Pet feeder and control method therefor

Abstract

A pet feeder and a control method therefor. The pet feeder (1) comprises a housing (9) and a food container opening mechanism (10), wherein the housing (9) forms the outer surface of the pet feeder (1); the food container opening mechanism (10) comprises a lifting / lowering device (13) and a detection device (18); the lifting / lowering device (13) comprises a lifting / lowering driving assembly (130) and a first support (1213) transmittingly connected to the lifting / lowering driving assembly (130); the lifting / lowering driving assembly (130) is used for driving the first support (1213) to move in an up-down direction to a plurality of positions; the detection device (18) comprises a signal transmitter (181) and a plurality of signal receivers (182); the relative positions of the plurality of signal receivers (182) and the housing (9) are fixed; the signal transmitter (181) is arranged on the lifting / lowering device (13); when the first support (1213) is located at one of the plurality of positions, at least one signal receiver (182) is arranged corresponding to the signal transmitter (181). The structure of the detection device (18) and the combination of the detection device and the lifting / lowering device (13) ensure the positioning of the food container opening mechanism (10) in the up-down direction, thereby being conducive to stable operation of the pet feeder (1).

Description

Pet feeder and control method thereof Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of animal feeding, and in particular to a pet feeder and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Wet food has a soft texture and rich flavor, often more similar to what pets naturally consume. This food's appealing texture can stimulate pets' appetites, making them more willing to eat. Pets often rely on their owners or keepers to open cans containing wet food, enlisting human assistance to meet their dietary needs. If pet owners or keepers are unable to personally open the cans for their pets every time, the pets lose access to the wet food enclosed in the can. Existing canned feeder systems have operational flaws.

[0003] Application Contents

[0004] The main object of the present application, to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, is to provide a pet feeder that has a simple and economical structure while allowing reliable operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present application provides a pet feeder, comprising: a housing and a food container opening mechanism, wherein the housing forms the outer surface of the pet feeder, and the food container opening mechanism comprises:

[0006] A lifting device, the lifting device comprising a lifting drive assembly and a first bracket drivingly connected to the lifting drive assembly, the lifting drive assembly being used to drive the first bracket to move in an up and down direction to a plurality of positions;

[0007] The detection device includes a signal transmitter and multiple signal receivers, the relative positions of the multiple signal receivers and the shell are fixed, the signal transmitter is arranged on the lifting device, and when the first bracket is at one of the multiple positions, at least one signal receiver is arranged corresponding to the signal transmitter.

[0008] In the above technical solution of the present application, this structure of the detection device and especially its combination with the lifting device ensures the positioning of the food container opening mechanism in the lifting direction, thus being beneficial to the stable operation of the pet feeder.

[0009] Another object of the present application is to provide a control method for a pet feeder, which combines the design of the pet feeder and utilizes a control strategy to improve the reliability of the operation of the pet feeder.

[0010] The present application also provides a control method for a pet feeder, the control method being applied to the above-mentioned pet feeder, wherein the pet feeder is used for canned food, the can comprising a detachably connected can body and a cover body, the cover body being rotatably engaged with the can body, the pet feeder comprising: a material tray, the material tray being provided with a limiting portion, the limiting portion being configured to abut against the can body to limit rotation of the can body;

[0011] The food container opening mechanism further comprises: a cover rotating device, the cover rotating device being connected to the first bracket and configured to drive the cover to rotate;

[0012] The control method includes:

[0013] Controlling the rotation of the material tray so that the limiting portion reaches below the food container opening mechanism;

[0014] controlling the lifting device to move in a first direction to obtain first detection information of the detection device;

[0015] Controlling the lifting device to stop moving;

[0016] Control the rotation of the capping device.

[0017] The control method of the pet feeder of the present application, combined with the structural design of the pet feeder, ensures the positioning of the food container opening mechanism in the lifting direction, thereby being beneficial to the stable operation of the pet feeder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the implementation methods of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the implementation methods or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some implementation methods of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, without paying any creative work, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings.

[0019] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a pet feeder according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a pet feeder from another perspective according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a first bracket of a pet feeder in a depressed position according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a first bracket of a pet feeder in a screw-cover position according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a first bracket of a pet feeder in an embodiment of the present application in a cover-lifting position;

[0024] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a first bracket of a pet feeder in a cover-dropping position according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG7 is a structural diagram of a food container opening mechanism of a pet feeder according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG8 is a structural diagram of the food container opening mechanism of the pet feeder according to one embodiment of the present application from another perspective;

[0027] FIG9 is a partial structural diagram of a pet feeder according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a pet feeder according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] FIG11 is a schematic top view of a partial structure of a pet feeder according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] FIG12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG11 ;

[0031] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a second transmission member according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a rotary cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a can according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third bracket according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] FIG17 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of a control method for a pet feeder according to the present invention;

[0036] FIG18 is a flow chart of a second embodiment of a method for controlling a pet feeder according to the present invention;

[0037] FIG19 is a flow chart of a third embodiment of a control method for a pet feeder according to the present application.

[0038] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0039] The realization of the objectives, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the implementation methods and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Implementation Methods of the Application

[0041] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0042] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, etc.) in the implementation manner of this application are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in Figure 7). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0043] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and so on, used in this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of these features.

[0044] Moreover, the technical solutions between the various implementation methods of the present application can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0045] The present application provides a pet feeder 1, as shown in Figures 1 to 6, which includes a shell 19 and a food container opening mechanism 10. The shell 19 forms the outer surface of the pet feeder 1. The food container opening mechanism 10 includes a lifting device 13 and a detection device 18. The lifting device 13 includes a lifting drive assembly 130 and a first bracket 1213 transmission-connected to the lifting drive assembly 130. The lifting drive assembly 130 is used to drive the first bracket 1213 to move in the vertical direction to multiple positions; the detection device 18 includes a signal transmitter 181 and multiple signal receivers 182. The relative positions of the multiple signal receivers 182 and the shell 19 are fixed. The signal transmitter 181 is provided on the lifting device 13. When the first bracket 1213 is in one of the multiple positions, at least one signal receiver 182 is provided corresponding to the signal transmitter 181.

[0046] The process of opening the can 2 and handling the lid 22 both require the lift drive assembly 130 to drive the first bracket 1213, which is connected thereto, to accurately stop at different heights. A signal receiver 182 is provided at each location where the first bracket 1213 is required to stop, and a signal transmitter 181 is provided on the lift device 13. At each location where the first bracket 1213 is required to stop, the signal transmitted by the signal transmitter 181 can be received by at least one signal receiver 182. Upon receiving the signal, the lift drive assembly 130 stops, allowing the first bracket 1213 to accurately stop at the required location, thereby ensuring stable operation of the pet feeder 1. It should be noted that the pet feeder 1 also includes a controller, and each signal receiver 182 is communicatively connected to the controller. The controller is also communicatively connected to the lift drive assembly 130. Upon receiving the signal, the signal receiver 182 transmits the information to the controller, which then controls the lift drive assembly 130 to stop.

