Automatic pet door

Abstract

Automatic pet door, comprehensive: a first doorpost as a monolithic construction, a second doorpost as a monolithic construction, a top plate, a door panel, and a drive mechanism; wherein the first doorpost has a first groove extending along its longitudinal direction; the second doorpost is positioned opposite and at a distance from the first doorpost; the second doorpost has a second groove extending along its longitudinal direction. wherein the upper plate is connected to an upper end of the first doorpost and an upper end of the second doorpost; the upper plate, the first doorpost and the second doorpost is connected to form an entrance opening; wherein the door panel is arranged between the first doorpost and the second doorpost; a first side of the door panel facing the first doorpost, is clamped in the first groove; a second side of the door panel, facing the second door jamb, is clamped in the second groove; the door panel is movable along the first and second grooves to close or release the entrance opening; wherein the drive mechanism is arranged on the upper plate; the drive mechanism is connected to the door plate to drive the door plate to move along the first groove and the second groove; wherein the first doorpost has a first opening which is connected to the first groove; wherein the first opening is provided at the upper end of the first doorpost; wherein the second doorpost has a second opening which is connected to the second groove; wherein the second opening is provided at the upper end of the second doorpost; wherein the upper plate comprises a base plate section, a first boundary section and a second boundary section formed as one piece; wherein the base plate section and the door plate are arranged sequentially in one thickness direction of the automatic animal door; the first boundary section is arranged at the upper end of the first door post, wherein the first boundary section blocks part of the first opening; wherein the first boundary section prevents, that the first projection detaches from the first groove; and the second limiting section is located at the top of the second door jamb; wherein the second limiting section blocks part of the second opening; the second limiting section prevents the second projection from detaching from the second groove.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of pet entrances and, more particularly, to an automatic pet door. State of the art

[0002] In animal husbandry, it is common practice to provide at least two areas for the animals, a first area being a safe shelter and a second area being an open space. The animals frequently move between the two areas. For example, when raising chickens, a chicken coop and an open space are usually provided for the chickens to move around in. The chicken coop has a door. The user can open the door to allow the chickens to move around freely inside the chicken coop. The user can also close the door to keep the chickens in the coop after the chickens return to the coop. However, the chicken coop door generally requires the user to open or close it manually, which is inconvenient. Content of the invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic pet door in which a door panel is conveniently moved by a drive mechanism to close or uncover an entrance opening.

[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an automatic pet door. The automatic pet door includes a first door jamb, a second door jamb, a top plate, a door plate, and a drive mechanism. The first door jamb has a first groove extending in its longitudinal direction. The second door jamb is disposed opposite the first door jamb and spaced from the first door jamb. The second door jamb has a second groove extending in its longitudinal direction. The first groove is opposite the second groove.

[0005] The top plate is connected to an upper end of the first door jamb and an upper end of the second door jamb. The top plate, the first door jamb, and the second door jamb are connected to each other and form an entrance opening. The door plate is arranged between the first door jamb and the second door jamb. A first side of the door plate, facing the first door jamb, is clamped in the first groove. A second side of the door plate, facing the second door jamb, is clamped in the second groove. The door plate is movable along the first groove and the second groove to close or open the entrance opening. The drive mechanism is arranged on the top plate. The drive mechanism is connected to the door plate to drive the door plate to move along the first groove and the second groove.

[0006] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door further comprises a bottom plate. The bottom plate is fixedly connected to a lower end of the first door jamb and a lower end of the second door jamb. A first end of the bottom plate, facing the first door jamb, is clamped in the first groove. A second end of the bottom plate, facing the second door jamb, is clamped in the second groove. When the door plate closes the entry opening, an end of the door plate facing away from the upper plate abuts the bottom plate.

[0007] In some embodiments, a first protrusion is convexly arranged at an end of the first side of the door panel facing the bottom panel. A second protrusion is convexly arranged at an end of the second side of the door panel facing the bottom panel. The first door jamb has a first opening connected to the first groove. The first opening is provided at the top end of the first door jamb. The second door jamb has a second opening connected to the second groove. The second opening is provided at the top end of the second door jamb. The top panel includes a base plate portion, a first restricting portion, and a second restricting portion. The base plate portion and the door panel are arranged sequentially in a thickness direction of the automatic pet door. The first restricting portion is arranged at the top end of the first door jamb.The first limiting portion blocks a portion of the first opening. The first limiting portion prevents the first projection from detaching from the first groove. The second limiting portion is located at the top of the second door post. The second limiting portion blocks a portion of the second opening. The second limiting portion prevents the second projection from detaching from the second groove.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first door jamb comprises a first base plate and a first limiting plate disposed on the first base plate. The first limiting plate comprises a first connecting portion and a first extending portion. The first connecting portion protrudes from the first base plate. The first extending portion extends from an end of the first connecting portion facing away from the first base plate toward the second door jamb. The first connecting portion, the first extending portion, and the first base plate form the first groove. The base plate portion has a first receiving groove corresponding to the first limiting plate. The first limiting plate is disposed in the first receiving groove.

[0009] The second door jamb comprises a second base plate and a second limiting plate arranged on the second base plate. The second limiting plate comprises a second connecting portion and a second extension portion. The second connecting portion protrudes from the second base plate. The second extension portion extends from an end of the second connecting portion facing away from the second base plate toward the first door jamb. The second connecting portion, the second extension portion, and the second base plate form the second groove. The base plate portion has a second receiving groove corresponding to the second limiting plate. The second limiting plate is arranged in the second receiving groove.

