GB2594962A

GB2594962A - Door actuator

Info

Publication number: GB2594962A
Application number: GB2007027.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Dean Edward; John Dean Simon
Original assignee: Hentronix Ltd
Current assignee: Hentronix Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-13
Filing date: 2020-05-13
Publication date: 2021-11-17
Also published as: WO2021229207A1; EP4150183A1; GB202007027D0

Abstract

An actuator for a door of an animal enclosure, the door openable and closable by rotation of a shaft 39 forming a pivot of the door and defining a first axis 17, the shaft 39 having a handle 19b fixed thereon, the actuator having a holding member 35 arranged to hold the handle in a predetermined position along the first axis in which the handle and shaft are operable to open and close the door; a turning arrangement 59 to cause rotation of the shaft; and a driving member 45 arranged to rotate about a second axis 47, wherein the first and second axis are laterally offset in a first plane; and wherein the driving member 45 causes rotation of the turning arrangement 59 to rotate the shaft and handle and move the door. The turning arrangement and driving member may be cogs or split cogs and there may be a motor 61 which turns the driving member 45. The handle may have portions (e.g. 19b) which engage with posts of the turning arrangement, alternatively a collar may be used with grub screws to attach it to the shaft. A solar panel may be provided to provide power to the motor.

Description

Door Actuator The present invention relates to an actuator for a door of an animal enclosure, an animal enclosure including an actuator, a method of fitting an actuator to an animal enclosure, and a kit of parts arranged to provide an actuator.

Domestic and farm animals, such as chickens, ducks, other fowl, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other animals, are often kept inside coops, hutches or other kinds of animal enclosures overnight. it is necessary to let the animals out of their enclosure during the day, and secure the animal enclosure overnight.

Many animal enclosures have manual door mechanisms. This requires a user to attend the coop every time it needs to be opened and closed. Automated mechanisms which can be fitted to existing coops are known. However, existing automated mechanisms are difficult to install and unsightly.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an actuator for a door of an animal enclosure, the door openable and closable by rotation of a handle fixed to a shaft, the actuator having: a holding member arranged to hold the handle in a predetermined position along a first axis defined by the shaft; turning means arranged to cause rotation of the handle about the first axis, to open and close the door; and a driving member arranged to rotate about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis extend through a first plane and the first axis is laterally offset from the second axis in the first plane: and wherein the driving member is coupled to the turning means such that rotation of the driving member causes rotation of the handle.

The holding member may have an outer circumference extending at least partially around the first axis and an aperture through which the first axis passes.

The holding member may comprise of at least two separately formed portions. Each portion may form a part of the outer circumference. The separate portions may be engageable with each other to form the holding member.

The separately formed portions may comprise interengaging projections and recesses arranged to locate the portions relative to each other. The interengaging projections and recesses may be arranged to prevent relative movement of the portions in at least direction in or parallel to the first plane.

In one example, the holding member may extend around an arc of at least 270 degrees around the first axis. in one example, the holding member may extend around an arc of 360 degrees around the first axis, such that it surrounds the first axis.

The holding member may be arranged to engage the shaft or handle, and a base of the actuator to hold the handle in the predetermined position.

The turning means may be formed as part of the holding member. The holding member may be arranged to rotate in the first plane about a turning axis to rotate the handle. The turning axis and first axis may extend through the first plane The turning axis may be the same as the first axis.

The turning means may comprise one or more posts projecting from the holding member in a direction out of the first plane to engage the handle. The one or more posts may be arranged to transfer rotational movement of the holding member to the handle. The turning means may comprise a first post arranged to engage the handle to transfer rotational movement in a clockwise direction, and a second post arranged to engage the handle to transfer rotational movement in an anti-clockwise direction. The turning means may comprise a first pair of posts spaced to receive a first portion of the handle therebetween; and a second pair of posts a second portion of the handle therebetween. The first and second pairs of posts may be arranged at diametrically opposed positions around the turning means.

Alternatively, the turning means may comprise a shaft collar extending from the holding means along the first axis. The shaft collar may be arranged to holdingly engage the shaft to transfer rotation of the holding member to rotation of the handle.

The holding member and driving member may comprise interengaging tooth projections on their outer edges to transfer rotation of the driving member to the holding member.

The holding member may comprise a shaft collar formed separately to the turning means, The shaft collar of the holding member may be arranged to holdingly engage the shaft. The turning means may be arranged to be provided at a position spaced along the shaft from the holding member.

The holding member may be arranged to be received below a base of the actuator, and may be arranged to engage a housing of the animal enclosure to prevent movement of the shaft and handle along the first axis.

The turning means may be arranged to be received above the base of the actuator.

The turning means may comprise a friction belt extending around the shaft and the driving member.

The actuator may also include a housing defining a volume arranged to enclose the turning means, the driving member and the handle.

A base of the actuator housing may comprise an aperture arranged to receive the shaft.

The base of the actuator housing may comprise a second aperture. The second aperture may be arranged to receive a cable for connection to an external module of the actuator. The aperture and second aperture may be arranged to overlie an aperture in the housing of the animal enclosure. The aperture in the housing of the animal enclosure may be arranged to receive the shaft and handle.

The actuator may further include the external module. The external module may comprise one or more of: a controller; a light detector a power source; a light emitting device and any other external module.

The housing of the actuator may comprise a mating surface, shaped to match an external surface of the animal enclosure. The mating surface may be integral to the housing of the actuator or may be formed in a separate part, attachable to the housing of the actuator.

The actuator may comprise a motor or servomotor arranged to drive rotation of the driving member.

