FR3111766A1 - Food dispensing apparatus for dispensing pet food - Google Patents

Abstract

This food dispensing apparatus comprises a storage device (3) having a storage compartment configured to store multiple food containers stacked on top of each other; and a positioning mechanism (19) comprising a support member (21) which is movable between a support position in which the support member (21) protrudes into the storage compartment and is configured to horizontally position a storage container food, and a release position in which the support member (21) is configured to release the food container so as to allow insertion of the food container into a storage area of the storage compartment and movement by gravity of the food container towards a discharge opening of the storage device (3). The support member (21) is configured to hold the food container horizontally when moving the support member (21) from the support position to the release position. Figure 4

Description

Food dispensing apparatus for dispensing pet food

The present invention relates to the field of food delivery apparatus configured to automatically deliver food to animals, and in particular to pets.

State of the art

Document WO2015198222 discloses a food dispensing apparatus comprising:

- a storage device configured to contain a stack of several food containers,

- a feeding area configured to allow a pet to feed on the contents of an open food container from the storage device,

- a mobile support having a reception location configured to receive a container of food, the mobile support being movable between a reception position in which the mobile support is located close to the storage device and a container of food coming from the storage device can be inserted into the receiving slot of the mobile support, and a feed position in which the mobile support is located in the feed area,

- a movement mechanism configured to move the mobile support in translation between the reception position and the supply position and in a direction of movement, and

- an opening mechanism configured to grip an opening tab of a food container received in the receiving location of the mobile support and to open a closing lid of said food container during movement of the mobile support from the receiving position to the feeding position.

The storage device for the document WO2015198222 comprises in particular:

- a storage compartment configured to store several containers of food stacked on top of each other, the storage compartment being configured to extend substantially vertically when the food dispensing device is placed on a horizontal support,

- an insertion opening through which a food container can be inserted into the storage compartment, and

- an evacuation opening through which a container of food can be evacuated from the storage compartment.

Such a configuration of the storage device does not guarantee horizontal positioning of the various food containers stored in the storage compartment.

Inclined positioning of a food container stored in the storage compartment is in particular liable to induce inappropriate evacuation of said food container from the storage compartment, possibly causing for example blockage of the mobile support during its transfer to the feeding position or poor opening of the food container, not allowing an animal to feed on the contents of this food container.

Thus, the aforementioned storage device is likely to induce a malfunction of the food distribution device.

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a food dispensing device which is of simple and economical structure, while allowing a reliable opening of a food container.

To this end, the present invention relates to a food dispensing apparatus for dispensing pet food, comprising a storage device comprising:

- a storage compartment comprising a storage area configured to store a plurality of food containers stacked on top of each other, the storage compartment being configured to extend substantially vertically when the food dispensing apparatus is disposed on a horizontal support ,

- an insertion opening through which a food container can be inserted into the storage compartment,

- an evacuation opening through which a container of food can be evacuated out of the storage compartment, and in particular out of the storage area.

The storage device further comprises a positioning mechanism comprising at least one support member which is movable between a support position in which the at least one support member protrudes into the storage compartment and is configured to support a container of food received at least partially in the insertion opening of the storage compartment and for substantially horizontally positioning said container of food when the food dispensing apparatus is arranged on a horizontal support, and a release position in which the at least one support member is configured to release the food container so as to allow insertion of the food container into the storage area and movement by gravity of the food container towards the discharge opening. The at least one support member is configured to maintain substantially horizontally the food container supported by the at least one support member during movement of the at least one support member from the support position to the position of liberation.

Such a configuration of the storage device, and in particular the presence of the positioning mechanism, guarantees horizontal positioning of each container of food contained in the storage compartment. This results in an optimal evacuation of each container of food from the storage compartment via the evacuation opening, and therefore an optimal transfer of each container of food to a supply zone of the food distribution apparatus.