[0010] In some embodiments, the base plate portion covers the first base plate and the second base plate. The first boundary plate is disposed on a side of the first base plate facing the base plate portion. The second boundary plate is disposed on a side of the second base plate facing the base plate portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, a corner of the first boundary portion facing away from the second boundary portion is arcuate, and a corner of the second boundary portion facing away from the first boundary portion is arcuate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism comprises a drive motor and a gear. The drive motor is connected to the gear and drives the gear to rotate. Toothed holes are provided longitudinally on the door plate. The gear engages one of the toothed holes to set the door plate in motion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door further comprises a cover covering the top plate. The cover has a third receiving groove facing the top plate. The drive mechanism is disposed in the third receiving groove. The cover includes an upper cover plate disposed along a direction of movement of the door plate. The upper cover plate is disposed away from the bottom plate. The upper cover plate has an upper recess. The door plate can pass through the upper recess and the upper cover plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door further comprises a battery and a solar panel. The battery is disposed in the third receiving groove. The battery is connected to the drive mechanism. The battery supplies power to the drive mechanism. The solar panel is disposed outside the cover. The solar panel is connected to the battery to supply power to the battery.

[0015] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door further comprises a connecting rod. A first end of the connecting rod is connected to the solar panel. A second end of the connecting rod is connected to the cover. The solar panel is spaced apart from the cover.

[0016] In some embodiments, the connecting rod is rotatable relative to the cover to drive the solar panel to rotate relative to the cover.

[0017] In some embodiments, the solar panel is rotatably connected to the connecting rod, wherein the solar panel is rotatable relative to the connecting rod.

[0018] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door further comprises a display screen disposed in the third receiving groove. The cover includes a translucent area. The translucent area directly faces the display screen.

[0019] In some embodiments, the display screen includes display areas. The display areas display at least one of the following information: current time, remaining power, ambient light intensity, door opening light intensity, door closing light intensity, door opening time, and door closing time. When the ambient light intensity is greater than the door opening light intensity, the drive mechanism drives the door panel to expose the entrance opening. When the ambient light intensity is less than the door closing light intensity, the drive mechanism drives the door panel to close the entrance opening. When the current time reaches the door opening time, the drive mechanism drives the door panel to expose the entrance opening. When the current time reaches the door closing time, the drive mechanism drives the door panel to close the entrance opening.

[0020] In some embodiments, the automatic animal flap further comprises a circuit board and a battery, wherein the circuit board is arranged in the third receiving groove. The circuit board is arranged on a side of the display screen facing the top plate. The circuit board is connected to the display screen. The battery is arranged in the third receiving groove. The battery is connected to the drive mechanism, the circuit board, and the display screen. The battery, the drive mechanism, and the circuit board are arranged side by side. In some embodiments, the automatic animal flap further comprises control buttons. The control buttons are arranged at least partially outside the cover. The control buttons are connected to the circuit board. The control buttons are configured to change the display content of the display screen.

[0021] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door further includes a light sensor. The light sensor is connected to the drive mechanism. The light sensor is configured to detect a light intensity of an ambient light signal and control the drive mechanism to drive the door panel according to the light intensity of the ambient light signal.

[0022] In some embodiments, the light sensor comprises a full spectrum lamp globe configured to detect the ambient full spectrum light signal.

[0023] In some embodiments, the light sensor includes a sensor lamp sphere and a full-spectrum lens. Full-spectrum ambient light can pass through the full-spectrum lens, allowing the sensor lamp sphere to detect the full-spectrum ambient light signal.

[0024] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door further comprises a wireless communication module connected to the drive mechanism. The wireless communication module is configured to receive a wireless control command and control the drive mechanism to move the door panel in accordance with the wireless control command.

[0025] In embodiments of the present invention, the top plate is connected to the top end of the first doorpost and the top end of the second doorpost, forming the entrance opening with the first doorpost and the second doorpost. The first doorpost has the first groove, the second doorpost has the second groove, and the first and second sides of the door plate are clamped in the first and second grooves, respectively. The drive mechanism drives the door plate to move along the first and second grooves to close or open the entrance opening. The door plate is conveniently moved by the drive mechanism, so there is no need to manually open or close the door plate, and the operation is convenient and simple. The first doorpost, the second doorpost, the top plate, the door plate, and the drive mechanism essentially constitute the automatic pet door without complicated structures and components.Therefore, the structure of the automatic animal flap is simple, compact and reliable. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] In order to clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly presents the drawings that must be used in describing the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art are capable of creating other drawings based on these drawings without making any contribution to the invention.

[0027] In order to fully understand the present invention and its features, the following description is given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structures throughout the following description. Fig. 1. Schematic representation of an automatic animal flap according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2. Exploded schematic representation of the Fig. 1 shown automatic animal flap. Fig. 3. Sectional view of the automatic animal flap along the Fig. Line AA shown in Figure 1. Fig. 4. Schematic representation of parts of the Fig. 1 shown automatic animal flap. Fig. 5. Another schematic representation of parts of the Fig. 1 shown automatic animal flap. Fig. 6. Enlarged schematic representation of parts X of the Fig. 5 shown automatic animal flap. Fig. 7. Schematic representation of a first doorpost of the Fig. 1 shown automatic animal flap. Fig. 8. Enlarged schematic representation of the Fig. 7 shown parts Y of the first doorpost. Fig. 9. Another schematic representation of the automatic animal flap according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10. Schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic animal flap along the Fig. Line BB shown in figure 9. Fig. 11. Enlarged schematic representation of the Fig. 10 parts shown Z. Fig. 12. Schematic representation of the automatic animal flap according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13. Schematic representation of a display screen of the automatic animal flap according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed embodiments

[0028] Technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments that can be achieved by those skilled in the art without creative effort fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic pet door. As shown in Fig. 1 to 3, is Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the automatic animal flap according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 an exploded schematic representation of the Fig. 1 shown automatic animal flap and Fig. 3 a sectional view of the automatic animal flap along the Fig. 1. The automatic animal door 1 can be used in chicken farms, duck farms, or places where other animals are kept. The embodiments of the present invention do not limit the types of animals raised.

