Feeder

Abstract

The application discloses a feeding device and relates to the technical field of pet products, wherein the feeding device comprises a shell, a detection module and a control module; the shell is provided with a lens port and a feeding port, a feeding bin is formed in the shell, and the feeding bin is selectively communicated with the feeding port; the detection module is movably arranged in the shell to have a detection state and a hidden state; in the detection state, a detection head of the detection module is exposed to the lens port to acquire environmental parameters; in the hidden state, the detection head of the detection module is hidden in the shell; the control module is arranged in the shell and electrically connected with the detection module, and the control module is used to control the movement of the detection module. The technical scheme provided by the application aims to switch the detection module of the feeding device between the hidden state and the detection state to protect the home privacy of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pet supplies technology, and in particular to a feeder. Background Technology

[0002] As pets become increasingly integrated into people's daily lives, they have become important members of many families. However, due to reasons such as long trips or busy work schedules, people often lack the time to care for their pets. Related technologies, such as pet companion robots and pet feeding robots, are often used to compensate for this deficiency. However, these robots require monitoring methods such as cameras and sensors to photograph, record, track, and supervise pets in order to function. In private environments like homes, this data can easily involve excessive user privacy, and if these products are compromised, privacy leaks can easily occur. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a feeder that aims to protect the user's home privacy by controlling the switching between a hidden state and a detection state of the detection module on the feeder.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a feeder comprising:

[0005] The housing has a lens opening and a feeding opening, and a feeding chamber is formed inside the housing, which can be selectively connected to the feeding opening;

[0006] A detection module, movably disposed within the housing, has a detection state and a hidden state. In the detection state, the detection head of the detection module is exposed at the lens opening to acquire environmental parameters. In the hidden state, the detection head of the detection module is hidden within the housing.

[0007] A control module is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the detection module. The control module is used to control the activity of the detection module.

[0008] In one embodiment, the detection module is configured as a PTZ camera, with the PTZ camera's chords rotatably connected to the housing at both ends. In the detection state, the lens of the PTZ camera is exposed at the lens opening, and in the hidden state, the lens of the PTZ camera is hidden inside the housing.

[0009] In one embodiment, the housing is further provided with a mounting column, and the PTZ camera is provided with a motor. At one connection end of the PTZ camera, the output shaft of the motor is connected to one of the mounting columns, and the other connection end of the PTZ camera is rotatably connected to another mounting column.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mounting post has a mounting groove that extends through the end of the mounting post along its axial direction, and the connecting end of the PTZ camera is inserted into the mounting groove.

[0011] In one embodiment, the end of the mounting post is further provided with a screw hole, which is arranged in parallel with the mounting groove. The PTZ camera also includes a limiting member, which is screwed into the screw hole and covers the mounting groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, two limiting blocks are provided circumferentially around the connecting end on the outer side of the PTZ camera. The limiting blocks are used to abut against the mounting post to limit the extreme position of the PTZ camera in the hidden state.

[0013] In one embodiment, the feeder further includes a communication module for communicating with an external terminal. The control module obtains control signals from the external terminal through the communication module, and the environmental parameters obtained by the detection module are transmitted to the external terminal through the communication module.

[0014] In one embodiment, the communication module is configured as a dual-band WIFI antenna including both 2.4G and 5G frequency bands.

[0015] In one embodiment, the feeder further includes an interaction module, which is electrically connected to the control module and communicates with the external terminal through the communication module.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control module is also connected to an external terminal via Bluetooth. When the control module obtains the Bluetooth signal from the external terminal, the control module controls the detection module to switch to a hidden state.

[0017] In one embodiment, the detection module has a normal mode and an infrared mode, and the housing is provided with a photosensitive element, which is electrically connected to the control module to control the detection module to switch between the normal mode and the infrared mode.

[0018] In one embodiment, the feeder further includes a memory that stores preset parameters. The memory is electrically connected to the control module, and the control module controls the activity of the detection module according to the environmental parameters and the preset parameters.

[0019] In one embodiment, the feeder further includes a feeding bowl located below the feeding outlet, and the feeding bowl and the feeding container are made of food-grade stainless steel.

[0020] In one embodiment, the housing is provided with a button, which is connected to the control module and used to control the working state of the control module.

