Tool unit, tool carrier device and method for performing tool replacement

Abstract

A tool unit (7a, 7b) for a cutter assembly in a working tool comprises one or more tools (13a, 13b) and a support structure (14a, 14b). The support structure (14a, 14b) comprises a connector (20a, 20b) at least partially arranged at the peripheral edge of the support structure (14a, 14b) for connecting to a rotatable structure (1a, 1b). A tool carrier comprises a detachable tool unit (7a, 7b). A lawn mower comprises a tool carrier (1a, 1b). A method for performing a tool change in a working tool comprises the steps of deforming a tool unit (7a, 7b), loosening a connector (20a, 20b) of a support structure (14a, 14b) from a tool carrier (1a, 1b), disassembling the tool unit (7a, 7b), placing a second tool unit (7a, 7b) on the tool carrier (1a, 1b), and deforming the second tool unit so that it is connected to the tool carrier (1a, 1b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a tool unit of a cutter assembly used in a working tool, comprising one or more tools and a supporting structure for carrying the tools, wherein the supporting structure comprises a connector for connecting with a rotatable structure.

[0002] The invention further relates to a tool carrier device comprising a detachable tool unit.

[0003] The invention further relates to a lawn mower comprising a cutter carrier.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for performing a tool change in a work tool comprising a tool carrier. Background Art

[0005] US 9936635 B2 discloses an electric tool comprising a disc, wherein at least one tool is fixedly connected to the disc. The disc is arranged to rotate by a rotating drive shaft. In various embodiments disclosed therein, the central part of the disc is attached to the drive shaft. The attachment includes several small parts. Therefore, disassembling the tool (for example for grinding or replacing the tool) may be cumbersome and time-consuming. The risk of injury is high when handling the tool. It may be necessary to frequently consult a professional technician, which further increases the cost of maintenance and repair for the average consumer.

[0006] CN210183903U discloses a tool carrier, which can be installed by using an openable ring with internal lugs. The internal lugs are arranged to penetrate into corresponding openings in the drive shaft and the flange of the tool carrier respectively. The rotational movement of the drive shaft is transmitted to the tool carrier via the lugs. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to solve or at least alleviate some or all of the above problems. To this end, a cutter unit is provided in which the connector is at least partially arranged at the peripheral edge of the support structure. The support structure extends around a center and has an at least partially circular periphery.

[0008] Thus, the tool unit can be easily mounted and dismounted on the tool carrier and allows a quick and easy replacement of the tool. The risk of injury when handling the tool unit can be much lower than when handling the tool individually. The tool unit can be securely fixed to the rotatable structure even during prolonged use.

[0009] In an embodiment, the support structure extends primarily in a single plane.

[0010] The tool unit can thus be easily fitted on the tool carrier while maintaining a limited extent in the axial direction of the tool carrier.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to be deformable in one or more discrete portions thereof.

[0012] The tool unit can thus be temporarily deformed so that it can be mounted on the tool carrier and then resume its shape in the mounted position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to be continuously deformable.

[0014] The tool unit can thus be temporarily deformed in an alternative manner so that it can be mounted on the tool carrier and resume its shape in the mounted position.Although to varying degrees, the deformation occurs more or less over the entire support structure rather than in discrete parts.

[0015] In one embodiment, the support structure has an at least partially circular periphery.

[0016] Thus, the cutter unit can advantageously be mounted on a circular cutter carrier comprising a rotatable structure having one or more connector means designed to interact with one or more connectors on the cutter unit. In some embodiments, the connector means and the connector have complementary shapes, in particular complementary cross-sections.

[0017] In another embodiment, the support structure comprises a location in which the material thickness in the radial direction is less than 5% of the transverse dimension of the support structure.

[0018] Therefore, the tool unit can be easily mounted on the tool carrier and easily disassembled as required by compressing or deforming the location where the material thickness is thinner to reduce the outer diameter of the support structure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the support structure comprises at least one weakened portion.

[0020] Thus, the support structure can be slightly deformed for mounting and dismounting the cutter unit, and restore its shape for secure positioning and fastening on the cutter carrier. The weakened portion may be a portion with reduced width or thickness, or a portion provided with one or more slits or slots.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the support structure comprises at least one cut-out portion in the extent of a main plane of the support structure.