The motor may be arranged to rotate about a third axis. The third axis may be perpendicular to the second axis. The actuator may further comprise a linking mechanism to convert rotation of the motor around the third axis to rotation of the driving mechanism about the second axis. The third axis may be parallel to and spaced from the first plane The motor may be received in the housing of the actuator.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal enclosure having: a housing defining an interior and an opening for animals to enter and exit the interior; a door moveable between a closed position, in which the door blocks the opening, and an open position, in which the opening is unblocked, a door mechanism having a handle fixed to a shaft, the handle and shaft rotatable about a handle axis to move the door between the open position and closed position, wherein the handle is slidable along the handle axis, between a first position and a second position; and an actuator according to the first aspect, wherein the handle axis is thc first axis, wherein the second position is the predetermined position, and wherein the holding member is provided between the handle and the housing of the animal enclosure.

The housing of the animal enclosure may comprise a recess extending along the handle axis. When in the first position, the handle may be received in the recess. The actuator may overlie the rcccss.

When in the first position, the handle may not be operable to move the door, such that the handle is locked. When in the second position, the handle may be operable to move the door, such that the handle is unlocked.

The aperture and further aperture of the housing of the actuator may overlie a top of the recess.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of fitting an actuator to an animal enclosure, the animal enclosure comprising: a housing defining

S

an interior and an opening for animals to enter and exit the interior; a door moveable between a closed position, in which the door blocks the opening, and an open position, in which the opening is unblocked; and a door mechanism having a handle and a shaft fixed to the handle defining a first axis, the handle and shaft rotatable about a first axis to move the door between the open position and closed position, the method comprising: sliding the handle along the first axis, to a predetermined position; providing a holding member between the housing and the handle, wherein the holding member is arranged to hold the handle in the predetermined position; and coupling a driving member to turning means of the actuator, the driving member arranged to rotate about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis extend through a first plane and the first axis is laterally offset from the second axis in the first plane; and wherein the driving member is coupled to the turning means such that rotation of the driving member causes rotation of the handle.

The actuator may be an actuator according to the first aspect. The method may provide the animal enclosure according to the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is a kit of parts, the kit of parts arranged to provide the actuator of the first aspect.

The kit of parts may be arranged such that when installed on an animal enclosure, optionally in accordance with the third aspect of the invention, it forms the animal enclosure of the second aspect.

According to various aspects and embodiment discussed above, the actuator is simple to manufacture and easy to fit to existing animal enclosures, since it requires a small number of relatively simple components. Since the driving force is transferred laterally to the handle, and not vertically, the actuator is also slimline, such that it does not significantly impact the appearance of the animal enclosure. The actuator can work with any enclosure where the door is operated by a rotating shaft.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that features discussed in relation to any particular aspect of the invention may be applied to any other aspect of the invention, unless mutually exclusive.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates an animal enclosure; Figure 2 illustrates a first example of a door actuator; Figure 3 illustrates an alternative view of the actuator of Figure 2; Figure 4A illustrates the housing of the actuator of Figure 2; Figure 5 illustrates the split cog, driving member and motor of the door actuator of Figure 2 in more detail; Figure 6 illustrates the split cog of the door actuator of Figure 2 in more detail; Figure 7 illustrates the motor of the door actuator of Figure 2 in more detail; Figure 8 illustrates the controller of the door actuator of Figure 2; Figure 9 illustrates a method of fitting the door actuator of Figure 2 to the animal enclosure of Figure 1; and Figure 10 schematically illustrates an alternative example of a door actuator, in cut-through side view.

Figure 1 illustrates an example of an animal enclosure 1. The animal enclosure 1 comprises a cuboid housing 3 having a base 5, a top 7, and sides 9a-d extending between the base 5 and top 7. The housing 3 defines an internal space (not shown), which can accommodate animals.

In one side 9a of the housing 3, an opening 11 is formed to enable animals to enter and exit the inside. in Figure 1, the opening 1 I is blocked by a door 13 such that animals within the animal enclosure 1 are prevented from leaving (or animals outside the animal enclosure 1 are prevented from entering). The door 13 can be moved between the closed position, and an open position, in which the opening 11 is unblocked, permitting access into and out of the inside.

To enable to the door 13 to be moved between the open and closed positions a shaft (not shown) is provided on a vertically extending edge 15 of the door 15. The shaft extends vertically defining an axis 17 of rotation of the door 15. The shaft is housed either within a void in the side 9a of the housing or within the internal space, and is pivotally coupled to the housing 3. The shaft is coupled to the door 13, such that rotation of the shaft around its axis 17 causes the door 13 to pivot about the shaft.

Therefore, rotation of the shaft relative to the housing 3, about the axis 17, causes the door 13 to rotated between the closed position, as shown in Figure 1 At a top end of the shaft, a handle 19 is provided. The handle 19 is connected to the shaft by welding, adhesive or other irreversible means. Therefore, the handle 19 is not free to rotate relative to the shaft, and rotation of the handle 19 about the axis 17 causes rotation of the shaft. In Figure 1, the handle 19 is shown received in a recess 21 formed in the top surface 7 of the housing 3. In this position, the door 13 cannot be opened or closed, and so the handle 19 is considered to be inoperable to open and close the door 13. In some examples, the handle 19 may be free to rotate, but cause no change in the door position. In other examples, the handle 19 may be prevented from rotating.

The handle 19 is moveable along the axis 17 between the locked/first position shown in Figure 1, and a second/unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the handle 19 is raised relative to the locked position, and above the top surface 7. Once the handle 19 is in the unlocked position, it is operable to open and close the door 13.

When the handle 19 is in a first rotational position, around the first axis 17, the door 19 is shut. When the handle 19 is in a second rotational position, around the first axis 17, the door 19 is fully opened. The door 19 can be partially opened by rotating the handle 19 to any angle between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. In one example, the first rotational position and the second rotational positions are spaced by 180 degrees, but any suitable rotation may be provided. in some instances, the rotational spacing between the first and second rotational positions may be 360 degrees or more.

The handle 19 may be geared or ungeared with respect to the shaft. When the handle 19 is geared each degree of rotation handle 19 may cause more or less rotation of the door 13 around the shaft. When the handle 19 is ungeared, each degree of rotation of the handle 19 causes the door to rotate by a degree.

