Animal interaction device

Abstract

An animal interaction device includes a body, a drive module, and a first rotating member. The body includes a receiving slot, an opening, and a communication passage. The drive module is configured on the body. The first rotating member is rotatably disposed in the body and separates the communication passage and the receiving slot. When the drive module drives the first rotating member to rotate in a first rotating direction, the first rotating member drives at least one object into the receiving slot, through the opening, into the communication passage, and out of the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an animal interaction device, and more particularly to an animal interaction device for throwing objects. Background Technology

[0002] Many people keep pets at home, but when pet owners leave their pets alone at home, it is difficult to monitor their pets' behavior and physical condition. Therefore, some pet owners have installed camera equipment in their homes to observe their pets' behavior.

[0003] However, using readily available photography equipment makes it difficult to interact with pets and attract them closer to the camera. Furthermore, the pet's physical condition may deteriorate due to lack of exercise. Therefore, how to interact with pets when owners cannot be with them becomes an important issue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an animal interaction device to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] This disclosure provides an animal interaction device, including a main body, a drive module, and a first rotating member. The main body includes a receiving groove, an opening, and a communicating channel. The drive module is disposed on the main body. The first rotating member is rotatably disposed in the main body and separates the communicating channel and the receiving groove. When the drive module drives the first rotating member to rotate in a first rotation direction, the first rotating member drives at least one object disposed in the receiving groove to enter the communicating channel and exit the main body through the opening.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first rotating member has a rotating shaft and a plurality of blades, each of which is offset from the rotating shaft when viewed along the rotation axis. In one embodiment, a loading groove is formed between adjacent blades, the loading groove being configured to load an object. In one embodiment, a protrusion is formed at one end of each blade, the protrusion protruding along a first rotation direction. In one embodiment, the main body includes an upper member and a contact member, the upper member and the contact member forming a receiving groove, the contact member and adjacent blades forming a closed space. In one embodiment, the animal interaction device further includes a pushing mechanism movably disposed on the upper member, and the drive module includes a first motor, a first rotating shaft, and a first rotating shaft. The first motor is disposed on the main body. The first rotating shaft is configured to connect the first motor, the first rotating member, and a first gear. When the first motor drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, the first gear drives the pushing mechanism to push the object into the loading groove. In one embodiment, the drive module further includes a second gear connected to the first rotating shaft, and the pushing mechanism includes a pushing member and a connecting member. The pushing member is used to push the object. The connecting member is connected between the pushing member and the first gear, and also between the pushing member and the second gear. When the first motor drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, the first gear and the second gear jointly drive the connecting member to move the pushing member forward into the receiving slot. In one embodiment, the number of teeth on the first gear is the same as the number of blades, and the pushing mechanism further includes an elastic member disposed between the connecting member and the upper member.

[0007] In one embodiment, the animal interaction device further includes a second rotating member disposed within the communicating channel, and a drive module configured to drive the second rotating member to rotate along a first rotation direction to push an object away from the main body. In one embodiment, the animal interaction device further includes a sensor disposed between the first and second rotating members, and the sensor configured to sense whether an object has entered the communicating channel. In one embodiment, the main body includes a lower component forming the communicating channel and having a first guide surface and a second guide surface. The second rotating member is disposed between the first and second guide surfaces, and the first and second guide surfaces are used to guide the object to move within the communicating channel. In one embodiment, the angle between the first and second guide surfaces is 15 to 75 degrees. In one embodiment, the communicating channel further has an arcuate surface connecting the first and second guide surfaces, and when there is residue of an object on the arcuate surface, the drive module is configured to drive the second rotating member to rotate independently to blow the residue out of the communicating channel through an opening. In one embodiment, the drive module is configured to drive either the first or second rotating member to rotate independently. In one embodiment, after the second rotating member pushes an object away from the main body, the drive module is configured to drive the second rotating member back to an initial position. In one embodiment, a plurality of objects are disposed in the receiving slot, and the number of objects leaving the main body corresponds to the rotational speed of the first rotating member. In one embodiment, the interactive device further includes a circuit module and an image / audio transceiver. The circuit module is disposed on the main body and includes a control circuit. The image / audio transceiver is disposed on the main body and electrically connected to the circuit module. The image / audio transceiver includes a camera. The camera and the opening face the same side of the main body. In one embodiment, the control circuit is configured to determine whether an object has left the opening based on an image captured by the camera or a detection signal from a sensor disposed in the communicating channel. When the control circuit determines that the object has not left the opening, the control circuit controls the drive module to drive the first rotating member and / or the second rotating member to rotate in a second rotation direction, and the first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction.