[0047] In one embodiment, the lifting drive assembly 130 includes a first driving member 131 and a first transmission member 132 that are transmission-connected. The first transmission member 132 is provided with a lifting portion 13211. The first bracket 1213 is connected to a rolling member 12131. The lifting portion 13211 and the rolling member 12131 are rolling-matched. The first driving member 131 drives the first transmission member 132 to move in the left and right directions, so that the lifting portion 13211 can drive the first bracket 1213 to move in the up and down directions. The first driving member 131 can drive the first transmission member 132 to move back and forth in the left and right directions. By providing the lifting portion 13211, when the first driving member 131 drives the first transmission member 132 to move leftward, the lifting portion 13211 can guide the first bracket 1213 to move upward; when the first driving member 131 drives the first transmission member 132 to move rightward, the lifting portion 13211 can guide the first bracket 1213 to move downward, thereby converting the left and right movement of the first transmission member 132 into the up and down movement of the first bracket 1213 through the lifting portion 13211. It should be noted that the rolling member 12131 can be a first rolling wheel, and the rolling cooperation between the first rolling wheel and the bottom wall of the slideway can reduce friction compared to the sliding cooperation between the first bracket 1213 and the slide groove 13212.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first transmission member 132 also includes a pressing portion 13213 and a transition portion 13214. The transition portion 13214 is connected to the lifting portion 13211. The pressing portion 13213 is arranged above the transition portion 13214. When the rolling member 12131 leaves the lifting portion 13211 and rolls toward the transition portion 13214, the pressing portion 13213 cooperates with the first bracket 1213 to reduce the distance between the rolling member 12131 and the transition portion 13214. In the solution of the embodiment of the present application, when the first bracket 1213 moves on the first transmission member 132, such as when the rolling member 12131 falls from the lifting part 13211 and is planned to fall above the transition part 13214, the rolling member 12131 of the first bracket 1213 will be suspended above the first transmission member 132. At this time, the pressing part 13213 will press the first bracket 1213 downward to reduce the distance between the rolling member 12131 and the transition part 13214.

[0049] In one embodiment, multiple signal receivers 182 are arranged in sequence in the left-right direction, and the signal transmitter 181 is disposed on the first transmission member 132. The left-right movement of the first transmission member 132 drives the signal transmitter 181 to move, so that the signal transmitter 181 sequentially corresponds to the multiple signal receivers 182. When the first driving member 131 drives the first transmission member 132 to move in the left-right direction, the signal transmitter 181 located on the first transmission member 132 also moves therewith. Since the multiple signal transmitters 181 are also arranged in sequence in the left-right direction, the first transmission member 132 moving in the left-right direction drives the signal transmitter 181 to pass by the multiple signal transmitters 181 in sequence.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present application, the signal transmitter 181 is set on the first bracket 1213, and multiple signal receivers 182 are arranged in sequence along the up and down directions. The first bracket 1213 moves along the up and down directions, so that at the position where the first bracket 1213 stops, there is at least one signal receiver 182 that can receive the signal emitted by the signal transmitter 181.

[0051] In one embodiment, the plurality of signal receivers includes a first signal receiver 1821, and the plurality of positions includes a downward position. In the downward position, the first signal receiver 1821 is disposed corresponding to the signal transmitter 181, and the rolling element 12131 is located at the end of the transition portion 13214 away from the lifting portion 13211. When the first bracket 1213 remains in the downward position, the first signal receiver 1821 can receive a signal from the signal transmitter 181, which is then transmitted to the controller. The controller then controls the first driving element 131 to stop moving, thereby allowing the first bracket 1213 to accurately remain in the downward position.

[0052] In one embodiment, the plurality of signal receivers 182 include a second signal receiver 1822, and the plurality of positions include a capping position. In the capping position, the second signal receiver 1822 is positioned corresponding to the signal transmitter 181, and the rolling element 12131 is located at one end of the transition portion 13214 near the lifting portion 13211. When the first bracket 1213 is in the capping position, the second signal receiver 1822 receives a signal from the signal transmitter 181, which is then transmitted to the controller. The controller then controls the first driving element 131 to stop moving, thereby allowing the first bracket 1213 to accurately remain in the capping position.

[0053] In one embodiment, the plurality of signal receivers 182 include a third signal receiver 1823, and the plurality of positions include a lid-lifting position. In the lid-lifting position, the third signal receiver 1823 is disposed corresponding to the signal transmitter 181, and the rolling element 12131 is located on the lifting portion 13211. When the first bracket 1213 is in the lid-lifting position, the third signal receiver 1823 receives a signal from the signal transmitter 181, which is then transmitted to the controller. The controller then controls the first driving element 131 to stop moving, thereby allowing the first bracket 1213 to accurately remain in the lid-lifting position.

[0054] In one embodiment, the plurality of signal receivers 182 include a fourth signal receiver 1824, and the plurality of positions include a cap-dropping position. In the cap-dropping position, the fourth signal receiver 1824 is positioned corresponding to the signal transmitter 181, and the rolling element 12131 is located at the end of the lifting portion 13211 away from the transition portion 13214. The plurality of signal receivers 182 include a third signal receiver 1823, and the plurality of positions include a cap-lifting position. In the cap-lifting position, the third signal receiver 1823 is positioned corresponding to the signal transmitter 181, and the rolling element 12131 is located at the lifting portion 13211. When the first bracket 1213 is in the cap-dropping position, the fourth signal receiver 1824 receives a signal from the signal transmitter 181, which is then transmitted to the controller, which then controls the first driving member 131 to stop moving, thereby allowing the first bracket 1213 to accurately remain in the cap-dropping position.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first signal receiver 1821, the second signal receiver 1822, the third signal receiver 1823 and the fourth signal receiver 1824 are arranged in sequence from right to left; since the signal transmitter 181 is installed on the first transmission member 132, when the can 2 needs to be opened, the first transmission member 132 will start to move from right to left, so that the signal transmitter 181 passes through the first signal receiver 1821, the second signal receiver 1822, the third signal receiver 1823 and the fourth signal receiver 1824 in sequence, and enables the first bracket 1213 to accurately stay in the pressing position, the rotating cover position, the lifting cover position and the throwing cover position respectively.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present application, the surfaces of the pressing portion 13213 and the lifting portion 13211 facing each other are parallel to each other. This arrangement can make the appearance of the first transmission member 132 more beautiful.