Returning the handle 19 to the locked position along the first axis 17 holds the door at the selected position chosen by the user rotating the handle 19. For example if the user fully opens the door 13, returning the handle 19 to the locked position along the axis 17 holds the door 13 open, or if the user closes the door 13, returning the handle 19 to the locked position holds the door closed. The handle 19 may be resiliently biased to the locked position, although this is optional and may be omitted.

Various means may be provided for preventing the door 13 moving when the handle 19 is in the locked position and allowing movement of the door 13 when the handle 19 is in the unlocked position. Such means combine with the handle 19 and shaft to form a door mechanism.

In one example, the door 13 and shaft may include interengaging projections that move into and out of engagement by moving the handle 19 (and thus shaft) along the first axis 27. The projections may be disengaged when the handle 19 is in the locked position such that rotation of the handle does not move the door 13. Lifting the handle may then engage the projections such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the door 13. In this example, the housing 3 may comprise projections to engage with corresponding projections on the door 13 to hold the door in a fixed position. Lifting the handle 19 to engage the projections on the door 13 with the projections on the shaft may cause the door 13 to disengage the projections on the housing 3 (for example by lifting the door 13 slightly). The door 13 may use the same projections to engage the housing 3 and shaft, or different projections.

In another example, the door 13 and the shaft may be fixed to each other such that they cannot engage and disengage. In this embodiment, either one or both of the door 13 and shaft may include engaging projections to engage with the housing 3. The projections are engaged when the handle 19 is in the locked position, and lifting the handle 19 disengages the projections. Lowering the handle re-engages the projections.

In a further example, it may be that the door is not held in a fixed place by placing the handle 19 in the locked position. Separate latching means may be provided on the door 13, shaft or handle 19, and the force of rotating the handle 19 may sufficient to overcome the latching.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a door actuator 23 that can be fitted to the animal enclosure 1 described above In use, the door actuator 23 is positioned on the top 7 of the housing 3 of the animal enclosure 1, to operate the handle 19.

The door actuator 23 comprises a housing 25 forming an internal volume 27. The housing 25 is formed of two parts; a lower part 25a and an upper part 25b. Figure 4 shows the actuator housing 23 in more detail.

The lower part 25a has a base 29 that is substantially rectangular in shape, with rounded ends. A rim 31 (shown in Figure 2A) extends upwards from the base 29 around its perimeter. The upper part 25b is in the form of a domed lid.

The base 29 of the lower part 25a includes an aperture 33. In use, the actuator 23 is fitted to the top 7 of the animal enclosure 1 such that the aperture 33 in the housing 25 aligns with the handle 19 of the door mechanism The aperture 33 is sized to allow the handle 19 to pass freely through it.

The actuator housing 25 further includes a conforming member 25c. The conforming member 25c is provided between the base 29 and the animal enclosure housing 3. The conforming member 25c engages a lower surface 29a of the base 29 and the top 7 of the animal enclosure 1.

The lower surface 26a of the conforming member 25c is shaped to match the top 7 of the animal enclosure I. and thus forms a mating surface. For example, where the animal enclosure 1 has a convex curved top 7, the lower surface 26a of the conforming member 25c has a corresponding concave shape with the same radius of curvature. Alternatively where the top 7 of the animal enclosure I is flat, the lower surface 26a of the conforming member 25c is flat. The upper surface 26b of the conforming member 25c and lower surface 29a of the base 29 are flat to provide easy engagement between the two parts. The upper surface 29a of the base 29 (facing into the volume 27) may have any suitable shape. For example, the upper surface 29b may be flat.

The conforming member 25c also includes an aperture 33a, aligned with the aperture 33 in the lower part 25a of the housing 25. The aperture 33a in the conforming member 25c is of the same or larger diameter than the aperture 33 in the base 29.

The lower housing part 25a and conforming member 25c of the actuator 23 may be secured to the top 7 of the animal enclosure 1 and each other using any suitable means. In one example, an adhesive may be used at the interface between the housing lower part 25a and the conforming member 25c and/or the interface between the conforming member 25c and the animal enclosure housing 3. in some cases, this may be an adhesive applied to the animal enclosure 1 and/or conforming member 25c and /or housing base 25a. In other examples, the lower housing part 25a and/or conforming member 25c may be provided with an adhesive pad (not shown) secured to one or both of the parts or provided separately (for later fitting). in yet further examples, screws or other mechanical fixing means (not shown) may be used instead of or as well as adhesive. Screws, machine screws or bolts may be fitted through screw holes 95 formed in the bottom part 25a of the actuator housing 25 and corresponding holes 95 in the conforming member 25c. in the case of bolts, blind holes may be formed in the animal enclosure housing 3, or nuts may be fitted from underneath the top 7 of the enclosure 1.

The actuator 23 shown in Figures 2 and 3 includes a split cog 35. As shown in Figures 2 and 3 and discussed above, the handle 19 of the door mechanism is fixed to the top of a shaft 39. The split cog 35 is disc shaped, with a central aperture 37 to allow the shaft 39 of the door mechanism to pass through it. The split cog 35 is arranged to rotate around the first axis 17.

The outer edge of the split cog 35 includes a series of ridges and grooves 41 that engage with corresponding ridges and grooves 43 on an adjacent drive cog 45. Figure 5 illustrates the engagement of the split cog 35 and drive cog 45 in more detail.

The drive cog 45 is also a disc arranged to rotate in the same plane as the split cog 35. However, the drive cog 45 is arranged to rotate around a second axis 47. The second axis 47 is parallel to the first axis 17, but laterally; offset from it in the plane of rotation of the split cog 35 and drive cog 45. As will be discussed in more detail below, rotation of the drive cog 45 causes rotation of the split cog 35 The diameter of the split cog 35 (measured from the tip of a ridge 41 to the tip of a diametrically opposed ridge 41) is larger than the aperture 33 in the base 29 of the actuator housing 25. Therefore, the handle 19 engages the top of the split cog, and the bottom of the split cog 35 engages the base 29 of the actuator 23, so that it is retained in the internal volume 27 of the actuator housing 25 during use, rather than falling into the recess 21 in the top 7 of the animal enclosure 1.