[0021] The technical solution of this invention movably mounts the detection module onto the housing, allowing it to have a hidden state where the detection head is concealed within the housing and a detection state where the detection head is exposed at the lens opening. In the detection state, the control module controls the detection module to switch from the detection state to the hidden state or maintain the detection state based on external information. In the hidden state, the control module can also control the detection module to switch from the hidden state to the detection state or maintain the hidden state based on external information. The external information is adapted to the user's activity state. In the hidden state, the environmental parameters show the user's activity trajectory, and the pet interacts with the user without the detection module needing to operate. In the detection state, the environmental parameters do not show the user's activity trajectory, but the feeder can interact with the pet through the detection module. This avoids the detection module acquiring the user's activity trajectory, protects the user's home privacy, and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the feeder provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the feeder;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A partially exploded view of the detection module and its assembly within the housing;

[0027] Figure 5 The control logic diagram of the feeder provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 The control logic diagram is shown for another embodiment of the feeder provided by the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0030] 100. Housing; 110. Lens mount; 120. Feeding spout; 130. Feeding bowl; 140. Button; 150. Mounting post; 151. Mounting slot; 152. Screw hole; 153. Screw; 154. Limiting component; 160. Feeding bin; 170. Turntable; 180. Feeding channel;

[0031] 200. PTZ camera; 210. Lens; 220. Motor; 230. Limit block;

[0032] 300. Communication module; 400. Interaction module; 500. Detection module; 600. Control module.

[0033] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0036] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0037] In existing technologies, pet feeders are usually equipped with cameras to capture the home environment and the pet's status, thereby enabling precise feeding and pet interaction. However, cameras inevitably capture the user's daily life, especially their actions at home. When the user and pet are at home together, the feeder only needs to provide the feeding function, and other functions can be turned off. In this case, the information captured by the camera will not only be unusable by the feeder, but may also easily lead to the leakage of the user's privacy.

[0038] This invention proposes a feeder.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment of the present invention, the feeder includes:

[0040] The housing 100 has a lens port 110 and a feeding port 120. A feeding chamber 160 is formed inside the housing 100, and the feeding chamber 160 can be selectively connected to the feeding port 120.

[0041] A detection module 500 is movably disposed within the housing 100, having a detection state and a hidden state. In the detection state, the detection head of the detection module 500 is exposed at the lens opening 110 to acquire environmental parameters; in the hidden state, the detection head of the detection module 500 is hidden within the housing 100.

[0042] The control module 600 is located in the housing 100 and is electrically connected to the detection module 500. The control module 600 is used to control the activity of the detection module 500.

[0043] The technical solution of this invention involves movably mounting the detection module 500 onto the housing 100, allowing it to have a hidden state where the detection head is concealed within the housing 100, and a detection state where the detection head is exposed at the lens opening 110. In the detection state, the control module 600 controls the detection module 500 to switch from the detection state to the hidden state, or controls the detection module 500 to maintain the detection state, based on external information. In the hidden state, the control module 600 can also control the detection module 500 to switch from the hidden state to the detection state, or control the detection module 500 to maintain the hidden state, based on external information. The external information is adapted to the user's activity state. In the hidden state, environmental parameters show the user's activity trajectory, allowing the pet to interact with the user without the detection module 500 needing to operate. In the detection state, environmental parameters do not show the user's activity trajectory, allowing the feeder to interact with the pet through the detection module 500. This avoids the detection module 500 acquiring the user's activity trajectory, protecting the user's home privacy and improving the user experience.

[0044] It should be noted that external information can be acquired through communication between the control module 600 and the user's terminal device. The user can send control commands to the control module 600 through the terminal device to control the detection module 500 to switch between hidden and detection states. Alternatively, external information can be acquired through Bluetooth connection between the control module 600 and the user's terminal device. Within a certain range of the feeder, the terminal device automatically connects to the control module 600 via Bluetooth, indicating that the user is also within that range. The control module 600 then controls the detection module 500 to switch from detection state to hidden state, thus preventing the detection module 500 from detecting the user's privacy. After the terminal device leaves the feeder's range, the terminal device disconnects from the control module 600 via Bluetooth, indicating that the user has left the home environment. The control module 600 then controls the detection module 500 to switch from hidden state to detection state to monitor the pet and the surrounding environment. Of course, the feeder can also be equipped with a control button to control the detection module 500 to switch between detection and hidden states.