[0008] In one embodiment, the animal interaction device further includes a base, to which the main body is rotatably connected, and a drive module configured to drive the main body to rotate about a rotation axis of the base. In one embodiment, the rotation axis is perpendicular to a rotation axis of the first rotating member.

[0009] The beneficial effect of this invention is that it provides an interactive device for a user to interact with his / her pet locally or remotely. The interactive device includes a main body having an upper component and a lower component. The upper component is used to hold a large number of objects, and the lower component forms a connecting channel and opening for the objects to pass through. A first rotating member and a second rotating member are disposed within the main body to drive the objects to be smoothly thrown out of the main body. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The manner of this disclosure can be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is worth noting that, in accordance with industry standard practice, the features are not drawn to scale. In fact, for clarity of discussion, the dimensions of the various features can be arbitrarily increased or decreased.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an interactive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of an interactive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an interactive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective.

[0014] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of this disclosure Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the interactive device with AA lines in the diagram.

[0015] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing the movement of a pushing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of an interactive device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective.

[0017] Figures 8 to 10 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of an object moving in a communicating channel and being ejected from an opening according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of driving more than one object out of an opening according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 12 and Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a receiving groove for accommodating multiple objects is shown according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of an interactive device operating in a cleaning mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0022] 50: Object

[0023] 50R: Residue

[0024] 52: Object

[0025] 100: Interactive Installation

[0026] 101: Main Body

[0027] 102: Cover

[0028] 103: Front shell

[0029] 104: Back cover

[0030] 110: Base assembly

[0031] 112: Base

[0032] 114: Base Gear

[0033] 115: Drive gear

[0034] 116: Holding member

[0035] 118: Base Motor

[0036] 121: Upper component

[0037] 122: Lower component

[0038] 124: Contact element

[0039] 125: Enclosed space

[0040] 130: Driving Institutions

[0041] 132: Propelling component

[0042] 134: Connecting structural components

[0043] 136: Elastic Component

[0044] 141: First Motor

[0045] 142: First rotating component

[0046] 144: Loading slot

[0047] 145: First Gear

[0048] 146: First Rotation Axis

[0049] 151: Second Motor

[0050] 152: Second rotating component

[0051] 160: Sensor

[0052] 170: Circuit Module

[0053] 172: Image / Audio Transceiver

[0054] 174: Camera

[0055] 176: Speaker

[0056] 1211: Receiving tank

[0057] 1221: Connecting Channel

[0058] 1222: Opening

[0059] 1223: First guiding surface

[0060] 1224: Second guiding surface

[0061] 1226: Curved surface

[0062] 1421: Blade

[0063] 1423: Protrusion

[0064] AG: Angle

[0065] DM: Driver Module

[0066] R1: First rotation direction

[0067] R2: Second rotation direction

[0068] RX0: Rotation axis

[0069] RX1: Rotation axis Detailed Implementation

[0070] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the provided object. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify this disclosure. Of course, these are merely examples and not limiting. For example, forming a first feature on or over a second feature in the following description may include embodiments where the first and second features are in direct contact, and may also include embodiments where additional features may be disposed between the first and second features such that the first and second features are not in direct contact.

[0071] Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in various examples within this disclosure. Such repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself prescribe a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed. Additionally, the following description of forming, connecting to, and / or coupling to one feature on another feature may include embodiments where the features are in direct contact, and may also include embodiments where additional features can be configured to insert into the feature, such that the features may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, spatially related terms used in this disclosure, such as “vertical,” “above,” “on top,” “below,” “under,” and derivatives (e.g., “downward,” “upward,” etc.), are used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one feature and another. Spatially related terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the means (including features).

[0072] 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 disclosure pertains. It should be understood that each term as defined in a common dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the relevant skill and the context or background of this disclosure, and should not be idealized or over-interpreted. Formal usage unless otherwise defined.

[0073] The use of ordinal terms such as “first” or “second” in a claim to modify a claim element itself does not imply any priority, preference, or order of action of one claim element relative to another claim element, or the chronological order in which the action of a method is performed, but is merely used as a label to distinguish one claim element with a specific name from another claim element with the same name (but using ordinal terms) to differentiate claim elements.