The base 29 of the actuator housing 25 includes a perimeter wall 49 extending upwards from its upper surface 29b, extending around the outside of the drive cog 45 and split cog 35. The perimeter wall 49 optionally extends above the split cog 35 and drive cog 45 In at least some embodiments, this helps to retain the respective cogs 35, 45 centrally positioned along their respective axes 17, 47. The perimeter wall 49 is formed by two circles of matching (or slightly larger) diameter to the split cog 35 and drive cog 45. The circles intersect where the split cog 35 and drive cog 45 engage each other, and the perimeter wall is discontinuous at the gap, such that it is approximately in the shape of a figure of eight.

Figure 6 shows the split cog 35 in more detail. As can be seen, the split cog 35 is formed by two separate portions 51, 53 each forming an arc of approximately 180 degrees. Each portion 51, 53 has a curved outer edge forming part of the outer circumference of the assembled cog 25, and a curved inner edge, parallel to the outer edge, forming a portion of the circumference of the aperture 37. Each portion also includes a pair of straight ends extending radially, between the inner edge and outer edge.

At one end (defined by a first rotational direction around the inner or outer circumference) each portion 51,53 includes a projection 55, and at the opposite end, each portion 51,53 includes a recess 57. The projection 55 and recess 57 both extend in the plane of rotation of the cog 35. The recess 55 on each portion 51, 53 is arranged to receive the corresponding recesses 57 from the other portion 51, 53. The projections 55 and recesses 57 extend the full thickness of the cog 35.

The projections 55 and recesses 57 engage to ensure that the two portions 51, 53 are fixed relative to each in the plane of rotation of the split cog 35. Therefore, when rotating, the split cog 35 acts as a single entity, in the example show, the projections 55 and recesses 57 still allow movement of the portions 51, 53 relative to each other along the axial direction 17. However, in other examples, the projections 55 and recesses 57 may also restrict this movement.

In use, to fit the actuator 23, the handle 19 of the door mechanism is lifted or slid out of the recess 21, through the aperture 33 in the housing 25 into the unlocked position. The portions 51, 53 of the split cog are then assembled beneath the handle 19, and the split cog 35 positioned within the perimeter wall 49, so that it is coupled to the drive cog 45. Thus, the split cog 35 ensures the handle 19 is held in the unlocked position, and can be installed without disconnecting the handle 19 from the shaft 39.

Figure 9 schematically illustrates the method 200 of fitting the actuator 23 to the animal enclosure 1. As discussed above, the method includes a first step 202 of sliding the handle 19 to the unlocked position, a second step 204 of assembling the split cog 35 underneath the handle 19, so that the split cog 35 is between the handle 19 and the housing 3 of the animal enclosure 1 (and the housing 25 of the actuator 23), and a third step 206 of coupling the split cog 35 to the drive cog 45.

The split cog 35 shown in the Figures includes four posts or pillars 59 extending upward form the split cog 35 parallel to the first axis 17. In the example shown, the handle 19 includes a first portion 19a and second portion 19b, each extending radially outward from the shaft 39, at diametrically opposed positions to each other. The first portion 19a of the handle 19 extends between a first pair of the posts 59, and the second portion 19b of the handle 19 extends between a second pair of the posts 59.

In the example shown, the each pair of posts 59 is arranged such that one of the pair is on the first portion 51 of the split cog, and the other is on the second portion 53. The height of the posts 59 is such that they engage the handle 19 when the split cog 19 is rotated. Therefore rotating the split cog 35 rotates the handle 19. The spacing of the posts 59 in each pair is such that there may only a few degrees of rotation before the posts 59 engage the handle 19. For example, the split cog 35 may only rotate five degrees or less before engaging the handle 19.

In use, the drive cog 45 is drive by a motor 61. In one example, the motor 61 may be a worm geared motor for example a JGY370 motor. The motor 61 may rotate at any speed. By way of example only, the motor 61 may rotate at 2 revolutions per minute, or may be faster or slower.

The motor 61 is arranged to rotate about a third axis 63 that is perpendicular to the first and second axes 17, 47, and spaced above the plane the split cog 35 and drive cog 45 rotate in. A linking mechanism 65 is provided to convert rotation along the third axis 63 into rotation about the second axis 47. The linking mechanism 65 is shown in more detail in Figure 7. An output axle 67 extends out of a bottom surface of the linking mechanism 65. The axle 67 has a flattened surface 69.

As best shown in Figure 5, the drive cog 45 includes a square aperture 71 at its centre. A separately formed connector member 73 is provided in the aperture 71. The connector member 73 has a planar square base 75 sized to fit into the square aperture 71 on the drive cog 45. A collar 77 extends upwards form the base 75. The collar 77 is hollow and arranged to receive the output axle 67 of the motor 61. A radially extending hole 79 is formed in the collar 77. This receives a grub screw or the like (not shown) which fixes the connector member 73 to the output axle 67.

In use, rotation of the motor 61 is imparted to the drive cog 45 through the linking mechanism 65 and connector member 73, and the drive cog 45 then drives the split cog 35, which turns the handle 19.

As best shown in Figure 3, a split cog retention plate 81 is provided above the split cog 35. The split cog retention plate 81 is omitted from Figure 2 to better show the other components of the actuator 23.

The split cog retention plate 81 includes a central aperture 83 through which the handle 19 and pillars 59 project. The split cog retention plate 81 is secured in place by screws or machine screws (not shown) passing through the plate 81 into screw holes 85 in the lower part of the housing 25a (see Figure 2). The screw holes are formed in upwardly extending projections, such that the screws do not pass through the housing 25. The split cog retention plate 81 may sit on top of the projections and/or the perimeter wall 49.