[0045] Regarding the movement of the detection module 500, it can be either sliding or rotating. When the detection module 500 is controlled to move in a sliding manner, the housing 100 has space corresponding to the detection module 500 in the detection state and space corresponding to the detection module 500 in the hidden state, determined by whether the detection head of the detection module 500 is obstructed by the housing 100. Similarly, when the detection module 500 is controlled to move in a rotating manner, the housing 100 and the detection module 500 are rotatably connected. In the hidden state, the detection head of the detection module 500 is detached from the lens opening 110 and hidden inside the housing 100. In the detection state, the detection head of the detection module 500 is exposed at the lens opening 110 and can acquire environmental parameters of the home. In addition, the detection module 500 can be configured as a camera, sound sensor, or other components to achieve the function of acquiring environmental parameters of the home.

[0046] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4The detection module 500 is configured as a PTZ camera 200, which is rotatably connected to the housing 100 at both ends. In the detection state, the lens 210 of the PTZ camera 200 is exposed at the lens opening 110; in the hidden state, the lens 210 is hidden inside the housing 100. It is understood that the PTZ camera 200 does not excessively encroach on the internal space of the housing 100 when rotating, facilitating the arrangement of internal components of the feeder. Furthermore, the rotational movement facilitates the transmission of power components such as the motor 220, hydraulic cylinder, and pneumatic cylinder, simplifying the transmission structure. Of course, the rotation of the detection module 500 between the detection and hidden states can also be manually controlled. Without loss of generality, the radial periphery of the lens opening 110 has an arc shape to accommodate the lens 210, which can improve the feeder's waterproof and protective performance. Alternatively, movable components such as a baffle can be installed on the housing 100 to open and close the lens opening 110, thereby improving the switching efficiency of the PTZ camera 200 between the hidden and detection states.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The housing 100 also includes a mounting post 150, and the PTZ camera 200 includes a motor 220. At one connection end of the PTZ camera 200 (not shown), the output shaft of the motor 220 is connected to a mounting post 150, and the other connection end of the PTZ camera 200 is rotatably connected to another mounting post 150. It can be understood that the mounting post 150 protrudes from within the housing 100, thus providing a gap between the PTZ camera 200 and the inner wall of the housing 100. Simultaneously, the mounting post 150 allows the rotation axis of the PTZ camera 200 to be roughly aligned with the diameter of the PTZ camera 200, preventing the rotation of the PTZ camera 200 from encroaching on other spaces within the housing 100. Furthermore, the motor 220 can be concealed within the PTZ camera 200, thereby reducing the space occupied by the PTZ camera 200 and facilitating the layout of other components of the feeder. This also improves the reliability of the PTZ camera 200's lens 210 entering and exiting the lens port 110. In this configuration, the output end of motor 220 is circumferentially fixed to mounting post 150. The main body of motor 220 is connected to the housing of PTZ camera 200. PTZ camera 200 is radially rotatably connected to another mounting post 150 relative to the connection end of the output shaft of motor 220. Thus, during the rotation of the output shaft driven by motor 220, the output shaft and the corresponding mounting post 150 remain circumferentially stationary, causing the main body of motor 220 to drive PTZ camera 200 to rotate. The connection end rotates with the corresponding mounting post 150, thereby enabling PTZ camera 200 to switch between a hidden state and a detection state. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the radial ends of PTZ camera 200 are rotatably connected to the corresponding mounting posts 150, motor 220 is located outside PTZ camera 200 and inside housing 100, and the output shaft of the electrode is drively connected to one connection end of PTZ camera 200.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, please continue to refer to... Figures 2 to 4The mounting post 150 has a mounting groove 151 that extends through the end of the mounting post 150 along its axial direction. The connecting end of the PTZ camera 200 is inserted into the mounting groove 151. It can be understood that the mounting groove 151 extends through the end of the inner peripheral wall of the mounting post 150 housing 100, and similarly, the mounting groove 151 extends radially through the corresponding mounting post 150, so that the mounting grooves 151 of the two mounting posts 150 have relative openings. Thus, the output shaft of the motor 220 and the connecting end of the PTZ camera 200 can slide along the axial direction of the mounting post 150 into the corresponding mounting groove 151, achieving installation guidance for the PTZ camera 200 and improving the ease of installation. It should be noted that the mounting groove 151 corresponding to the connecting end has a circular peripheral wall for the connecting end to rotate, and the mounting groove 151 corresponding to the output end of the motor 220 has at least one flat portion on its peripheral wall, which abuts against the flat portion of the motor 220 output shaft. In addition, the mounting post 150 is provided with reinforcing ribs along its outer periphery in the axial direction to improve the structural stability of the mounting post 150. Of course, in other embodiments, the mounting post 150 may also be provided with limiting holes for the connection end and the output shaft of the motor 220 to be inserted.

