A drum mechanism and cat litter machine

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of drum mechanism and cat litter machine, it is related to pet supplies field.Drum mechanism includes drum body, bin door component and locking assembly;Bin door component is rotatably connected with drum body;Locking assembly includes sliding member and elastic member, sliding member is slidably arranged in bin door component, sliding member has button part exposed on the outer wall of bin door component and lock catch part engaged with drum body, and elastic member is used to drive lock catch part to engage with drum body;Wherein, drum body has abutting surface, abutting surface abuts lock catch part before bin door component is closed, and drives lock catch part to move in the direction of overcoming the elastic force of elastic member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pet supplies, and more particularly to a roller mechanism and a cat litter machine. Background Technology

[0002] A cat litter box cleaner is a particularly convenient device for users to clean up cat litter. To use it, users simply press the clean button, wait for the cleaner to finish, and then open the drum door to remove the litter, making cat ownership cleaner and more convenient.

[0003] Among them, the door is a small component separated from the roller, and its opening and closing function, strength and reliability, as well as its fit with the shape of the roller are particularly important.

[0004] However, the existing door opening and closing operations are relatively complicated, causing inconvenience to users. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problem that the opening and closing operations of existing compartment doors are relatively complex and inconvenient for users, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a roller mechanism.

[0006] This invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A roller mechanism, comprising:

[0008] Roller body;

[0009] The door assembly is rotatably connected to the roller body; and

[0010] The locking component includes a slider and an elastic element. The slider is slidably disposed on the door assembly. The slider has a button portion exposed on the outer wall of the door assembly and a latch portion that engages with the roller body. The elastic element is used to drive the latch portion to engage with the roller body.

[0011] The roller body has a supporting surface that abuts against the locking part before the door assembly closes, and drives the locking part to move in a direction that overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element.

[0012] As a further optional solution for the roller mechanism, the roller body is provided with a locking hole, which engages with the locking buckle.

[0013] The abutting surface has a distal end away from the keyhole and a proximal end close to the keyhole, and the distance between the abutting surface and the rotation center of the door assembly decreases from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0014] As a further alternative to the roller mechanism, the locking portion is bent toward the center of the roller body at one end near the roller body.

[0015] As a further alternative to the roller mechanism, the door assembly includes a door body and a door liner, the sliding member is disposed between the door body and the door liner and slides in cooperation with at least one of the door body and the door liner, and the button portion is exposed on the outer wall of the door body.

[0016] As a further alternative to the roller mechanism, the outer wall of the door body is provided with a first groove, and the button is exposed at the end of the first groove away from the roller body.

[0017] As a further alternative to the roller mechanism, the outer wall of the door body is provided with a second groove, which is located on the side of the first groove facing away from the roller body.

[0018] As a further alternative to the roller mechanism, the sliding member is provided with a receiving groove, and the door assembly is provided with a protruding rib that is embedded in the receiving groove;

[0019] The elastic element is housed within the receiving groove and is located between one end of the inner wall of the receiving groove and the protruding rib.

[0020] As a further optional solution for the roller mechanism, the inner wall of the receiving groove is provided with a first limiting member, and one end of the elastic member is sleeved on the first limiting member.

[0021] As a further alternative to the roller mechanism, the door assembly is provided with a second limiting member, which is located on the side of the sliding member facing away from the roller body.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a cat litter machine.

[0023] This invention provides the following technical solution:

[0024] A cat litter box includes the aforementioned roller mechanism.

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0026] In the aforementioned roller mechanism, the door assembly is rotatably connected to the roller body, allowing it to be opened and closed. When the door assembly is closed, the latch, driven by the elastic element, engages with the roller body, locking the door assembly and ensuring its reliability during the roller mechanism's rotation. At this time, the user simply presses the button to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element, causing the entire sliding component to slide and separating the latch from the roller body, thus unlocking and opening the door assembly. When the user closes the door assembly, the latch abuts against the abutting surface on the roller body before the door assembly closes. At this time, the user simply taps the door assembly, utilizing the reaction force applied by the abutting surface to the latch to move it in the direction of overcoming the elastic force of the elastic element, allowing the door assembly to close smoothly. The latch then shifts away from the abutting surface and, driven by the elastic element, engages with the roller body again. In short, the user can open the door assembly simply by pressing the button and close it simply by tapping it, making it more user-friendly and convenient.