[0057] In one embodiment, the detection device 18 is a photoelectric sensor, the signal transmitter 181 is a photoelectric transmitter, and the signal receiver 182 is a photoelectric receiver; according to one embodiment of the present application, the detection device 18 is a magnetic field sensor, the signal transmitter 181 is a magnetic signal transmitter 181, and the signal receiver 182 is a magnetic signal receiver; according to another embodiment of the present application, the detection device 18 is a mechanical switch, the signal transmitter 181 is a mechanical protrusion, and the signal receiver 182 is a mechanical button.

[0058] The present application provides a pet feeder 1, as shown in Figures 7 to 10 and 15, the pet feeder 1 is used for a can 2, the can 2 includes a detachably connected can body 21 and a cover 22 covering the can body 21. In one embodiment, the pet feeder 1 includes a material tray 11, a capping device 12 and a lifting device 13. The material tray 11 is provided with a first limiting portion 111, the first limiting portion 111 is used to abut against the can body 21 to limit the rotation of the can body 21; the capping device 12 includes a first driving assembly 121 And the rotary cover assembly 122, the rotary cover assembly 122 includes a rotary cover member 1221, the first drive assembly 121 is transmission-connected to the rotary cover member 1221, the rotary cover member 1221 is provided with a second limiting portion 12213, the second limiting portion 12213 is used to cooperate with the cover body 22 to drive the cover body 22 to rotate; the lifting device 13 is transmission-connected to the first drive assembly 121, the lifting device 13 drives the rotary cover device 12 to move in the up and down directions, and the rotary cover device 12 is used to drive the cover body 22 to rotate relative to the tank body 21.

[0059] Among them, when the pet needs to eat, the lifting device 13 drives the rotary cover member 1221 connected to the first drive component 121 through the first drive component 121 to move toward the direction close to the can 2, and the second limiting portion 12213 on the rotary cover member 1221 can be limited and cooperated with the cover body 22 of the can 2 located on the material tray 11. The rotary cover member 1221 is driven to rotate by the first drive component 121. Since the tank body 21 of the can 2 abuts against the first limiting portion 111 on the material tray 11, the first limiting portion 111 can limit the rotation of the tank body 21 relative to the material tray 11 to disengage the cover body 22 from the tank body 21, thereby realizing the automatic opening of the can 2 by relying on the pet feeder 1 without human participation.

[0060] It should be noted that the first limiting portion 111 can be a magnetic component, which can absorb the tank body 21 in contact with it, thereby limiting the rotation of the tank body 21 relative to the material tray 11; or the first limiting portion 111 can be a lock, which can lock the first limiting portion 111 through the lock to limit the rotation of the tank body 21 relative to the material tray 11.

[0061] It should also be noted that those skilled in the art will know that the cover body 22 and the tank body 21 are connected by a rotational fit, and the cover body 22 rotates relative to the tank body 21 to release the threaded fit relationship. After the threaded fit relationship is released, the cover body 22 is detached from the tank body 21.

[0062] In this embodiment, the cover 22 and the tank body 21 are threadedly engaged; in other embodiments, the cover 22 and the tank body 21 are rotationally snap-fitted.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , the pet feeder 1 further includes a second drive assembly 17 , which is in transmission connection with the material tray 11 for driving the material tray 11 to rotate.

[0064] As shown in Figures 10 to 14, in one embodiment, the first drive assembly 121 includes a second drive member 1211 and a second transmission member 1212 that are connected to each other, the rotary cover member 1221 slides with the second transmission member 1212, and the rotary cover member 1221 can move in the up and down directions relative to the second transmission member 1212 and has a first position 12215 and a second position. In the first position 12215, the second limiting portion 12213 is used to limit the cooperation with the cover body 22, and in the second position, the second limiting portion 12213 is used to disengage from the cover body 22. In the solution of this embodiment, the lifting device 13 drives the rotary cover member 1221, which is transmission-connected to the first drive component 121, through the first drive component 121 to move downward close to the can 21 so that the rotary cover member 1221 contacts the cover body 22. At this time, the second limiting portion 12213 on the rotary cover member 1221 may be limitedly matched with the cover body 22 located on the material tray 11. It is also possible that the second limiting portion 12213 of the rotary cover member 1221 is not limitedly matched with the cover body 22 located on the material tray 11. In this case, when the first drive component 121 drives the rotary cover member 1221 to rotate, the rotary cover member 1221 slides with the second transmission member 1212. At this time, the rotary cover member 1221 moves downward and is limitedly matched with the cover body 22 located on the material tray 11.

[0065] Moreover, in the above technical solution, since the rotary cover member 1221 and the second transmission member 1212 can slide and cooperate in the up and down directions, when the rotary cover member 1221 drives the cover body 22 to rotate, the second transmission member 1212 does not need to rise in conjunction with the continuously rising position of the cover body 22, because the rotary cover member 1221 will slide upward relative to the second transmission member 1212 as the cover body 22 rises.

[0066] As shown in FIG14 , in one embodiment, the rotary cover assembly 122 further includes a stopper 1222, which is movably disposed on the second transmission member 1212 and connected to the rotary cover member 1221. When the rotary cover member 1221 moves downward by a first stroke, the stopper 1222 abuts the second transmission member 1212. In this embodiment, by providing the stopper 1222 connected to the rotary cover member 1221, when the rotary cover member 1221 moves downward by a first stroke from the first position 12215 relative to the second transmission member 1212, the stopper 1222 abuts the second transmission member 1212, thereby limiting the rotary cover member 1221 from further descending and preventing the rotary cover member 1221 from separating from the second transmission member 1212 due to gravity, which could result in a failure of the sliding fit.

[0067] In addition, as shown in Figures 12 and 14, the rotary cover assembly 122 also includes a first reset member 1223, one end of the first reset member 1223 is connected to the rotary cover member 1221, and the other end of the first reset member 1223 is connected to the second transmission member 1212, and the first reset member 1223 applies an elastic reset force to the rotary cover member 1221 to move from the second position to the first position 12215. In this embodiment, a first restoring member 1223 is provided to drive the rotary cover member 1221 to move toward the first position 12215. If the lifting device 13 drives the second transmission member 1212 to descend by the third stroke, the second limiting portion 12213 fails to engage with the cover body 22, and the second limiting portion 12213 is lifted by the cover body 22 and slides upward relative to the second transmission member 1212. At this time, the second driving member 1211 is required to drive the rotary cover member 1221 to rotate by a preset angle. During the rotation of the rotary cover member 1221, if the rotary cover member 1221 is able to complete the limited engagement with the cover body 22 after the second limiting portion 12213 descends at a certain position, when the rotary cover member 1221 rotates to this position, the first restoring member 1223 can quickly drive the rotary cover member 1221 downward, so that the second limiting portion 12213 completes the limited engagement with the cover body 22. It should be noted that the first restoring member 1223 may be a spring.