[0074] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly stated, in some embodiments of this disclosure, terms such as “connection” and “interconnection” refer to relationships in which structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through intermediate structures, as well as movable or rigid attachments or relationships.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 1 Figure 4 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an interactive device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an interactive device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an interactive device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective. Figure 4 According to an embodiment of this disclosure Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the interactive device 100 with AA line in the middle.

[0076] In this embodiment, the interactive device 100 is configured to interact with an animal (e.g., a user's pet). The interactive device 100 is used to throw an object 50 (e.g., pet food) to attract the pet's attention, and the interactive device 100 includes a main body 101, a cover 102, a front shell 103, and a rear shell 104. The cover 102 is detachably disposed on the main body 101, and the front shell 103 and rear shell 104 are respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the main body 101 to protect the main body 101.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the main body 101 includes an upper member 121 and a lower member 122 fixedly connected to each other. The upper member 121 has a receiving groove 1211, and a cover 102 can cover the upper member 121 to surround the receiving groove 1211. The cover 102 can be removed from the upper member 121, and then the receiving groove 1211 is configured to accommodate a plurality of objects 50.

[0078] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower component 122 has a communicating channel 1221 and an opening 1222, through which an object 50 can be moved from the receiving slot 1211 into the communicating channel 1221, and then the object 50 can be pushed out through the opening 1222.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the interactive device 100 also includes a base assembly 110, which includes a base 112, a base gear 114, a drive gear 115, a holding member 116, and a base motor 118. The holding member 116 is used to hold the main body 101, and the base gear 114 is disposed between the holding member 116 and the base 112.

[0080] A base motor 118 is fixedly mounted on the holding member 116 and is used to drive the drive gear 115 to rotate. The drive gear 115 is coupled to the base gear 114. When the base motor 118 drives the drive gear 115 to rotate, it correspondingly drives the base gear 114, so that the holding member 116 and the main body 101 can rotate relative to the base 112 about the rotation axis RX0 of the base 112.

[0081] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the interactive device 100 includes a drive module DM, which includes a first motor 141 and a first rotating member 142. The first motor 141 is fixedly mounted on the main body 101, and the first rotating member 142 is rotatably mounted inside the main body 101 to separate the communicating channel 1221 and the receiving groove 1211.

[0082] The first motor 141 is used to drive the first rotating member 142. When the first motor 141 drives the first rotating member 142 to rotate in the first rotation direction R1, the first rotating member 142 can drive an object 50 disposed in the receiving groove 1211 into the communicating channel 1221, and then leave the main body 101 through the opening 1222.

[0083] In this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the first rotating member 142 has a rotation axis RX1 and a plurality of blades 1421. When viewed along the rotation axis RX1, each blade 1421 is offset from the rotation axis RX1. That is, the extension direction of the blade 1421 does not pass through the rotation axis RX1.

[0084] Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the rotation axis RX0 is perpendicular to the rotation axis RX1 of the first rotating component 142.

[0085] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a loading groove 144 is formed between two adjacent blades 1421, and the loading groove 144 is used to load the object 50. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the main body 101 also includes a contact member 124. The upper component 121 and the contact member 124 form a receiving groove 1211. The contact member 124 and the two adjacent blades 1421 form a closed space 125.

[0086] It should be noted that each blade 1421 has a protrusion 1423 at one end, which protrudes along the first rotational direction R1. In this embodiment, the contact 124 is made of an elastic material, such as elastic plastic. Therefore, based on the design of the protrusion 1423 and the contact 124, the objects 50 can be smoothly loaded into the loading slot 144 one after another without clogging.

[0087] In this embodiment, the protrusion 1423 is triangular prism-shaped, and its height can be 1 mm, but is not limited thereto. Any shape of the protrusion 1423 that can prevent the object 50 from blocking it is within the scope of this disclosure.

[0088] Next, please refer to Figures 5 to 7 . Figure 5 and Figure 6 A cross-sectional view showing the movement of a push mechanism 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of an interactive device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the interactive device 100 may further include a pushing mechanism 130 movably disposed on the upper member 121 for pushing an object 50 toward the loading slot 144.

[0089] In addition, the drive module DM includes a first gear 145 and a first rotating shaft 146. The first rotating shaft 146 is used to connect the first motor 141, the first rotating component 142, and the first gear 145. When the first motor 141 drives the first rotating shaft 146 to rotate, the first gear 145 rotates accordingly, driving the push mechanism 130 to push the object 50 to help load the object 50 into the loading slot 144.