The food delivery apparatus may additionally have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage compartment is configured such that, when the food dispensing apparatus is placed on a horizontal support and containers of food are stored in the storage area, said containers of food extend substantially horizontally.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each container of food intended to be stored in the storage compartment comprises a food compartment containing food, a closure lid configured to close the food compartment and an opening tab which is connected to the closing cap.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one support member is configured such that the food container supported by the at least one support member extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of extension of the storage compartment when the at least one support member occupies the support position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage device is configured to allow gravity evacuation of a container of food through the evacuation opening.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage device comprises a storage box having an internal wall delimiting the storage compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one support member is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the at least one support member occupies the support position and the food dispensing apparatus is arranged on a horizontal support.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one support member is configured to extend at least in part, and for example in the majority, or even entirely, outside the storage compartment when the other least one support member occupies the release position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage device comprises a closure lid movable between an open position in which the closure lid releases the insertion opening so as to allow the insertion of a food container in the storage compartment and a closed position in which the closing lid closes the insertion opening and prevents insertion of food containers into the storage compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure cover is mounted articulated around a hinge pin. Advantageously, the axis of articulation is substantially horizontal when the food distribution device is placed on a horizontal support.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage device is configured such that a movement of the closure lid from the open position to the closed position causes a movement of the at least one support member from the position support to the release position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure cover comprises at least one support part, such as a support finger, configured to bear on the at least one support member and to move the at least one support member from the support position to the release position when the closure cover is moved from the open position to the closed position. Such a configuration of the storage device makes it possible to control, in a simple and optimal manner, a movement of the at least one support member from the support position to the release position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the positioning mechanism comprises at least one biasing element, such as a return element and for example a torsion spring, configured to bias the at least one support member towards the support position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage device includes an evacuation mechanism configured to support containers of food stored in the storage compartment, and to evacuate one container of food at a time out of the storage compartment via the exhaust opening.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the evacuation mechanism is configured such that upon evacuation of a food container through the evacuation opening, the food container is held substantially horizontally .

According to one embodiment of the invention, the evacuation mechanism comprises two evacuation members configured to support food containers stored in the storage compartment, and more particularly in the storage zone, and to be arranged on either side. and the other of said food containers.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the two evacuation members are configured to support a peripheral edge of the lowest of the food containers stored in the storage compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each evacuation member is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation which is substantially horizontal when the food distribution device is placed on a horizontal support.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the evacuation mechanism comprises a drive device which is configured to drive the evacuation members in rotation around their axes of rotation so as to allow the evacuation of a container of food at a time out of the storage compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each evacuation member comprises a plurality of support lugs, for example four, which are angularly offset from each other with respect to the axis of rotation of the evacuation member. respective.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one support member comprises a first support member and a second support member which are arranged substantially opposite each other with respect to the extension axis of the storage compartment and which are pivotally mounted respectively about a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis.

The first and second support members are more particularly pivotally mounted between a support position in which the first and second support members protrude into the storage compartment and are configured to support a food container received at least partially in the opening for inserting the storage compartment and for positioning said food container substantially horizontally when the food dispensing apparatus is placed on a horizontal support, and a release position in which the first and second support members are configured to release the food container so as to allow insertion of the food container into the storage area and movement by gravity of the food container in the direction of the discharge opening, the first and second support members being configured to maintain substantially horizontally the suppo food container rted by the first and second support members when moving the first and second support members from the support position to the release position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot axes are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially perpendicular to the extension axis of the storage compartment. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot axes could be inclined with respect to each other. The first and second pivot axes could also not extend perpendicular to the extension axis of the storage compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot axes are substantially horizontal when the food distribution device is placed on a horizontal support. However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot axes could be inclined with respect to the horizontal when the food distribution device is placed on a horizontal support.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot axes are located outside the storage compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first support member comprises a first support fork provided with at least two first support arms and the second support member comprises a second support fork provided with at least two second support arm. Such a configuration of the first and second support members guarantees improved support of a food container resting on the first and second support members.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second support arms of the first and second support forks extend in a substantially horizontal plane when the food distribution device is placed on a horizontal support and the first and second support members occupy the support position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first support arms of the first support fork is arranged opposite a respective second support arm of the second support fork when the first and second support members occupy the support position. Advantageously, each of the first support arms of the first support fork is aligned with a respective second support arm of the second support fork when the first and second support members occupy the support position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first support arms of the first support fork extend substantially parallel to each other, and the second support arms of the second support fork extend extend substantially parallel to each other.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second support members respectively comprise a first mounting part and a second mounting part which are pivotally mounted on the storage box and which are located outside the storage compartment. storage.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the positioning mechanism comprises a coupling device configured to mechanically couple the first support member to the second support member so as to impose synchronous displacements, in opposite directions and of the same amplitude, first and second support members between the support position and the release position. In other words, the coupling device is configured to mechanically couple the first support member to the second support member such that a movement of the first support member between the support position and the release position causes a synchronous movement, in opposite directions and of the same amplitude, of the second support member between the support position and the release position.