[0068] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the second transmission member 1212 is provided with a first mounting channel 12121 extending vertically therethrough. The rotary cover member 1221 includes a rotary cover body 12211 and a sliding portion 12212 connected to each other. The rotary cover body 12211 is provided with a second limiting portion 12213. The sliding portion 12212 is disposed in the first mounting channel 12121 and slidably engages with the first mounting channel 12121. In this embodiment, by providing the sliding portion 12212 to slidably engage with the first mounting channel 12121, the first mounting channel 12121 is able to limit the rotary cover body 12211, that is, to restrict the rotary cover body 12211 from moving in the radial direction of the first mounting channel 12121.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present application, the number of the first installation channels 12121 is at least two, and the sliding portions 12212 are consistent with the number of the first installation channels 12121 and are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence. By setting at least two first installation channels 12121, the rotation of the rotary cover body 12211 relative to the second transmission member 1212 is restricted.

[0070] According to another embodiment of the present application, the first installation channel 12121 and the sliding portion 12212 are connected by a spline, so that the first installation channel 12121 can move relative to the sliding channel, and the second transmission member 1212 can drive the rotary cover body 12211 to rotate through the spline connection.

[0071] As shown in Figures 3, 10 and 12, in one embodiment, the first drive assembly 121 also includes a first bracket 1213, the second drive member 1211 is installed on the first bracket 1213, and the lifting device 13 includes a first drive member 131 and a first transmission member 132 that are transmission-connected. The first transmission member 132 is provided with a lifting portion 13211, and the lifting portion 13211 is rollingly engaged with the first bracket 1213. The first drive member 131 drives the first transmission member 132 to move in the left and right directions, so that the lifting portion 13211 can drive the first bracket 1213 to move in the up and down directions. In this embodiment, the first driving member 131 can drive the first transmission member 132 to move back and forth in the left and right directions. By setting the lifting part 13211, when the first driving member 131 drives the first transmission member 132 to move to the left, the lifting part 13211 can guide the first bracket 1213 to move upward; when the first driving member 131 drives the first transmission member 132 to move to the right, the lifting part 13211 can guide the first bracket 1213 to move downward, thereby converting the left and right movement of the first transmission member 132 into the up and down movement of the first bracket 1213 through the lifting part 13211.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first transmission member 132 includes a lifting body 1321 and a rack 1322 connected to each other. The lifting portion 13211 is provided on the lifting body 1321. The output shaft of the first driving member 131 is provided with a gear 1311 for meshing with the rack 1322. In this embodiment, transmission is achieved through the meshing of the gear 1311 and the rack 1322, thereby effectively improving transmission accuracy.

[0073] Those skilled in the art can easily think of realizing the reciprocating movement of the first transmission member 132 through a screw assembly, that is, the output shaft of the first driving member 131 is connected to the screw of the screw assembly, and the lifting part 13211 is connected to the slider of the screw assembly, which can also realize the reciprocating movement of the first transmission member 132.

[0074] Moreover, in one embodiment, the height of the lifting portion 13211 is gradually increased along the extension direction of the rack 1322, so that the lifting movement of the first bracket 1213 can be more stable.

[0075] As shown in FIG10 , the lifting portion 13211 is formed with a slide groove 13212, and the first bracket 1213 is connected to a rolling element 12131. At least a portion of the rolling element 12131 extends into the slide groove 13212 and rolls with the bottom wall of the slide groove 13212. The rolling element 12131 may be a first rolling wheel. The rolling engagement of the first rolling wheel with the bottom wall of the slideway reduces friction compared to the sliding engagement between the first bracket 1213 and the slide groove 13212.

[0076] As shown in Figures 9, 10, and 12, in one embodiment, the pet feeder 1 includes a second bracket 14, a first driving member 131 mounted on the second bracket 14, and a second mounting channel 141 extending vertically therethrough. The first bracket 1213 is disposed within the second mounting channel 141 and slides therewith. The first transmission member 132 slides with the second bracket 14 or rolls therewith. In this embodiment, the provision of the second mounting channel 141 allows the second mounting channel 141 to, while sliding with the first bracket 1213, also limit the position of the first bracket 1213, restricting its radial movement relative to the second mounting channel 141. The first transmission member 132 can either directly slide with the second bracket 14 or roll therewith. The friction force experienced by the first transmission member 132 in the rolling engagement is less than that experienced in the sliding engagement.

[0077] In one embodiment, the second bracket 14 is provided with a plurality of rollers 142, which are sequentially arranged along the moving direction of the first transmission member 132. The rollers 142 are in rolling engagement with the first transmission member 132. By providing a plurality of rollers 142, the reliability of the rollers 142 in supporting the first transmission member 132 is ensured.

[0078] As shown in FIG10 , in one embodiment, the pet feeder 1 further includes a claw assembly 15 connected to the first drive assembly 121. The claw assembly 15 is used to clamp or release the cover 22. In this embodiment, the claw assembly 15 is provided so that the cover 22 can be clamped or released after being released from the tank 21.

[0079] In this embodiment, after the cover 22 is separated from the tank 21 , the claw assembly 15 clamps the cover 22 , and the lifting device 13 drives the cover 22 to rise through the claw assembly 15 , so that the cover 22 can be separated from the tank 21 .

[0080] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the claw assembly 15 is hinged to the first drive assembly 121. The claw assembly 15 includes a claw 151 and a second return member 152. The claw 151 is used to be detachably connected to the clamping portion 223 provided on the cover body 22. The claw 151 is movable between a third position 1513 in which it engages with the clamping portion 223 and a fourth position in which it disengages from the clamping portion 223. The second return member 152 applies an elastic return force to the claw 151 to move it from the fourth position to the third position 1513. In this embodiment, by providing the second return member 152 to apply an elastic return force to the claw 151 to move it toward the third position 1513, the claw 151 is pressed against the clamping portion 223, thereby improving the reliability of the engagement between the claw 151 and the clamping portion 223.