[0030] The automatic pet flap 1 comprises a first door post 11, a second door post 12, a top plate 13, a door plate 14, and a drive mechanism 15. The first door post 11 has a first groove 111 extending in its longitudinal direction. The second door post 12 is arranged opposite the first door post 11 and spaced from the first door post 11. The second door post 12 has a second groove 121 extending in its longitudinal direction. The first groove 111 is opposite the second groove 121.

[0031] The first doorpost 11 and the second doorpost 12 serve as the left and right doorposts of the automatic animal door 1. The distance between the first doorpost 11 and the second doorpost 12 is determined as needed. For example, the distance between the first doorpost 11 and the second doorpost 12 is predetermined according to the width of the door of a stable (e.g., a chicken coop). The first doorpost 11 has the first groove 111 on a side opposite the second doorpost 12, and the second doorpost 12 has the second groove 121 on a side opposite the first doorpost 11. The first groove 111 extends in the longitudinal direction of the first door post 11, and the second groove 121 extends in the longitudinal direction of the second door post 12. The upper plate 13 is connected to an upper end of the first door post 11 and an upper end of the second door post 12.The upper plate 13, the first doorpost 11 and the second doorpost 12 are connected to each other and form an entrance opening.

[0032] As in Fig. 4 shown, is Fig. 4 a schematic representation of parts of the Fig. 1. The door plate 14 is arranged between the first door post 11 and the second door post 12. A first side of the door plate 14, facing the first door post 11, is clamped in the first groove 111. A second side of the door plate 14, facing the second door post 12, is clamped in the second groove 121. The door plate 14 is movable along the first groove 111 and the second groove 121 to close or open the entrance opening. The drive mechanism 15 is arranged on the upper plate 13. The drive mechanism 15 is connected to the door plate 14 to drive the door plate 14 to move along the first groove 111 and the second groove 121.

[0033] The upper plate 13 is connected to the upper end of the first door jamb 11 and the upper end of the second door jamb 12. The upper plate 13, the first door jamb 11, and the second door jamb 12 are connected to each other to form the entrance opening. The first door jamb 11 has the first groove 111. The second door jamb 12 has the second groove 121. The first side and the second side of the door plate 14 are arranged in the first groove 111 and the second groove 121. The drive mechanism 15 drives the door plate 14 to move along the first groove 111 and the second groove 121 to close or open the entrance opening. The door plate 14 is convenient to move by the drive mechanism 15, so there is no need to manually open or close the door plate 14, and the operation is convenient and simple.The first doorpost 11, the second doorpost 12, the top plate 13, the door plate 14, and the drive mechanism 15 essentially constitute the automatic pet door without complicated structures and components. Therefore, the structure of the automatic pet door is simple, compact, and reliable.

[0034] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door further comprises a bottom plate 16. The bottom plate 16 is fixedly connected to a lower end of the first door post 11 and a lower end of the second door post 12. A first end of the bottom plate 16, facing the first door post 11, is clamped in the first groove 111. A second end of the bottom plate 16, facing the second door post 12, is clamped in the second groove 121. When the door plate 14 closes the entry opening, an end of the door plate 14, facing away from the upper plate 13, abuts the bottom plate 16.

[0035] The upper plate 13 and the bottom plate 16 are arranged at two ends of the first doorpost 11 and two ends of the second doorpost 12 to form the entrance opening, so that the breeding animals can enter and exit the barn through the entrance opening. The upper plate 13, the first doorpost 11, the second doorpost 12, and the bottom plate 16 are connected to each other, which improves the connection strength of the automatic animal door 1 and increases the overall stability of the automatic animal door 1. In addition, when the door plate 14 falls to its lowest point, it abuts an upper end of the bottom plate 16, thereby establishing a firm connection between the door plate 14 and the bottom plate 16, which avoids problems such as loose connection between the door plate 14 and the ground due to ground unevenness and tilting of the door plate 14 due to uneven long-term loading.

[0036] In some embodiments, the thickness of the bottom plate 16 is greater than the thickness of the door plate 14, so that the bottom plate 16 provides good support for the door plate 14. The bottom plate 16 is firmly connected to the first door post 11 and the second door post 12. The bottom plate 16 is connected to the first groove 111 and the second groove 121. Since the door plate 14 needs to move within the first groove 111 and the second groove 121, the thickness of the door plate 14 is smaller than the thickness of the first groove 111 and the thickness of the second groove 121. Namely, there is a certain gap between the door plate 14 and a groove wall of the first groove 111, and there is a certain gap between the door plate 14 and a groove wall of the second groove 121. The bottom plate 16 can be firmly connected to the first door post 11 and the second door post 12 by screwing, snapping, gluing, etc.

[0037] The materials of the first door jamb 11, the second door jamb 12, the top plate 13, the door plate 14, and the bottom plate 16 are selected as needed. In some embodiments, the first door jamb 11, the second door jamb 12, and the bottom plate 16 are made of metal and formed by metal extrusion or stamping. The top plate 13 and the door plate 14 are made of plastic or other materials. In other alternative embodiments, the first door jamb 11, the second door jamb 12, the top plate 13, the door plate 14, and the bottom plate 16 are made of metal or plastic.

[0038] As in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown, is Fig. 5 a further schematic representation of parts of the Fig. 1 shown automatic animal flap and Fig. 6 An enlarged schematic representation of parts X of the Fig. 1 shown automatic animal flap. In Fig. 4, the door panel is not shown. In some embodiments, a first protrusion 142 is convexly disposed at an end of the first side of the door panel 14 facing the bottom panel 16. A second protrusion 144 is convexly disposed at an end of the second side of the door panel 14 near the bottom panel 16. The first protrusion 142 is movable in the first groove 111, and the second protrusion 144 is movable in the second groove 121.

