Feeder

Abstract

A feeder is disclosed. A feeder may comprise: a transfer housing having an opening; a transfer unit rotatable inside the transfer housing; a first gear configured to transmit power to the transfer unit; a motor configured to provide power to the first gear; a second gear configured to receive power from the motor; and a feeding head disposed adjacent to the opening of the transfer housing and configured to be moved by the power transmitted by the second gear. When the motor provides rotational power in a first direction, the feeding head moves. When the motor provides rotational power in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the feeding head stops moving and the transfer unit may rotate.

Description

Feeder

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a feeder. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device for providing food to an animal.

[0002] As the pet-related market grows, research and development into pet supplies and products is actively underway. With the growing recognition of pets as family members, the pet-related industry is expected to grow further.

[0003] Pet health care is expected to be one of the promising industries of the future, and much research is being conducted to manage the health of pets and prevent or diagnose diseases in them.

[0004] In this respect, much research is being conducted on feeders (food providers) that supply food to companion animals.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0006] Another purpose may be to provide a feeding station for animals.

[0007] Another purpose might be to provide a feeder that automatically supplies food to your pet.

[0008] Another purpose may be to provide hygienic feeding facilities.

[0009] Another purpose may be to provide a feeder that allows for controlled portion size control.

[0010] Another purpose may be to provide a feeder with improved safety in use.

[0011] Another purpose may be to provide a feeder that can implement two drives with one motor.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above or other purposes, a feeder includes: a transport housing having an opening; a transporting portion rotatable within the transporting housing; a first gear transmitting power to the transporting portion; a motor transmitting power to the first gear; a second gear receiving power from the motor; and a feeding head adjacent to the opening of the transporting housing and moving by power transmitted by the second gear, wherein when the motor provides rotational power in a first direction, the feeding head moves, and when the motor provides rotational power in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the movement of the feeding head stops and the transporting portion can rotate.

[0013] The effects of the feeding device according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0014] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an animal feeder can be provided.

[0015] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a feeder for automatically supplying food to a pet can be provided.

[0016] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a hygienic feeding device can be provided.

[0017] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a feeder capable of controlling a single intake amount of feed can be provided.

[0018] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a feeder with improved safety in use can be provided.

[0019] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a feeder capable of implementing two drives with one motor can be provided.

[0020] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0021] Figures 1 to 23 are drawings illustrating examples of feeders according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0023] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0024] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0026] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0027] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0029] The direction indications of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and back (R) shown in the drawings are only for convenience of explanation, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited thereby.

[0030]

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a feeder (1) may refer to a device that supplies a substance stored internally to the outside. A user may store a desired substance in the feeder (1), and the feeder (1) may supply the stored substance to the user in multiple portions. The feeder (1) may store and supply not only solid substances, but also liquid substances or gaseous substances.

[0032] The feeder (1) can supply a specific amount of stored material to the user when a certain condition is met. For example, the feeder (1) can supply a set amount of stored material to the user when the user presses a button or when the user's body is detected by a sensor. Alternatively, the feeder (1) can supply a set amount of stored material at regular intervals.

[0033] In this disclosure, an embodiment of a feeder (1) for supplying food to a pet is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a user may supply other substances from the feeder (1) depending on the purpose of use.

[0034] The feeder (1) may be called a divider (1), a provider (1), a feeding device (1), a food provider (1), a food dispenser (1), a dispensing device (1), etc.

[0035] The feeder (1) may include a main body (10). The main body (10) may store feed and distribute the stored feed. The main body (10) may be referred to as a tower (10). The main body (10) may include a tower housing (11), a top cover (12), and a bottom mount (13). The tower housing (11) may have a cylindrical shape and may provide an internal storage space. The tower housing (11) may be coupled or fixed to the bottom mount (13). The top cover (12) may be coupled or fixed to the tower housing (11) while covering an upper opening of the tower housing (11).

[0036] The main body (10) can be mounted or fixed on the base tray (20). A bowl (30) is adjacent to the main body (10) and can be mounted or fixed on the base tray (20). A feeding head (14) can be positioned on the side of the tower housing (11). The feeding head (14) can open and close an opening (11a, see FIG. 4) on the side of the tower housing (11). The feeding head (14) can protrude outward from the opening (11a, see FIG. 4) on the side of the tower housing while moving.

[0037] The feeding head (14) can block the opening (11a, see Fig. 4) of the tower housing (11) (see Fig. 1). The feeding head (14) protrudes from the opening (11a, see Fig. 4) of the tower housing (11) to the outside of the tower housing (11) and moves, and can supply food or feed (see Fig. 2). The feeding head (14) can move from the opening (11a, see Fig. 4) of the tower housing (11) to the inside of the tower housing (11) and block the opening (11a, see Fig. 4) of the tower housing (11) (see Fig. 3).