[0081] As shown in Figures 7 and 16, in one embodiment, the pet feeder 1 further includes a third bracket 16, which is disposed on the outer periphery of the claw 151. The inner wall of the third bracket 16 is provided with a first inclined surface 161. The first inclined surface 161 extends upward from the outside to the inside toward the first drive assembly 121. When the lifting device 13 moves upward, the claw 151 cooperates with the first inclined surface 161 to guide the claw 151 from the third position 1513 to the fourth position. In this embodiment, when the claw 151 clamps the cover body 22, when the lifting device 13 drives the transmission member to rise, the claw 151 will abut against the first inclined surface 161 and move from the third position 1513 to the fourth position under the guidance of the first inclined surface 161, so that the cover body 22 clamped by the claw 151 is separated from the claw 151; that is, in this solution, the claw assembly 15 does not rely on the driving member that drives the claw 151 to move back and forth between the third position 1513 and the fourth position to clamp or release the cover body 22, so the cost is lower.

[0082] In one embodiment, when the lifting device 13 moves upward by the second stroke, the top of the claw 151 abuts against the first inclined surface 161; that is, the lifting device 13 needs to move upward by the second stroke to ensure the separation of the cover body 22 and the tank body 21, and the top of the claw 151 abuts against the first inclined surface 161 to avoid the movement of the tank body 21 interfering with the cover body 22.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present application, the number of the claw assemblies 15 is at least two, and the at least two claw assemblies 15 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the second transmission member 1212 to enhance the reliability of clamping the cover body 22.

[0084] As shown in Figure 16, the third bracket 16 is a protective housing that is positioned around the outer periphery of the cap screwing device 12. A first inclined surface 161 extends along the circumference of the protective housing, and the protective housing defines a third mounting channel 162 for the cap screwing device 12 to pass through. The third bracket 16 is a protective housing that protects the components within the protective housing.

[0085] As shown in Figure 10, in one embodiment, the claw 151 includes a hinged portion 1511 and a hook portion 1512 that are interconnected. The hinged portion 1511 is hinged to the first drive assembly 121, and the clamping portion 223 is an annular groove. In the third position 1513, the hook portion 1512 at least partially extends into the annular groove and hooks the cover body 22; wherein the clamping portion 223 is an annular groove, so that the hook portion 1512 can more easily complete the clamping fit with the groove wall of the annular groove, that is, the hook portion 1512 can be clamped fit with the groove wall at any position on the circumference of the annular groove.

[0086] Furthermore, as shown in FIG10 , the bottom end of the claw 151 has a second inclined surface 1514, which extends upward from the outside to the inside toward the first drive assembly 121. When the lifting mechanism 13 moves downward, the second inclined surface 1514 engages with the cover 22 to guide the claw 151 from the third position 1513 to the fourth position. In this embodiment, by providing the second inclined surface 1514 at the bottom end of the claw 151, when the lifting mechanism 13 lowers the claw 151, the claw 151 does not collide with the top of the cover 22, thereby preventing damage to the claw 151. The second inclined surface 1514 drives the claw 151 from the third position 1513 to the fourth position until the hook portion 1512 separates from the cover 22. At this point, the claw 151, under the action of the second return member 152, moves back to the third position 1513, thereby completing the engagement with the annular groove.

[0087] As shown in Figures 9, 14 and 15, in one embodiment, the first limiting portion 111 has a plurality of first latch teeth 1111, and the plurality of first latch teeth 1111 extend upward, and the first latch teeth 1111 are used to cooperate with the first latch groove 211 provided at the bottom of the tank body 21; wherein the first latch teeth 1111 cooperate with the first latch groove 211 to limit the first limiting portion 111. The first latch teeth 1111 are limited and matched with the first latch groove 211, so that the first limiting portion 111 can limit the rotation of the tank body 21 relative to the material tray 11.

[0088] As shown in FIG14 , the second position-limiting portion 12213 has a plurality of second latching teeth 12214, which are arranged sequentially along the circumference of the rotary cover member 1221. The plurality of second latching teeth 12214 extend outwardly, and the second latching teeth 12214 are configured to engage with a second latching groove 222 provided on the inner wall of the groove 221 provided on the top surface of the cover body 22. The top surface of the cover body 22 is provided with a groove 221, and the inner wall of the groove 221 is recessed to form a second latching groove 222. The second latching groove 222 engages with the second latching teeth 12214 to enable the second position-limiting portion 12213 to transmit torque to the cover body 22, thereby driving the cover body 22 to rotate relative to the tank body 21.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present application, a plurality of card slots are provided on the side wall of the cover body 22 near the top, and the plurality of card slots are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the cover body 22. An annular protrusion is provided at the bottom of the rotary cover member 1221, and a plurality of card teeth are provided on the inner wall of the annular protrusion, and the plurality of card teeth are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the annular protrusion. A cavity for accommodating the cover body 22 is formed inside the annular protrusion, and the card teeth are used to cooperate with the card slots to limit the position.

[0090] According to another embodiment of the present application, a boss is provided on the top of the cover body 22, and a plurality of slots are provided on the outer wall of the boss, and the plurality of slots are arranged in sequence along the circumference of the boss. A concave cavity for accommodating the boss is provided on the bottom surface of the rotary cover member 1221, and the inner wall of the concave cavity protrudes inward to form a plurality of latch teeth, and the plurality of latch teeth are arranged in sequence along the extension direction of the inner wall of the concave cavity, and the latch teeth are used to cooperate with the slots for limiting.

[0091] In addition, the present application also provides a control method for a pet feeder, which is applied to the above-mentioned pet feeder, and the pet feeder also includes a second drive assembly, which is transmission-connected to the material tray, and the side of the material tray facing the screw-capping device is provided with a accommodating area for accommodating the cans, and the accommodating area is the first limiting portion, and the second drive assembly is used to drive the material tray to rotate so that the accommodating area has a lid opening station; the first drive assembly includes a second drive member and a second transmission member connected to each other, and the screw-capping member is slidingly engaged with the second transmission member.

[0092] 17 , which is a flow chart of a first embodiment of a control method for a pet feeder according to the present invention, the control method includes the following steps:

[0093] S100, obtaining a cover opening instruction, and controlling the second driving assembly to rotate so that the accommodating area reaches the cover opening station;

[0094] The user can send a cover-opening instruction to the pet feeder through a button on the pet feeder or a remote terminal. When the pet feeder receives the cover-opening instruction, the second drive component drives the material tray to rotate so that the containing area reaches the cover-opening station.

[0095] S200, controlling the lifting device to move downward by a third stroke;

[0096] The lifting device is controlled to drive the first drive assembly to descend. Since the first drive assembly is connected to the rotary cover member, the rotary cover member is driven to descend together. That is, the lifting device drives the rotary cover member to descend the third stroke through the first drive assembly so that the rotary cover member and the cover body are in contact, and the second limit portion of the rotary cover member is matched with the cover body of the can located on the material tray.

