Pet grooming machine

Abstract

This invention provides a pet grooming machine, belonging to the field of animal brushing or management devices, comprising: a housing with an internal air duct having an air duct inlet, an air duct outlet, and an air leak; an electric fan for agitating air to form an airflow within the air duct flowing in from the air duct inlet and out from the air duct outlet or air leak; a grooming component having a retracted state and an extended state; and a movement zone located outside the air duct, connected to the air duct outlet and inlet, and providing space for the grooming component to switch states; wherein the air duct and the movement zone form a first air path that allows airflow to flow from the movement zone into the air duct inlet and then back into the movement zone from the air duct outlet; the air duct inlet and the air leak form a second air path that allows airflow to flow from the air duct inlet and then out to the external environment from the air leak; the grooming component is configured such that: when in the extended state, the grooming component blocks at least a portion of area A of the first air path; and when in the retracted state, at least a portion of the grooming component retracts from area A.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to brushing or management devices for animals, and more particularly to pet care machines. Background Technology

[0002] Many people love cats but are also bothered by the excessive amount of cat hair. Regular vacuum cleaners can't effectively remove loose hair from cats, and once it falls to the ground, it's difficult to clean up because it scatters everywhere. Ecovacs (CN201523596U) has launched a pet-specific vacuum cleaner that uses an AC vacuum cleaner with a special comb to remove loose hair from cats and dogs, sucking it up from the comb teeth before it falls to the ground. However, this technology is more suitable for dogs than cats. Dogs are more obedient and willing to follow their owners' wishes to be groomed, and they are also more tolerant of the noise of regular vacuum cleaners. Cats, on the other hand, are more independent and difficult to groom quietly at specific times and places. Additionally, many cats are sensitive and find the noise of regular vacuum cleaners unpleasant.

[0003] To address this issue, researchers developed a low-noise pet grooming machine that uses circulating air to clean cat hair. However, during grooming, the circulating air easily blows away loose pet hair, causing it to be lifted off the suction port and difficult to collect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention was developed to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a pet grooming machine that can reliably suck up pet hair combed off while being portable and low-noise, and at the same time efficiently remove loose hair tangled on the comb teeth.

[0005] This invention provides a pet grooming machine, comprising: a housing with an internal air duct having an air duct inlet, an air duct outlet, and an air leak; an electric fan for agitating air to form an airflow flowing in from the air duct inlet and out from the air duct outlet or the air leak; a grooming component having a retracted state and an extended state; and a movement zone located outside the air duct, connecting the air duct outlet and the air duct inlet, and providing space for the grooming component to switch between the extended and retracted states; wherein the air duct and the movement zone form a first air path that allows airflow to flow from the movement zone into the air duct inlet and then back into the movement zone from the air duct outlet; the air duct inlet and the air leak form a second air path that allows airflow to flow from the air duct inlet and then exit to the external environment (leaking out of the housing) from the air leak; the grooming component is configured such that: when in the extended state, the grooming component blocks at least a portion of area A of the first air path; and when in the retracted state, at least a portion of the grooming component retracts from area A.

[0006] According to the pet grooming machine of the present invention, since the housing has an air vent, the air duct inlet and the air vent can form a second air path that allows airflow to flow in from the air duct inlet and then out from the air vent. The air duct and the movement area form a first air path that allows airflow to flow in from the movement area into the air duct inlet and then back into the movement area from the air duct outlet. The combing member is configured such that: when in the extended state, the combing member blocks at least a portion of area A of the first air path; when in the retracted state, at least a portion of the combing member retracts from area A. Therefore, when in the extended state (when grooming the pet), the grooming component blocks the first air path (circulating air path), allowing the exhaust from the electric fan to leak out from the vent (second air path / one-way air path) and be discharged into the external environment, thereby weakening the circulating air and reducing the occurrence of loose hair being blown away (flying away from the pet groomer / air duct inlet); and when in the retracted state (cleaning the comb teeth), the area blocked in the first air path becomes smaller, and due to the negative pressure at the air duct inlet, more exhaust from the electric fan will flow into the first air path, thereby enhancing the circulating air and effectively cleaning the comb teeth; in addition, by adjusting the size of the air duct outlet blocking area by the grooming component, the airflow of the circulating air can be adjusted at the same time as the grooming component switches states, making the structure both simple and reliable.

[0007] The pet grooming machine provided by this invention may also have the following features: Let the area of ​​region A be S1; let the area where the combing component blocks the first airflow path when in the storage state be B, and let the area of ​​region B be S2; let the ventilation area of ​​the airflow outlet be S3; then, S1 > S2; preferably, S1 ≥ 1.5 × S2, S1 ≥ 50% × S3. Alternatively, it can be set to S1 ≥ 35% × S3, or S1 ≥ 40% × S3. With this setting, the area where the first airflow path is blocked by the combing component is greater during combing (S1) than during cleaning (S2), thereby minimizing the circulating airflow during combing to prevent pet hair from flying away, while not affecting the smooth switching of the combing component.

[0008] Preferably, the pet grooming machine provided by the present invention may also have the following characteristics: S1 ≥ 2 × S2, S2 ≤ 30% × S3. This setting can more effectively weaken the circulating air in the grooming state while avoiding affecting the grooming components, and allow the circulating air to more effectively clean the comb teeth in the storage state. More preferably, S2 ≤ 20% × S3.

