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a weight scale  40 D included in a pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 6. (b) of  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the weight scale  40 D illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 12 . A pet toilet  1  may include, instead of the weight scale  40  (see  FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 ), the weight scale  40 D illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The weight scale  40 D differs from the weight scale  40  on the shape of the depressed portion  46 . The weight scale  40 D is otherwise similar in configuration to the weight scale  40 . 
     The weight scale  40 D may include a protruding section  44  having a depressed portion  46 D with a side surface  47 D inclined such that the depressed portion  46 D is narrower at a substantially central portion of the depressed portion  46 D and wider at the top surface  45  (edge) of the protruding section  44 . With this configuration, the depressed portion  46 D is deepest at a substantially central portion, thereby causing an excretion to be collected at the substantially central portion of the depressed portion  46 D. This allows the weight scale to weight an excretion more accurately. 
     The substantially central portion of the depressed portion  46 D refers to a region that covers the center of the depressed portion  46 D and that is in the vicinity of the center (that is, the region CE). 
     The side surface  47 D may be inclined such that the depressed portion  46 D is narrower at a predetermined position in the depressed portion  46 D other than the substantially central portion and wider at the top surface  45  (edge) of the protruding section  44 . With this configuration, the depressed portion  46 D is deepest at the predetermined position, thereby causing an excretion to be collected at the predetermined position in the depressed portion  46 D. This also advantageously reduces the risk of an excretion being present at a random position in the depressed portion  46 D, thereby allowing the weight scale  40 D to weight an excretion more accurately. 
     In a case where weight sensors  41   a,    41   b,    41   c,  and  41   d  are each attached to one of the four corners of the second surface  43   b  of the plate-shaped section  43  as illustrated in (b) of  FIG. 4 , collecting an excretion at the substantially central portion of the depressed portion  46 D allows the weight scale  40 D to weight an excretion more accurately. 
     Embodiment 7 
     (a) of  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a weight scale  40 E included in a pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 7. (b) of  FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the weight scale  40 E illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 13 . A pet toilet  1  may include, instead of the weight scale  40 D (see  FIG. 12 ), the weight scale  40 E illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The weight scale  40 E includes a plurality of ribs  49  in the depressed portion  46 D. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates two ribs  49 , namely ribs  49   a  and  49   b.  The ribs  49   a  and  49   b  extend in the depressed portion  46  in respective directions different from each other and cross each other. The ribs  49   a  and  49   b  each have opposite ends that are joined with respective portions of the edge (that is, respective sides) of the depressed portion  46 D which portions face each other. The space inside the depressed portion  46 D may consequently be divided by the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  into a plurality of regions (in  FIG. 13 , four regions). 
     The above configuration causes an excretion to be collected at a substantially central portion of the depressed portion  46 D (or at a predetermined position in the depressed portion  46 D). Further, the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  allow the table  42  to be more rigid. This can prevent the table  42  from deforming due to, for example, degradation over time. Further, sliding the excretion receiving container  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) into the main container  13  causes the back surface of the excretion receiving container  16  to slide along the respective top surfaces of the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  while in contact with the respective top surfaces of the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  as well. Thus, when the excretion receiving container  16  is slid into the main container  13 , the ribs  49   a  and  49   b  guide the excretion receiving container  16 , thereby facilitating the insertion. 
     Embodiment 8 
     (a) of  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a weight scale  40 F included in a pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 8. (b) of  FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the weight scale  40 F illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 14 . A pet toilet  1  may include, instead of the weight scale  40 D (see  FIG. 12 ), the weight scale  40 F illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The weight scale  40 F includes a table  42  having a through hole at a substantially central portion of the depressed portion  46 D, and also includes a pipe  55 . The weight scale  40 F is otherwise similar in configuration to the weight scale  40 D. 
     The pipe  55  has an end connected to the through hole  53  inside the protruding section  44 , and extends from inside the protruding section  44  along the back surface of the table  42 . The pipe  55  has another end that is open. 
     The weight scale  40 F is capable of causing an excretion received by the depressed portion  46 D to run through the through hole  53  and the pipe  55  to outside the depressed portion  46 D for removal, making it easy to maintain the weight scale  40 F. The pipe  55  may extend not on the back surface of the table  42  but off the back surface. 
     The position of the through hole  53  is not limited to the substantially central portion of the depressed portion  46 D, and may be a predetermined position in the depressed portion  46 D which predetermined position is other than the substantially central portion. This also makes it possible to cause an excretion received by the depressed portion  46 D to run through the through hole  53  and the pipe  55  to outside the depressed portion  46 D for removal. However, a through hole  53  at a substantially central portion of the depressed portion  46 D makes it possible to more efficiently cause an excretion received by the depressed portion  46 D to run through the through hole  53  and the pipe  55  to outside the depressed portion  46 D for removal. 
     The through hole  53  is plugged during normal use in order for urine to be kept in the depressed portion  46 D. This makes it possible to weigh the urine. For cleaning, the through hole  53  is unplugged in order for the urine in the depressed portion  46 D to run to outside for removal. 