[0039] The first door jamb 11 has a first opening 113 connected to the first groove 111. The first opening 113 is provided at the upper end of the first door jamb 11 (i.e., at an end of the first door jamb 11 remote from the bottom plate 16). The second door jamb 12 has a second opening 123 connected to the second groove 121. The second opening is provided at the upper end of the second door jamb 12 (i.e., at an end of the second door jamb 12 remote from the bottom plate 16). A part of the door plate 14 is movable from the first opening 113 and the second opening 123 to the outside of the first groove 111 and the second groove 121 to expose the entrance opening.

[0040] The upper plate 13 includes a base plate portion 132, a first restricting portion 134, and a second restricting portion 136. The base plate portion 132 and the door plate 14 are arranged sequentially in a thickness direction of the automatic pet door 1. The first restricting portion 134 is arranged at the upper end of the first door post 11. The first restricting portion 134 blocks a part of the first opening 113. The first restricting portion 134 prevents the first projection 142 from detaching from the first groove 111. The second restricting portion 136 is arranged at an end of the second door post remote from the base plate. The second restricting portion 136 blocks a part of the second opening 123. The second restricting portion 136 prevents the second projection 144 from detaching from the second groove 121.

[0041] The first limiting portion 134 and the second limiting portion 136 position the first protrusion 142 and the second protrusion 144, respectively, so that the door panel 14 is prevented from completely separating the first groove 111 and the second groove 121. Therefore, the door panel 14 moves stably in the first groove 111 and the second groove 121.

[0042] As in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shown, is Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a first door post of the Fig. 1 shown automatic animal flap and Fig. 6 an enlarged schematic representation of the Fig. 7. In some embodiments, the first door jamb 11 includes a first base plate 112 and a first limiting plate 114 disposed on the first base plate. The first limiting plate 114 includes a first connecting portion 1142 and a first extending portion 1144. The first connecting portion 1142 protrudes from the first base plate 112. The first extending portion 1144 extends from an end of the first connecting portion 1142 remote from the first base plate 112 toward the second door jamb 12. The first connecting portion 1142, the first extending portion 1144, and the first base plate 112 form the first groove 11. The base plate portion has a first receiving groove corresponding to the first limiting plate 114. The first limiting plate 114 is disposed in the first receiving groove.The structure of the first doorpost 11 is simple and easy to manufacture. The first limiting plate 114 is arranged on the first base plate 112 and forms the first doorpost 11. The first doorpost 11 can also be manufactured by stamping or other methods.

[0043] As in Fig. 9 to 11, is Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of the automatic animal flap according to an embodiment of the present invention and Fig. 10 a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic animal flap along the Fig. 9 shown line BB, and Fig. 11 an enlarged schematic representation of the Fig. 10. The second door post 12 comprises a second base plate 122 and a second limiting plate 124 arranged on the second base plate 122. The second limiting plate 124 comprises a second connecting portion 1242 and a second extending portion 1244. The second connecting portion 1242 protrudes from the second base plate 122. The second extending portion 1244 extends from an end of the second connecting portion 1242 facing away from the second base plate 122 toward the first door post 11. The second connecting portion 1242, the second extending portion 1244, and the second base plate 122 form the second groove 121. The base plate portion has a second receiving groove corresponding to the second limiting plate 124. The second limiting plate 124 is arranged in the second receiving groove.The second limiting plate 124 is arranged on the second base plate 122 and forms the second door post 12. The second door post 12 can also be manufactured by stamping or other methods.

[0044] It is understood that the first base plate 112 is fixedly connected to an external structure. For example, a first part of the first base plate 112 and the first boundary plate 114 form the first groove 111, a second part of the first base plate 112 is offset from the first boundary plate 114, and the second part of the first base plate 112 can be fixedly connected to a first side wall of the animal house. Alternatively, the second part of the first base plate 112 can be attached to the first side wall of the house by screwing, riveting, or welding. The second base plate 112 can also be fixedly connected to the external structure.For example, a first part of the second base plate 122 and the second boundary plate 124 form the second groove 121, a second part of the second base plate 122 is offset from the second boundary plate 124, and the second part of the second base plate 122 can be fixedly connected to a second side wall of the animal house. Alternatively, the second part of the second base plate 122 can be attached to the first side wall of the house by screwing, riveting, or welding.

[0045] In some embodiments, the base plate portion 132 covers the first base plate 112 and the second base plate 122. The first limiting plate 114 is disposed on a side of the first base plate 112 facing the base plate portion 132. The second limiting plate 124 is disposed on a side of the second base plate 122 facing the base plate portion 132. The first limiting plate 114 is disposed between the first base plate 112 and the base plate portion 132, and the second limiting plate 124 is disposed between the second base plate 122 and the base plate portion 132.A connecting surface between the first boundary plate 114 and the first side wall of the animal house is flat, and a connecting surface between the second boundary plate 124 and the second side wall of the animal house is also flat, which facilitates the connections between the first boundary plate 114, the second boundary plate 124 and the side walls of the animal house.

[0046] In some embodiments, a corner of the first boundary portion 134 facing away from the second boundary portion 136 is arcuate, and a corner of the second boundary portion 136 facing away from the first boundary portion 134 is arcuate. The corner of the first boundary portion 134 and the corner of the second boundary portion 136 are arcuate, thereby preventing the user or the animals being kept from being scratched.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 2 through 4, in some embodiments, the drive mechanism 15 includes a drive motor 152 and a gear 154. The drive motor 152 is connected to the gear 154 and drives the gear 154 to rotate. Toothed holes 141 are provided longitudinally on the door panel 14. The gear 154 engages one of the toothed holes 141 to set the door panel 14 in motion.