[0009] Preferably, the pet grooming machine provided by the present invention may also have the following features: the shape, structure, and relative distance of the combing component, the air duct outlet, and the air vent are configured such that when in the retracted state, more than 52% to 60% of the airflow discharged from the electric fan can circulate back into the air duct inlet, and when in the extended state, more than 52% to 60% of the airflow discharged from the electric fan can leak out through the air vent. This configuration provides the possibility of flexibly adjusting the shape and position of the structure, ensuring more effective reduction of the circulating airflow in the combing state and more effective cleaning of the comb teeth in the retracted state. Furthermore, in the retracted state, due to the high negative pressure in the circulating airflow path, not only can airflow leakage from the air vent be effectively reduced, but it is also possible to draw air from outside the air vent to increase the volume of circulating airflow discharged towards the comb teeth, thereby increasing the pushing force on the hair on the comb teeth.

[0010] Preferably, the pet grooming machine provided by the present invention may also have the following features: the shape, structure, and relative position of the combing component, the air duct outlet, and the air vent are configured such that, in the retracted state, the air resistance of the second air duct is greater than that of the first air duct; and, in the extended state, the air resistance of the first air duct is greater than that of the second air duct. This configuration provides the possibility of flexibly adjusting the shape and position of the structure, allowing for more effective cleaning of the comb teeth in the retracted state and more effective reduction of blown-away hair in the combing state.

[0011] Preferably, the pet care machine provided by the present invention may also have the following feature: the air vent is located near the air duct outlet and between the air outlet of the electric fan and the air duct outlet, and the air vent is closer to the air duct outlet than the air outlet of the electric fan. This arrangement allows the air vent to be located away from the outlet of the electric fan, thus making it easier to regulate the airflow. "Near" means that the distance from the air vent along the air duct to the air duct outlet does not exceed 1 / 3 of the length of the air duct (the total length from the air duct inlet to the air duct outlet). For example, both the air vent and the air duct outlet are located at the head of the casing.

[0012] Preferably, the pet grooming machine provided by the present invention may also have the following features: the air vent is located above the head of the casing or on the side in front of the air duct outlet, and the opening of the movement area is located below the head of the casing. This makes it easier to adjust the airflow and comb and clean pet hair, avoiding interference with the combing operation.

[0013] Preferably, the pet grooming machine provided by the present invention may also have the following features: the air duct inlet is located on the rear side of the exercise area, and the air duct outlet is located on the front side of the exercise area and corresponds to the air duct inlet. The portion of the combing member used to block area A is designated as a blocking back, which is located between the air duct inlet and the air duct outlet. This arrangement ensures that the air duct outlet is located in front of the back of the comb and faces the air duct inlet. In the retracted state, the airflow between the air duct outlet and the air duct inlet is smoother, with less air resistance and greater airflow. This facilitates the circulating airflow in pushing the hair away from the comb teeth and allows the hair detached from the comb teeth to quickly enter the air duct inlet, preventing it from being blown away from the exercise area. This also facilitates dust collection (including hair).

[0014] Preferably, the pet grooming machine provided by the present invention may also have the following features: the grooming component includes: a comb, a mounting frame movably mounted on the comb in the exercise area, and a motion mechanism that drives the comb to move through the mounting frame; the part of the grooming component that blocks the first airflow path is at least one of the comb, the mounting frame, and the motion mechanism. This structural arrangement allows each part of the grooming component to adjust the area of ​​the blocked airflow path individually or in at least pairs, which is more conducive to changing the adjustment method as needed, or to cooperating to achieve effective blocking and yielding.

[0015] Preferably, the pet grooming machine provided by the present invention may also have the following feature: the central axes of the air duct inlet and the air duct outlet are substantially collinear, meaning that the two central axes are collinear or the included angle is within 5°. This arrangement aligns the airflow between the air duct inlet and the air duct outlet, resulting in stronger forward pushing and backward suction, which is more conducive to cleaning the comb teeth when the machine is in its stored state. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the pet care machine in its extended state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after flipping the orientation;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pet care machine in its stored state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4(a) is a left view and cross-sectional view of the pet care machine in the extended state in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of the pet care machine in the extended state in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 5(a) is a left view of the pet care machine in its stored state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the pet care machine in its stored state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a sectional perspective view of the pet care machine in its extended state, as described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7(a) is a bottom view of the pet care machine in the extended state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the pet care machine in the extended state in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the pet care machine in its stored state, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 is a simplified diagram of the blocking area in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows area A and (b) shows area B; in order to facilitate the display of the relationship between the blocking area and the air duct outlet, the blocking areas A and B are displayed with transparent frames in Figure 9, but in fact, the area within the transparent frame belongs to the blocking area (not hollowed out). Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of the present invention easy to understand, the following embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will specifically illustrate the pet care machine of the present invention. Example

[0030] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this embodiment provides a pet grooming machine 100 for grooming pets' fur. The pet grooming machine 100 is a rechargeable wireless handheld grooming machine. The pet grooming machine 100 includes a housing 11, an electric fan 12, a power supply 13, a combing component 14, a locking mechanism 15, a dust collection mechanism 16, and a cleaning mechanism 17.

[0031] The casing 11 serves as the outer shell and inner frame of the pet care machine 100, and has an air duct 111 and an exercise area 112 inside.