Similarly, a drive cog retention plate 87 is provided over the drive cog 54. This is also secured to the lower part of the housing 25a by screws extending into screw holes 85 formed in projections. The drive cog retention plate 87 does not include an aperture.

Instead, the motor 61 and linking mechanism 65 rests on the plate 87. A slot 89 is formed extending from the centre to the side of the plate 87. in the assembled actuator 23, the radial hole 79 of the connector 73 faces out of the slot 89. Thus the slot allows access to secure the drive cog 45 to the motor 61. The drive cog retention plate 87 may sit on top of the projections forming the screw holes 85and/or the perimeter wall 49.

The top portion 25b of the housing 25 is secured to the bottom portion 25a, encasing the split cog 35, drive cog 45 and motor 61, and the handle 19 of the animal enclosure 1. The housing top portion 25b includes bosses 99 extending downward from its underside. The bosses 99 have apertures extending therethrough. These align with screw holes 97 formed in the housing bottom part 25a. Screws, machine screws or bolts secure the two parts 25a, 25b, passing through the bosses 99 and screw holes 97. Alternatively snap fit or friction fit projections may be used to secure the parts 25a,b.

The motor 61 is able to turn both clockwise and anti-clockwise. Rotation in a first rotational direction (for example clockwise) causes the handle 19 to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first, opening or closing the door 13. Rotation of the motor 61 in the second rotational direction (for example anti-clockwise) causes the handle to rotation in the first rotational direction, having the opposite effect on the door 13. Operation of the motor 61 is controlled by a controller 100. Figure 8 shows the controller 100 in more detail.

The controller includes a processing unit 102 (for example an intell X86 processor such as an 15, 17 processor or the like) a memory 104, a communications interface 106 system drivers 108, and a system interface 110, connected to each other via a system bus 112. The memory 104 is subdivided into program storage 114 and data storage 116.

It will be appreciated that although reference is made to a memory 104 it is possible that the memory 104 could be provided by a variety of devices. For example, the memory may be provided by a cache memory, a RAM memory, a local mass storage device such as the hard disk, any of these connected to the controller 100 over a network connection However, the processing unit 102 can access the memory 104 via the system bus 112 and, if necessary, communications interface 106, to access program code to instruct it what steps to perform and also to access data to be processed. The processing unit 102 is arranged to process the data as outlined by the program code.

The program code may be delivered to memory 104 in any suitable manner. For example, the program code may be installed on the device from a CDROM; a DVD ROM / RAM (including -R/-RW or +R/+RW); a separate hard drive; a memory (including a USB drive; an SD card; a compact flash card or the like); a transmitted signal (including an Internet download, ftp file transfer of the like); a wire; etc. The function of the controller 100 may be implemented by a single unit or distributed by a single unit or distributed across multiple units. Communication between distributed parts of the controller may be any suitable wired or wireless communication such as Ethernet, USB, WiFi, BlueTootht and the like.

At least part of the controller may be physically located with the actuator 23. In one example, the controller 100 (or part of the controller 100) may be located within the actuator housing 25.

The program storage portion 114 of the memory 104 includes a door operation module 118. This includes program code that instructs drivers 108 to operate the motor 61. For example, the program code instructs the driver 31 to cause the motor 61 to rotate clockwise or anticlockwise as instructed to open and close the door, and also controls the amount of rotation of the motor 61. The drivers 108 may simply be any switching means to turn power to the motor on and off The door operation module 118 may include, for example the direction of rotation (i.e. the polarity required) and duration of operation of the motor 61 to open and close the door respectively.

The data storage portion 116 of the memory includes time data 120. This provides information on at which times the door should be opened and dosed. This may simply be a single time the door is opened and closed each day, or multiple opening and closing times for each day, and/or one or more opening and closing times for different days.

The controller 100 may be in communication with a mobile phone or computer of a user (not shown), to allow the user to set the time data 120 and store it in the data storage 116 portion of the memory 104. For example, the user may enter the time data 120 through a website or application interface. Communication between the controller 100 and the mobile phone or computer may also be by wired or wireless, for example by Ethernet, USB, WiFi, BlueToothg and the like. Alternatively, the system input/output module may include local controls to allow the time data to be set locally.

Power is provided to the motor 61 and controller 100 from a power source such as a battery 91, also located within the housing 25 of the actuator 23. The battery 91 may be accessible through a removable access lid to allow replacement. Alternatively, the battery 91 may be rechargeable by a solar panel 93 connected to the battery 91 by a cable passing through a hole in the housing 25. The solar panel 93 may be mounted on the housing 3 of the animal enclosure 1 or mounted separately.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments discussed above are given by way of example only.

In the above embodiments, the split cog 35 forms a holding member that holds the handle 19 in the unlocked position and the posts 59 form a turning means that imparts rotation movement to the handle 19.

In the examples discussed above, the split cog 35 extends around a full circle (i.e. an arc of 360 degrees). However, this may not be the case In other examples, the disc may only extend around a portion of the arc.

In one example, the disc may include a slot or opening between the inner and outer circumference to allow the disc to be provided in position underneath the handle 19 without having to assemble it from separate portions 51, 53. in further examples, the disc may only extend around the angle necessary for opening the handle 19 between fully opened and fully closed. For example, if the door 13 is opened and closed by a rotation of 90 degrees, the disc may only extend around an arc of 90 degrees. in some examples, the disc may extend around an are of 270 degrees or more.

The split cog 35 may be divided into any number of portions, and the portions may be equal or unequal in size In the example shown, the split cog portions 51, 53 connect by projections 55 including a narrow neck and an enlarged rectangle and recesses 57 of corresponding shape. However, any suitable interengaging shapes may be used. The projection may include a narrow neck and then a wider shape, or a simple shape extending from the body of the disc. Furthermore, in the example shown, each portion 51 includes one projection 57 and one recess 59, however it may be that one portion 51 includes both projections 57 and the other portion 53 includes both recesses 59. In yet further examples, different tessellating shapes, forming hooks or other shapes may also be used.