[0038]

[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, the tower housing (11) may include a first part (11b) and a second part (11c). The first part (11b) of the tower housing (11) may have a half-pipe shape. The second part (11c) of the tower housing (11) may have a half-pipe shape. The first part (11b) may be coupled to the second part (11c). A housing fixing member (11f) may couple the first part (11b) and the second part (11c) of the tower housing (11) to each other. The housing fixing member (11f) may be fixed to the inner surfaces of the first part (11b) and the second part (11c).

[0040] The base ring (11d) may be positioned at the bottom of the tower housing (11) within the tower housing (11). The lower base (110) may be positioned on the base ring (11d). The lower base (110) may be mounted on the base ring (11d). The upper base (120) may be positioned on the lower base (110) and may be coupled with the lower base (110).

[0041] The pop-up unit (14, 140) may include a feeding head (14) and a moving base (140). The moving base (140) may slide between the lower base (110) and the upper base (120). The feeding head (14) may be coupled to or fixed to the moving base (140). The feeding head (14) may be positioned in an opening (11a) of the tower housing (11), and may exit to the outside through the opening (11a) or cover the opening (11a).

[0042] The drive unit (180) can be coupled to the drive housing (130). The drive unit (180) can be located inside the drive housing (130). The drive housing (130) can cover the drive unit (180). The drive housing (130) can be mounted on the upper base (120). The transfer housing (160) can be located between the pop-up unit (14, 140) and the drive housing (130). The transfer housing (160) can be coupled to or fixed to the drive housing (130). The transfer member (150) can be inserted into the inside of the transfer housing (160). For example, the transfer member (150) can be a helical screw.

[0043] The container (170) can store food or feed. The container (170) can supply food or feed into the interior of the transport housing (160) through an opening (161) formed at the top of the transport housing (160). The container (170) is positioned at the top of the tower housing (11) and can be covered by the first part (11b) and the second part (11c) of the tower housing (11). The top of the container (170) can be covered by the top cover (12). The bottoms of the first part (11b) and the second part (11c) of the tower housing (11) can be inserted into the bottom mount (13). For example, the bottom mount (13) can be a circular band.

[0044]

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the drive unit (180) may include a motor (181), a gearbox (182), and gear sets (183, 184, 185). The gearbox (182) may include a front case (182b), a rear case (182a), and a bottom case (182c). The rear case (182a) provides a space for accommodating the gear sets (183, 184, 185), and the front case (182b) and / or the bottom case (182c) may be coupled to the rear case (182a).

[0046] The rear case (182a) may include a plurality of holes (h). The plurality of holes (h) may be arranged in an up-down direction. The motor (181) may be located outside the rear case (182a). The motor shaft (181a) may be inserted into the lower hole (h) of the rear case (182a) and rotate.

[0047] The composite gear (183) may include a spur gear (183a) and a bevel gear (183b). The spur gear (183a) of the composite gear (183) may be referred to as a first part gear (183a), and the bevel gear (183b) of the composite gear (183) may be referred to as a second part gear (183b). The composite gear (183) may be positioned between the rear case (182a) and the front case (182b), and may be fixed to a motor shaft (181a). The motor (181) may rotate the composite gear (183). The composite gear (183) may have a bevel gear (183b) formed at the front, and a spur gear (183a) formed at the rear.

[0048] The first shaft (184a) is located on the upper side of the composite gear (183) and can be rotated by being inserted into the upper hole (h) of the rear case (182a) and the hole (h) of the front case (182b). The first shaft (184a) may be referred to as a transfer drive shaft (184a). The first shaft (184a) may include a spur gear (184b) or be connected to the spur gear (184b). The spur gear (184b) of the first shaft (184a) may mesh with the spur gear (183a) of the composite gear (183). When the composite gear (183) rotates by the motor (181a), the first shaft (184a) may also rotate. The spur gear (183a) of the compound gear (183) may be referred to as a first spur gear (183a), and the spur gear (184b) of the first shaft (184a) may be referred to as a second spur gear (184b).

[0049] The second shaft (185a) can be inserted into the hole (h) of the bottom case (182c) and rotate. The second shaft (185a) may be referred to as a pop-up drive shaft (185a). The second shaft (185a) may include a bevel gear (185b) or be connected to the bevel gear (185b). The bevel gear (185b) of the second shaft (185a) may mesh with the bevel gear (183b) of the composite gear (183). When the composite gear (183) rotates by the motor (181), the second shaft (185a) may also rotate. The power provided by the motor (181) may be transmitted to the first shaft (184a) and / or the second shaft (185a) to rotate the first shaft (184a) and / or the second shaft (185a).

[0050]

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the transfer unit (150) may include a hub (151) and a screw (152). A first shaft (184a) may be inserted into the hub (151). A first bearing (153) may be located between the hub (151) and the first shaft (184a). The first bearing (153) may be inserted into the hub (151), and the first shaft (184a) may be inserted into the first bearing (153). For example, the first bearing (153) may be a unidirectional bearing. For example, when the first shaft (184a) rotates counterclockwise, the hub (151) may also rotate counterclockwise by the first bearing (153). For another example, when the first shaft (184a) rotates clockwise, the hub (151) may not rotate by the first bearing (153). For example, the first bearing (153) can rotate by transmitting the rotational force of the first shaft (184a) to the hub (151) in a counterclockwise direction, and can rotate idly without transmitting the rotational force of the first shaft (184a) in a clockwise direction.