[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The mounting post 150 also has a screw hole 152 at its end, which is parallel to the mounting groove 151. The PTZ camera 200 also includes a limiting member 154, which is secured to the screw hole 152 by a screw 153 and covers the mounting groove 151. The limiting member 154 covers the axial opening of the screw hole 152 and the mounting groove 151 to prevent the connecting end and the output shaft of the PTZ camera 200 from disengaging from the corresponding mounting groove 151, thereby improving the connection stability between the PTZ camera 200 and the mounting post 150. In addition, the mounting post 150 is connected to the limiting member 154 by screws 153, which facilitates the user's disassembly and replacement of the PTZ camera 200 and also ensures the stability of the PTZ camera 200 within the housing 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the limiting member 154 can also cover the axial opening of the mounting groove 151 by fastening or riveting.

[0050] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4Two limiting blocks 230 are circumferentially arranged around the connecting end on the outer side of the PTZ camera 200. These limiting blocks 230 abut against the mounting post 150 to limit the extreme position of the PTZ camera 200 in its concealed state. During the rotation of the PTZ camera 200, to facilitate the control module 600 in controlling the rotation stroke of the motor 220, two limiting blocks 230 are provided on the outer side of the PTZ camera 200 housing around the connecting end or the output shaft of the motor 220. When the PTZ camera 200 rotates to the point where the limiting blocks 230 abut against the mounting post 150, the PTZ camera 200 is at its extreme position in the concealed state, preventing over-rotation and allowing the control module 600 to precisely control the PTZ camera 200 between the concealed and switching states. Alternatively, in other embodiments, a protrusion can be provided on the housing 100, and a clearance groove can be provided on the outer shell of the PTZ camera 200. When the groove wall abuts against the protrusion, the PTZ camera 200 rotates to its extreme position.

[0051] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The feeder also includes a communication module 300, which communicates with an external terminal. The control module 600 receives control signals from the external terminal through the communication module 300, and the environmental parameters acquired by the detection module 500 are transmitted to the external terminal through the communication module 300. Generally, the external terminal can be a user's mobile phone, tablet, computer, etc. Thus, the environmental parameters acquired by the detection module are transmitted to the external terminal through the communication module 300, allowing the user to observe the pet's activities on the external terminal. Simultaneously, the control signals output by the external terminal can also be transmitted to the control module 600 through the communication module 300, enabling the control module 600 to adjust the feeder's operation. For example, it can control the detection module 500 to switch between a hidden state and a detection state, and control the feeding chamber 160 to dispense food through the feeding port 120, achieving privacy protection and automatic feeding operations, and allowing interaction with the pet anytime, anywhere through the feeding process. Without loss of generality, the feeder can also be equipped with interactive devices such as speakers. The control signals input by the user can be controlled by the control module 600 to control the interactive device, thereby enriching the ways in which the user interacts with the pet through the feeder.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The communication module 300 is configured as a dual-band Wi-Fi antenna, supporting both 2.4G and 5G frequency bands. It should be noted that the feeder communicates with external terminals via the communication module 300. This connection can be direct or via a local area network (LAN) for long-distance communication. The user terminal has a program that uses the communication module 300's protocol; this program requires the user's login information to run, thus ensuring user privacy and the privacy of the home environment. By configuring the communication module 300 as a dual-band Wi-Fi antenna (2.4G and 5G), the module automatically selects the strongest signal band between the 2.4G and 5G bands to maintain communication with the external terminal, reducing the possibility of network interruptions. This also ensures the timely and smooth switching of the detection module 500 between hidden and detection modes, improving the user experience. Furthermore, the dual-band Wi-Fi antenna, supporting both 2.4G and 5G frequencies, can connect to more devices. In this case, one feeder can communicate with multiple external terminals, or the communication module 300 can simultaneously control multiple feeders to interact with the pet, enhancing the user-pet interaction experience. Of course, in other embodiments, the communication module 300 can also be configured as a single-band Wi-Fi antenna in either the 2.4G or 5G frequency band.