[0032] A handle 111-1 is formed on a portion of the outer surface of the air duct 111, allowing the user to pet the pet with one hand X1 (without operating the pet grooming machine 100) while simultaneously holding the handle 111-1 with the other hand X2, thus operating the pet grooming machine 100 with one hand. One-handed operation of the pet grooming machine 100 includes: moving the pet grooming machine 100 back and forth over the pet while holding the handle 111-1 with the hand X2, and simultaneously operating the grooming component 14 to switch states while holding the handle 111-1. In this embodiment, the handle 111-1 is formed in the area of ​​the air duct 111 between the grooming component 14 and the dust collection mechanism 16. The handle 111-1 is hollow and ventilated, with airflow from the fan outlet 122 flowing through it. The air duct 111 has an air duct inlet 111-2a, an air duct outlet 111-2b, and a vent 111-3. In this invention, "vent" refers to an open ventilated area. The air duct inlet 111-2a and air duct outlet 111-2b are respectively connected to different sides of the movement area 112. In this embodiment, the air duct inlet 111-2a and air duct outlet 111-2b are respectively connected to the opposite side of the movement area 112. The air duct inlet 111-2a is located on the rear side of the movement area 112, and the air duct outlet 111-2b is located on the front side of the movement area 112 and corresponds to the air duct inlet 111-2a. The central axis of the air duct inlet 111-2a and the central axis of the air duct outlet 111-2b (on the longitudinal section perpendicular to the air duct outlet 111-2b) are basically collinear. Basically collinear means that the two central axes are collinear or the included angle is within 5°. With this setting, the air duct inlet 111-2a and the air duct outlet 111-2b are aligned, the forward pushing and backward suction forces are stronger, and it is more conducive to cleaning the comb teeth 141a when in the storage state. The air duct outlet 111-2b can be multiple through holes opened on the front side of the movement area 112. The air vent 111-3 opens towards the external environment and can be located, for example, above the head of the housing 11 or on the front side of the air duct outlet 111-2b (preferably on the side away from the user's body). In this embodiment, the air vent 111-3 is located near the air duct outlet 111-2b and between the fan outlet 122 and the air duct outlet 111-2b. Moreover, the air vent 111-3 is closer to the air duct outlet 111-2b than the fan outlet 122, and the distance L1 from the air vent 111-3 to the air duct outlet 111-2b is less than the distance L2 from the air vent 111-3 to the fan outlet 122. The angle at which the air vent 111-3 penetrates the housing 11 can be set to be diagonally upward or diagonally forward, thereby guiding the airflow to flow out diagonally upward or diagonally forward of the housing 11.

[0033] The exercise area 112 is a solid structure enclosed by a portion of the housing 11, located outside the air duct 111, and connected to the air duct outlet 111-2b and air duct inlet 111-2a. It provides movement space for the grooming member 14 to switch between extended and retracted states. In this embodiment, the lower part of the exercise area 112 has an opening for the grooming member 14 to extend out and groom the pet, and for loose hair to enter.

[0034] The electric fan 12 is used to agitate the air and generate negative pressure, forming an airflow within the air duct 111 that flows in from the air duct inlet 111-2a and flows out from the air duct outlet 111-2b or the air leak 111-3. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5-8, the electric fan inlet 121 faces the rear surface of the housing 11, the electric fan outlet 122 faces the front surface of the housing 11, and the extension line of the electric fan axis 123 passes through the front and rear surfaces of the housing 11. The electric fan axis 123 is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the handle 111-1, or the central axis of the electric fan inlet 121 and the electric fan outlet 122 is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the handle 111-1; the electric fan 12 is located inside the handle 111-1. The electric fan 12 includes a motor 124 and a fan 125 (impeller). The rotation axis of the fan 125 is the electric fan axis 123. The air inlet of the fan 125 is the electric fan inlet 121, and the air outlet of the motor 124 is the electric fan outlet 122. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the distance L3 from the electric fan inlet 121 to the front surface of the housing 11 is greater than the distance L4 from the electric fan outlet 122 to the front surface of the housing 11. The most forward-protruding surface on the front side of the housing 11 is used as the front surface of the housing 11 for calculating the distance to the front surface of the housing 11. The distance is the shortest vertical distance between the two structures.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5(b), when the electric fan 12 is turned on, the air duct 111 and the moving area 112 form a first air path R1 (circulating air path) that allows airflow to flow from the moving area 112 into the air duct inlet 111-2a and then back into the moving area 112 from the air duct outlet 111-2b. As shown in Figure 7(b), the air duct inlet 111-2a and the air outlet 111-3 form a second air path R2 (unidirectional air path) that allows airflow to flow from the air duct inlet 111-2a and then out through the air outlet 111-3 to the external environment (atmosphere). The first air path R1 is where airflow flows from the moving area 112 into the air duct inlet 111-2a, then along the air duct 111, and then back into the moving area 112 from the air duct outlet 111-2b. The second airflow path R2 is where airflow enters from the motion zone 112 into the air duct inlet 111-2a, then flows along the air duct 111, and finally flows out of the air outlet 111-3 into the external environment.

[0036] Power supply 13 supplies power to the electric fan 12. It includes a battery assembly 131, a circuit board (not shown), a switch 132, and a charging interface 133. The battery assembly 131 is located inside the handle 111-1 and provides power to the electric fan 12. In this embodiment, the battery assembly 131 includes two rechargeable batteries. The circuit board is located inside the handle 111-1 and is electrically connected to the battery assembly 131 and the electric fan 12, and is used to control the operation of the electric fan 12. The switch 132 is located on the front side of the head of the housing 11 and is used to control the circuit board, thereby controlling the circuit connection between the battery 12 and the electric fan 12. The charging interface 133 is located on the side of the head of the housing 11 and above the vent 111-3. The charging interface 133 is electrically connected to the battery assembly 131 and is used to charge the battery assembly 131.