[0090] Specifically, the drive module DM also includes a second gear 147 connected to the first rotating shaft 146, and the push mechanism 130 includes a push member 132 and a connecting member 134. The push member 132 is used to push the object 50, and the connecting member 134 is connected between the push member 132 and the first gear 145, and also between the push member 132 and the second gear 147.

[0091] When the first motor 141 drives the first rotating shaft 146 to rotate, the first gear 145 and the second gear 147, through the connecting member 134, jointly drive the pushing member 132 to move forward into the receiving groove 1211. Specifically, the first gear 145 and the second gear 147 drive the connecting member 134 from... Figure 5 Move the position in the middle to Figure 6 The position in the middle, and push the component 132 accordingly from Figure 5 Move the position in the middle to Figure 6 The position in the middle.

[0092] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the actuating mechanism 130 may further include two elastic members 136 disposed between the connecting member 134 and the upper member 121. The elastic members 136 are configured to provide elastic force to push the connecting member 134 from... Figure 6 Move back to the position in the middle Figure 5 The position in the middle, and push the component 132 accordingly from Figure 6 Move back to the position in the middle Figure 5 The position of the elastic member 136 is as follows. The elastic member 136 may be a spring, but is not limited to this.

[0093] It should be noted that the number of teeth of the first gear 145 is the same as the number of blades 1421, and the number of teeth of the first gear 145 is the same as or multiples of the number of teeth of the second gear 147.

[0094] Please refer to Figure 4 and Figures 8 to 10 . Figures 8 to 10 This diagram illustrates the process by which an object 50, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, moves in a communicating channel 1221 and is ejected from an opening 1222. Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, while the first rotating member 142 continues to rotate, objects 50 are loaded one by one into the loading slot 144, and then the first of the objects 50 enters the connecting channel 1221 (as shown). Figure 9 (As shown).

[0095] In this embodiment, the interactive device 100 further includes a second rotating member 152 disposed within the communicating channel 1221, and the drive module DM further includes a second motor 151 disposed within the main body 101. Figure 7 On top of this, and used to drive the second rotating member 152 to rotate along the first rotation direction R1. Therefore, as Figure 10 As shown, the second rotating component 152 pushes the first object 50 away from the main body 101 through the opening 1222.

[0096] It should be noted that after the second rotating component 152 pushes the object 50 away from the main body 101, the blades of the second rotating component 152 may not be perpendicular to the Y-axis. To ensure that the object 50 is thrown the same distance each time, the drive module DM is configured to drive the second rotating component 152 back to its initial position (e.g., ...). Figure 9 (position in the middle), and then drive another object 50.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second rotating member 152 is made of an elastic material, but this is not a limitation. When the second rotating member 152 is made of an elastic material, the noise generated by the second rotating member 152 can be effectively reduced.

[0098] In this embodiment, the lower component 122 forms a connecting channel 1221 and has a first guide surface 1223 and a second guide surface 1224, and the second rotating component 152 is disposed between the first guide surface 1223 and the second guide surface 1224.

[0099] The first guide surface 1223 and the second guide surface 1224 are used to guide the object 50 to move within the connecting channel 1221. In this embodiment, the angle AG between the first guide surface 1223 and the second guide surface 1224 is 15 degrees to 75 degrees, but is not limited thereto. For example, a preferred angle AG could be 65 or 45 degrees. Based on the above configuration, the object 50 can move more smoothly within the connecting channel 1221 and can be thrown further out of the opening 1222.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the interactive device 100 may also include a sensor 160 disposed within the communication channel 1221 and between the first rotating member 142 and the second rotating member 152, the sensor 160 being used to detect whether the object 50 has entered the communication channel 1221.

[0101] In this embodiment, the drive module DM is used to drive the first rotating member 142 or the second rotating member 152 to rotate independently. That is, the first rotating member 142 and the second rotating member 152 can rotate asynchronously.

[0102] Please return Figure 2 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the interactive device 100 further includes a circuit module 170 and an image / audio transceiver 172. The circuit module 170 is disposed on the main body 101 and may include control circuitry, such as a processing chip. The image / audio transceiver 172 is disposed on the main body 101 and electrically connected to the circuit module 170, and includes a camera 174.

[0103] like Figure 4 As shown, camera 174 and opening 1222 face the same side of body 101. For example, in Figure 4 In the middle, camera 174 and opening 1222 face the left side of body 101.

[0104] In addition, the image / audio transceiver 172 may also include a microphone and a light-emitting diode (not shown). The microphone can receive the pet's sounds, and the light-emitting diode can attract the pet's attention. Figure 2 As shown, the image / audio transceiver 172 may also include a speaker 176 disposed on the rear side of the main body 101.