Such a coupling device guarantees simultaneous movements, and in particular simultaneous pivoting, of the first and second support members between the support position and the release position, and therefore makes it possible to hold a food container horizontally during its descent. in the storage compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the coupling device comprises a first coupling part which is integral in movement with the first support member and which is provided with a plurality of first teeth, and a second part of coupling which is integral in movement with the second support member and which is provided with a plurality of second teeth which mesh with the first teeth of the first coupling part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second coupling parts are substantially flat and extend substantially in the same plane of extension. Advantageously, the extension plane is substantially vertical when the food distribution device is placed on a horizontal support.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second coupling parts is formed by a respective toothed wheel sector.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first teeth are distributed over a peripheral surface of the first coupling part, and the second teeth are distributed over a peripheral surface of the second coupling part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the coupling device comprises a first connecting part connecting the first coupling part to the first support member and a second connecting part connecting the second coupling part to the second connecting member. support. The first and second connecting parts are advantageously substantially parallel to each other.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the axis of articulation of the closure cover is substantially perpendicular to the first and second pivot axes of the first and second support members.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second support members has the general shape of a U.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage box comprises a plurality of passage slots which extend substantially parallel to the extension axis of the storage compartment, each of the first and second support arms belonging to the first and second support forks being configured to extend through a respective passage slot.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the closure cover comprises a first support part and a second support part configured to bear respectively on the first and second support members.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food distribution apparatus further comprises:

- a feeding area configured to allow a domestic animal to feed on the contents of an open food container from the storage device, and

- a mobile support having a reception location configured to receive a container of food, the mobile support being movable between a reception position in which the mobile support is located vertically below the discharge opening of the storage device when the the food dispensing apparatus is arranged on a horizontal support and in which a container of food from the storage device can be inserted into the receiving location of the mobile support, and a feeding position in which the mobile support is located in the feeding area.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food dispensing apparatus is configured such that upon gravity movement of a container of food through the discharge opening to the receiving location, the food container is held substantially horizontally.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving location is configured such that when a food container is received in the receiving location, said food container extends substantially horizontally.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the evacuation opening is configured to be located vertically above the reception location when the mobile support occupies the reception position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food distribution device further comprises a movement mechanism configured to move the mobile support in translation between the reception position and the supply position and in a direction of movement.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food dispensing apparatus includes an opening mechanism configured to grasp an opening tab of a food container received in the receiving location of the movable support and to open the closing cover of said food container during movement of the mobile support from the reception position to the supply position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening mechanism is configured to close the closure cover of a food container received in the reception location when the mobile support is moved from the supply position to the receiving position.

Closing means that the cover is simply repositioned over the food container without regaining its airtightness.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food dispensing apparatus comprises a control unit configured to control the operation of the movement mechanism and/or the evacuation mechanism.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food dispensing apparatus includes a container receptacle configured to store used food containers. Advantageously, the container receptacle is located close to the storage device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage device and the container receptacle are arranged on either side of the mobile support when the mobile support occupies the receiving position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food dispensing apparatus includes an ejector member configured to eject a used food container out of the receiving location and into the container receptacle. Advantageously, the ejection member is configured to eject a used food container out of the reception location when the mobile support occupies the reception position or an ejection position located close to the reception position.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the feed zone comprises a feed opening which is configured to be located opposite a food container received in the reception location when the mobile support is in the position power supply.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food dispensing apparatus includes an additional storage compartment configured to store dry food, such as kibble, and the feeding area includes a feeding bowl configured to receive dry food from the additional storage compartment.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food dispensing appliance comprises a covering cover movable between a covering position in which the covering cover covers the storage device and prevents access to the storage device, and an access position in which the cover cover allows access to the storage device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the food delivery apparatus includes a drive mechanism configured to drive dry food stored in the additional storage compartment to the feed bowl. The drive mechanism may for example comprise a worm and a drive motor configured to rotate the worm.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each food container is a food capsule.

Brief description of figures

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description with reference to the appended diagrammatic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, one embodiment of this food distribution device.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a food dispensing apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the food dispensing apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the food delivery apparatus of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a storage device belonging to the food dispensing apparatus of Figure 1, showing a closing lid of the storage device in the closed position.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the storage device of Figure 4, showing the closure lid in the partially open position.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the storage device of Figure 4, showing the closure lid in the open position.

Figure 7 is a top perspective view of the storage device of Figure 4, showing the closure lid in the open position.

Figure 8 is a front view of the storage device of Figure 4, showing the closure lid in the closed position.

Figure 9 is a front view of the storage device of Figure 4, showing the closure lid in a partially closed position.

Figure 10 is a front view of the storage device of Figure 4, showing the closure lid in the open position.