[0037] The grooming component 14 is used to groom pet hair and regulate the airflow of the first air passage R1 and the second air passage R2. The grooming component 14 has an extended state and a retracted state: in the extended state, the comb teeth 141a of the grooming component 14 extend outward from the housing 11 to groom pet hair, and the movement area 112 is open; in the retracted state, the grooming component 14 is retracted within the movement area 112, with the comb teeth 141a pointing towards the air duct inlets 111-2a, and a larger portion of the lower opening of the movement area 112 is blocked by the grooming component 14. In the retracted state, the grooming component 14 is located inside the housing 11; in the grooming state, it is only partially located inside the housing 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4-9, the grooming component 14 is configured such that: in the extended state, the grooming component 14 blocks at least a portion of area A of the first air passage R1; in the retracted state, at least a portion of the grooming component 14 retracts from area A, such that S2 < S1. Let the portion of the combing member 14 used to block area A be called the blocking back, which is located between the air duct inlet 111-2a and the air duct outlet 111-2b. Let the area of ​​area A be S1, and let the area blocked by the combing member 14 in the retracted state be B, with the area of ​​area B being S2; let the maximum ventilation area of ​​the air duct outlet 111-2b be S3 (the ventilation area without any obstruction); then S1 ≥ 1.5 × S2, S1 ≥ 35% × S3, S2 ≤ 30% × S3. Alternatively, the design requirements for the shape, structure, and relative distance of the combing component 14, the air duct outlet 111-2b, and the air leak 111-3 are as follows: the shape, structure, and relative distance of the combing component 14, the air duct outlet 111-2b, and the air leak 111-3 can be set such that when in the retracted state, more than 52-60% of the airflow discharged from the electric fan 12 can circulate back into the air duct inlet 111-2a, and when in the extended state, more than 52-60% of the airflow discharged from the electric fan 12 can flow out through the air leak 111-2b. 3. Leakage; or the shape, structure, and relative position of the combing component 14, the air duct outlet 111-2b, and the air leak 111-3 are set such that, when in the retracted state, the air resistance of the second air passage R2 is greater than the air resistance of the first air passage R1, or the air pressure of the air leak 111-3 is greater than the air pressure of the air duct outlet 111-2b; and, when in the extended state, the air resistance of the first air passage R1 is greater than the air resistance of the second air passage R2, or the air pressure of the air duct outlet 111-2b is greater than the air pressure of the air leak 111-3.This configuration ensures that: when the grooming component 14 is extended (while grooming the pet's fur), the lower opening of the exercise area 112 is at its maximum. The grooming component 14, standing vertically in the first airflow path R1, blocks / impedes circulation, increasing air resistance. This makes it difficult for airflow to flow into the exercise area 112 from the air duct outlet 111-2b, and instead forces the airflow to leak out through the air vent 111-3 of the second airflow path R2, where air resistance is lower, thus reducing the amount of airflow discharged from the air duct outlet 111-2b to the exercise area 112. This weakens the circulating airflow and prevents it from blowing the pet's fur away (blowing it towards the pet's body, keeping the pet's fur away from the exercise area 112 / air duct inlet 111-2a). When the grooming component 14 is retracted (while grooming the pet's fur),... The comb teeth 141a (hair comb) and the combing component 14 are partially flattened in the air duct. The opening at the bottom of the movement zone 112 is minimal. The combing component 14 is at least partially away from the first air duct R1 without hindering circulation. The air resistance is reduced, and the air volume discharged from the air duct outlet 111-2b to the movement zone 112 increases, thereby enhancing the circulating air. The circulating air pushes the hair on the comb teeth 141a towards the air duct inlet 111-2a. The negative pressure at the air duct inlet 111-2a pulls the hair backward, and the hair is removed by the combined force and enters the air duct inlet 111-2a. At this time, the exhaust air volume of the second air duct R2 vent 111-3 will be greatly reduced. In fact, due to the high speed of the circulating air, fresh air from the external environment will be drawn in from the vent 111-3. In this embodiment, S1≥2×S2, S1≥80%×S3, S2≤20%×S3; when in the retracted state, more than 60% of the airflow discharged from the electric fan 12 can be circulated back into the air duct inlet 111-2a, and when in the extended state, more than 60% of the airflow discharged from the electric fan 12 can be leaked out from the air leakage port 111-3.

[0038] The combing component 14 includes a comb blade 141, a mounting bracket 142, and a motion mechanism 143. The portion of the combing component 14 that blocks the first airflow path R1 can be any one or a combination of at least two of the comb blade 141, the mounting bracket 142, and the motion mechanism 143. In this embodiment, the portion blocking the first airflow path R1 (the blocking back) is the comb blade 141 and the mounting bracket 142. The mounting bracket 142 is located at the upper end of the comb blade 141 and moves synchronously with the comb blade 141. The airflow path adjustment is the same as that of the comb blade 141, so only the comb blade 141 will be described in detail here. In addition, the present invention can also use only the comb blade 141 for adjustment, with the mounting bracket 142 only set at both ends of the comb blade 141 and not covering the upper end of the comb blade 141, or the mounting bracket 142 can be omitted, and the motion mechanism 143 can be connected to the comb blade 141 to drive the comb blade 141 to switch states.