[0052] The screw (152) is fixed to the hub (151) and can rotate together with the hub (151). The screw (152) may have a hollow rotation axis (152a). The screw (152) can rotate away from the inner surface of the transport housing (160).

[0053] The shaft anchor (162) can be coupled to the transfer housing (160) to hold the hollow rotational shaft (152a) of the screw (152). The shaft anchor (162) can include a first part (162a), a second part (162b), and a third part (162c). The first part (162a) can be fixed to the outside of the transfer housing (160). The second part (162b) can extend from the first part (162a) in the radial direction of the screw (152). The third part (162c) can protrude from the second part (162b) and be inserted into the hollow rotational shaft (152a) of the screw (152). The screw (152) can rotate as the hollow rotational shaft (152a) of the screw (152) rubs against the third part (162c) of the shaft anchor (162). The shaft anchor (162) may be pivotally coupled to the outer surface of the transport housing (160) by a first part (162a). The shaft anchor (162) may be pivoted to separate the screw (152) from the transport housing (160) and / or the first shaft (184a) for cleaning. Alternatively, the shaft anchor (162) may be pivoted to separate the screw (152) from the transport housing (160) and / or the hub (151) for cleaning.

[0054] The feeding head (14) can be aligned with the front opening (164) of the transport housing (160). The material introduced through the upper opening (161) of the transport housing (160) can be transported to the front opening (164) of the transport housing (160) by the rotation of the screw (152). The material transported to the front opening (164) of the transport housing (160) can be moved to the feeding head (14) by the inclined surface (163) at the bottom of the front opening (164) of the transport housing (160). The material moved to the feeding head (14) can be moved from the rear to the front of the feeding head (14) by the lower inclined surface (14a) of the feeding head (14).

[0055]

[0056] Referring to Fig. 9, the feeding head (14) can be detachably coupled to the moving base (140). In order to clean contamination of the feeding head (14) that may occur while discharging food or feed, the feeding head (14) can be detached from the moving base (140). The feeding head (14) can include a discharge opening (14b) and a slip slope (14a).

[0057] The feeding head (14) may have a cap shape with a hollow interior. The feeding head (14) may cover the front opening (164, see FIG. 8) of the transport housing (160, see FIG. 8). The transport housing (160) may be inserted into the inside of the feeding head (14). The discharge opening (14b) may be formed on the lower surface of the feeding head (14). The slip slope (14a) may be positioned between the discharge opening (14b) and the front opening (164) of the transport housing (160). The slip slope (14a) may be connected to the discharge opening (14b). The material coming out of the front opening (164) of the transport housing (160) may slide on the slip slope (14a) of the feeding head (14) and be discharged to the outside of the feeding head (14) through the discharge opening (14b).

[0058]

[0059] Referring to FIG. 10, a crank (crank, 187) may include a body (187a) and a pin (187b). The crank body (187a) may be coupled to a second shaft (185a). A second bearing (186) may be coupled between the crank body (187a) and the second shaft (185a). The second shaft (185a) may be inserted into the second bearing (186), and the second bearing (186) may be inserted into the crank body (187a). For example, the second bearing (186) may be a unidirectional bearing. For example, when the second shaft (185a) rotates clockwise, the second bearing (186) may not transmit the rotational force of the second shaft (185a) to the crank body (187a) and may rotate idly. For another example, when the second shaft (185a) rotates counterclockwise, the second bearing (186) transmits the rotational force of the second shaft (185a) to the crank body (187a), so that the crank body (187a) can also rotate around the second shaft (185a).

[0060] A crank pin (187b) may be formed on one side of the crank body (187a). The crank pin (187b) may be parallel to the second shaft (185a). The crank pin (187b) may face downward from the crank body (187a).

[0061]

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the lower base (110) can be coupled or fixed on the mount base (115). The moving base (140) coupled to the feeding head (14) can reciprocate on the lower base (110). The lower base (110) can have a side rail (112). The moving base (140) can move on the side rail (112) of the lower base (110). The moving base (140) can include side sliders (142, 143). The side sliders (142, 143) of the moving base (140) can slide on the side rail (112) of the lower base (110).

[0063] The crank pin (187b) can be inserted into a pin loader (145) formed in the crank case (144) of the moving base (140). The crank case (144) can provide a space for accommodating the crank body (187a). The pin loader (145) can form a lowered step from the bottom surface of the crank case (144). The crank pin (187b) can rub against the pin loader (145).