Figure 11 is a top perspective view of the storage device of Figure 4, showing the closure lid in the open position and a food container being inserted into the storage device.

Figure 12 is a front view of the storage device of Figure 4, showing a container of food being emptied from the storage compartment.

Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of a positioning mechanism belonging to the storage device of Figure 4.

Figure 14 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the food delivery apparatus of Figure 1 showing the movable support in the feeding position.

Figure 15 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the food dispensing apparatus of Figure 1 showing a food container being ejected from the movable support.

Figure 16 is a top view of a food container.

Figure 17 is a top view of a food compartment of the food container of Figure 16.

Figures 1 to 17 show a food dispensing apparatus 2 for automatically dispensing pet food.

The food delivery apparatus 2 comprises a storage device 3 configured to hold several food containers 4, such as food capsules, also called food pods.

Each food container 4 can contain any type of animal food, and for example contain wet food, such as mash, or dry food, such as kibble. Advantageously, each food container 4 contains a single portion of food. Each food container 4 can for example be of rectangular, square or circular shape, or of any other shape.

Each food container 4 can for example be made of plastic, metal or any other material suitable for storing animal food.

As shown more particularly in Figures 16 and 17, each food container 4 comprises a food compartment 5 containing food, and a closing cover 6 which is detachable and which is configured to close, preferably in a sealed manner, the food compartment 5. The food compartment 5 of each food container 4 can be deformable or rigid, and can for example be formed by a thermoformed shell. The closing cover 6 can for example be fixed to the food compartment 5 by means of an adhesive.

Each food container 4 further comprises an opening tab 7 which is connected to the respective closure cap 6. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the opening tongue 7 of each food container 4 has a passage orifice 8, for example of circular or oblong shape, and is connected to the respective food compartment 5, for example by a breakable zone 9, also called frangible zone or weakening zone, or by gluing on a tab of complementary shape provided on the food compartment 5.

The opening tab 7 can be separate from the respective closure cap 6, and be fixed to the latter. However, according to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the opening tab 7 could be made of the same material as the closing lid 6 during the same manufacturing step.

As shown in particular in Figures 3 to 6, the storage device 3 comprises a storage box 10 delimiting a storage compartment 11 which comprises a storage area 11.1 (see Figure 3) configured to contain several food containers 4, and an insertion opening 12 through which food containers 4 can be inserted into the storage compartment 11 in order to at least partially fill the storage area 11.1. The storage compartment 11 is more particularly configured to extend vertically when the food distribution device 2 is placed on a horizontal support, and the storage area 11.1 is more particularly configured to store a stack of food containers 4 and is arranged in a lower part of the storage compartment 11.

The storage device 3 also comprises a discharge opening 13 through which a food container 4 can be discharged out of the storage compartment 11. Advantageously, the discharge opening 13 is arranged in a lower part of the storage area 11.1, and the storage device 3 is configured to allow evacuation by gravity of a food container 4 through the evacuation opening 13.

The storage device 3 further comprises an evacuation mechanism 14 configured to support food containers 4 stored in the storage compartment 11, and more particularly in the storage area 11.1, and to evacuate a food container 4 at the once out of the storage compartment 11 via the evacuation opening 13.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the evacuation mechanism 14 comprises two evacuation members 15 configured to support the food containers 4 stored in the storage compartment 11, and more particularly the lowest of the food containers 4 Advantageously, the two evacuation members 15 are arranged on either side of the food containers 4 and are configured to support a peripheral edge 5.1 of the lowest of the food containers 4.

Each evacuation member 15 is rotatable around a respective axis of rotation which is substantially horizontal when the food distribution device 2 is placed on a horizontal support. Advantageously, each discharge member 15 comprises a plurality of support lugs 16, for example four, which are angularly offset from each other with respect to the axis of rotation of the respective discharge member 15 .

The evacuation mechanism 14 also includes a drive device 17 which is configured to drive the evacuation members 15 in rotation around their axes of rotation so as to allow the evacuation of a food container 4 at a time. outside the storage compartment 11. The drive device 17 may for example comprise an electric motor 17.1 and a gear system 17.2 coupled in rotation to the output shaft of the electric motor 17.1.

The storage device 3 further comprises a closure lid 18 movable between an open position in which the closure lid 18 releases the insertion opening 12 so as to allow the insertion of a food container 4 in the compartment storage compartment 11 and a closed position in which the closure lid 18 closes the insertion opening 12 and prevents insertion of food containers 4 into the storage compartment 11. The closure lid 18 can for example be hingedly mounted on the storage box 10 around a hinge axis A which is advantageously horizontal when the food distribution device 2 is placed on a horizontal support.