The posts 59 are used to engage the handle 19 as the disc rotates. In the example shown, two pairs of posts 59 are provided, a first pair provided on either side of a first portion 19a of the handle 19 and a second pair, on opposite sides of a second portion of the handle 19b, in a position diametrically opposed to the first pair around the first axis 17.

In other examples, there may be two posts 59, three posts 59, or more posts 59. In some cases, the posts may be provided as pairs on either side of the same portion of the handle 19. In other examples, there may be a single post 19 on one side of a first handle portion 19a and a second post 59 on the same side of the second handle portion 19b. Therefore the first post 59 pushes the handle 19 when the cog 35 is rotated in a first direction and the second post 59 pushes the handle 19 when the cog 35 is rotated in a second direction.

In further examples, a single post 59 may be provided. It will be appreciated that in this case, the cog 35 may need to turn for a predetermined angle before the post 59 engages the handle 19 In other examples, the turning means may engage the handle 19 in different ways. For example, the turning means may include a collar projection (upwards or downwards) extending from the split cog 35 along the first axis 17 at aperture 37 in the cog 35. The collar may include one or more radially extending holes to allow grub screws or the like to holdingly engage the shaft 39. Therefore rotation of the split cog 35, on which the collar is mounted, is transferred to rotation of the shaft 39.

The examples discussed above provide the holding member and turning means in a single part. However, this may not be the case, and the holding member and turning means may be separate components, arranged to engage the shaft 39 and handle at different positions along the shaft 39.

The holding member may comprise a split disc, arranged to engage between the handle 19 and the actuator housing 25 as discussed above. Alternatively, the split disc may engage a formation providing a stop on the inside of the actuator housing. In either case, the split disc is not arranged to be driven by the drive cog 45.

Alternatively, the holding member may comprise a shaft collar. Figure 10 shows one example of an alternative actuator 23 with a holding member formed by a shaft collar 201. The embodiment shown in Figure 10 is the same as discussed above, unless stated otherwise. For clarity, Figure 10 only shows the actuator 23 in the region of the handle 19.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the housing 3 of the animal enclosure 1 includes an inner skin 203 providing the inside surface of the animal enclosure I and an outer skin 205 providing the outer surface. A gap 207 is formed between the skins 203 205. The conforming member 25c of the actuator I sits on top of the outer skin 205. The recess 21 in the enclosure housing 3 is formed by an opening on the outer skin 205, and the base of the recess 21 is formed by the inner skin 203. The recess 21 may not have any side walls, so that it opens into the gap 207 between the skins 203, 205.

As discussed above, in this embodiment, the holding member comprises a shaft collar 201 in the form of a cylindrical member through which the shaft 39 passes. A radially extending grub screw 209 or the like holdingly engages the shaft 39 to fix the shaft collar 201 to the shaft 39. Therefore, when the shaft rotates, the collar rotates. However, unlike the embodiments discussed above, the collar 201 is not driven by the drive cog 45. The diameter of the shaft collar 201 is larger than the opening in the housing through which the shaft 39 passes. Therefore the shaft collar engages the inner skin 203 of the animal enclosure housing 3 to hold the handle at the desired height, by holding the shaft 39 whilst allowing the shaft 39 to rotate.

As with the split cog 35, the shaft collar 201 is formed of two or more separate portions that can be joined together such that it can be assembled around the shaft 39 without removing the handle 19. Alternatively, as with the cog discussed above, the shaft collar may include a slot or the like to allow the shaft collar to be fitted around the shaft. As discussed above, in relation to the split cog 35, the shaft collar may not necessarily extend all the way around the shaft 39, and may only extend for an arc of 270 degrees or more or less.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 10 the turning means is provided by a friction belt 211. The friction belt 211 extends around the drive gear and the shaft 39 to drive rotation of the handle 19 via the shaft 39. The friction belt 211 is received within the actuator housing 25.

In the example shown in Figure 10, the shaft collar 201 forming the holding means is between the skins 203, 205 of the animal enclosure housing 3. However, this need not necessarily be the case. The shaft collar 201 may be provided within the actuator housing 25, where it engages the base 29 of the actuator 23 or formations providing a stop. Alternatively, it may be provided in a void formed between the actuator 23 and the outer skin 205 of the animal enclosure housing 3 (or simply between the actuator 23 and the housing 3 if there are not two skins 203, 205).

It will be appreciated that in all the examples discussed above, it is not necessary for any part of the holding member to pass over the top of the handle 19 In the examples shown, interengagmg projections 41, 43 on the drive cog 45 and split cog or a friction belt 211 is used to drive rotation of the turning means, to transfer rotation from the motor to the handle 19. However, it will be appreciate that this is also by way of example only. In any of the embodiments discussed above, the rotation may be transferred from the drive cog to the shaft 39/handle 19 in various other ways include cogs with interengaging projections, belts, drive wheels, chains or any other suitable drive transfer means.

Furthermore, in the above description, the motor 61 directly drives the drive cog 45, which in turn directly drives the split cog 35 or friction belt 211 it will be appreciated that intervening cogs or other components may be provided.

In the example, the ratio of the motor rotation to the rotation of the handle is 1:1 (i.e. a single revolution of the motor causes a single revolution of the handle 19). Optionally, there may be step up or step down gearing. This may be at any point between the drive cog 45 and the shaft 39/handle 19 or in the linking mechanism 65. Where gearing is included, it may be the case that clockwise rotation of the motor causes clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation of the handle. The door operation module 118 of the controller 100 may include the necessary instructions to ensure the handle 19 is turned in the correct direction.

Any suitable motor 61 may be used to drive the actuator 23. For example, a servo type motor could be used.