[0039] The comb 141 is used to groom pet fur. While switching between states (referring to switching between a retracted state and an extended state in this invention), it can adjust the airflow of the first air path R1 and the second air path R2, as well as the opening degree of the lower opening of the exercise area 112. It can also adjust the direction of negative pressure transmission through the exercise area 112 from the air duct inlet 111-2a (towards the external environment or the air duct outlet 111-2b). The airflow of the first air path R1 equals the airflow flowing into the exercise area 112 from the air duct outlet 111-2b, and the airflow of the second air path R2 equals the airflow flowing towards the external environment from the vent 111-3.

[0040] The back of the comb 141 serves as a door / bridge for the first air passage R1 and a door for the lower opening of the movement zone 112. When extended, the back of the comb is upright (including the upright state with an inclination of less than 30°) to block the first air passage R1. The comb 141 is located on the front side of the movement zone 112, blocking the air duct outlet 111-2b. The lower opening of the movement zone 112 is open, and a large amount of negative pressure from the air duct inlet 111-2a is transferred to the external environment from the lower opening of the movement zone 112. The wind resistance of the first air passage R1 / air duct outlet 111-2b is greater than that of the second air passage R2 / air leakage port 111-3. The first air passage R1 is blocked, and the main exhaust of the electric fan outlet 122 flows out from the air leakage port 111-3 of the second air passage R2. The leakage is greatly increased, the circulating air is weakened, and the loose hair is not blown away. In the retracted state, the back of the blade rotates counterclockwise upwards until it lies horizontally in the movement zone 112. At this time, the back of the blade retracts from the front side of the air duct outlet 111-2b and extends from the air duct outlet 111-2b to the air duct inlet 111-2a, causing the comb blade 141 to block / block at least a portion of the lower opening of the movement zone 112, forming a bridge and guide surface for the first air path R1. A large amount of negative pressure from the movement zone 112 is transferred to the air duct inlet 111-2a, and the first air path R1 is opened. Furthermore, the airflow is unobstructed and strong. The air resistance of the first airflow path R1 / air duct outlet 111-2b is less than that of the second airflow path R2 / air leakage hole. The main flow of exhaust from the fan outlet 122 flows along the first airflow path R1 from air duct outlet 111-2b to the movement area 112, enhancing the circulating airflow and reducing air leakage. The comb teeth 141a are subjected to the forward blowing force (exhaust from air duct outlet 111-2b) and the backward suction force (negative pressure at air duct inlet 111-2a) of the circulating airflow, allowing the hair to efficiently and smoothly detach from the comb teeth 141a and enter the air duct 111. It can be seen that in the extended state, the comb blade 141 is approximately equivalent to a baffle. The comb blade 141 does not need to seal the air duct outlet 111-2b; it only needs to block the first airflow path R1, increasing the air resistance of the first airflow path R1 to be greater than that of the second airflow path R2, thereby weakening the circulating airflow. When stored, the comb blade 141 is approximately part of the guide plate and negative pressure transmission channel, making the air resistance of the first air path R1 less than that of the second air path R2, thus enhancing the circulating air.

[0041] Specifically, the comb 141 includes at least one row of comb teeth 141a for combing pet hair and a comb shaft 141b connected to the comb teeth 141a. Each row of comb teeth 141a has multiple comb teeth 141a formed at its outer end. The comb teeth 141a extend away from the comb shaft 141b, and gaps are provided between adjacent comb teeth 141a. The lateral width of each row of comb teeth 141a along the axial direction of the comb shaft 141b does not exceed the lateral width of the air duct inlet 111-2a, so that in the retracted state, the airflow direction passing through all comb teeth 141a is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the comb teeth 141a, facilitating the removal of loose hair adhering to the tips of the comb teeth 141a. In this embodiment, in the extended state, the angle between the comb teeth 141a and the lower opening (surface) of the movement area 112 is approximately 120°, and in the retracted state, the angle between the comb teeth 141a and the lower opening (surface) of the movement area 112 is approximately 0°.

[0042] Mounting bracket 142 is used to movably mount comb blade 141 in movement area 112, so that comb blade shaft 141b can drive comb teeth 141a to the extended position (corresponding to...). Figures 1-2 (and 4 in extended state) and storage location (corresponding to) Figure 3 It rotates back and forth between the storage state of 5 and 6.

[0043] The combined structure of the comb 141 and the mounting bracket 142 is referred to as the combing unit. The end of the combing unit facing the air duct outlet 111-2b (the end closest to the air duct outlet 111-2b) in the stored state is designated as the guide end 145. The outer surface of this guide end 145 forms a guide surface as a windward area (receiving the airflow exiting from the air duct outlet 111-2b). This guide surface conforms to or resembles a Coanda surface, generating the Coanda Effect. This guides the airflow along the surface of the combing unit towards the air duct inlet 111-2a, thereby more effectively pushing loose hairs away from the comb teeth 141a and into the air duct inlet 111-2a. The guide end 145 can be part of the comb 141, part of the mounting bracket 142, or part of a combination of the comb 141 and the mounting bracket 142.