[0064] When the crank body (187a) rotates by the rotation of the second shaft (185a, see FIG. 10), the crank pin (187b) can rub against the pin loader (145) in the pin loader (145). Accordingly, the moving base (140) and the feeding head (14) can reciprocate in the longitudinal direction of the screw (152, see FIG. 8) with respect to the transport housing (160).

[0065]

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the lower base (110) may include a first side rail (112a) and a second side rail (112b). The first side rail (112a) may be positioned opposite the second side rail (112b) with respect to the moving base (140). The first side rail (112a) may be parallel to the second side rail (112b). The side rails (112) may form walls on both sides of the flat plate (111) of the lower base (110).

[0067] The upper base (120) may be provided with wings (122a, 122b) on both sides of the flat plate (121). The first wing (122a) may be positioned opposite the second wing (122b) with respect to the flat plate (121) of the upper base (120). The wings (122a, 122b) may have a fan shape corresponding to the curvature of the tower housing (11, see FIG. 4). The upper base (120) may be provided with guide poles (123a, 123b). The guide poles (123a, 123b) may be positioned on the flat plate (121) of the upper base (120).

[0068] The moving base (140) can slide between the lower base (110) and the upper base (120). The moving base (140) can include a first side slider (142a, 143a) and a second side slider (142b, 143b). The first side slider (142a, 143a) can be positioned on the first side rail (112a), and the second side slider (142b, 143b) can be positioned on the second side rail (112b). The side sliders (142, 143) can form walls on both sides of the flat plate (141) of the moving base (140). The moving base (140) can include a coupling protrusion (140P) inserted into the feeding head (4, see FIG. 9). The coupling protrusion (140P) can be press-fitted into the feeding head (14). The feeding head (14) that is coupled to the moving base (140) by inserting a coupling protrusion (140P) can be separated from the moving base (140).

[0069]

[0070] Referring to FIG. 15 together with FIG. 14, the side rail (112) of the lower base (110) may include a vertical portion (112v) and an inclined portion (112d). The vertical portion (112v) of the side rail (112) may face the side of the flat plate (141) of the moving base (140). The inclined portion (112d) of the side rail (112) may be formed from the upper end of the vertical portion (112v) toward the outside of the lower base (110). The upper end of the inclined portion (112d) of the side rail (112) and the upper end of the vertical portion (112v) of the side rail (112) may be connected and rounded. The lower base (110) may include a side flat plate portion (112e) connected to the inclined portion (112d) of the side rail (112).

[0071] The side sliders (142, 143) of the moving base (140) may include a lower slider (143) and an upper slider (142). The upper slider (142) may extend upward from a flat plate (141) of the moving base (140). The lower slider (143) may protrude and extend from a side surface of the upper slider (142) and / or the flat plate (141) toward the outside of the moving base (140). The lower slider (143) may include a rounding part (143R) that protrudes downward. The rounding part (143R) may be spaced apart from a side surface of the upper slider (142) and / or the flat plate (141) of the moving base (140).

[0072] The upper base (120) may include a side rail cover (121) corresponding to the outer surface of the side slider (142, 143). The side rail cover (121) may include a first rail cover (121a), a second rail cover (121b), a third rail cover (121c), and a fourth rail cover (121d).

[0073] The first rail cover (121a) may face the upper surface of the upper slider (142) of the side slider (142, 143). The second rail cover (121b) may face the side surface of the upper slider (142) of the side slider (142, 143). The third rail cover (121c) may face the upper surface of the lower slider (143) of the side slider (142, 143). The fourth rail cover (121d) may face the side surface of the lower slider (143) of the side slider (142, 143). The fourth rail cover (121d) may be supported by or in contact with the side flat portion (112e) of the lower base (110).

[0074] A first gap (G1) may be formed between the lower surface of the first rail cover (121a) and the upper surface of the upper slider (142). A second gap (G2) may be formed between the inner surface of the second rail cover (121b) and the outer surface of the upper slider (142). A third gap (G3) may be formed between the lower surface of the third rail cover (121c) and the upper surface of the lower slider (143). A fourth gap (G4) may be formed between the inner surface of the fourth rail cover (121d) and the outer surface of the lower slider (143). The rounding part (143R) of the lower slider (143) may be supported by or in contact with the inclined portion (112d) of the side rail (112) of the lower base (110). For example, the rounding part (143R) of the lower slider (143) can be in direct contact with the inclined portion (112d) of the side rail (112) of the lower base (110). The fifth gap (G5) can be formed between the vertical portion (112v) of the side rail (112) of the lower base (110) and the outer surface of the flat plate (141) of the moving base (140).

[0075] The third gap (G3) may be smaller than the first gap (G1), the second gap (G2), or the fourth gap (G4). The fifth gap (G5) may be smaller than the fourth gap (G4). The third gap (G3) may be smaller than the fifth gap (G5).

[0076] Accordingly, the moving base (140) can move smoothly between the lower base (110) and / or the upper base (120), reducing noise generated by friction. In addition, the moving base (140) can improve wear generated by repeated movement between the lower base (110) and / or the upper base (120).