     Embodiment 9 
     (a) of  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a weight scale  40 G included in a pet toilet  1  in accordance with Embodiment 9. (b) of  FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the weight scale  40 G illustrated in (a) of  FIG. 15 . A pet toilet  1  may include, instead of the weight scale  40 F (see  FIG. 14 ), the weight scale  40 G illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
     The weight scale  40 G is configured as with the weight scale  40 F, and includes a plurality of ribs  59   a,    59   b,    59   c , and  59   d  in the depressed portion  46 D. The weight scale  40 G is otherwise similar in configuration to the weight scale  40 F. 
     The ribs  59   a,    59   b,    59   c,  and  59   d  each have (i) an end at a through hole  53  in a substantially central portion of the depressed portion  46 D (or at a predetermined position in the depressed portion  46 D) and (ii) another end joined with one of the four sides constituting the edge of the depressed portion  46 D. The ribs  59   a,    59   b,    59   c,  and  59   d  extend from the through hole  53  as the center in respective directions that cross one another. The ribs  59   a,    59   b,    59   c , and  59   d,  in other words, extend radially from the through hole  53  as the center. 
     The space inside the depressed portion  46 D is consequently divided by the ribs  59   a,    59   b,    59   c,  and  59   d  into a plurality of regions (in  FIG. 15 , four regions). 
     The above configuration makes it possible to cause an excretion received by the depressed portion  46 D to run through the through hole  53  and the pipe  55  to outside the depressed portion  46 D for removal. In addition, the ribs  59   a,    59   b,    59   c,  and  59   d  allow the table  42  to be more rigid. This can prevent the table  42  from deforming due to, for example, degradation over time. Further, sliding the excretion receiving container  16  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) into the main container  13  causes the back surface of the excretion receiving container  16  to slide along the respective top surfaces of the ribs  59   a,    59   b,    59   c,  and  59   d  while in contact with the respective top surfaces of the ribs  59   a ,  59   b,    59   c,  and  59   d  as well. Thus, when the excretion receiving container  16  is slid into the main container  13 , the ribs  59   a,    59   b,    59   c,  and  59   d  guide the excretion receiving container  16 , thereby facilitating the insertion. 
     Embodiment 9 is similar to Embodiment 8 as follows: The through hole  53  is plugged during normal use in order for urine to be kept in the depressed portion  46 D. This makes it possible to weigh the urine. For cleaning, the through hole  53  is unplugged in order for the urine in the depressed portion  46 D to run to outside for removal. 
     The embodiments described above are each configured to weigh only an excretion, but may each be configured to weigh the pet simultaneously. In that case, the embodiments above are each configured such that the vertical poles  12  supporting the main container  13  are replaced with weight sensors. This configuration allows the weight sensors to, when the pet has stepped onto the support table, measure a weight increase as the weight of the pet. 
     Recap 
     An animal toilet (pet toilet  1 ) in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention includes: a support table having a bottom surface having an opening through which an excretion of an animal passes; an excretion receiving container, the excretion receiving container being detachable and configured to (i) face the opening when attached and (ii) receive the excretion having passed through the opening; and a weight scale present opposite to the support table across the excretion receiving container as attached, the weight scale being configured to weigh the excretion received by the excretion receiving container, the weight scale including (i) a table configured to be pressed by the excretion receiving container as attached and (ii) a weight sensor configured to output an electric signal indicative of a value of a measured weight which value corresponds to a pressing force from the table included in the weight scale, the table included in the weight scale having at least one depressed portion that coincides with the opening across the excretion receiving container as attached. 
     With the above configuration, the excretion receiving container as attached faces the opening of the support table and is thus capable of receiving an excretion that passes through the opening of the support table. 
     The weight scale includes (i) a table configured to apply an upward pressing force to the excretion receiving container as attached and (ii) a weight sensor configured to output an electric signal indicative of the value of a measured weight which value corresponds to a pressing force from the table. This configuration allows the weight scale to weigh an excretion received by the excretion receiving container. 
     The excretion receiving container is detachable, so it can be detached from the animal toilet for removal of an excretion received. As described above, the animal toilet allows the excretion receiving container to be kept clean easily, and has high convenience. 