[0044] The motion mechanism 143 drives the comb 141 to move via the mounting bracket 142. In this embodiment, the motion mechanism 143 drives the comb 141 to rotate back and forth (up and down) by pushing or stretching the mounting bracket 142. The extension line of the comb shaft 141b passes through the left and right sides of the pet grooming machine 100. The motion mechanism 143 includes a connecting rod 1431, an elastic element 1432, and a drive block 1433. The main body of the motion mechanism 143 (connecting rod 1431 and elastic element 1432) is disposed inside the housing 11, and another part can extend outside the main housing 11 as the drive block 1433 for the user to press. The connecting rod 1431 is located between the drive block 1433 and the mounting bracket 142, and is connected to the drive block 1433 and the mounting bracket 142 via the elastic element 1432. The elastic element 1432 includes a first spring and a second spring. In the extended state, both springs are in a free state. When the drive block 1433 is pressed and moves downward, the first spring is compressed and the second spring is stretched. After the pressure on the drive block 1433 is released, the two springs return to their original positions. The first spring pushes the drive block 1433 upward, and the second spring contracts and pulls the mounting bracket 142, thereby rotating the comb 141 back to the extended state. When the user operates the pet grooming machine 100 with one hand, while holding the handle 111-1 with both hands to lift / stabilize the pet grooming machine 100, they can also press the drive block 1433 (e.g., by pressing with their thumb) to operate the combing component 14 to switch states. The front end 111-1a of the handle is one end close to the front surface of the motion mechanism 143 / drive block 1433 / casing 11, and the rear end 111-1b of the handle is one end close to the casing 11.

[0045] Further, as shown in Figures 5-8, in this embodiment, the combing component 14 may also include a scraping assembly 144. The scraping assembly 144 includes a scraper 1441 and a swinging member 1442. When the combing component 14 is in the extended state, the scraper 1441 is close to the comb shaft 141b and away from the comb teeth 141a. During the rotation of the combing component 14 from the extended state to the retracted state, the scraper 1441 moves past the root of the comb teeth 141a towards the tip of the comb teeth 141a. When the combing component 14 is in the retracted state, the scraper 1441 is close to the tip of the comb teeth 141a and blocks at least a portion of the gaps between the comb teeth 141a. The scraper 1441 can seal the gaps between the comb teeth 141a, allowing the airflow to concentrate at the tip of the comb teeth 141a, and can also squeeze the hair adhering to the comb teeth 141a, so as to more effectively blow the hair adhering to the tip of the comb teeth 141a into the air duct 111. This facilitates the entry of hair into the air duct 111. The swing member 1442 has two swing arms, each with one end mounted on the housing 11 and capable of rotation, and the other end fixedly connected to the scraper 1441. The two swing arms are located on either side of the comb 141. When the user presses the drive block 1433 (e.g., with the thumb), the drive block 1433 pushes the mounting bracket 142 to rotate. Simultaneously, the first spring is compressed and the second spring is stretched. As the mounting bracket 142 rotates, it drives the scraper 1441 to rotate, causing the scraper 1441 to move past the root of the comb teeth 141a towards the tip of the comb teeth 141a. The combing member 14 changes from an extended state to a retracted state. When the user releases the drive block 1433, the spring between the drive mechanism and the base resets, driving the combing member 14 to return from the retracted state to the extended state. This resets the swing member 1442 and the drive block 1433, and the scraper 1441 swings back from the tip of the comb teeth 141a to the periphery of the mounting bracket 142. Of course, the shaving component 144 is only an auxiliary component and not a necessary structure. It can be removed, for example, to further reduce the wind resistance of the circulating air / the obstruction area of ​​the first air path when stored.

[0046] The locking mechanism 15 is used to keep the combing component 14 in the retracted state, which facilitates reducing packaging volume and storage. The locking mechanism 15 is a common locking structure and will not be described in detail here. Activating the locking mechanism 15 keeps the combing component 14 in the retracted state. At this time, the drive block 1433 cannot drive the combing component 14 into the extended state. Only after the locking mechanism 15 is closed can the combing component 14 return to the extended state.

[0047] The dust collection mechanism 16 is disposed within the air duct 111, upstream of the electric fan 12 (upstream of the fresh air duct), with one end facing the air duct inlet 111-2a and the other end extending to the vicinity of the electric fan inlet 121. The surface of the dust collection mechanism 16 is provided with filter holes, and its interior forms a receiving cavity 161 with the air duct (to the air duct inlet 111-2a) to collect pet hair that has been combed out. In this embodiment, an air inlet filter 127 is also provided upstream of the electric fan 12 to intercept fine dust in the airflow discharged from the dust collection mechanism 16.

[0048] like Figures 1-8 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 17 is located on the housing 11, corresponding to the area where the dust collection mechanism 16 is located. The cleaning mechanism can be rotated open, exposing the dust collection mechanism 16. Users can empty the hair collected in the receiving cavity 161 by opening the cleaning mechanism, and can also disassemble, replace, or clean the dust collection mechanism 16 and the air inlet filter 127. In this embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 17 is located at the rear of the pet grooming machine 100. The cleaning mechanism 17 includes a rotatable cleaning cover 171 and a locking member 172 that locks the cleaning cover 171 in the closed position. The cleaning cover 171 is fastened to the middle of the housing 11 by the locking member 172. After opening the locking member 172, the cleaning cover 171 can be opened by rotating it backward and upward.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 7, based on the above structure, the specific working process of the air purifier 1000 provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0050] 1) Enable

[0051] The user can hold handle 111-1 with one hand (X2) and push the button of locking mechanism 15 to one side with the other hand (X1) to unlock combing component 14, causing combing component 14 to rotate downward from the retracted state to the extended state, with the lower end of comb teeth 141a extending out from the housing 11. Then, the user can press switch 132 with hand (X1 or X2) to turn on the electric fan 12.