[0077]

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the rotational force generated from the motor (181) can be transmitted to the composite gear (183) that rotates together with the motor shaft (181a). The first shaft (184a) can rotate as the spur gear (184b) of the first shaft (184a) that meshes with the spur gear (183a) of the composite gear (183) rotates together with the spur gear (183a) of the composite gear (183). The first shaft (184a) can be inserted into the hub (151) to transmit the rotational force of the first shaft (184a) to the hub (151). At this time, the first bearing (153) can selectively transmit the rotational force of the first shaft (184a) to the hub (151).

[0079] In addition, the second shaft (185a) can rotate while the bevel gear (185b) of the second shaft (185a) that meshes with the bevel gear (183b) of the composite gear (183) rotates together with the bevel gear (183b) of the composite gear (183). At this time, the second bearing (186) can selectively transmit the rotational force of the second shaft (185a) to the crank body (187a).

[0080] For example, when the compound gear (183) rotates counterclockwise, the first shaft (184a) can rotate clockwise. At this time, the first bearing (153) does not transmit the clockwise rotation of the first shaft (184a) to the hub (151) and rotates idle, so that the screw (152) may not rotate. At the same time, when the compound gear (183) rotates counterclockwise, the bevel gear (185b) of the second shaft (185a) that meshes with the bevel gear (183b) of the compound gear (183) rotates, so that the second shaft (185a) can rotate. The second bearing (186) transmits the rotation of the second shaft (185a) to the crank body (187a), so that the crank body (187a) pivots around the second shaft (185a) and the crank pin (187b) can move circularly. The crank pin (187b) rubs against the pin loader (145), and moves the position of the pin loader (145) from rear to front, thereby allowing the moving base (140) and the feeding head (14) to move from rear to front.

[0081] For another example, when the moving base (140) and the feeding head (14) move from the rear to the front, and the composite gear (183) rotates clockwise, the first shaft (184a) can rotate counterclockwise, and the first bearing (153) can transmit the counterclockwise rotation of the first shaft (184a) to the hub (151), and the screw (152) can rotate. At the same time, when the composite gear (183) rotates clockwise, the bevel gear (185b) of the second shaft (185a) that meshes with the bevel gear (183b) of the composite gear (183) rotates, so that the second shaft (185a) can rotate, and the second bearing (186) can rotate idly without transmitting the rotation of the second shaft (185a) to the crank body (187a).

[0082] Accordingly, the rotation direction of the motor shaft (181a) can be controlled through one motor (181) to implement the rotation of the screw (152) and the pop-up operation of the feeding head (14).

[0083]

[0084] Referring to FIG. 18 together with FIG. 16, when the second shaft (185b) is positioned forward (F) of the crank pin (187b) with respect to the crank body (187a), the feeding head (14) can cover the front opening (164, see FIG. 16) of the transfer housing (160), and the inclined surface (163) of the transfer housing (160) can be aligned with the discharge opening (14b) of the feeding head (14). The inclined surface (163) located at the bottom of the front opening (164) of the transfer housing (160) can be exposed to the outside through the discharge opening (14b) of the feeding head (14).

[0085] The crankcase (144) may include a first case part (144a) and a second case part (144b). The first case part (144a) may extend in the longitudinal direction of the transfer housing (160), and the second case part (144b) may extend in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the transfer housing (160). The second case part (144b) may be connected to the first case part (144a). For example, the crankcase (144) may be a sunken portion of the moving base (140) that forms a lowered step with respect to the flat plate (141) of the moving base (140) in an overall T-shape. The pin loader (145) may be formed on the bottom surface of the second case part (144b).

[0086] When the crank pin (187b) is positioned on the pin loader (145) of the second case part (144b) of the crank case (144), the crank body (187a) can be positioned in the first case part (144a) of the crank case (144). The crank body (187a) can be accommodated in the first case part (144a).

[0087]

[0088] Referring to FIG. 19, when the second shaft (185b) rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the second shaft (185b) described with reference to FIG. 18, and the second shaft (185b) is positioned left and right with respect to the crank pin (187b) with respect to the crank body (187a), the feeding head (14) can move forward (F) of the transport housing (160), and the discharge opening (14b) of the feeding head (14) can advance forward (F).

[0089] The crank pin (187b) can move the moving base (140) forward by rubbing against the pin loader (145) of the second case part (144b) of the crank case (144). The crank body (187a) can be positioned in the second case part (144b) of the crank case (144). The crank body (187a) can be accommodated in the second case part (144b).

[0090]

[0091] Referring to FIG. 20 together with FIG. 17, when the second shaft (185b) rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the second shaft (185b) described with reference to FIG. 19, and the second shaft (185b) is positioned at the rear (R) of the crank pin (187b) with respect to the crank body (187a), the feeding head (14) can move forward (F) of the transport housing (160), and the discharge opening (14b) of the feeding head (14) can advance forward (F).