[0105] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the circuit module 170 may also include wireless communication circuitry (not shown) for receiving external wireless signals. For example, a user can use a smartphone to communicate with the interactive device 100 via the circuit module 170. Thus, the user can see the pet through the camera 174, talk to the pet through the speaker 176, or remotely control the interactive device 100 to provide the pet with objects 50.

[0106] In some embodiments, the control circuit determines whether the object 50 has left the opening 1222 based on an image captured by the camera or a detection signal from a sensor (e.g., sensor 160 or an additional sensor (not shown) near the opening 1222). For example, when the circuit module 170 controls the drive module DM to drive the second rotator 152 to rotate and no object 50 is thrown out of the opening 1222, the control circuit can determine that the object 50 has not left the opening 1222 based on the captured image or a detection signal.

[0107] At this point, the control circuit determines that 50 objects are stuck in the connecting channel 1221. The control circuit then controls the drive module DM to drive the first rotating member 142 and / or the second rotating member 152 to rotate in the second rotation direction R2, thereby pushing the objects 50 back. Therefore, the problem of the objects 50 being stuck can be solved. Figure 9 As shown, the first rotation direction R1 is opposite to the second rotation direction R2.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 This diagram illustrates a method for driving more than one object 50 away from an opening 1222 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, when a user wants to increase the number of objects to be thrown, the user can send a control signal to a circuit module 170 via a smartphone. The circuit module 170 can then control the drive module DM to increase the rotational speed of the first rotating member 142.

[0109] For example, such as Figure 11As shown, the first rotating member 142 drives two objects 50 into the connecting channel 1221 within a time period, and then the second rotating member 152 drives the two objects 50 to move out of the opening 1222 accordingly. This embodiment does not limit the number of objects 50 driven into the connecting channel 1221; the number depends on the rotational speed of the first rotating member 142. That is, the number of objects 50 leaving the main body 101 corresponds to the rotational speed of the first rotating member 142.

[0110] Please refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 . Figure 12 and Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a receiving slot 1211 for accommodating a plurality of objects 52 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the size of the objects 52 is smaller than the size of the objects 50, so each loading slot 144 can hold two or more objects 52. For example, the diameter of the objects can range from 5 mm to 18 mm.

[0111] Similarly, the number of objects 52 to be thrown depends on the rotational speed of the first rotating member 142. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, when the rotational speed of the first rotating member 142 is low, the two objects 52 are driven into the communicating channel 1221. In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, when the rotational speed of the first rotating component 142 is high, four or five objects 52 can be brought into the connecting channel 1221 at the same time.

[0112] Please refer to Figure 14 , Figure 14 A schematic diagram of an interactive device 10 operating in a cleaning mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the connecting channel 1221 further has an arc surface 1226 connecting the first guide surface 1223 and the second guide surface 1224, on which residue 50R of a portion of the object 50 can accumulate.

[0113] To ensure stable object throwing by the interactive device 100, the user can control the interactive device 100 with a smartphone to perform a cleaning mode. When the interactive device 100 performs a cleaning mode, the drive module DM drives the second rotating member 152 to rotate independently, thereby blowing the residue 50R out of the connecting channel 1221 through the opening 1222.

[0114] In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the second rotating member 152 can be from 15,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) to 2,000 revolutions per minute to ensure that the residue 50R is thoroughly cleaned. It is worth mentioning that when the interactive device 100 executes the cleaning mode, only the second rotating member 152 rotates, while the first rotating member 142 does not rotate.

[0115] In summary, this disclosure provides an interactive device 100 for a user to interact with his / her pet locally or remotely. The interactive device 100 includes a main body 101, which has an upper member 121 and a lower member 122. The upper member 121 is used to accommodate a large number of objects 50, and the lower member 122 forms a connecting channel 1221 and an opening 1222 for the objects 50 to pass through. A first rotating member 142 and a second rotating member 152 are disposed within the main body 101 to drive the objects 50 smoothly out of the main body 101.

[0116] Furthermore, users can control the interactive device 100 using a smartphone. For example, users can control the direction and number of objects 50 to be thrown to effectively attract the pet's attention. For instance, the main body 101 can rotate relative to the base 112 to change its orientation. In addition, the interactive device 100 also includes an image / audio transceiver 172 for remote interaction between the user and the pet.