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This diagram shows an overall structural schematic of a roller mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 An exploded view of a roller mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the cooperation relationship between the door assembly and the locking assembly in a roller mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a door assembly and a locking assembly in a roller mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the roller body and locking assembly in a roller mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a door assembly in a roller mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0036] 100-Roller body; 110-Abutting surface; 120-Lock hole; 200-Door assembly; 210-Door body; 211-Rib; 212-First groove; 213-Second groove; 220-Door liner; 221-Slide groove; 222-Second limiting member; 300-Locking assembly; 310-Sliding member; 311-Button part; 312-Lock part; 313-Receiving groove; 314-First limiting member; 320-Elastic member. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0038] It should be noted that when an element is said to be "fixed" to another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly" on another element, there is no intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the template description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Example

[0043] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a roller mechanism applied to a cat litter machine. The roller mechanism includes a roller body 100, a door assembly 200, and a locking assembly 300.

[0044] The roller body 100 has two opposite and parallel ends and a side wall connecting the two ends, and the rotation axis of the roller body 100 is perpendicular to the ends of the roller body 100. An opening is provided on the side wall of the roller body 100, through which a user can remove cat litter from the trash can.

[0045] The door assembly 200 is rotatably connected to the roller body 100, and can be rotatably opened or closed. When closed, the door assembly 200 seals the opening.

[0046] Please see Figure 3 The locking assembly 300 consists of a sliding member 310 and an elastic member 320. The sliding member 310 is slidably disposed on the door assembly 200, and the sliding member 310 has a button portion 311 exposed on the outer wall of the door assembly 200 and a locking portion 312 that engages with the roller body 100. Correspondingly, the elastic member 320 is used to drive the locking portion 312 to engage with the roller body 100.

[0047] In addition, the roller body 100 has a bearing surface 110 (see Figure 5 The abutting surface 110 abuts against the latching part 312 before the door assembly 200 closes, and drives the latching part 312 to move in the direction that overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 320.

[0048] In the aforementioned roller mechanism, when the door assembly 200 is in the closed state, the locking part 312, driven by the elastic member 320, engages with the roller body 100, locking the door assembly 200 and ensuring its reliability during the roller mechanism's rotation. At this time, the user simply needs to press the button 311 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 320, causing the entire sliding member 310 to slide, thus separating the locking part 312 from the roller body 100, unlocking and opening the door assembly 200.

[0049] Conversely, when the user closes the door assembly 200, the latch 312 abuts against the abutment surface 110 on the roller body 100 before the door assembly 200 closes. At this time, the user only needs to tap the door assembly 200 lightly, and the reaction force applied to the latch 312 by the abutment surface 110 drives the latch 312 to move in the direction that overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 320, so that the door assembly 200 can be closed smoothly. After the door assembly 200 is closed, the latch 312 is displaced from the abutment surface 110, and under the drive of the elastic member 320, it engages with the roller body 100 again.

[0050] In short, users can open the compartment door assembly 200 simply by pressing the button 311 and close it by tapping the compartment door assembly 200, making it more operable and simpler to use.

[0051] Please see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the door assembly 200 consists of a door body 210 and a door liner 220. The door liner 220 is attached to the inner surface of the door body 210 and is fixedly connected to the door body 210 by bolts.

[0052] A slider 310 is disposed between the door body 210 and the door liner 220, and slides in cooperation with at least one of the door body 210 and the door liner 220. In addition, a button portion 311 is exposed on the outer wall of the door body 210.

[0053] In some specific embodiments, the surface of the door liner 220 facing the door body 210 is provided with a groove 221, and the sliding member 310 is slidably disposed in the groove 221. When the door body 210 and the door liner 220 are attached and connected, the door body 210 covers the opening of the groove 221, so that the sliding member 310 can only slide within the groove 221.

[0054] In some other embodiments, the slider 310 may also be slidably disposed on the surface of the door body 210 facing the door liner 220.

[0055] Please see Figure 4 In some embodiments, the sliding member 310 is provided with a receiving groove 313, and the door assembly 200 is provided with a protruding rib 211 embedded in the receiving groove 313.

[0056] In addition, the elastic member 320 is housed in the receiving groove 313 and is located between one end of the inner wall of the receiving groove 313 and the protruding rib 211.

[0057] In some specific embodiments, the elastic element 320 is a compression spring, and the end of the elastic element 320 near the roller body 100 abuts against the inner wall of the receiving groove 313, while the end of the elastic element 320 away from the roller body 100 abuts against the protruding rib 211. In this case, the elastic force of the elastic element 320 manifests as a thrust that pushes the sliding element 310 toward the roller body 100.

[0058] Furthermore, the inner wall of the receiving groove 313 is provided with a first limiting member 314, and one end of the elastic member 320 is sleeved on the first limiting member 314.