The storage device 3 further comprises a positioning mechanism 19 comprising a first support member 21 and a second support member 22 which are arranged substantially opposite each other with respect to the axis of storage compartment extension B 11.

The first and second support members 21, 22 are pivotally mounted on the storage box 10 respectively about a first pivot axis A1 and a second pivot axis A2 which are parallel to each other and which are perpendicular to the axis of extension B of the storage compartment 11 and to the hinge axis A of the closure cover 18. The first and second pivot axes A1, A2 are substantially horizontal when the food 2 is placed on a horizontal support.

The first and second support members 21, 22 are movable between a support position (see Figures 6, 7 and 10) in which the first and second support members 21, 22 protrude into the storage compartment 11 and are configured to support a food container 4 received at least partially in the insertion opening 12 of the storage compartment 11 and to position said food container 4 substantially horizontally when the food dispensing device 2 is placed on a horizontal support, and a release position (see Figures 4 and 8) in which the first and second support members 21, 22 are configured to release the food container 4 so as to allow insertion of the food container 4 into the storage area 11.1 and a movement by gravity of the food container 4 towards the discharge opening 13.

The first and second support members 21, 22 are also configured to horizontally hold the food container 4 supported by the first and second support members 21, 22 during movement of the first and second support members 21, 22 of the support position to release position.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first support member 21 comprises a first support fork 23 (see in particular Figure 13) provided with two first support arms 23.1 and a first mounting part 23.2 connecting the two first support arms 23.1, and the second support member 22 comprises a second support fork 24 also provided with two second support arms 24.1 and a second mounting part 24.2 connecting the two second support arms 24.1. The first and second mounting parts 23.2, 24.2 are more particularly located outside the storage compartment 11, and are pivotally mounted on an upper part of the storage box 10

Each of the first and second support forks 23, 24 has the general shape of a U. Advantageously, the first support arms 23.1 of the first support fork 23 are parallel to each other, and the second arms support 24.1 of the second support fork 24 are also parallel to each other.

As shown in particular in Figures 7 to 9, the first and second support arms 23.1, 24.1 of the first and second support forks 23, 24 are configured to extend through passage slots 25 provided on the storage box 10 and to protrude into the storage compartment 11.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second support arms 23.1, 24.1 protrude into the storage compartment 11 and extend in a horizontal plane when the food distribution device 2 is placed on a support horizontal and the first and second support members 21, 22 occupy the support position, and the first and second support arms 23.1, 24.1 extend at least partly, and for example entirely, outside the storage compartment 11 when the first and second support members 21, 22 occupy the release position.

As shown in Figure 7, each of the first support arms 23.1 of the first support fork 23 is located opposite and is aligned with a respective second support arm 24.1 of the second support fork 24 when the first and second support 21, 22 occupy the support position.

As shown in Figure 8, the first support arms 23.1 and the second support arms 24.1 respectively define a first inclined plane P1 and a second inclined plane P2 when the food distribution device 2 is placed on a horizontal support and the first and second support members 21, 22 occupy the release position, each of the first and second inclined planes P1, P2 being inclined, with respect to the horizontal, by an angle of inclination comprised between 45° and 90°, and for example between 55° and 80° and advantageously between 60° and 75°.

The storage device 3 is more particularly configured such that a movement of the closure cover 18 from the open position to the closed position causes a movement of the first and second support members 21, 22 from the support position to the position of liberation.

To this end, the closure cover 18 comprises a first support part 26 and a second support part 27 which are configured to bear respectively on the first and second support members 21, 22, and more particularly on surfaces support provided on the first and second assembly parts 23.2, 24.2, and to move the first and second support members 21, 22 from the support position to the release position when the closure cover 18 is moved from the position open to the closed position. Each of the first and second support parts 26, 27 can for example be formed by a support finger.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the closure cover 18 comprises a closure part 18.1 which is flat and which is configured to close the insertion opening 12, and the first and second support parts 26, 27 extend substantially perpendicular to the closure part 18.1 and are arranged close to a peripheral edge of the closure part 18.1.

The positioning mechanism 19 further comprises two biasing elements 28, 29, such as torsion springs arranged around the first and second pivot axes A1, A2, configured respectively to urge the first and second support members 21, 22 towards the supporting position. Thus, when the closure cover 18 is moved to the open position and the first and second bearing parts 26, 27 move away from the first and second mounting parts 23.2, 24.2, the two biasing elements 28, 29 the first and second support members 21, 22 towards the support position, so that the latter are able to receive and position a food reservoir 4.