[0022] Thus, the amount of material in the support structure can be reduced and its cost can be reduced.The support structure can also be deformed more easily for quick and easy mounting and dismounting of the tool unit on the tool carrier.

[0023] In another embodiment, the support structure is annular and the at least one weakened portion is provided at a peripheral edge of the support structure.

[0024] Thus, the support structure may be a stable structure with easily accessible weak parts to enable quick and easy disassembly of the cutter unit.

[0025] In other embodiments, a weak portion is provided at a central portion of the support structure.

[0026] Thus, the support structure may be a stable structure with a weak portion which may provide an evenly distributed deformation of the support structure. Such an even deformation may be a special case of a more or less continuous deformation.

[0027] In another embodiment, the weakened portion comprises a narrow bendable bridge material between divided portions of the support structure, the bendable bridge material being narrower and smaller than the divided portions.

[0028] Thus, the support structure may be a single unit having elastic properties.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the weakened portion comprises a hinge.

[0030] Thus, the cutter unit can be opened to obtain a wider shape and closed again to obtain a narrower shape.

[0031] In some embodiments, the weakened portion comprises a slit.

[0032] Thus, the dimensions of the support structure can be temporarily changed for mounting and dismounting the tool unit.

[0033] In some further embodiments, the weakened portion is 1 to 10 millimeters wide.

[0034] The size of the support structure may thus be reduced sufficiently to allow installation and removal in a compressed state.

[0035] In some embodiments, the connector includes a slit.

[0036] Thus, the dimensions of the connector may be adapted to allow engagement and disengagement thereof.

[0037] In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a circular disk having radial slits.

[0038] Thus, the support structure can be slightly compressed in its radial direction but is elastic so that it can recover its original lateral dimensions.

[0039] In another embodiment, each slit has an open end and a closed end, and the slits are alternately arranged with their open ends directed toward the periphery and with their open ends directed toward the center of the disk.

[0040] Therefore, the elastic performance of the disc-shaped supporting structure can be further enhanced.

[0041] In some embodiments, the connector includes a circumferential bead.

[0042] Thus, the connector may interact with other connecting means to securely fasten the cutter unit.

[0043] In some embodiments, the connector comprises a material that is different from the material of the remainder of the support structure.

[0044] Thus, the connector and the rest of the support structure may each provide suitable properties, such as with regard to hardness, elasticity, friction, etc., to ensure that the required fixation is obtained. At the same time, the useful properties for easy replacement of the tool unit may also be maintained.

[0045] In some embodiments, a portion of the support structure is domed and convertible between two shapes.

[0046] The cutter unit can thus be easily and reliably snapped into and out of its position in the cutter assembly.The deformation of the support structure may be continuous so that transitions between shapes are possible.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more knives are mounted on a support structure via a hinge.

[0048] Thus, each knife can be rotated about its respective fastening element to obtain efficient cutting performance. In case they cannot fully pivot, they can be adjusted to different angles, which is useful for different cutting tasks. In addition, the knives can be provided with an easy-bend feature, which can protect the knives from damage if the knives accidentally encounter excessive resistance (such as contact with the ground, etc.).

[0049] In some embodiments, the cutter extends beyond the peripheral edge of the support structure.

[0050] Several cutting benefits can thus be achieved, for example, while the internal components of the cutter can be protected by the support structure, the outer edge can be free to cut grass with minimal friction with the support structure, the cutter unit, the rotatable structure (i.e. the cutter carrier on which the cutter is mounted) or a sliding protective plate under the cutter carrier.

[0051] According to a second aspect, some or all of the above problems are solved or at least alleviated by a tool carrier comprising a detachable tool unit as described above.

[0052] Thus, a quick removal and reinstallation of the tool can be performed for sharpening, repairs, etc.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the tool carrier device comprises at least one connector device for interacting with a connector of the tool unit.

[0054] The tool unit can therefore be securely fixed to the tool carrier.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, at least one connector device has a C-shaped cross-section.

[0056] Thus, a snap-fastening of the cutter unit in the connector arrangement may be performed. In particular, the connector arrangement and the connector may have complementary shapes. In some embodiments, the connector arrangement may be undercut, so that the connector remains securely in place.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, one connector means is annular and is disposed on a peripheral edge of the cutter carrier means.

[0058] This allows for a secure and even grip.