[0052] 2) Grooming your pet

[0053] Users can hold the handle 111-1 with one hand (X2) and lift the pet grooming machine 100 upwards to move it on the pet, so that the comb teeth 141a can penetrate into the pet's fur to groom it. At the same time, the comb teeth 141a push the loose hair that has been combed down into the fully open movement area 112 at the bottom.

[0054] At this time, fresh air, carrying the loose hair that has been combed out, enters the exercise area 112 from outside the pet groomer 100 and flows into the air duct inlet 111-2a. It then enters the dust collection mechanism 16, where hair, dust, and other dirt are trapped in the receiving cavity 161. The fresh air leaves the receiving cavity 161 and flows into the handle 111-1. After further removal of fine dust by the air inlet filter 127, the fresh air flows into the electric fan inlet 121 and along the electric fan 1... The axial flow of air 2 flows out from the air outlet 122 of the electric fan, passes through the battery assembly 131 and part of the circuit board, and flows out of the handle 111-1. Because the back of the combing component 14 is vertically blocked by the first air path R1, the mainstream of fresh air does not go through the first air path R1 but goes through the second air path R2 with less air resistance. It is discharged to the external environment from the air vent 111-3 along the head of the casing 11. The circulating air discharged from the air duct outlet 111-2b to the movement area 112 is weakened and does not blow away the loose hair.

[0055] 3) Clean the comb teeth

[0056] During the grooming process, some loose hair will adhere to the comb teeth 141a. As the number of grooming sessions increases (after the pet grooming machine 100 moves and grooms the pet several times), more and more loose hair will accumulate on the comb teeth 141a, affecting the grooming effect, and the comb teeth 141a need to be cleaned. At this time, the user can first use the hand X2 holding the handle 111-1 to move the pet grooming machine 100 away from the pet by one hand, and then use the hand X2 to press (e.g., thumb) the drive block 1433, so that the drive block 1433 drives the comb blade 141 to rotate upward to the storage state through the connecting rod 1431 and the elastic element 1432. The back of the blade moves away from the front side of the air duct outlet 111-2b, and the comb blade 141 is placed horizontally in the movement area 112. All the comb teeth 141a enter the housing 11 and the tips point to the air duct inlet 111-2a. The lower opening of the movement area 112 is partially closed by the comb blade 141.

[0057] At this time, the first air path R1 is activated, and the main exhaust from the electric fan outlet 122 flows along the first air path R1 from the air duct outlet 111-2b to the movement zone 112. The circulating air is enhanced, and air leakage is reduced. The comb teeth 141a are subjected to the forward blowing force (exhaust from the air duct outlet 111-2b) and the backward suction force (negative pressure at the air duct inlet 111-2a) of the circulating air, causing the hair to quickly, efficiently, and smoothly detach from the comb teeth 141a and enter the air duct 111. At the same time, under the action of high-speed circulating air and negative pressure at the air duct inlet 111-2a, some fresh air enters the air duct inlet 111-2a from below the movement zone 112 along the lower surface of the comb 141, enhancing the hair removal air force. Both circulating air and fresh air enter the air duct inlet 111-2a from the movement zone 112, and then enter the dust collection mechanism 16. Hair, dust, and other dirt are trapped in the receiving cavity 161 of the dust collection mechanism 16. The airflow leaves the receiving cavity 161 and flows into the handle 111-1. After further removal of fine dust by the air inlet filter 127, the airflow flows into the fan inlet 121 and flows out from the fan outlet 122 along the axial direction of the fan 12. After passing through the battery assembly 131 and part of the circuit board, it flows out of the handle 111-1. Because the first air path R1 is open, the main airflow does not go through the second air path R2 but through the first air path R1 with lower air resistance. It flows from the exhaust port into the moving area 112 along the head of the casing 11. The airflow leaking from the air leakage port 111-3 is greatly reduced. In fact, due to the high wind speed and high negative pressure of the circulating air, especially when the electric fan 12 is running at high power, some airflow may be drawn in from the air leakage port 111-3 to participate in cleaning the comb teeth 141a (the drawn airflow flows into the moving area 112 through the air duct outlet 111-2b).

[0058] After the comb teeth 141a have finished cleaning, the user releases the drive block 1433 (without pressing) with hand X2, the motion mechanism 143 resets, and the drive combing component 14 moves from the retracted state to the extended state. The cleaning process of the comb teeth 141a is very fast, so the user only needs to press the drive block 1433 briefly to complete the cleaning.

[0059] 4) Decommissioning and Containment

[0060] The user presses switch 132 again, and the electric fan 12 is powered off. Then, the user can hold handle 111-1 with hand X2 and press drive block 1433 to move combing component 14 from the retracted state to the extended state. Finally, the user pushes the button of locking mechanism 1514 in the opposite direction with hand X1 to lock combing component 14 in the retracted position.

[0061] 5) Clearance Sale

[0062] The user opens the locking component 172, then flips open the cleaning cover 171 located at the tail of the pet grooming machine 100 to expose the dust collection mechanism 16, and pours out the hair collected in the receiving cavity 161.

[0063] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples of the technical solutions of the present invention. The pet care machine 100 involved in the present invention is not limited to the content described in the above embodiments, but is subject to the scope defined by the claims. Any modifications, additions, or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are within the scope of protection claimed by the claims of the present invention.