[0097] S300, controlling the first driving assembly to rotate in a first direction;

[0098] Since the second limiting portion of the rotary cover member is in limited cooperation with the cover body, when the first driving assembly drives the rotary cover member to rotate in the first direction, the rotary cover member can transmit the torque to the cover body, and since the first limiting portion abuts against the tank body, the cover body can rotate relative to the tank body in the first direction; the tank body and the cover body are rotationally connected, and the connection relationship can be released by rotating the cover body relative to the tank body in the first direction.

[0099] In this embodiment, the cover 22 and the tank body 21 are threadedly engaged; in other embodiments, the cover 22 and the tank body 21 are rotationally snap-fitted.

[0100] As shown in Figures 10 to 14, since the rotary cover member and the second transmission member can slide and cooperate in the up and down directions, when the rotary cover member drives the cover body to rotate in the first direction, the second transmission member does not need to rise in conjunction with the continuously rising position of the cover body, because the rotary cover member will slide upward relative to the second transmission member as the cover body rises.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present application, the step S300 includes:

[0102] S310, controlling the first driving assembly to rotate in a first direction so that the second limiting portion is in position-limiting engagement with the cover body;

[0103] S320, controlling the first driving assembly to rotate along a first direction.

[0104] When the lifting device drives the second transmission member to descend the third stroke, the second limit part fails to cooperate with the cover body, the second limit part will be lifted up by the cover body and slide upward relative to the second transmission member. At this time, the second driving member is required to drive the rotary cover member to rotate. During this rotation process, the second limit part will be affected by the restoring force of the spring at a certain position and move downward relative to the second transmission member, thereby completing the limiting cooperation between the second limit part and the cover body, so that the subsequent first driving component can drive the rotary cover member to rotate in the first direction and can smoothly transmit the torque to the cover body through the rotary cover member.

[0105] In addition, the present application also provides a control method for a pet feeder, which is applied to the above-mentioned pet feeder, wherein the pet feeder further includes a second drive assembly, the second drive assembly being transmission-connected to the material tray, the material tray being provided with a receiving area for receiving the canned food on a side facing the screw-capping device, the receiving area being the first limiting portion, the second drive assembly being configured to drive the material tray to rotate so that the receiving area has a capping station; the first drive assembly including a second drive member and a second transmission member connected to each other, the screw-capping member being in sliding engagement with the second transmission member;

[0106] 18 , which is a flow chart of a second embodiment of a control method for a pet feeder according to the present invention, the control method includes the following steps:

[0107] S100', obtaining a capping instruction, and controlling the second driving assembly to rotate so that the accommodating area reaches the capping station;

[0108] The user can send a capping instruction to the pet feeder through a button on the pet feeder or a remote terminal. When the pet feeder receives the capping instruction, the second drive component drives the material tray to rotate so that the containing area reaches the capping station.

[0109] In the present embodiment, the positions of the uncapping station and the capping station are identical. In other embodiments, the positions of the uncapping station and the capping station are different.

[0110] S200', controlling the lifting device to move downward to a fourth stroke;

[0111] The lifting device is controlled to drive the first drive assembly to descend. Since the first drive assembly is in transmission connection with the rotary cover member, the rotary cover member is driven to descend together. That is, the lifting device drives the rotary cover member to descend the fourth stroke through the first drive assembly so that the cover body contacts the can body.

[0112] In this embodiment, the distances of the third and fourth strokes are the same. In other embodiments, the distances of the third and fourth strokes are different.

[0113] S300', controlling the first driving assembly to rotate along a second direction.

[0114] The first driving component drives the rotary cover member to rotate so that the second limit portion on the rotary cover member can cooperate with the cover body. Since the can body of the can abuts against the first limit portion on the material tray, the first limit portion can limit the rotation of the can body relative to the material tray. Therefore, when the cover body is driven by the first driving component to rotate the rotary cover member in the second direction, the rotary cover member can transmit the torque to the cover body, and since the first limit portion abuts against the can body, the cover body can rotate relative to the can body in the second direction; the can body and the cover body are rotationally matched and connected, and the cover body can be restored by rotating the second direction relative to the can body.

[0115] And because the rotary cover member and the second transmission member can slide and cooperate in the up and down directions, when the rotary cover member drives the cover body to rotate in the second direction, the second transmission member does not need to fall in conjunction with the continuously descending position of the cover body, because the rotary cover member will slide downward relative to the second transmission member as the cover body descends due to the action of gravity.

[0116] In this embodiment, the cover 22 and the tank body 21 are threadedly engaged; in other embodiments, the cover 22 and the tank body 21 are rotationally snap-fitted.

[0117] The control method of the pet feeder of the present application, combined with the structural design of the pet feeder, is that when the pet finishes eating, in order to prevent the open can from emitting odor, the pet feeder controls the second drive assembly to rotate so that the accommodating area reaches the capping station after receiving the capping instruction, and the claw assembly clamps the lid body. The lifting device is controlled to drive the claw assembly, which is transmission-connected to the first drive assembly, to move toward the direction close to the can through the first drive assembly. When the lifting device moves downward by a fourth stroke so that the lid body and the can body contact each other, the first drive assembly drives the rotary cap member to rotate so that the second limit portion on the rotary cap member can engage with the lid body. Since the can body of the can abuts the first limit portion on the material tray, the first limit portion can limit the rotation of the can body relative to the material tray. Therefore, the lid body can be rotated in the second direction relative to the can body under the drive of the first drive assembly to connect the lid body to the can body, thereby realizing automatic capping of the can by relying on the pet feeder without human intervention.

[0118] According to another embodiment of the present application, the pet feeder further includes a claw assembly, which is connected to the first drive assembly, and is used to clamp or release the cover body. The claw assembly is hinged to the first drive assembly, and the claw assembly includes a claw and a second reset member. The claw is used to be detachably connected to the clamping portion provided on the cover body, and the claw can move between a third position that cooperates with the clamping portion and a fourth position that disengages from the clamping portion, and the second reset member applies an elastic reset force to the claw to move from the fourth position to the third position; the pet feeder further includes a third The bracket, the third bracket is arranged on the outer periphery of the clamping claw, the inner wall of the third bracket is provided with a first inclined surface, the first inclined surface extends upward from the outside to the inside in the direction close to the first driving assembly, and the clamping claw cooperates with the first inclined surface when the lifting device moves upward to guide the clamping claw from the third position to the fourth position; the clamping claw includes a first station, a second station and a third station arranged in sequence from bottom to top; the material tray is also provided with a garbage port 112, and a garbage bin 113 is provided below the material tray, and the opening of the garbage bin 113 is arranged facing the garbage port 112, and the S400 includes:

[0119] S410, controlling the lifting device to drive the claw to rise to the second working position;

[0120] S420, controlling the second driving assembly to drive the material tray to rotate so that the garbage opening 112 rotates to below the cover;

[0121] S430: Control the lifting device to drive the clamping claw to rise to the third working position, so that the clamping claw releases the cover body under the guidance of the guide surface.