[0059] In some embodiments the connector means is a circumferential groove having a section complementary to a section of the connector of the cutter unit.

[0060] Therefore, the connector and the connector device can fit together well to securely connect the tool unit to the tool carrier.

[0061] In some embodiments, a connector device is provided at a central portion of the knife carrier device.

[0062] Therefore, the center portion of the cutter unit can be fixed and released at the center portion thereof to securely fasten the cutter unit.

[0063] In some embodiments, the protrusion is arranged to extend inwardly from the peripheral edge of the tool carrier, and the mounted tool unit contacts the protrusion in the circumferential direction of the tool carrier.

[0064] Thus, even when the cutter carrier is rotated during cutting, the cutter unit can remain in its position in the cutter carrier without rotating relative to the cutter carrier. Furthermore, by extending into the slit in the support structure, the protrusion can keep the slit open and prevent the support structure from changing its shape during use. Thus, accidental loosening of the cutter unit from the cutter carrier can be prevented.

[0065] In a third aspect of the present invention, a lawn mower comprises the cutter carrying device as described above.

[0066] The cutter carrier is particularly useful in lawn mowers, especially mechanical lawn mowers, because the cutters can be quickly changed for sharpening etc., thereby reducing downtime of the lawn mower. All cutters can be changed at the same time, without the need for individual removal and installation.

[0067] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for performing a tool change comprises the steps of deforming a tool unit in one or more deformable portions of a support structure, loosening a connection portion of the support structure from a tool carrier, removing the tool unit from the tool carrier, placing a second tool unit on the tool carrier, and deforming a deformable portion of the second tool unit to connect a connector to the tool carrier.

[0068] Thus, tool changes can be performed quickly and with few loose parts, since the tool units are coupled to one another and can typically be snapped into and out of position by slight deformation.

[0069] In one embodiment, deforming the deformable portion comprises transitioning the support structure between its two shapes.

[0070] Thus, for example, tightening and loosening of the cutter unit can be performed by a click function by exerting pressure on the arched deformable portion.

[0071] In yet another embodiment, deforming the deformable portion comprises compression and widening of the slit.

[0072] Thus, the shape of the support structure may be altered, for example by reducing the circumference of the support structure.

[0073] It is worth noting that the embodiments of the present invention can be embodied by all possible combinations of features listed in the claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the various embodiments used to describe the device are combined with the method defined in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] The above and additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are applied to similar components, wherein:

[0075] Figure 1a is a diagrammatic view of a rotatable structure according to one disclosed embodiment;

[0076] Figure 1b It is along Figure 1a A cross-sectional view of the rotatable structure along line AA;

[0077] Figure 1cis an enlarged cross-sectional view of an edge region of a rotatable structure;

[0078] Figure 1d yes Figure 1a A three-dimensional view of a rotatable structure;

[0079] Figure 2a is with Figure 1a -c is a perspective view of a tool unit used together with the rotatable structure;

[0080] Figure 2b is based on Figure 2a An enlarged cross-sectional view of an edge region of a tool unit;

[0081] Figure 2c is based on Figure 1a The rotatable structure and Figure 2a A diagrammatic view of an installed tool unit;

[0082] Figure 3a is a diagrammatic view of a rotatable structure according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 3b yes Figure 3a A three-dimensional view of a rotatable structure;

[0084] Figure 4a is with Figure 3a -b a diagrammatic view of a tool unit for use with a rotatable structure;

[0085] Figure 4b is based on Figure 4a An enlarged cross-sectional view of an edge portion of a tool unit;

[0086] Figure 4c is Figure 4a - a stereoscopic view of the tool unit in b; and

[0087] Figure 4d is based on Figure 3a The rotatable structure and Figure 4a A diagrammatic view of an installed tool unit;

[0088] All figures are schematic, not necessarily drawn to scale, and generally show only those components which are necessary in order to explain the embodiments, wherein other components may be omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Figure 1a A rotatable structure 1a according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The rotatable structure 1a is fixedly arranged on a drive shaft (not shown) and can rotate together with the drive shaft. The rotatable structure has the general shape of a circularly symmetrical plate or disc with a concave central portion 2a.