[0059] In use, the first limiting member 314 can prevent the elastic member 320 from disengaging from the receiving groove 313, ensuring a stable fit between the sliding member 310, the elastic member 320, and the protruding rib 211. Accordingly, when assembling the roller mechanism, it is only necessary to place the first limiting member 314 in the receiving groove 313, which is simple and convenient.

[0060] Optionally, the first limiting member 314 is arranged in the shape of a rod and is parallel to the extension and retraction direction of the elastic member 320.

[0061] In some other embodiments, the elastic element 320 may also be a tension spring, with one end of the elastic element 320 away from the roller body 100 connected to one end of the inner wall of the receiving groove 313, and the end of the elastic element 320 close to the roller body 100 connected to the protruding rib 211. In this case, the elastic force of the elastic element 320 manifests as a pulling force that causes the sliding element 310 to move toward the roller body 100.

[0062] In some specific embodiments, the receiving groove 313 is provided on the side of the sliding member 310 facing the door body 210, and the protruding rib 211 is integrally formed with the door body 210.

[0063] In some other embodiments, the receiving groove 313 may be provided on the side of the sliding member 310 facing the door liner 220, and the rib 211 is integrally formed with the door liner 220.

[0064] Furthermore, a second limiting member 222 is provided on the door assembly 200, and the second limiting member 222 is located on the side of the sliding member 310 facing away from the roller body 100.

[0065] In use, the second limiting member 222 can limit the distance that the slider 310 slides in the direction that overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 320. When the user presses the button 311, causing the slider 310 to abut against the second limiting member 222, the slider 310 can no longer slide, and the button 311 can no longer be pressed, indicating to the user that the door assembly 200 has been unlocked.

[0066] In some specific embodiments, the second limiting member 222 is a limiting rib. The limiting rib is located at the end of the slide groove 221 away from the roller body 100 and is integrally formed with the inner lining of the door 220.

[0067] In some other embodiments, the second limiting member 222 may also be provided on the door body 210 and embedded in the slide groove 221.

[0068] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the locking parts 312 are arranged in pairs. The arrangement direction of the two locking parts 312 is perpendicular to the sliding direction of the slider 310, which can more stably lock the door assembly 200 and prevent the door assembly 200 from opening on its own when the roller mechanism is rotating.

[0069] Accordingly, the roller body 100 is provided with two locking holes 120, which correspond to two locking parts 312 respectively. When the door assembly 200 is in the closed state, the locking part 312 protrudes from the edge of the door assembly 200 under the drive of the elastic member 320 and engages with the corresponding locking hole 120, thereby limiting the sliding member 310 and the door assembly 200 and preventing the door assembly 200 from rotating relative to the roller body 100.

[0070] At the same time, there are two abutment surfaces 110, which correspond to two lock holes 120 respectively, and the abutment surfaces 110 are connected to the edge of the corresponding lock holes 120.

[0071] Furthermore, the abutment surface 110 has a distal end away from the lock hole 120 and a proximal end close to the lock hole 120, and the distance between the abutment surface 110 and the rotation center of the door assembly 200 decreases from the distal end to the proximal end.

[0072] When the door assembly 200 is closed by rotation, the latch 312 first contacts the distal end of the abutment surface 110 and moves toward the proximal end of the abutment surface 110 as the door assembly 200 rotates. During this process, the reaction force exerted by the abutment surface 110 on the latch 312 overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 320, driving the entire sliding member 310 to slide, causing the latch 312 to retract into the door assembly 200, ensuring that the door assembly 200 can close smoothly.

[0073] Optionally, the supporting surface 110 is set as an inclined surface.

[0074] Furthermore, the locking part 312 is bent toward the center of the roller body 100 at one end near the roller body 100.

[0075] In use, the curved locking part 312 can change the direction of force. The reaction force applied by the abutment surface 110 to the locking part 312, which was originally along the normal direction of the abutment surface 110, is transmitted to the slider 310 through the locking part 312 and then changed to the sliding direction of the slider 310, so that the slider 310 can be smoothly driven to slide and is not easy to get stuck.

[0076] In contrast, when the locking part 312 is arranged along the sliding direction of the sliding member 310, the reaction force exerted by the abutment surface 110 on the locking part 312 forms a certain angle with the sliding direction of the sliding member 310, resulting in a component force perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding member 310. This component force causes the sliding member 310 to abut against the door body 210, increasing the friction between the sliding member 310 and the door body 210, which may lead to the sliding member 310 getting stuck.