[0048] For example, the drive motor 152 rotates forward to drive the gear 154 to rotate forward, thereby moving the door panel 14 along the first groove 111 and the second groove 121 in one direction, e.g., in a direction away from the bottom panel 16, thereby exposing the entrance opening. In the same way, the drive motor 152 rotates in the opposite direction to move the gear 154 in the opposite direction, thereby moving the door panel 14 along the first groove 111 and the second groove 121 in a different direction, e.g., toward the bottom panel 16, thereby closing the entrance opening. The gear 154 includes teeth that are spaced apart from one another. At least three teeth mesh simultaneously with three of the tooth holes 141, thus driving the door panel 14 in motion.

[0049] In some embodiments, the automatic animal flap 1 further comprises a cover 17 covering the upper plate 13. The cover 17 has a third receiving groove 171 facing the upper plate 13. The drive mechanism 15 is arranged in the third receiving groove 171. The cover 17 includes an upper cover plate 172 arranged along a movement direction of the door plate 14. The upper cover plate 172 is arranged away from the bottom plate 16. The upper cover plate 172 has an upper recess 1721. The door plate 14 can pass through the upper recess 1721 through the upper cover plate 172. The cover 17 covers and protects the drive mechanism 15 and other components therein, and the upper cover plate 172 of the cover 17 has an upper recess 1721 through which the door plate 14 can be passed, thereby enabling movement of the door plate 14.

[0050] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door 1 further includes a battery 18. The battery 18 is disposed in the third receiving groove 171. The battery 18 is connected to the drive mechanism 15. The battery 18 supplies power to the drive mechanism 15, eliminating the need to lay cables, which facilitates the installation and use of the automatic pet door 1. It is convenient for the user to install the automatic pet door 1 where needed without having to consider laying wires, which simplifies the installation process of the automatic pet door 1 and expands the application range of the automatic pet door 1.

[0051] In other embodiments, the automatic animal flap 1 is connected to a power source via laid wires, and the drive mechanism 15 is powered by a power source.

[0052] As in Fig. 12 is shown Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of the automatic pet door according to another embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the automatic pet door 1 further includes a solar panel 19. A difference between the present automatic pet door 1 and the above-mentioned automatic pet door 1 is the solar panel 19. The solar panel 19 is arranged outside the cover 17. The solar panel 19 is connected to the battery 18 to supply power to the battery 18. The solar panel 19 continuously supplies power to the battery 18, so that the battery 18 has sufficient electrical energy for the drive mechanism 15, and the user does not need to replace the battery 18 or manually charge it, thus reducing the workload during use.

[0053] In addition, it prevents the door panel 14 from being opened or closed in time if the battery 18 is not replaced or manually charged in time.

[0054] In some embodiments, the solar panel 19 is disposed directly on the cover 17 to facilitate installation of the solar panel 19.

[0055] In some embodiments, the automatic animal flap 1 further comprises a connecting rod 20. A first end of the connecting rod 20 is connected to the solar panel 19. A second end of the connecting rod 20 is connected to the cover 17. The solar panel 19 is arranged at a distance from the cover 17. The solar panel 19 is connected to the cover 17 via the connecting rod 20. The solar panel 19 can be installed away from the cover 17 if necessary. The mounting position is flexible so that the solar panel can absorb solar energy well.

[0056] In some embodiments, the connecting rod 20 is rotatable relative to the cover 17 to drive the solar panel 19 to rotate relative to the cover 17. The position of the connecting rod 20 relative to the cover 17 is adjusted as needed so that the solar panel 19 efficiently collects solar energy.

[0057] In some alternative embodiments, the solar panel 19 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 20, and the solar panel 19 is rotatable relative to the connecting rod 20. The position of the solar panel 19 relative to the connecting rod 20 is adjusted as needed so that the solar panel 19 effectively collects solar energy.

[0058] In some embodiments, the connecting rod 20 includes rod parts that are rotatable relative to each other to adjust the position of the solar panel 19 so that the solar panel 19 collects solar energy well.

[0059] It should be noted that the rotating structure between the connecting rod 20 and the cover 17, as well as the rotating structures between the connecting rod 20 and the solar panel 19, can be adjusted as needed. For example, the connecting rod 20 is rotatable along an axis of the connecting rod 20 relative to the cover 17 or the solar panel 19.

[0060] In some embodiments, the automatic animal flap 1 further comprises a display screen 21 arranged in the third receiving groove 171. The cover 17 includes a translucent area 173. The translucent area 173 directly faces the display screen 21.

[0061] The display screen 21 is designed to display content through the translucent area. The translucent area 173 does not interfere with the content displayed on the display screen 21 and protects the display screen 21. The translucent area 173 of the cover 17 may be a structure made of transparent material or a through-hole. If the translucent area 173 of the cover 17 is a through-hole, the automatic pet flap 1 further includes a patch covering the through-hole to protect the display screen 21. The patch is at least partially transparent to make the content of the display screen 21 visible. The patch may be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.

[0062] In some embodiments, the display screen 21 includes display areas. The display areas display at least one of the following information: current time, remaining power, ambient light intensity, door opening light intensity, door closing light intensity, door opening time, and door closing time. When the ambient light intensity is greater than the door opening light intensity, the drive mechanism 15 drives the door panel 14 to open the entrance opening. When the ambient light intensity is less than the door closing light intensity, the drive mechanism 15 drives the door panel 14 to close the entrance opening. When the current time reaches the door opening time, the drive mechanism 15 drives the door panel 14 to open the entrance opening.When the current time reaches the door closing time, the drive mechanism 15 drives the door plate 14 to close the entrance opening. As shown in . Fig. 13 shown, is Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a display screen of the automatic pet door according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the display screen 21 includes five display areas.