[0122] When the container is in the first position and the lid is released, the lifting device is controlled to drive the claw to rise to the second position. At this time, the lid fixed by the claw will also rise with the claw. The first limit part is also provided with a feeding position. At this time, the can body can be rotated to the feeding position without interference between the can body and the cover body. When the first limit part is at the feeding position, the garbage port 112 is located below the cover body. The lifting device is controlled to drive the claw to rise to the third position. In the process of the claw rising from the second position to the third position, the claw will move from the third position to the fourth position under the guidance of the first inclined surface to release the engagement between the claw and the cover body, so that the cover body can smoothly fall into the garbage bin 113 through the garbage port 112, thereby realizing the recovery of the cover body.

[0123] According to another embodiment of the present application, after the opened can is rotated to the feeding station, the pet starts to eat. After the pet finishes eating, the can is rotated to the bottom of the cover body, and the rotational cooperation between the cover body and the can body is restored through the cooperation of the lifting device and the screw cover device. The claws still maintain the clamping of the cover body, and the lifting device is controlled to drive the claws to rise to the second station. At this time, the assembled can rises together with the claws, and the garbage port 112 is rotated to the bottom of the can, and the lifting device is controlled to drive the claws to rise to the third station. In the process of the claws rising from the second station to the third station, the claws will move from the third position to the fourth position under the guidance of the first inclined surface to release the clamping cooperation between the claws and the cover body, so that the can can smoothly fall into the garbage bin 113 through the garbage port 112. Since the can body and the cover body are sealed, no odor will be generated.

[0124] FIG19 is a flow chart of a third embodiment of a control method for a pet feeder according to the present application. The control method for the pet feeder is applied to the aforementioned pet feeder. The pet feeder is used for a can 2, which includes a detachably connected can body and a lid body, the lid body being rotatably engaged with the can body. The pet feeder includes: a material tray having a first limiter configured to abut against the can body to restrict rotation of the can body; a food container opening mechanism 10 further including: a capping device connected to the first bracket, the capping device being configured to drive the lid body to rotate. The control method includes the following steps:

[0125] S500, controlling the rotation of the material tray so that the first limiting portion reaches below the food container opening mechanism 10;

[0126] S600, controlling the lifting device to move in a first direction to obtain first detection information of the detection device;

[0127] S700, controlling the lifting device to stop moving;

[0128] S800, controlling the rotation of the capping device.

[0129] The control method of the pet feeder of the present application is combined with the structural design of the pet feeder. When the can body 21 after eating needs to be closed, the material tray 11 drives the can body 21 provided on the first limit portion 111 to the bottom of the food container opening mechanism 10; the lifting device 13 moves in the first direction, thereby driving the first bracket 1213 connected thereto to move downward. When the signal transmitter 181 of the detection device 18 corresponds to the signal receiver 182 therein, information that the first bracket 1213 has reached a certain position can be obtained, and then the rotating cover device 12 is controlled to rotate to transmit torque to the cover body 22, so that the can body 21 and the cover body 22 are buckled.

[0130] In a specific embodiment of the present application, after the first bracket 1213 reaches the capping position, the capping device is controlled to rotate the can body 21 relative to the material tray 11 so that the cover body 22 is engaged with the can body 21 .

[0131] In another embodiment, the method includes following steps after step S700:

[0132] S701, controlling the lifting device to move in a second direction to obtain second detection information of the detection device;

[0133] S702, controlling the lifting device to stop moving; the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

[0134] The control method of the pet feeder of the present application is combined with the structural design of the pet feeder. When the pet needs to eat, the material tray 11 drives the can 2 provided on the first limit part 111 to the bottom of the food container opening mechanism 10; the lifting device 13 moves in the first direction to drive the first bracket 1213 connected thereto to move downward. When the signal transmitter 181 of the detection device 18 corresponds to the signal receiver 182 therein, information that the first bracket 1213 has reached a certain position can be obtained; the lifting device 13 is controlled to move in the second direction. When the signal transmitter 181 of the detection device 18 corresponds to the signal receiver 182 therein, information that the first bracket 1213 has reached another position can be obtained; and then the screw cap device 12 is controlled to rotate to transmit torque to the cover body 22 so that the can body 21 is separated from the cover body 22.

[0135] In the specific embodiment of the present application, after the first bracket 1213 reaches the pressing position, it reaches the capping position, and then controls the capping device 12 to rotate the can body 21 relative to the material tray 11 to separate the cover body 22 from the can body 21.

[0136] In this embodiment, the rolling element is located above the transition portion (there is a gap between the rolling element and the surface of the transition portion) when both are in the pressing position and the capping position.

[0137] In another embodiment, the housing is provided with a feeding port 191, and the following steps are performed after step S800:

[0138] S801, controlling the lifting device to move in a second direction to obtain second detection information of the detection device;

[0139] S802, controlling the lifting device to stop moving;

[0140] S803, controlling the material tray to rotate so that the first limiting portion reaches the feeding port 191.

[0141] The control method of the pet feeder of the present application, combined with the structural design of the pet feeder, is such that when a pet needs to eat, after the tank body 21 and the lid body 22 are separated, the lifting device 13 is controlled to move in the second direction, thereby driving the first bracket 1213 connected thereto to move upward. When the signal transmitter 181 of the detection device 18 corresponds to the signal receiver 182 therein, information that the first bracket 1213 has risen to a certain position is obtained, and the material tray 11 is then controlled to rotate, so that the first limit portion 111 moves the tank body 21 away from under the food container opening mechanism 10. In a specific embodiment of the present application, after the first bracket 1213 rises to the lid-lifting position, the material tray 11 rotates, and the first limit portion 111 moves the tank body 21 and the food in the tank body 21 away from under the food container opening mechanism 10 and to the feeding port 191, allowing the pet to eat.

[0142] In another embodiment, the material tray is further provided with a garbage port 112, and a garbage bin 113 is provided below the material tray, with the opening of the garbage bin 113 facing the garbage port 112. After the step of controlling the capping device to rotate, the control method further includes: after step S800, including:

[0143] S801′, controlling the lifting device to move in a second direction to obtain third detection information of the detection device;

[0144] S802', controlling the lifting device to stop moving;

[0145] S803', controlling the material tray to rotate so that the garbage opening 112 reaches below the food container opening mechanism 10;

[0146] S804′, controlling the lifting device to move in the second direction to obtain fourth detection information of the detection device;

[0147] S805', control the lifting device to stop moving.