[0064] In the above embodiments, the air inlet of the electric fan faces the rear surface of the housing, the air outlet of the electric fan faces the front surface of the housing, and the extension line of the electric fan's axis passes through the front and rear surfaces of the housing. The axis of the electric fan is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the handle. In this invention, the air inlet of the electric fan can also face the lower surface of the housing, the air outlet of the electric fan faces the upper surface of the housing, and the extension line of the electric fan's axis passes through the upper and lower surfaces of the housing. This also allows the electric fan to be installed inside the handle.

[0065] In the above embodiments, the electric fan is entirely installed inside the handle. In this invention, the electric fan may also be partially installed inside the handle, or the air outlet of the electric fan may face the rear end of the handle (corresponding to the rear / tail of the housing).

[0066] In addition, in the above embodiments, the air duct is divided into upper and lower layers (the two layers are parallel), and the upper layer forms a handle. Corresponding to these two layers of air duct, the casing is also divided into upper and lower layers. In this invention, the casing can also be divided into more layers, such as three layers. The battery is located in the second layer, the electric fan is located at the junction between the second and third layers, the third layer forms a handle, and the electric fan is located entirely or partially inside the handle, or the air outlet of the electric fan faces the rear end of the handle.

[0067] Furthermore, in this invention, a microswitch can be set up to adjust the power of the electric fan when the grooming component switches states. The microswitch triggering structure is existing technology and will not be described in detail. In addition, in this invention, the microswitch allows the electric fan to operate at low power when the grooming component is in the extended state after power-on; when the grooming component switches to the retracted state, the microswitch then activates the electric fan at high power. Alternatively, the microswitch can be used to prevent operation when the grooming component is in the extended state; when the grooming component switches to the retracted state, the microswitch then activates the electric fan, resulting in the best noise reduction. Alternatively, before the grooming component switches to the extended state, the pet groomer can be moved away from the pet, and then the grooming component can be manually pressed to switch to the extended state, preventing the noise of the electric fan from frightening the pet.

[0068] Furthermore, in this invention, when in the extended state, the surface of the combing member facing / facing / receiving the exhaust from the electric fan is designated as the first windward surface; the shape and structure of the first windward surface can be configured to easily guide the exhaust from the electric fan towards the air vent, rather than towards the moving area. When in the retracted state, the surface of the combing member facing / facing / receiving the exhaust from the electric fan is designated as the second windward surface; the shape and structure of the second windward surface can be configured to easily guide the airflow into the moving area, more preferably guiding the airflow along the comb teeth, thereby easily pushing away loose hairs from the tooth tips.

Claims

1. A pet care machine characterized in that, include: The casing has an internal air duct with an air duct inlet, an air duct outlet, and an air leakage port; An electric fan is used to agitate air, thereby creating an airflow that flows in from the air duct inlet and out from the air duct outlet or the air leak. The components can be arranged in both a stowed and extended state. The movement zone, located outside the air duct, connects the air duct outlet and the air duct inlet, and provides space for the combing component to switch between an extended state and a retracted state; The air duct and the moving area form a first air path that allows airflow to flow from the moving area into the air duct inlet and then back into the moving area from the air duct outlet. The air duct inlet and the air leak outlet form a second air path that allows airflow to flow in from the air duct inlet and then be discharged into the external environment from the air leak outlet. The combing member is configured such that, when in an extended state, the combing member blocks at least a portion of region A of the first airflow path; When in the storage state, at least a portion of the combing component retracts from the region A.

2. The pet grooming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Wherein, let the area of ​​region A be S1; let the area where the combing component blocks the first air path when in the storage state be B, and the area of ​​region B be S2; let the maximum ventilation area of ​​the air duct outlet be S3; then, S1 ≥ 1.5 × S2, S1 ≥ 50% × S3.

3. The pet grooming machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: wherein S1≥ 2×S2, S2≤ 30%×S3.

4. The pet grooming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: wherein The shape, structure, and relative distance of the combing component, the air duct outlet, and the air leak are configured such that when in the retracted state, more than 60% of the airflow discharged from the electric fan can circulate back into the air duct inlet, and when in the extended state, more than 60% of the airflow discharged from the electric fan can leak out from the air leak.

5. The pet grooming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: wherein, The shape, structure, and relative position of the combing component, the air duct outlet, and the air leak are configured such that, when in the retracted state, the air resistance of the second air duct is greater than that of the first air duct; and, when in the extended state, the air resistance of the first air duct is greater than that of the second air duct.

6. The pet grooming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: wherein The air leak is located near the air duct outlet and between the air outlet of the electric fan and the air duct outlet, and the air leak is closer to the air duct outlet than the air outlet of the electric fan.

7. The pet grooming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: wherein The air vent is located above the head of the housing or on the side in front of the air duct outlet.

8. The pet grooming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: in, The air duct inlet is located on the rear side of the movement area, and the air duct outlet is located on the front side of the movement area and corresponds to the air duct inlet. The part of the combing member used to block the area A is called the blocking back, which is located between the air duct inlet and the air duct outlet.

9. The pet grooming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: wherein, The combing component includes: a comb blade, a mounting bracket for movably mounting the comb blade in the movement area, and a motion mechanism that drives the comb blade to move through the mounting bracket; The portion of the combing component that blocks the first airflow path is at least one of the comb blade, the mounting bracket, and the motion mechanism.

10. The pet grooming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: wherein The central axes of the air duct inlet and the air duct outlet are basically collinear, meaning that the two central axes are collinear or the included angle is within 5°.

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