     The table included in the weight scale has at least one depressed portion that coincides with the opening across the excretion receiving container as attached. With this configuration, the depressed portion is capable of, even with the excretion receiving container detached, receiving an excretion having passed through the opening of the support table. Thus, even in a case where, for instance, the excretion receiving container is detached as a result of, for example, the pet owner having forgot to attach the excretion receiving container, the weight scale can weigh an excretion. In addition, even with the excretion receiving container detached, the animal toilet can prevent an excretion from leaking out. This prevents an excretion from dirtying the area surrounding the animal toilet. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention is configured as in the first aspect, and may be further configured such that the table included in the weight scale includes (i) a plate-shaped member and (ii) a protruding section protruding from a surface of the plate-shaped member which surface is on a side of the excretion receiving container as attached, and the at least one depressed portion is present on a top surface of the protruding section. This configuration allows the depressed portion to receive a larger amount of excretion, with the result of increased convenience. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention is configured as in the first or second aspect, and may be further configured such that the at least one depressed portion has an area not larger than an area of the opening. With this configuration, the weight scale can be small and is thus easy to handle. This allows an excretion received by the depressed portion to be removed easily, making it easy to maintain the weight scale. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention is configured as in the first or second aspect, and may be further configured such that the at least one depressed portion has an area larger than an area of the opening. This configuration allows the depressed portion to more reliably receive an excretion having passed through the opening. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention is configured as in any one of the first to fourth aspects, and may be further configured such that the at least one depressed portion has a side surface inclined such that the at least one depressed portion becomes wider toward the opening. This configuration allows an excretion received by the depressed portion to be removed easily, making it easy to maintain the weight scale. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention is configured as in any one of the first to fifth aspects, and may be further configured such that the at least one depressed portion is provided with one or more ribs, and the one or more ribs divide a space inside the at least one depressed portion into a plurality of regions. 
     With the above configuration, the one or more ribs allow the table to be more rigid. This can prevent the table from deforming due to, for example, degradation over time. In addition, when the excretion receiving container is attached, the one or more ribs guide the excretion receiving container, thereby facilitating the attachment. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention is configured as in any one of the first to sixth aspects, and may be further configured such that the at least one depression includes an array of a plurality of depressions, and each of the plurality of depressed portions has a side surface inclined such that said each of the plurality of depressed portions becomes wider toward the opening. 
     With the above configuration, the walls between the plurality of depressed portions allow the table to be more rigid. This can prevent the table from deforming due to, for example, degradation over time. In addition, when the excretion receiving container is attached, the walls between the plurality of depressed portions guide the excretion receiving container, thereby facilitating the attachment. Further, the plurality of depressed portions each have a side surface inclined such that the depressed portion becomes wider toward the opening. This allows an excretion received by the depressed portion to be removed easily, making it easy to maintain the weight scale. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention is configured as in any one of the first to fifth aspects, and may be further configured such that the at least one depressed portion is provided with a plurality of ribs that extend in respective directions different from each other and that do not cross each other, and the plurality of ribs have respective first ends and respective second ends, the first ends being separated from each other by a first distance, the second ends being separated from each other by a second distance larger than the first distance. With this configuration, inclining the table so that the respective first ends of the plurality of ribs are below the respective second ends of the plurality of ribs causes an excretion in the depressed portion to be collected along the plurality of ribs into a region in the vicinity of the first ends. This allows an excretion in the depressed portion to be easily collected for removal, making it easy to maintain the weight scale. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention is configured as in any one of the first to eighth aspects, and may be further configured such that the at least one depressed portion has a side surface inclined such that the at least one depressed portion is narrower at a predetermined position in the at least one depressed portion and wider at an edge of the at least one depressed portion. This configuration allows an excretion to be collected not at a random position but at a predetermined position in the depressed portion. This allows the weight scale to weight an excretion more accurately. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention is configured as in any one of the first to ninth aspects, and may be further configured such that the table included in the weight scale has a through hole at a predetermined position in the depressed portion, and the weight scale further includes a pipe having a first end connected to the through hole and a second end that is open. This configuration causes an excretion received by the depressed portion to run through the through hole and the pipe to outside the depressed portion for removal, making it easy to maintain the weight scale. 
     An animal toilet in accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention is configured as in the ninth or tenth aspect, and is preferably further configured such that the predetermined position is substantially a center of the depressed portion. This configuration allows an excretion to be collected substantially at the center of the depressed portion, and thus allows an excretion to be collected not at a random position but at a predetermined position in the depressed portion. This allows the weight scale to weight an excretion more accurately. Further, with the above configuration, a through hole substantially at the center of the depressed portion makes it possible to more efficiently cause an excretion received by the depressed portion to run through the through hole and the pipe to outside the depressed portion for removal. 
     The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but can be altered by a skilled person in the art within the scope of the claims. The present invention also encompasses, in its technical scope, any embodiment derived by combining technical means disclosed in differing embodiments. Further, it is possible to form a new technical feature by combining the technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           1  Pet toilet (animal toilet) 
           13  Main container 
           13   a  Side opening 
           13   b  Weight scale through hole 
           16  Excretion receiving container 
           17  Slidable frame 
           18  Absorbing sheet 
           19  Excretion tray 
           20  Support table 
           22  Mesh 
           23  Slit (opening) 
           30  Control device 
           40 ,  40 A to  40 G Weight scale 
           41 ,  41   a  to  41   d  Weight sensor 
           43  Plate-shaped section (plate-shaped member) 
           44  Protruding section 
           45  Top surface 
           46 ,  46   a  to  46   d,    46 D Depressed portion 
           47 ,  47   a  to  47   d,    47 D Side surface 
           48 ,  48   a  to  48   d  Bottom surface 
           49 ,  49   a,    49   b,    51 ,  59   a  to  59   d  Rib 
           53  Through hole 
           55  Pipe