[0053] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The feeder also includes an interaction module 400, which is electrically connected to the control module 600 and communicates with an external terminal via a communication module 300. It should be noted that the control module 600 can use the interaction module 400 to acquire environmental signals of the feeder, including temperature, images, and sounds. Then, the control module 600 transmits these environmental signals to the external terminal via the communication module 300, allowing the user to observe the feeder's environment and determine the pet's current status. Subsequently, the user can actively transmit control signals to the communication module 300 via the external terminal based on the pet's current status or their own needs. The communication module 300 then outputs these control signals to the control module 600. The control module 600 uses these control signals to control the interaction module 400 and the detection module 500, for example, by emitting sounds to communicate with the pet, moving the feeder to interact, and feeding the pet while simultaneously encouraging the pet to move, thus effectively ensuring the pet's exercise and the emotional bond between the pet and the user. The interaction module 400 is different from the detection module 500. The detection module 500 is used for detection and monitoring, while the interaction module 400 is used for interacting with the pet.

[0054] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The control module 600 also connects to an external terminal via Bluetooth. When the control module 600 receives a Bluetooth signal from the external terminal, it controls the detection module 500 to switch to a hidden state. It can be understood that Bluetooth connections are range-limited. Within the effective range, the external terminal can automatically connect to the control module 600 via Bluetooth. After connecting to the external terminal via Bluetooth, the control module 600 controls the detection module 500 to switch to a hidden state to avoid detecting and recording the user's activity trajectory. After the external terminal leaves the effective range, it automatically disconnects from the control module 600, and the control module 600 controls the detection module 500 to switch to detection mode, achieving the purpose of monitoring pet activity and home security, and thus realizing automatic control of the detection module 500's state switching.

[0055] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The detection module 500 has a normal mode and an infrared mode. The housing 100 is equipped with a photosensitive element, which is electrically connected to the control module 600 to control the switching of the detection module 500 between the normal mode and the infrared mode. Specifically, when the photosensitive element detects that the brightness of the external environment is below a certain threshold, the control module 600 controls the detection module 500 to switch from the normal mode to the infrared mode, or maintain the infrared mode, to ensure the accuracy of the acquired environmental parameters. When the photosensitive element detects that the brightness of the external environment is above a certain threshold, the control module 600 controls the detection module 500 to switch from the infrared mode to the normal mode, or maintain the normal mode, to reduce the power consumption of the detection module 500 and improve the feeder's battery life and durability. This enhances the feeder's ability to cope with changes in ambient brightness, making it easier for users to operate.

[0056] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The feeder also includes a memory that stores preset parameters. The memory is electrically connected to the control module 600, which controls the activity of the detection module 500 based on environmental parameters and the preset parameters. It should be noted that the preset parameters include various status information of the pet, such as eating, resting, activity, and restlessness, as well as user information, such as facial and body features. This allows the feeder to accurately identify specific pets and users. By comparing the preset parameters with environmental parameters, it can determine abnormal states, such as abnormal pets or people, and then transmit the information to an external terminal via the communication module 300 to alert the user, thus achieving home and pet monitoring. Of course, the control module 600 can also automatically lock onto and track a specific pet using the camera 210 of the PTZ camera 200, or automatically lock onto intruders, based on the comparison of preset and environmental parameters. Additionally, the memory can store environmental parameters to back up environmental information for later retrieval by the user.