[0063] A first display area is located in the upper right corner of the display screen 21 and serves to display the battery power. In some embodiments, the first display area displays a pattern of the battery 18. There are a total of four bars within the pattern of the battery 18, and each bar represents 25% of the power. If the battery displays less than one bar, the automatic pet flap triggers an alarm, indicating that the battery power is insufficient. Of course, the first display area can also display the power in other ways, e.g., by directly displaying the number corresponding to the remaining power of the battery 18.

[0064] A second display area is arranged in the upper middle part of the display screen 21. The second display area is configured to display the current time. In some embodiments, the second display area displays a character and a pattern corresponding to the current time, such as a CLOCK character and a CLOCK pattern, and a 12- or 24-hour time display is displayed below the character and pattern. When the current time is displayed in 12-hour format, in the morning, an "AM" symbol is displayed after the numbers corresponding to the current time, and in the afternoon, "PM" is displayed after the numbers corresponding to the current time. The "AM" and "PM" patterns are displayed alternately.

[0065] A third display area is located at the top left edge of the display screen 21. The third display area is configured to display the light intensity. In some embodiments, the third display area displays the letters "LIGHT-INTENSIFY," and the letters "LIGHT-INTENSIFY" are displayed fixedly, and an intensity percentage is displayed below the letters "LIGHT-INTENSIFY," with a "%" symbol being displayed fixedly.

[0066] A fourth display area is located in the upper right corner of the display screen 21. The fourth display area is configured to display the antipitch level. In some examples, the fourth display area displays the letters "ANTI-PINCH LEVEL," and the letters "ANTI-PINCH LEVEL" are fixed. A corresponding level value is displayed below the letters "ANTI-PINCH LEVE," and the corresponding level value ranges from 0 to 10.

[0067] A fifth display area is arranged in the middle lower part of the display screen 21. The letters "MODE", "OPEN", "CLOSE", "LIGHT", and "TIMER" are displayed fixedly. The fifth display area mainly includes two parts. A first part displays the letters "LIGHT", which corresponds to a light sensing mode, and a second part displays the letters "TIMER", which corresponds to a time measurement mode. The letters "LIGHT" and "TIMER" are displayed sequentially below the letters "MODE". The light intensity when the door is opened and the door opening time of the door panel 14 are displayed sequentially below the letters "OPEN". The light intensity when the door is closed and the door closing time of the door panel 14 are displayed sequentially below the letters "CLOSE".The door opening light intensity and the door closing light intensity are displayed on the same line of the fifth display area with the letters "LIGHT," and the door opening time and the door closing time are displayed on the same line with the letters "TIMER" in the fifth display area. The letters "LIGHT" correspond to the light sensor mode. Specifically, the door opening light intensity, displayed under the letters "OPEN," is set to open the entrance opening. When the ambient light intensity, displayed under the letters "LIGHT-INTENSITY," is greater than the door opening light intensity, the drive mechanism 15 drives the door plate 14 to release the entrance opening.When the ambient light intensity, indicated under the letters “LIGHT-INTENSITY,” is lower than the door closing light intensity, indicated under the letters “CLOSE,” the drive mechanism 15 drives the door plate 14 to close the entrance opening.

[0068] The letters "TIMER" correspond to the timing mode. Specifically, the door opening time is preset. When the current time displayed under the letters "CLOCK" reaches the door opening time displayed under the letters "OPEN," the door panel 14 opens to allow access. When the current time displayed under the letters "CLOCK" reaches the door closing time displayed under the letters "CLOSE," the door panel 14 closes to close the entrance.

[0069] Switching between light sensor mode and timer mode is illustrated below.

[0070] When the light intensity is between 0% and 99% when the door is opened, the door opening time displayed under the letters "OPEN" will automatically display the letters "OFF," indicating that the automatic pet door is in light sensor mode and the timer mode is disabled. The display contents displayed under the letters "CLOSE" are similarly presented.

[0071] If the door opening time displayed under the letters "OPEN" is in hour:minute format, the door opening light intensity displayed under the letters "OPEN" will automatically display "--", indicating that the automatic pet door is in timer mode and the light sensor mode is disabled. The display contents displayed under the letters "CLOSE" are presented in a similar manner.

[0072] In some embodiments, the automatic animal flap 1 further includes a circuit board 22. The circuit board 22 is arranged in the third receiving groove 171. The circuit board 22 is arranged on a side of the display screen 21 facing the upper plate 13. The circuit board 22 is connected to the display screen 21. The battery 18 is arranged in the third receiving groove 171. The battery 18 is connected to the drive mechanism 15, the circuit board 22, and the display screen 21. The battery 18, the drive mechanism 15, and the circuit board 22 are arranged side by side. In this way, the space in the third receiving groove 171 is fully utilized, the structures of the battery 18, the drive mechanism 15, and the circuit board 22 can be made more compact, and the space of the third receiving groove 171 is saved.

[0073] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door 1 further includes a power interface connected to the battery 18. The power interface is connected to the power source via a cable to charge the battery 18. Of course, the power interface can be directly connected to the drive mechanism 15 and the display screen 21 to supply power to the drive mechanism 15 and the display screen 21.

[0074] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door 1 further comprises control buttons 23. The control buttons 23 are arranged at least partially outside the cover 17. The control buttons 23 are connected to the circuit board 22. The control buttons 23 are designed to change the display content of the display screen 21. For example, the control buttons 23 can be used to change the light intensity when the door is opened, the light intensity when the door is closed, the door opening time, and the door closing time. The control buttons 23 also control the switching on, switching off, standby mode, setting, and other states of the automatic pet door 1. In the setting mode, the clock, the anti-pinch level, the light detection mode parameters, and the timing mode parameters of the automatic pet door 1 are set.