In the example, shown, drive cog 45 and split cog 35 (where present) are located in place using a perimeter wall 49. However, this is optional and may be omitted. The location of the cogs 35, 35 around the motor output axle 61 and handle shaft 39 may be sufficient to locate the cogs 35, 45. Alternatively other location means may be used, such as shaft collars, in further example, the perimeter wall 49 may be discontinuous, and only locate the cogs 35, 45 at certain points.

The controller -100 and operation of the actuator 23 discussed above is given by way of example only. In the above example, the door 13 is moved between fully opened and completely closed. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the door 13 may be partially opened to any desired angle/position, by rotating the handle 19 by the required amount.

Furthermore, in addition to opening and closing the door 13 at the times dictated by the time data 120, the actuator 23 be able to open and close the door 13 at any time in response to a direct command. This may be through a websitetapplication interface and/or through a control located on the actuator 23 itself.

In addition to or instead of opening and closing the door 13 at user specified times, the controller 100 may be arranged to open and close the door 13 in response to ambient light conditions. The controller 100 may include a light detector 122 positioned on the outside of the actuator housing 25 or animal enclosure housing 3, which determines when to open and close the door 13. The time data may then be replaced with light data that specifies the light levels at which to open and close the door. This may be user-specified light levels or pre-programmed.

The controller 100 may further include additional connected modules such as a light emitting device 124.

Any suitable controller, including 8 bit or 32 bit microcontrollers, may be used in one example, the controller is a P1C16F676 or ATmega32.

In the examples discussed above, the controller 100 is received in the housing 25 of the actuator 23. However, the controller 100 may be partially or wholly outside the housing.

The battery 91 may also be inside or outside the housing 23 of the actuator 25.

Furthermore, optionally, the actuator may be provided with a power source (such as a solar panel 93) and/or a light detector 122 and/or a light emitter 124.

Any component housed outside the housing 25 of the actuator may be considered an external module to the actuator 23. The external modules may be provided on the housing 3 of the animal enclosure 1, away from the animal enclosure 1, or inside the animal enclosure 1. Where the animal enclosure housing 3 includes an inner skin 203 and an outer skin 205 wiring to connect various components may be provided between the skins 203,205 to ensure the wiring is hidden. The external components may also be provided between the inner skin and outer skin in some cases Connections to external modules may be by wired or wireless connections, as required. Where the external module(s) are outside the housing 3 of the animal enclosure 1, any cables may be provided through the openings in the housing 25 of the actuator 23. The openings may be in a part of the actuator housing 24.

Where the external module(s) are provided inside the animal enclosure housing 3, in the gap 207 between the inner and outer skins 203, 205 of the animal enclosure housing 3 (where present), or outside the animal enclosure, the cable may pass through openings in the base 29 of the actuator housing 25. In one example, the aperture for the cable may be arranged adjacent to the aperture 33 in the base 29 of the actuator housing 25 that the shaft 39 passes through. Thus the aperture for the cable and the aperture 33 for the shaft both overlie the top of the recess 21 in the enclosure housing 3, and the cable passes into the enclosure housing 3 (or the gap 207 between skins 203, 205) through the recess 21. For example one of the screw holes 95 overlying the top of the recess 21 may be used for the cable instead of a screw.

In other examples, the hole for the cable may overlie different existing holes in the enclosure housing 3.

In the above, the power source is a solar panel 93. However, any suitable power source may be used, including but not limited to: wind turbine, mains power, replaceable battery. In some cases, the battery may be omitted and the power source, such as the solar panel, wind turbines or mains supply may directly power the motor 61. controller 100 and other components.

In the above example, the actuator housing 25 includes a conforming member 25c shaped to match the housing 3 of the animal enclosure 1. In other examples, the lower surface 29a of the base 29 of the actuator may be shaped, such that a separate conforming member is not required. Alternatively, the actuator 23 may include a shapeable or conformable pad or region to allow the actuator housing 25 to be modified to match the animal enclosure housing 3.

The actuator housing 25 may be any suitable shape and size. In some examples, ridges 30 may be provided in the material of the base 29 to provide strength. These are shown in Figure 3 only, and are entirely optional.

Furthermore, the housing top portion 25b may include an opening to allow the handle to be accessed by a user for manual use. The opening may be closable by a hatch or always open. Alternatively, the handle 19 may be provided outside the housing, such that the lid of the housing itself forms the holding member, and the turning means is provided below the holding member along the shaft 39, in the actuator housing 25. in this case, the handle may include multiple parts or a slot to allow it to be fitted underneath the handle 19 without removing the handle 19.

Although the double skin housing 203, 205 is only shown in the embodiment in Figure 10, it will be appreciated that the housing 3 of the enclosure shown in Figure 1 may also comprise an inner skin 203 and an outer skin 205. The conforming member 25c is again arranged to engage the outer skin 205.

The animal enclosure 1 and door mechanism described above are by way of example only. The actuator 23 is able to be fitted to any animal enclosure with sufficient room below the handle 19, where rotation of the handle 19 opens and closes the door 13. It may be that the handle 19 needs to be moved along the first axis 17 to unlock the door mechanism, but this need not necessarily be the case.

In the above example, the handle 19 is on the top 7 of the animal enclosure housing 3, such that the first axis 17 extends vertically. It will be appreciated that the door may be pivoted along any edge, and the actuator 23 may work with a handle 19 provided on any surface of the animal enclosure housing 3 and the first axis may extend in any direction.

Furthermore, in the above example, the shaft 39 extends along the first axis 17, such that the shaft 39 and first axis are perpendicular to the plane in which the drive cog 45 and split cog 35 (where present) rotate. However, this need not be the case, and the shaft 39 (and thus the first axis 17) may extend in any direction through the plane of rotation. in these cases, the drive cog 45 and split cog 35 (where present) still rotate about axes perpendicular to the plane, but the handle 19 rotates about a further axis.