[0077] In some embodiments, the button portion 311 is located in the middle of the slider 310, and the elastic members 320 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the button portion 311. When the user presses the button portion 311, overcoming the elastic force of the elastic members 320 to drive the entire slider 310 to slide, the slider 310 is subjected to more balanced force, can slide smoothly, and is not easy to get stuck.

[0078] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 6 Furthermore, the outer wall of the door body 210 is provided with a first groove 212, and the button part 311 is exposed at the end of the first groove 212 away from the roller body 100.

[0079] In use, the user can insert their finger into the first groove 212 and press the button 311 in a direction away from the roller body 100, thereby overcoming the elastic force of the elastic member 320 to drive the entire sliding member 310 to slide.

[0080] At the same time, the first groove 212 enables the button part 311 exposed on the outer wall of the door body 210 to be embedded, ensuring the flatness of the outer wall of the door body 210 and the entire roller mechanism, and preventing the button part 311 from interfering with other parts of the cat litter machine during the working rotation of the roller mechanism.

[0081] Furthermore, the outer wall of the door body 210 is provided with a second groove 213, and the second groove 213 is located on the side of the first groove 212 facing away from the roller body 100.

[0082] For example, a user can insert their thumb into the second groove 213 and their index finger into the first groove 212 to press the button 311, allowing for better pressure application. Furthermore, after pressing the button 311 to unlock the compartment door assembly 200, the user can more easily open the compartment door assembly 200 by holding it between two fingers.

[0083] When using the roller mechanism described above, the user only needs to press the button 311 to overcome the elastic force of the elastic member 320 and drive the entire sliding member 310 to slide, thereby causing the locking part 312 to disengage from the lock hole 120, which will unlock the compartment door assembly 200 and open the compartment door assembly 200.

[0084] Conversely, when the user closes the door assembly 200, the latch 312 abuts against the abutment surface 110 before the door assembly 200 closes. At this time, the user only needs to tap the door assembly 200 lightly, and the reaction force applied to the latch 312 by the abutment surface 110 will drive the latch 312 to retract into the door assembly 200 in the direction that overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 320, so that the door assembly 200 can be closed smoothly. After the door assembly 200 is closed, the latch 312 is offset from the abutment surface 110, aligned with the lock hole 120, and protrudes from the edge of the door assembly 200 under the drive of the elastic member 320, and then engages with the lock hole 120.

[0085] The above process is more operable, simple and convenient. The sliding member 310 and the elastic member 320 cooperate to firmly lock the door assembly 200 onto the roller body 100, so that the door assembly 200 fits well with the roller body 100, the periphery of the door assembly 200 does not lift up, and the shape is consistent with the roller body 100, which is more beautiful. It also enables the roller mechanism to rotate smoothly 360° without jamming.

[0086] This embodiment also provides a cat litter machine, including the above-mentioned roller mechanism.

[0087] In all examples shown and described herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations; therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0088] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0089] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A roller mechanism, characterized in that, include: Roller body; The door assembly is rotatably connected to the roller body; as well as The locking component includes a slider and an elastic element. The slider is slidably disposed on the door assembly. The slider has a button portion exposed on the outer wall of the door assembly and a latch portion that engages with the roller body. The elastic element is used to drive the latch portion to engage with the roller body. The roller body has a supporting surface, which abuts against the locking part before the door assembly closes, and drives the locking part to move in a direction that overcomes the elastic force of the elastic element; The door assembly includes a door body and a door liner. The sliding member is disposed between the door body and the door liner and slides with at least one of the door body and the door liner. The button is exposed on the outer wall of the door body. The outer wall of the door body is provided with a first groove, and the button is exposed at the end of the first groove away from the roller body; The outer wall of the door body is provided with a second groove, which is located on the side of the first groove facing away from the roller body; The door assembly is provided with a second limiting member, which is located on the side of the sliding member facing away from the roller body; The roller body is provided with a locking hole, which engages with the locking buckle. The abutting surface has a distal end away from the keyhole and a proximal end close to the keyhole, and the distance between the abutting surface and the rotation center of the door assembly decreases from the distal end to the proximal end. The locking part is bent toward the center of the roller body at one end.

2. The roller mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding member is provided with a receiving groove, and the door assembly is provided with a protruding rib that is embedded in the receiving groove; The elastic element is housed within the receiving groove and is located between one end of the inner wall of the receiving groove and the protruding rib.

3. The roller mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the receiving groove is provided with a first limiting member, and one end of the elastic member is sleeved on the first limiting member.

4. A cat litter machine, characterized in that, Includes the roller mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3.

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