[0075] In some embodiments, the control buttons 23 include an up button, a down button, and a setting button. The up button is pressed briefly to move the door panel 14 upwards. The up button is pressed and held to turn on the automatic pet door 1, the down button is pressed and held to move the door panel 14 downwards, and the down button is pressed and held to turn off the automatic pet door 1. Long pressing the setting button (e.g., 5 seconds) sets the current time under the letters "CLOCK" and the value under the letters "ANTI-PINCH LEVEL". Short pressing the setting button sets the display content of the light detection mode and the display content of the timing mode. The automatic pet door 1 automatically enters the sleep state after 10 seconds of inactivity, and the screen is turned off at the same time.During a setting process, the backlight of display screen 21 automatically illuminates. After the setting is completed, the backlight remains on until display screen 21 enters sleep mode after 10 seconds.

[0076] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door 1 further includes a light sensor 24. The light sensor 24 is connected to the drive mechanism 15. The light sensor 24 is configured to detect a light intensity of an ambient light signal and control the drive mechanism 15 to drive the door panel 14 according to the light intensity of the ambient light signal.

[0077] In some embodiments, the light sensor 24 includes a full-spectrum lamp sphere configured to detect the ambient light signal of a full spectrum. The full-spectrum sensor lamp sphere is capable of detecting sunlight, i.e., detecting a light intensity of the sunlight. The full-spectrum sensor lamp sphere cannot detect car lights or cell phone lights. This means that when the car lights or cell phone lights are transmitted to the light sensor 24, the light sensor 24 is unable to detect the corresponding light intensity, so the door panel 14 is not controlled to move, preventing misoperation.

[0078] In some alternative embodiments, the light sensor comprises a sensor lamp sphere and a full-spectrum lens. Full-spectrum ambient light can penetrate the full-spectrum lens, allowing the sensor lamp sphere to detect the full-spectrum ambient light signal. Likewise, the sensor lamp and full-spectrum lens detect and capture sunlight, but not car or cell phone lights, thus preventing misoperation.

[0079] In some embodiments, the automatic pet door 1 further includes a wireless communication module (not shown in the drawings) connected to the drive mechanism 15. The wireless communication module is configured to receive a wireless control command and control the drive mechanism 15 to move the door panel 14 according to the wireless control command. The user can remotely operate the automatic pet door 1 via the wireless communication module, for example, control the door panel 14 to open or close the entrance opening. The automatic pet door 1 can send a status of the door panel 14 to a user's electronic device, such as a mobile phone or computer, via the wireless communication module, so that the user can query the status of the door panel 14 in a timely manner.The wireless communication module may be a BLUETOOTH communication module, a WIFI communication module, or another wireless communication module. In some embodiments, the wireless communication module may be integrated on the circuit board 22.

[0080] The embodiments, implementations and related technical features of the present invention may be combined and interchanged without conflict.

[0081] It should be understood in the description of the present disclosure that terms such as "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance or number of the specified technical features. Thus, the feature limited by "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly encompass one or more features. In the description of the present invention, "multiple" means two or more unless otherwise specified.

[0082] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention provide a detailed description of the automatic pet door. Specific embodiments are used in the present invention to illustrate the principles and implementations of the present invention. The above description of the embodiments is merely used to better understand the methods and core ideas of the present invention. Meanwhile, changes in the specific implementations and scope of application will be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the content of the specification should not be construed as a limitation on the present invention.