In the above description, relative terms like above/below, vertical have been used. It will be appreciated that the above description aligns the first axis 17 along the vertical direction with the actuator on top of the animal enclosure 1. However, in arrangements where the first axis 17 is not vertical above and below simply refer to directions along the first axis 17, with the bottom being in the direction towards the animal enclosure I, and the top being in the direction away from the animal enclosure In any configuration, the relative arrangements of the first and second axis 17, 47 will remain the same, but it will be appreciated that different linking mechanisms 65 may be used such that the angle between the second axis 47 and third axis 63 may vary. The split cog 35 (or other holding member) is provided between the handle 19 and the animal enclosure housing 3 to hold the handle 19 in the unlocked position.

The animal enclosure I may be for housing chickens, ducks, other fowl, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other animals. Example of animal enclosures 1 that the actuator may be fitted to include the Omlet Eglu Cube it Mk 2 henhouse, the Omlet Eglu Go le or Go Up le and the Omlet Eglu Classic although these are just

examples

Claims

Claims An actuator for a door of an animal enclosure, the door openable and closable by rotation of a handle fixed to a shaft, the actuator having: a holding member arranged to hold the handle in a predetermined position along a first axis defined by the shaft; turning means arranged to cause rotation of the handle about the first axis, to open and close the door; and a driving member arranged to rotate about a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis extend through a first plane and the first axis is laterally offset from the second axis in the first plane; and wherein the driving member is coupled to the turning means such that rotation of the driving member causes rotation of the handle.The actuator of claim I. wherein the holding member has a circumference extending at least partially around the first axis and an aperture through which the first axis passes.The actuator of claim 2, wherein the holding member comprises of at least two separately formed portions, wherein each portion forms a part of the outer circumference, and the separate portions are engageable with each other to form the holding member.The actuator of claim 3, wherein the separately formed portions comprise interengaging projections and recesses arranged to locate the portions relative to each other, the interengaging projections and recesses arranged to prevent relative movement of the portions in at least a direction in or parallel to the first plane.The actuator of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the holding member extends around an arc of at least 270 degrees around the first axis, optionally, wherein the holding member extends around an arc of 360 degrees around the first axis, such that it surrounds the first axis.The actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the holding member is arranged to engage the shaft or handle, and a base of the actuator to hold the handle in the predetermined position.The actuator of any preceding claim, wherein the turning means are formed as part of thc holding member and wherein the holding member is arranged to rotate in the first plane about a turning axis to rotate the handle, wherein the turning axis and first axis extend through the first plane, optionally wherein the turning axis is the same as the first axis The actuator of claim 7, wherein the turning means comprises one or more posts projecting from the holding member in a direction out of the first plane to engage the handle, the one or more post arranged to transfer rotational movement of the holding member to the handle.The actuator of claim 8, wherein the turning means comprises a first post arranged to engage the handle to transfer rotational movement in a clockwise direction, and a second post arranged to engage the handle to transfer rotational movement in an anti-clockwise direction.The actuator of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the turning means comprises: a first pair of posts spaced to receive a first portion of the handle therebetween: and a second pair of posts a second portion of the handle therebetween, wherein the first and second pairs of posts are arranged at diametrically opposed positions around the holding member.11. The actuator of claim 7, wherein the turning means comprises a shaft collar extending from the holding member along the first axis, and arranged to holdingly engage the shaft to transfer rotation of the holding member to rotation of the handle.12. The actuator of any of claims 7 to 11, wherein the holding member and driving member comprise interengaging tooth projections on their outer edges, to transfer rotation of the driving member to the holding member.13. The actuator of ally of claims I to 5, wherein the holding member comprises a shaft collar formed separately to the turning means and arranged to holdingly engage the shaft, and wherein the turning means is arranged to be provided at a position spaced along the shaft from the holding member.14. The actuator of claim 13, wherein the holding member is arranged to be received below a base of the actuator, and is arranged to engage a housing of the animal enclosure to prevent movement of the shaft and handle along the first axis.15. The actuator of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the turning means is arranged to be received above the base of the actuator.16. The actuator of any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the turning means comprises a friction belt extending around the shaft and the driving member.17. The actuator of any preceding claim, also including a housing defining a volume arranged to enclose the turning means, the driving member and the handle,.18. The actuator of claim 17 wherein a base of the actuator housing comprises an aperture arranged to receive the shaft.19. The actuator of claim 18, wherein the base of the actuator housing comprises a second aperture arranged to receive a cable for connection to an external module of the actuator, wherein the aperture and second aperture are arranged to overlie an aperture in the housing of the animal enclosure, the aperture in the housing of the animal enclosure arranged to receive the shaft and handle.20. The actuator of claim 19, further including the external module, wherein the external module comprises one or more of: a controller; a light detector; a power source; a light emitting device.21. The actuator of any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the housing of the actuator comprises a mating surface, shaped to match an extern& surface of the animal enclosure, wherein optionally the mating surface is integral with the housing of the actuator or attachable to the housing of the actuator.22. The actuator of any preceding claim, comprising a motor or servomotor arranged to drive rotation of the driving member.23. The actuator of claim 22, wherein the motor is arranged to rotate about a third axis, the third axis perpendicular to the second axis, the actuator further comprising a linking mechanism to convert rotation of the motor around the third axis to rotation of the driving mechanism about the second axis, wherein the third axis is optionally parallel to and spaced from the first plane.24. The actuator of claim 22 or claim 23, when dependent on claim 17 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the motor is received in the housing of the actuator, 25. An animal enclosure having: a housing defining an interior and an opening for animals to enter and exit the interior; a door moveable between a closed position, in which the door blocks the opening, and an open position, in which the opening is unblocked, a door mechanism having a handle fixed to a shaft, the handle and shaft rotatable about a handle axis to move the door between the open position and closed position, wherein the handle is slidable along the handle axis, between a first position and a second position; and an actuator as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handle axis is the first axis, wherein the second position is the predetermined position, and wherein the holding member is provided between the handle and the housing of the animal enclosure.