[0092] The crank pin (187b) can move the moving base (140) forward by rubbing against the pin loader (145) of the second case part (144b) of the crank case (144). The crank body (187a) can be located outside the crank case (144). The crank body (187a) can be exposed to the outside of the crank case (144).

[0093] When the moving base (140) and the feeding head (14) move from the rear (R) to the front (F), and the composite gear (183) rotates clockwise, the first shaft (184a) can rotate counterclockwise, and the first bearing (153) can transmit the counterclockwise rotation of the first shaft (184a) to the hub (151), and the screw (152) can rotate. At the same time, when the composite gear (183) rotates clockwise, the bevel gear (185b) of the second shaft (185a) that meshes with the bevel gear (183b) of the composite gear (183) rotates, so that the second shaft (185a) can rotate, and the second bearing (186) can rotate idly without transmitting the rotation of the second shaft (185a) to the crank body (187a).

[0094] Accordingly, after the feeding head (14) pops up, the material (e.g., feed) filled in the transport housing (160) or introduced through the opening (161) moves from the rear (R) to the front (F) of the transport housing (160) through the screw (152), and can be discharged to the outside of the discharge opening (14b) by sliding on the inclined surfaces (163, 14a).

[0095]

[0096] Referring to FIG. 21, when the second shaft (185b) rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the second shaft (185b) described with reference to FIG. 20, and the second shaft (185b) is positioned left and right with respect to the crank pin (187b) with respect to the crank body (187a), the feeding head (14) can move to the rear (R) of the transport housing (160), and the discharge opening (14b) of the feeding head (14) can move backward (F).

[0097] The crank pin (187b) can move the moving base (140) rearward by rubbing against the pin loader (145) of the second case part (144b) of the crank case (144). The crank body (187a) can be positioned in the second case part (144b) of the crank case (144). The crank body (187a) can be accommodated in the second case part (144b).

[0098]

[0099] Referring to FIG. 22 together with FIG. 16, when the second shaft (185b) is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the second shaft (185b) described with reference to FIG. 21, so that the second shaft (185b) is positioned forward (F) of the crank pin (187b) with respect to the crank body (187a), the feeding head (14) can cover the front opening (164, see FIG. 16) of the transfer housing (160), and the inclined surface (163) of the transfer housing (160) can be aligned with the discharge opening (14b) of the feeding head (14). The inclined surface (163) located at the lower end of the front opening (164) of the transfer housing (160) can be exposed to the outside through the discharge opening (14b) of the feeding head (14).

[0100] When the crank pin (187b) is positioned on the pin loader (145) of the second case part (144b) of the crank case (144), the crank body (187a) can be positioned in the first case part (144a) of the crank case (144). The crank body (187a) can be accommodated in the first case part (144a).

[0101]

[0102] Referring to FIG. 23, the crank pin (187b) may include an indicator (187c). The indicator (187c) may be built into the crank pin (187b) or fixed to the bottom of the crank pin (187b). When the crank pin (187b) moves forward and backward in a circle centered on the second shaft (185a), the sensors (115a, 115b) mounted on the mount base (115) may detect the indicator (187c) of the crank pin (187b) approaching or moving away. For example, the sensors (115a, 115b) may be hall sensors, and the indicator (187c) may be magnets. In another example, the sensors (115a, 115b) may be proximity sensors, and the indicator (187c) may be metal.

[0103]

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 23, the feeder includes: a transport housing having an opening; a transporting portion rotatable within the transporting housing; a first gear transmitting power to the transporting portion; a motor transmitting power to the first gear; a second gear receiving power from the motor; and a feeding head adjacent to the opening of the transporting housing and moving by power transmitted by the second gear, wherein when the motor provides rotational power in a first direction, the feeding head moves, and when the motor provides rotational power in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the movement of the feeding head stops and the transporting portion can rotate.

[0105] When the motor converts the rotation in the second direction into the rotation in the first direction, the rotation of the transport part stops and the feeding head can move.

[0106] The above feeder may further include a composite gear fixed to the rotational axis of the motor, wherein the composite gear may include: a first part gear meshing with the first gear; and a second part gear meshing with the second gear.

[0107] The first part gear may be positioned between the second part gear and the motor, and the first part gear may be a spur gear and the second part gear may be a bevel gear.

[0108] The first gear is fixed to the first shaft, and the first shaft is coupled to the transfer unit to transmit the rotational power.

[0109] The above-mentioned transfer unit includes: a hub into which the first shaft is inserted; a screw coupled to the hub and rotating together with the hub; and a first bearing inserted into the hub and into which the screw is inserted, wherein the first bearing transmits rotational power in the second direction to the hub and can rotate idly when rotational power in the first direction is transmitted from the first shaft.

[0110] The above feeder may further include: a second shaft fixed to the second gear; a crank pin parallel to the second shaft; a crank body connected to the crank pin and into which the second shaft is inserted; and a second bearing inserted into the crank body and into which the second shaft is inserted.