[0117] Although the embodiments and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of this application is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, means, methods, and steps described in the specification. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art from this disclosure, processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, or steps, whether existing or to be developed thereafter, that perform substantially the same function or substantially achieve the results according to this disclosure, can utilize the same results as the corresponding embodiments described herein. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include such processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, apparatuses, methods, or steps within their scope. Moreover, each claim constitutes a separate embodiment, and combinations of various claims and embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An animal interaction device, comprising: A main body, comprising a receiving slot, an opening, and a connecting channel; A drive module is installed on this main body; as well as A first rotating member is rotatably disposed in the main body and separates the communicating channel and the receiving groove; When the drive module drives the first rotating component to rotate along a first rotation direction, the first rotating component drives at least one object disposed in the receiving groove to enter the communicating channel and leave the main body through the opening. The first rotating component has a rotating shaft and a plurality of blades, and each of the plurality of blades is offset from the rotating shaft when viewed along the rotating shaft. A loading slot is formed between adjacent blades of the plurality of blades, the loading slot being configured to load the object; The main body includes an upper component, and the animal interaction device also includes a pushing mechanism movably disposed on the upper component, and the drive module includes: A first motor is mounted on this main body; The first gear; and A first rotating shaft is configured to connect the first motor, the first rotating element, and the first gear; When the first motor drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, the first gear drives the pushing mechanism to push the object into the loading slot; The drive module further includes a second gear connected to the first rotating shaft, and the pushing mechanism includes: A pushing component for pushing the object; and A connecting structural member is provided between the pushing member and the first gear, and also between the pushing member and the second gear; When the first motor drives the first rotating shaft to rotate, the first gear and the second gear together drive the connecting structure to move the pushing member forward into the receiving groove.

2. The animal interaction device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of blades has a protrusion at one end, and the plurality of protrusions protrude along the first rotational direction.

3. The animal interaction device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body includes a contact member, the upper member and the contact member form the receiving groove, and the contact member and adjacent members of the plurality of blades form an enclosed space.

4. The animal interaction device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of teeth of the first gear is the same as the number of the plurality of blades, and the actuating mechanism further includes an elastic member disposed between the connecting member and the upper member.

5. The animal interaction device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the animal interaction device further includes a second rotating member disposed within the communicating channel, and the driving module is configured to drive the second rotating member to rotate along the first rotation direction to push the object away from the main body.

6. The animal interaction device of claim 5, wherein the animal interaction device further includes a sensor disposed between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and the sensor is configured to sense whether an object enters the communication channel.

7. The animal interaction device of claim 5, wherein the main body includes a lower component forming the communication channel and having a first guide surface and a second guide surface, the second rotating member being disposed between the first guide surface and the second guide surface, and the first guide surface and the second guide surface being used to guide the object to move in the communication channel.

8. The animal interaction device of claim 7, wherein the angle between the first guide surface and the second guide surface is 15 degrees to 75 degrees.

9. The animal interaction device of claim 7, wherein the connecting channel further has an arc surface connecting the first guide surface and the second guide surface, and when there is residue of the object on the arc surface, the drive module is configured to drive the second rotating member to rotate independently to blow the residue out of the connecting channel through the opening.

10. The animal interaction device of claim 5, wherein the drive module is configured to drive the first rotating member or the second rotating member to rotate independently.

11. The animal interaction device of claim 5, wherein after the second rotating member pushes the object away from the main body, the drive module is configured to drive the second rotating member back to an initial position.

12. The animal interaction device of claim 5, wherein a plurality of objects are disposed in the receiving slot, and the number of the plurality of objects leaving the main body corresponds to the rotational speed of the first rotating member.

13. The animal interaction device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the interaction device further comprises: A circuit module, disposed on the main body, the circuit module including a control circuit; and An image / audio transceiver is mounted on the main body and electrically connected to the circuit module, wherein the image / audio transceiver includes a camera. The camera and the opening face the same side of the main body.

14. The animal interaction device of claim 13, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine that the object has left the opening based on an image captured by the camera or a detection signal from a sensor disposed in the communication channel, wherein when the control circuit determines that the object has not left the opening, the control circuit controls the drive module to drive the first rotating member and / or the second rotating member to rotate in a second rotation direction, and the first rotation direction is opposite to the second rotation direction.

15. The animal interaction device of claim 1, wherein the animal interaction device further comprises a base, the main body being rotatably connected to the base, and the drive module being configured to drive the main body to rotate about a rotation axis of the base.

16. The animal interaction device of claim 15, wherein the rotation axis is perpendicular to a rotation axis of the first rotating member.

Images