Claims

[1] Automatic animal flap, comprising: a first doorpost as a monolithic construction, a second doorpost as a monolithic construction, an upper plate, a door plate, and a drive mechanism; wherein the first doorpost has a first groove extending along its longitudinal direction; the second doorpost is arranged opposite and spaced from the first doorpost; the second doorpost has a second groove extending along its longitudinal direction. wherein the upper plate is connected to an upper end of the first door post and an upper end of the second door post; the upper plate, the first door post and the second doorposts are connected to each other and form an entrance opening; wherein the door panel is disposed between the first door post and the second door post; a first side of the door panel facing the first door post, is clamped in the first groove; a second side of the door panel facing the second door jamb is clamped in the second groove; the door panel is movable along the first groove and the second groove to close or uncover the entrance opening; wherein the drive mechanism is disposed on the top plate; the drive mechanism is connected to the door plate to drive the door plate to move along the first groove and the second groove; wherein the first doorpost has a first opening connected to the first groove; wherein the first opening is provided at the upper end of the first doorpost; wherein the second doorpost has a second opening connected to the second groove; wherein the second opening is provided at the upper end of the second doorpost; wherein the upper plate comprises a base plate portion, a first limiting portion, and a second limiting portion formed as one piece; wherein the base plate portion and the door plate are arranged one after the other in a thickness direction of the automatic pet door; the first limiting portion is arranged at the upper end of the first door post, the first limiting portion blocking a part of the first opening; wherein the first limiting portion prevents that the first projection detaches from the first groove; and the second restricting portion is arranged at the upper end of the second door jamb; wherein the second restricting portion blocks a part of the second opening; the second restricting portion prevents the second projection from detaching from the second groove. [2] Automatic animal flap according to claim 1, characterized by that the automatic animal flap further comprises a bottom plate fixedly connected to a lower end of the first door jamb and a lower end of the second door jamb; wherein a first end of the bottom plate facing the first door jamb is clamped in the first groove; a second end of the bottom plate facing the second door jamb is clamped in the second groove; wherein when the door plate closes the entrance opening, an end of the door plate facing away from the cover plate abuts against the bottom plate. [3] Automatic animal flap according to claim 2, characterized by that a first projection is arranged convexly at an end of the first side of the door panel facing the bottom panel; wherein a second projection is arranged convexly at an end of the second side of the door panel facing the bottom panel. [4] Automatic animal flap according to claim 3, characterized bythat the first door jamb comprises a first base plate and a first limiting plate arranged on the first base plate; wherein the first limiting plate comprises a first connecting portion and a first extension portion; wherein the first connecting portion protrudes from the first base plate; and the first extension portion extends from an end of the first connecting portion facing away from the first base plate towards the second door jamb; wherein the first connecting portion, the first extension portion, and the first base plate form the first groove; wherein the base plate portion has a first receiving groove corresponding to the first limiting plate; wherein the first limiting plate is arranged in the first receiving groove; wherein the second door jamb comprises a second base plate and a second limiting plate arranged on the second base plate;wherein the second limiting plate comprises a second connecting portion and a second extension portion; wherein the second connecting portion protrudes from the second base plate; and the second extension portion extends from an end of the second connecting portion facing away from the second base plate toward the first door jamb; wherein the second connecting portion, the second extension portion, and the second base plate form the second groove; wherein the base plate portion has a second receiving groove corresponding to the second limiting plate; wherein the second limiting plate is arranged in the second receiving groove. [5] Automatic animal flap according to claim 4, characterized bythat the base plate portion covers the first base plate and the second base plate; wherein the first limiting plate is arranged on a side of the first base plate facing the base plate portion; wherein the second limiting plate is arranged on a side of the second base plate facing the base plate portion. [6] Automatic animal flap according to claim 3, characterized by that a corner of the first boundary section facing away from the second boundary section is arcuate, wherein a corner of the second boundary section facing away from the first boundary section is arcuate. [7] Automatic animal flap according to claim 1, characterized bythat the drive mechanism comprises a drive motor and a gear; wherein the drive motor is connected to the gear and drives the gear to rotate; tooth holes are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the door panel; wherein the gear engages with one of the tooth holes to move the door panel. [8] Automatic animal flap according to claim 1, characterized by that the automatic animal flap further comprises a cover that covers the upper plate; wherein the cover has a third receiving groove that faces the cover plate; wherein the drive mechanism is housed in the third receiving groove; and wherein the cover comprises an upper cover plate that is arranged along the direction of movement of the door plate; wherein the upper cover plate is arranged facing away from the base plate; wherein the upper cover plate has an upper recess; and wherein the door plate can pass through the upper cover plate through the upper recess. [9] Automatic animal flap according to claim 8, characterized by that the automatic animal flap further comprises a battery and a solar panel; wherein the battery is arranged in the third receiving groove; wherein the battery is connected to the drive mechanism; and wherein the battery supplies power to the drive mechanism; wherein the solar panel is arranged outside the cover; wherein the solar panel is connected to the battery to supply power thereto. [10] Automatic animal flap according to claim 9, characterized by that the automatic animal flap further comprises a connecting rod; wherein a first end of the connecting rod is connected to the solar panel; wherein a second end of the connecting rod is connected to the cover; wherein the solar panel is arranged at a distance from the cover. [11] Automatic animal flap according to claim 10, characterized bythat the connecting rod is rotatable relative to the cover in order to rotate the solar panel relative to the cover. [12] Automatic animal flap according to claim 10, characterized by that the solar panel is rotatably connected to the connecting rod and the solar panel is rotatable relative to the connecting rod. [13] Automatic animal flap according to claim 8, characterized by that the automatic animal flap further comprises a screen arranged in the third receiving groove; wherein the cover comprises a translucent region; wherein the translucent region directly faces the screen. [14] Automatic animal flap according to claim 13, characterized bythat the display screen comprises a display area; wherein the display areas display at least one of the following elements: the current time, a remaining electrical quantity, an ambient light intensity, a door opening light intensity, a door closing light intensity, the door opening time, and the door closing time; wherein, when the ambient light intensity is greater than the door opening light intensity, the drive mechanism drives the door panel to release the entrance opening; wherein, when the ambient light intensity is less than the door closing light intensity, the drive mechanism drives the door panel to close the entrance opening; wherein, when the current time reaches the door opening time, the drive mechanism drives the door panel to release the entrance opening;wherein, when the current time reaches the door closing time, the drive mechanism drives the door plate to close the entrance opening.; [15] Automatic animal flap according to claim 13, characterized by that the automatic animal flap further comprises a circuit board and a battery, wherein the circuit board is arranged in the third receiving groove; the circuit board is arranged on a side of the display screen facing the upper plate; the circuit board is connected to the display screen; wherein the battery is arranged in the third receiving groove; the battery is connected to the drive mechanism, the circuit board and the display screen; the battery, the drive mechanism and the circuit board are arranged side by side. [16] Automatic animal flap according to claim 15, characterized bythat the automatic animal flap further comprises control buttons; wherein the control buttons are arranged at least partially outside the cover; the control buttons are connected to the circuit board; the control buttons are configured to change the display content of the display screen. [17] Automatic animal flap according to claim 1, characterized by in that the automatic pet door further comprises a light sensor; wherein the light sensor is connected to the drive mechanism; the light sensor is configured to detect a light intensity of an ambient light signal and is configured to control the drive mechanism to drive the door panel according to the light intensity of the ambient light signal. [18] Automatic animal flap according to claim 17, characterized by that the light sensor comprises a full-spectrum lamp sphere designed to detect the ambient light signal of a full spectrum. [19] Automatic animal flap according to claim 17, characterized by that the light sensor comprises a sensor lamp sphere and a full-spectrum lens; wherein the ambient light of a full spectrum can penetrate the full-spectrum lens so that the sensor lamp sphere detects the ambient light signal of a full spectrum. [20] Automatic animal flap according to claim 1, characterized by in that the automatic pet door further comprises a wireless communication module connected to the drive mechanism; wherein the wireless communication module is configured to receive a wireless control command and control the drive mechanism to move the door panel in accordance with the wireless control command.

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