[0148] The control method of the pet feeder of the present application, combined with the structural design of the pet feeder, controls the lifting device 13 to move in the second direction after the can body is closed after consumption, thereby driving the first bracket 1213 connected thereto to move upward. When the signal transmitter 181 of the detection device 18 corresponds to the signal receiver 182 therein, information that the first bracket 1213 has risen to a certain position is obtained, and the material tray 11 is controlled to rotate so that the garbage port 112 reaches below the food container opening mechanism 10. In a specific embodiment of the present application, the first bracket 1213 rises to the lid-lifting position, the material tray 11 is provided with the garbage port 112, and the material tray 11 rotates so that the first limit portion 111 moves away from below the food container opening mechanism 10, and the garbage port 112 is located below the food container opening mechanism 10. The first bracket 1213 rises to the lid-dropping position, completing the waste discarding action (it is understood that the waste discarding action can be completed during the process of the first bracket 1213 rising to the lid-dropping position or at the same time as the first bracket 1213 rises to the lid-dropping position). 16 of the embodiment of the present application, in the embodiment of the present application, the action of discarding the waste can be completed in the process of the first bracket 1213 rising to the cover discarding position.

[0149] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and do not limit the patent scope of the present application. All equivalent structural transformations made based on the contents of the present application specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included in the patent protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A pet feeder, characterized in that: include: A housing and a food container opening mechanism, wherein the housing forms an exterior surface of the pet feeder, and the food container opening mechanism comprises: A lifting device, the lifting device comprising a lifting drive assembly and a first bracket drivingly connected to the lifting drive assembly, the lifting drive assembly being used to drive the first bracket to move to a plurality of positions in an up-down direction; The detection device comprises a signal transmitter and a plurality of signal receivers, wherein the relative positions of the plurality of signal receivers and the shell are fixed, the signal transmitter is arranged on the lifting device, and when the first bracket is at one of the plurality of positions, at least one signal receiver is arranged corresponding to the signal transmitter.

2. The pet feeder according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting drive assembly includes a first driving member and a first transmission member that are transmission-connected, the first transmission member is provided with a lifting portion, the first bracket is connected with a rolling member, the lifting portion and the rolling member are rollingly matched, the first driving member drives the first transmission member to move in the left and right directions, so that the lifting portion can drive the first bracket to move in the up and down directions.

3. The pet feeder according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first transmission member also includes a pressing portion and a transition portion, wherein the transition portion is connected to the lifting portion, and the pressing portion is arranged above the transition portion. When the rolling member leaves the lifting portion and rolls toward the transition portion, the pressing portion cooperates with the first bracket to reduce the distance between the rolling member and the transition portion.

4. The pet feeder according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of signal receivers are arranged in sequence in the left-right direction, and the signal transmitter is arranged on the first transmission member. The first transmission member moves in the left-right direction to drive the signal transmitter to move, so that the signal transmitter corresponds to the plurality of signal receivers in sequence.

5. The pet feeder according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plurality of signal receivers include a first signal receiver, and the plurality of positions include a depressed position; In the pressed position, the first signal receiver is arranged corresponding to the signal transmitter, and the rolling element is located at an end of the transition portion away from the lifting portion.

6. The pet feeder according to claim 5, characterized in that: The plurality of signal receivers include a second signal receiver, and the plurality of positions include a capping position; In the cover-screwing position, the second signal receiver is arranged corresponding to the signal transmitter, and the rolling element is located at one end of the transition portion close to the lifting portion.

7. The pet feeder according to claim 6, characterized in that: The plurality of signal receivers include a third signal receiver, and the plurality of positions include a cover-lifting position; At the cover-lifting position, the third signal receiver is arranged corresponding to the signal transmitter, and the rolling element is located at the lifting portion.

8. The pet feeder according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of signal receivers include a fourth signal receiver, and the plurality of positions include a cover-dropping position; At the cover dropping position, the fourth signal receiver is arranged corresponding to the signal transmitter, and the rolling element is located at an end of the lifting portion away from the transition portion.

9. The pet feeder according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first signal receiver, the second signal receiver, the third signal receiver and the fourth signal receiver are arranged in sequence from right to left; And / or, the surfaces of the pressing portion and the lifting portion facing each other are parallel to each other.

10. The pet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The detection device is a photoelectric sensor, the signal transmitter is a photoelectric transmitter, and the signal receiver is a photoelectric receiver; Or, the detection device is a magnetic field sensor, the signal transmitter is a magnetic signal transmitter, and the signal receiver is a magnetic signal receiver; Alternatively, the detection device is a mechanical switch, the signal transmitter is a mechanical protrusion, and the signal receiver is a mechanical button.

11. A method for controlling a pet feeder, characterized in that: The control method of the pet feeder is applied to the pet feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pet feeder is used for canned food, wherein the can comprises a detachably connected can body and a cover body, wherein the cover body is rotatably matched with the can body, and the pet feeder comprises: a material tray, wherein the material tray is provided with a first limiting portion, wherein the first limiting portion is used to abut against the can body to limit the rotation of the can body; The food container opening mechanism also includes: A cover rotating device, the cover rotating device is connected to the first bracket, and the cover rotating device is used to drive the cover body to rotate; The control method comprises: Controlling the material tray to rotate so that the first limiting portion reaches below the food container opening mechanism; Controlling the lifting device to move in a first direction to obtain first detection information of the detection device; Controlling the lifting device to stop moving; Control the capping device to rotate.

12. The control method of the pet feeder according to claim 11, characterized in that: After the step of controlling the lifting device to stop moving, the step further includes: Controlling the lifting device to move in a second direction to obtain second detection information of the detection device; Controlling the lifting device to stop moving; The first direction is opposite to the second direction.

13. The control method of the pet feeder according to claim 11, characterized in that: The housing is provided with a feeding port. After the step of controlling the capping device to rotate, the control method further comprises: Controlling the lifting device to move in a second direction to obtain second detection information of the detection device; Controlling the lifting device to stop moving; The material tray is controlled to rotate so that the first limiting portion reaches the feeding port.

14. The control method of the pet feeder according to claim 11, characterized in that: The material tray is also provided with a garbage opening, a garbage bin is provided below the material tray, and the opening of the garbage bin is arranged facing the garbage opening. After the step of controlling the rotation of the capping device, the control method further includes: Controlling the lifting device to move in a second direction to obtain third detection information of the detection device; Controlling the lifting device to stop moving; Controlling the material tray to rotate so that the garbage opening reaches below the food container opening mechanism; Controlling the lifting device to move in a second direction to obtain fourth detection information of the detection device; The lifting device is controlled to stop moving.

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