[0111] The second bearing transmits the rotational power in the first direction to the crank body, and can rotate idly when the rotational power in the second direction is transmitted from the second shaft.

[0112] The above feeder may further include: a moving base located between the feeding head and the crank body, to which the feeding head is fixed; and the moving base may include: a flat plate to which the feeding head is fixed; and a crank case that forms a step lowered from the flat plate and accommodates the crank body.

[0113] The crank case may include: a pin loader forming a lowered step from the bottom surface of the crank case and into which the crank pin is inserted.

[0114] The crank case includes: a first crank case extending from the motor in a direction toward the feeding head; and a second crank case extending in a direction intersecting the first crank case, wherein the pin loader can be located in the second crank case.

[0115] The feeder further comprises: a lower base; an upper base facing the lower base on the lower base; a moving base moving between the lower base and the upper base, and to which the feeding head is fixed, wherein the lower base comprises: a side rail extending in the moving direction of the moving base and positioned on a side of the moving base, the moving base comprises: a side slider moving on the side rail, the side rail comprising: a vertical portion facing the side of the moving base; and an inclined portion connected to an upper end of the vertical portion, the side slider comprising: a lower side slider positioned on an upper end of the vertical portion connected to the inclined portion, the lower side slider comprising: a rounding part protruding downward from the lower side slider, and the rounding part of the lower side slider can contact the inclined portion of the side rail.

[0116] The side slider may further include an upper side slider positioned adjacent to the lower slider and protruding upwardly from the moving base, and the upper base may include a side rail cover covering at least one of an outer surface of the upper side slider or an outer surface of the lower side slider.

[0117] The side rail cover may include: a first rail cover covering an upper surface of the upper side slider; a second rail cover connected to the first rail cover and covering a side surface of the upper side slider; a third rail cover connected to the second rail cover and covering an upper surface of the lower side slider; and a fourth rail cover connected to the third rail cover, covering a side surface of the lower side slider, and supported by the lower base.

[0118] The feeder further comprises: a tower housing having the transport housing built in and an opening formed on a side thereof; a container positioned on an upper side of the transport housing within the tower housing; an upper base positioned on the opposite side of the container with respect to the transport housing within the tower housing; a lower base facing the upper base; and a moving base that moves between the upper base and the lower base and to which the feeding head is fixed, wherein when the motor provides rotational power in a first direction, the moving base moves so that the feeding head can protrude outward from the opening of the tower housing or move into the interior of the tower housing.

[0119] The above transport housing includes: a front opening which is the opening communicating the feeding head and the interior of the transport housing; and an upper opening located at the lower side of the container and communicating the interior and exterior of the transport housing, wherein the container can be aligned with the upper opening of the transport housing.

[0120] The above-mentioned transport unit comprises: a screw formed in a spiral shape; and a hub fixed to the screw and into which the first shaft of the first gear is inserted, wherein the transport unit can move a material introduced into the upper opening of the transport housing to the front opening of the transport housing when the motor provides rotational power in the second direction.

[0121] The transport housing may include an inclined surface connected to a lower portion of a front opening of the transport housing, and the feeding head may include: an inclined surface aligned with the inclined surface of the transport housing; and an outlet opening connected to the inclined surface of the feeding head and formed at a lower portion of the feeding head.

[0122] The above feeder further includes: a first shaft providing a rotation axis of the first gear; and a second shaft providing a rotation axis of the second gear, wherein the longitudinal direction of the first shaft can intersect the longitudinal direction of the second shaft.

[0123] The above feeder further includes: a composite gear fixed to the rotational shaft of the motor and positioned between the first gear and the second gear, the composite gear including: a first part gear meshing with the first gear; and a second part gear meshing with the second gear, wherein the first part gear and the first gear may be spur gears, and the second part gear and the second gear may be bevel gears.

[0124]

[0125] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0126] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0127] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A transport housing having an opening; A rotatable transport part inside the above transport housing; A first gear that transmits power to the above-mentioned transfer unit; A motor that provides power to the first gear; A second gear powered by the above motor; and A feeding head adjacent to the opening of the above transport housing and moved by the power transmitted by the second gear, When the above motor provides rotational power in the first direction, the feeding head moves, A feeder in which the movement of the feeding head stops and the transport part rotates when the motor provides rotational power in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. In paragraph 1, The above motor, If the rotation in the above second direction is converted into the rotation in the above first direction, A feeder in which the rotation of the above transport part stops and the above feeding head moves.

3. In paragraph 1, The above feeder: Further comprising a composite gear fixed to the rotational axis of the above motor, The above composite gear is: A first part gear meshing with the first gear; and, A feeder comprising a second part gear meshing with the second gear.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first part gear, Located between the second part gear and the motor, The above first part gear, It's a spur gear, The above second part gear, Bevel gear feeder.