The positioning mechanism 19 further comprises a coupling device 31 configured to mechanically couple the first support member 21 to the second support member 22 so as to impose synchronous displacements, in opposite directions and of the same amplitude, of the first and second support members 21, 22 between the support position and the release position.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the coupling device 31 comprises a first coupling part 33 which is integral in movement with the first support member 21 and which is provided with a plurality of first teeth 33.1 which are distributed over a peripheral surface of the first coupling part 33, and a second coupling part 34 which is integral in movement with the second support member 22 and which is provided with a plurality of second teeth 34.1 which are distributed over a peripheral surface of the second coupling part 34 and which mesh with the first teeth 33.1 of the first coupling part 33.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, each of the first and second coupling parts 33, 34 is formed by a respective toothed wheel sector. Advantageously, the first and second coupling parts 33, 34 are substantially flat and extend substantially in the same extension plane which is vertical when the food distribution device 2 is placed on a horizontal support.

The coupling device 31 also comprises a first connecting part 35 connecting the first coupling part 33 to the first support member 21 and a second connecting part 36 connecting the second coupling part 34 to the second supporting member 22. Advantageously, the first and second connecting parts 35, 36 are elongated and are substantially parallel to each other.

A method of filling the storage device 3 with one or more food containers 4 is described below. Such a filling process comprises in particular the following steps:

- pivot the closure cover 18 into the open position, so that the first and second support arms 23.1, 24.1 of the first and second support forks 23, 24 are positioned horizontally inside the storage compartment 11 under the effect of the loading elements 28, 29,

- placing a food container 4 on the first and second support arms 23.1, 24.1, so that the latter support and horizontally position the food container 4,

- Pivoting the closure cover 18 into the closed position, so that the first and second support parts 26, 27 bear respectively on the first and second support members 21, 22 and respectively move the latter in the release position.

Such movement of the first and second support members 21, 22 in the release position allows movement of the food container 4 supported by the first and second support members 21, 22 towards the discharge opening 13, while keeping it horizontal.

When the food container 4 reaches the lower part of the storage compartment 11, and more particularly of the storage zone 11.1, it is retained by the evacuation members 15. In this position, the food container 4 is ready to be removed from storage compartment 11.

According to a variant implementation of such a filling method, a user could simultaneously place several food containers 4 on the first and second support arms 23.1, 24.1 in order to fill the storage area 11.1.

When several food containers 4 are placed on the first and second support arms 23.1, 24.1, these, under the effect of the mass of the different food containers 4, pivot towards the release position so as to allow movement food containers 4 to the discharge opening 13.

The food distribution device 2 further comprises an additional storage compartment 37 (see in particular FIGS. 2 and 3) configured to store dry food, such as kibble.

The additional storage compartment 37 has an inlet opening 38 through which dry food can be introduced into the additional storage compartment 37, and an outlet opening 39 through which dry food can be evacuated from the compartment. additional storage 37.

Advantageously, the food dispensing device 3 comprises a covering cover 41 movable between a covering position in which the covering cover 41 covers the storage device 3 and the additional storage compartment 37 and prevents access to the storage device 3 and to the additional storage compartment 37, and an access position in which the cover cover 41 allows access to the storage device 3 and to the additional storage compartment 37.

As shown in particular in Figure 1, the food distribution device 2 further comprises a supply zone 42 which comprises a supply opening 43, for example of circular shape, which is configured to be located opposite an open food container 4 from storage compartment 11, and a feeding bowl 44 which is configured to receive dry food from additional storage compartment 37.

The food distribution device 2 advantageously comprises a drive mechanism 45 configured to drive dry food stored in the additional storage compartment 37 towards the feed bowl 44. The drive mechanism 45 can for example comprise a auger and a drive motor configured to rotate the auger.

The food distribution device 2 further comprises a mobile support 46 comprising a reception location 47, which is open at the top and which is configured to receive a food container 4. Advantageously, the reception location 47 delimits a receiving cavity having a shape complementary or partially complementary to that of the food compartment 5 of each food container 4.

The mobile support 46 is movable, relative to a frame 48 of the food distribution device 2, between a receiving position (see Figure 5) in which the mobile support 46 is located close to the storage device 3, and for example below the storage compartment 11, and a feed position (see Figure 14) in which the movable support 46 is located in the feed zone 42, and more particularly facing the opening of supply 43. Advantageously, the reception location 47 is located vertically below the evacuation opening 13 of the storage device 3 when the mobile support 46 is in the reception position, and the reception location 47 is located opposite the feed opening 43 when the mobile support 46 is in the feed position.