[0057] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The feeder also includes a feeding bowl 130, located below the feeding outlet 120, and made of food-grade stainless steel. As is typical, a turntable 170 is installed inside the feeding chamber 160, which is connected to the feeding outlet 120 via a feeding channel 180. When feeding is needed, the turntable 170 is rotated so that food in the feeding chamber 160 falls through the feeding channel 180 into the feeding bowl 130 for the pet to eat. When feeding is not needed, the turntable 170 is rotated to isolate the feeding chamber 160 from the feeding channel 180, preventing food from falling out of the feeding outlet 120, thus achieving automatic feeding. Since the feeding bowl 130 is in contact with food for a relatively long time, its material is food-grade stainless steel, which helps to store food effectively, prevents food contamination, and ensures the pet's dietary health.

[0058] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The housing 100 is equipped with a button 140, which is connected to the control module 600 and used to control the working state of the control module 600. For controlling the operation of the feeder, an external terminal can be configured as the control terminal, and the feeder can be controlled via the communication connection between the communication module 300 and the external terminal. Alternatively, a physical button 140 can be provided on the feeder to control its operation. The feeder can also be controlled independently or in combination using the external terminal and the physical button 140 on the feeder. In this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 1The housing 100 is equipped with a button 140, which is connected to the control module 600 and used to control the working state of the control module 600. Thus, utilizing the control relationship between the button 140 and the control module 600, the user can directly control the operation of components such as the detection module 500 and the control module 600 by operating the button 140. The user can also control the communication module 300 by operating the button 140 to disconnect or filter certain control signals or environmental signals, or select the 2.4G or 5G frequency band WIFI antenna. Furthermore, the user can control the feeding frequency of the feeding bin 160, or turn the feeder on and off. Of course, the above control operations can also be achieved through an external terminal.

[0059] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A feeder, characterized in that, include: The housing has a lens opening and a feeding opening. A feeding chamber is formed inside the housing and can be selectively connected to the feeding opening. The housing also has a mounting post with a mounting groove. The mounting groove extends through the end of the mounting post along the axial direction of the mounting post. A screw hole is also provided at the end of the mounting post and is parallel to the mounting groove. A detection module is movably disposed in the housing to have a detection state and a hidden state. In the detection state, the detection head of the detection module is exposed at the lens opening to acquire environmental parameters. In the hidden state, the detection head of the detection module is hidden inside the housing. as well as A control module is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the detection module, and the control module is used to control the activity of the detection module; The detection module is configured as a PTZ camera. The connection end of the PTZ camera is inserted into the mounting slot. The PTZ camera also includes a limiting member. The limiting member screw is locked into the screw hole and covers the mounting slot. The PTZ camera has a motor inside. At one connection end of the PTZ camera, the output shaft of the motor is connected to one of the mounting columns. The other connection end of the PTZ camera is rotatably connected to another mounting column. In the detection state, the lens of the PTZ camera is exposed at the lens opening. In the hidden state, the lens of the PTZ camera is hidden inside the housing. Two limiting blocks are arranged circumferentially around the connection end on the outside of the PTZ camera. The limiting blocks are used to abut against the mounting columns to limit the extreme position of the PTZ camera in the hidden state.

2. The feeder as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feeder also includes a communication module for communicating with an external terminal. The control module obtains control signals from the external terminal through the communication module, and the environmental parameters obtained by the detection module are transmitted to the external terminal through the communication module.

3. The feeder as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The communication module is configured as a dual-band WIFI antenna including both 2.4G and 5G frequency bands; And / or, the feeder further includes an interaction module, which is electrically connected to the control module and communicates with the external terminal through the communication module.

4. The feeder as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is also connected to an external terminal via Bluetooth. When the control module receives the Bluetooth signal from the external terminal, the control module controls the detection module to switch to a hidden state. And / or, the detection module has a normal mode and an infrared mode, the housing is provided with a photosensitive element, the photosensitive element is electrically connected to the control module, and is used to control the detection module to switch between the normal mode and the infrared mode.

5. The feeder as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feeder also includes a memory that stores preset parameters. The memory is electrically connected to the control module, and the control module controls the activity of the detection module according to the environmental parameters and the preset parameters.

6. The feeder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The feeder also includes a feeding bowl, which is located below the feeding outlet. The feeding bowl and the feeding container are made of food-grade stainless steel. And / or, the housing is provided with a button, which is connected to the control module and used to control the working state of the control module.

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