5. In paragraph 3, The above first gear is, Fixed to the first shaft, The above first shaft, A feeder coupled to the above-mentioned transport section and transmitting the above-mentioned rotational power.

6. In paragraph 5, The above transport section: A hub into which the first shaft is inserted; A screw coupled with the hub and rotating together with the hub; and A first bearing is inserted into the hub and into which the screw is inserted, The above first bearing, The rotational power in the second direction is transmitted to the hub, A feeder that rotates idly when the rotational power in the first direction is transmitted from the first shaft.

7. In paragraph 3, The above feeder: A second shaft fixed to the second gear; A crank pin parallel to the second shaft; A crank body connected to the crank pin and into which the second shaft is inserted; and A feeder further comprising a second bearing inserted into the crank body and into which the second shaft is inserted.

8. In paragraph 7, The above second bearing, The rotational power in the first direction is transmitted to the crank body, When the rotational power in the second direction is transmitted from the second shaft, the feeder rotates idle.

9. In paragraph 8, The above feeder: Further comprising a moving base located between the feeding head and the crank body, to which the feeding head is fixed; The above moving base: A flat plate on which the feeding head is fixed; and A feeder comprising a crank case that forms a step lowering from the above flat plate and accommodates the crank body.

10. In paragraph 9, The above crankcase: A feeder comprising a pin loader in which the crank pin is inserted and which forms a lowered step from the bottom surface of the crank case.

11. In paragraph 10, The above crankcase: a first crank case extending from the motor in a direction toward the feeding head; and, A second crank case extending in a direction intersecting the first crank case is included, The above pin loader, A feeder located in the second crank case.

12. In paragraph 1, The above feeder: Lower Base; On the above lower base, an upper base facing the lower base; Further comprising a moving base that moves between the lower base and the upper base and to which the feeding head is fixed, The above lower base is: Includes a side rail extending in the direction of movement of the moving base and positioned on the side of the moving base, The above moving base: Includes a side slider that moves on the side rail, The above side rails: A vertical portion facing the side of the above moving base; and, Including a sloped portion connected to the upper end of the vertical portion, The above side slider: Including a lower side slider placed on the upper part of the vertical part connected to the inclined part, The above lower side slider: Includes a rounding part protruding downward from the lower side slider, The rounding part of the above lower side slider is A feeder in contact with the inclined portion of the above side rail.

13. In paragraph 12, The above side slider: Further comprising an upper side slider positioned adjacent to the lower slider and protruding upward from the moving base, The above upper base: A feeder comprising a side rail cover covering at least one of the outer surface of the upper side slider or the outer surface of the lower side slider.

14. In paragraph 13, The above side rail covers: A first rail cover covering the upper surface of the upper side slider; A second rail cover connected to the first rail cover and covering the side of the upper side slider; A third rail cover connected to the second rail cover and covering the upper surface of the lower side slider; and A feeder comprising a fourth rail cover connected to the third rail cover, covering the side of the lower side slider, and supported on the lower base.

15. In paragraph 1, The above feeder: A tower housing having the above transport housing built in and an opening formed on the side; A container located on the upper side of the transport housing, inside the tower housing; An upper base located inside the tower housing, opposite the container with respect to the transport housing; Lower base facing the upper base; and, Further comprising a moving base that moves between the upper base and the lower base and to which the feeding head is fixed, A feeder in which the moving base moves when the motor provides rotational power in the first direction, such that the feeding head protrudes outward from the opening of the tower housing or moves into the interior of the tower housing.

16. In paragraph 15, The above transport housing: A front opening which is the opening that connects the inside of the feeding head and the transport housing; and, located at the bottom of the container and including an upper opening connecting the inside and outside of the transport housing, The above container, A feeder aligned with the upper opening of the above transport housing.

17. In paragraph 16, The above transport section: A screw formed in a spiral shape; and, A hub fixed to the screw and into which the first shaft of the first gear is inserted, The above transport unit, A feeder that moves material flowing into the upper opening of the transport housing to the front opening of the transport housing when the motor provides rotational power in the second direction.

18. In paragraph 17, The above transport housing, Including a sloped surface connected to the lower part of the front opening of the above transport housing, The above feeding head: an inclined plane aligned with the inclined plane of the above transport housing; and, A feeder connected to the inclined surface of the feeding head and including a discharge opening formed at the lower portion of the feeding head.

19. In paragraph 1, The above feeder: A first shaft providing a rotation axis of the first gear; and, Further comprising a second shaft providing a rotation axis of the second gear, The longitudinal direction of the above first shaft is, A feeder intersecting the longitudinal direction of the second shaft.

20. In paragraph 19, The above feeder: Further comprising a composite gear fixed to the rotational axis of the motor and positioned between the first gear and the second gear, The above composite gear is: A first part gear meshing with the first gear; and, including a second part gear meshing with the second gear; The above first part gear and the above first gear, It's a spur gear, The above second part gear and the above second gear, Bevel gear feeder.

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