The food distribution device 2 further comprises a movement mechanism 49 configured to move the mobile support 46 in translation between the reception position and the supply position and in a direction of movement D. The direction of movement D is advantageously substantially horizontal when the food distribution device 2 is placed on a horizontal support.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the movement mechanism 49 includes a drive screw 51 which is configured to cooperate with a thread provided on the mobile support 46 so as to move the mobile support 46 in translation in the direction of movement. movement D, and a drive motor configured to rotate the drive screw 51 in two opposite directions of rotation. Advantageously, the frame 48 comprises guide surfaces configured to guide the mobile support 46 in translation in the direction of movement D when the drive screw 51 is driven in rotation, and more particularly to lock the mobile support 46 in rotation. relative to frame 48.

The food dispensing apparatus 2 also comprises an opening mechanism 52 configured to grasp and lift the opening tab 7 of a food container 4 received in the reception location 47 of the mobile support 46 and to open the closing cap 6 of said food container 4 during movement of the movable support 46 from the receiving position to the feeding position. Advantageously, the opening mechanism 52 is also configured to close the closing lid 6 of a food container 4 received in the reception location 47 during the displacement of the mobile support 46 from the supply position towards the intermediate position.

Such an opening mechanism 52 can be made in different ways, and is not described in detail in this description.

As shown in particular in Figures 1 to 3, the food distribution device 2 further comprises a container receptacle 53 which is configured to store used food containers, and which is removable so as to be able to be easily emptied. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the container receptacle 53 is located close to the storage device 3. Advantageously, the storage device 3 and the container receptacle 53 are arranged on either side of the support mobile 46 when the mobile support 46 occupies the reception position.

The food dispensing apparatus 2 also includes an ejection member 54, such as an ejection arm, configured to eject a used food container 4 out of the receiving location 47 and into the container receptacle 53 Advantageously, the ejection member 54 is configured to eject a used food container 4 out of the reception location 47 when the mobile support 46 occupies the reception position or an ejection position located close to the receiving position.

The food distribution device 2 further comprises a control unit 55 configured to control the operation of the food distribution device 2, and in particular the operation of the drive device 17, the drive mechanism 45, the movement mechanism 49 and the ejection member 54.

The control unit 55 may for example control the operation of the food dispensing apparatus 2 so as to dispense dry food into the feeding bowl 44 and/or so as to move a food container 4 from the compartment storage 11 to the supply opening 43, after receiving a control signal emitted for example by a smartphone or according to a food distribution cycle defined by a user. The control unit 55 can for example comprise a controller, such as a microprocessor.

The operation of the food distribution device 2 will now be described considering that the control unit 55 has received a control signal emitted for example by a smartphone of a user and requiring the feeding of a domestic animal. with the contents of a food container 4 contained in the storage compartment 11. The control unit 55 then controls the drive device 17 in order to drive the discharge members 15 in rotation so as to allow the evacuation of a food container 4 out of the storage compartment 11 and the transfer of said food container 4 into the receiving location 47 of the mobile support 46.

Then, the control unit 55 controls the movement mechanism 49 so as to move the mobile support 46 in translation from the reception position to the supply position. During this movement in translation, the closing cover 6 of the food container 4 is raised so as to open the food compartment 5.

When the mobile support 46 reaches the feed position, the control unit 55 controls the stopping of the movement mechanism 49. The food compartment 5 of the food container 4 is then located opposite the feed opening. 43 and the pet can then eat the contents of the food compartment 5 through the feed opening 43. In this position of the mobile support 46, the closure cover 6 is still connected to the food compartment 5.

After a certain time, which can for example be defined by the user, the control unit 55 controls the movement mechanism 49 so as to move the mobile support 46 in translation from the supply position to the reception position, and more particularly towards the ejection position.

During its movement towards the ejection position, the closure cover 6 is replaced on the food compartment 11 so as to close the food compartment 5.

When the movable support 46 reaches the ejection position, the control unit 55 controls the stoppage of the movement mechanism 49 and controls the ejection member 54 so as to eject the food container 4 into the container receptacle. 53.

Finally, the control unit 55 can control the movement mechanism 49 so as to reposition the mobile support 46 in the receiving position for a new opening cycle of a food container 4.

Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and illustrated which has been given by way of example only. Modifications remain possible, in particular from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims (16)

Food dispensing apparatus (2) for dispensing pet food, comprising a storage device (3) comprising:
- a storage compartment (11) comprising a storage area (11.1) configured to store several food containers (4) stacked on top of each other, the storage compartment (11) being configured to extend substantially vertically when the the food distribution apparatus (2) is arranged on a horizontal support,
- an insertion opening (12) through which a food container (4) can be inserted into the storage compartment (11),
- a discharge opening (13) through which a food container (4) can be discharged out of the storage compartment (11),
characterized in that the storage device (3) further comprises a positioning mechanism (19) comprising at least one support member (21, 22) which is movable between at least one support position in which the at least one support member (21, 22) projects into the storage compartment (11) and is configured to support a food container (4) received at least partially in the insertion opening (12) of the storage compartment (11 ) and for positioning said food container (4) substantially horizontally when the food dispensing apparatus (2) is arranged on a horizontal support, and a release position in which the at least one support member (21, 22 ) is configured to release the food container (4) so as to allow insertion of the food container (4) into the storage area (11.1) and movement by gravity of the food container (4) towards the evacuation opening (13), and in that the at least one support member (21, 22) is configured to hold the food container (4) supported by the at least one support member (21, 22) substantially horizontally during movement of the at least one support member (21, 22) from the support position to the release position. Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support member (21, 22) is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the at least one support member (21, 22) occupies the support position and the food delivery apparatus (2) is arranged on a horizontal support. Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the storage device (3) has a closure lid (18) movable between an open position in which the closure lid (18) releases the insertion opening (12) so as to allow the insertion of a food container (4) into the storage compartment (11) and a closed position in which the closing lid (18) closes the insertion opening (12) and prevents insertion of food containers into the storage compartment (11). Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to claim 3, wherein the storage device (3) is configured such that movement of the closure lid (18) from the open position to the closed position results in movement of the at least one support member (21, 22) from the support position to the release position. Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to Claim 4, in which the closure cover (18) comprises at least one bearing part (26, 27) configured to bear on the at least one support member (21 , 22) and to move the at least one support member (21, 22) from the support position to the release position when the closure cover (18) is moved from the open position to the closed position. Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the positioning mechanism (19) includes at least one biasing member (28, 29) configured to bias the at least one bracket (21, 22) to the bracket position. Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the storage device (3) includes an evacuation mechanism (14) configured to support food containers (4) stored in the storage compartment (11), and to discharge one food container (4) at a time out of the storage compartment (11) via the discharge opening (13). Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to claim 7, wherein the discharge mechanism (14) comprises two discharge members (15) configured to support containers of food (4) stored in the storage compartment (11 ) and to be arranged on either side of said food containers (4). Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to claim 8, wherein each discharge member (15) is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation which is substantially horizontal when the food dispensing apparatus (2) is placed on a horizontal support. Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one support member (21, 22) comprises a first support member (21) and a second support member ( 22) which are arranged substantially opposite one another with respect to an extension axis (B) of the storage compartment (11) and which are pivotally mounted respectively around a first pivot axis ( A1) and a second pivot axis (A2). Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to claim 10, wherein the first and second pivot axes (A1, A2) are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially perpendicular to the extension axis (B ) of the storage compartment (11). Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first support member (21) comprises a first support fork (23) provided with at least two first support arms (23.1), and the second support member (22) comprises a second support fork (24) provided with at least two second support arms (24.1). Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the positioning mechanism (19) includes a coupling device (31) configured to mechanically couple the first support member (21) to the second support member (22) so as to impose synchronous displacements, in opposite directions and of the same amplitude, of the first and second support members (21, 22) between the support position and the release position. Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to Claim 13, in which the coupling device (31) comprises a first coupling part (33) which is integral in movement with the first support member (21) and which is provided a plurality of first teeth (33.1), and a second coupling part (34) which is integral in movement with the second support member (22) and which is provided with a plurality of second teeth (34.1) which mesh with the first teeth (33.1) of the first coupling part (33). Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which further comprises:
- a feeding zone (42) configured to allow a domestic animal to feed on the contents of an open food container (4) coming from the storage device (3), and
- a mobile support (46) having a reception location (47) configured to receive a food container (4), the mobile support (46) being movable between a reception position in which the mobile support (46) is located vertically below the discharge opening (13) of the storage device (3) when the food delivery device (2) is arranged on a horizontal support and in which a container of food (4) coming from the storage (3) can be inserted into the receiving location (47) of the mobile support (46), and a supply position in which the mobile support (46) is located in the supply area (42). Food dispensing apparatus (2) according to claim 15, which includes an opening mechanism (52) configured to grip an opening tab (7) of a food container (4) received in the receiving location (47) of the movable support (46) and to open a closing cover (6) of said food container (4) during movement of the movable support (46) from the receiving position to the feeding position.