[0090] The hub 3a is disposed in the middle of the recessed central portion 2a. In the disclosed embodiment, the hub 3a includes three recesses 4a, which are approximately symmetrically disposed around the hub 3a to provide access to holes 5a for fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, etc.) to fasten the rotatable structure 1a to the drive shaft. There are also other holes 5a disposed in the center of the hub 3a.

[0091] The hub 3a is also provided with discontinuous circumferential grooves 6 which will Figure 1b and Figure 1d The groove 6 may have the function of maintaining the center of the tool unit 7a, which will be combined with Figure 2a-2b Described below.

[0092] The rotatable structure 1a is provided with an outer undercut C-shaped edge 8a around its circumference. The outer edge 8a may be used to hold the outer edge of the cutter unit 7a in place.

[0093] Figure 1b Shown along the Figure 1a 1a in a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. The figure clearly shows the recessed central portion 2a and the hub 3a in the middle. Intermittent circumferential grooves 6a can be seen on the side of the hub 3a. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the grooves are set at approximately the same level as the outer edge 8a. They can therefore cooperate to move the flat cutter unit 7a (at Figure 1b ) remains in its desired position.

[0094] Visible through the hub 3a is a central hole 5a for a fastener and two sleeves 9a extending from the hole 5a around the hub 3a. On the side of the rotatable structure 1a opposite the hub 3a, a peripheral wall 10a is provided to close the outer end of the drive shaft when the rotatable structure 1a is fixed thereto.

[0095] exist Figure 1c In the enlarged view of the outer edge 8a of the rotatable structure 1a, it can be clearly seen that there is an outer portion 11a of the edge 8a, which is transverse to the main plane of the disc-shaped rotatable structure 1a. There is also a free end portion 12a, which extends inwardly towards the central portion 2a of the rotatable structure 1a at a distance therefrom, corresponding to the edge of the tool unit 7a, which is not shown.

[0096] The rotatable structure 1a is generally arranged in Figure 1d 3. The recessed central portion 2a, the groove 6 in the hub 3a and the edge 8a are clearly visible.

[0097] exist Figure 2aThe cutter unit 7a, which has been briefly mentioned above, is shown in the perspective view in FIG. The cutter unit 7a comprises a support structure 14a and a plurality of cutters 13a, three of which are arranged around the edge of the support structure 14a at approximately equal distances from each other. In this embodiment, the cutters 13a partially extend outside the outer edge of the support structure 14a.

[0098] The cutter 13a is preferably fixed to the support structure 14a at its reinforced thickened portion 15a by means of a fastening element 22. Although screws can be used for the detachable fastening of the cutter 13a, rivets can be used for fastening in cases where the thickness dimension of the cutter unit 7a is extremely critical, because the rivets can be fastened in a thinner support structure 14a. In addition, the rivet itself can have a moderate length, which will not significantly increase the thickness of the cutter structure 7a.

[0099] When a rivet is used as the fastening element 22, the cutter 13a cannot be removed, and sharpening the cutter 13a is therefore difficult. Rivets may be particularly useful for a cutter unit 7a, which may be manufactured and sold as a disposable replacement part.

[0100] The support structure 14a comprises a number of radial slits 16, each slit terminating at a closed end of the respective slit 16 in a transverse slit portion 17, which forms a T-shaped slit form. The other end 18 of the slit 16 is open. The slits 16 are alternately provided with their open ends 18 at the center of the support structure 14a or at the outer edge 20a or circumferential bead of the support structure 14a. The transverse slit portions 17 are therefore also alternately provided at the center of the support structure 14a or at the outer edge 20a. Between each transverse slit portion 17 and the respective edge there is a narrow, slightly flexible bridge material 19, which constitutes the support structure 14a.

[0101] The slits 16, 17 and the flexible bridge 19 are weak parts, which provide good flexibility to the support structure 14a, especially in its axial and circumferential directions. In particular, the support structure 14a has the overall shape of a flat circular disk with a central circular hole, which can be slightly compressed at its outer edge 20a by narrowing the open end of the slit 16. In the case where a slightly larger compressive force is applied to the outer edge 20a, the flexible bridge 19 can bend slightly. If the edge of the central hole is also compressed, so that the open end of the slit 16 is narrowed and the inner flexible bridge 19 is bent, the support structure 14a can at least temporarily present a funnel shape. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the material of the support structure 14a has elastic properties, which means that when the compressive force is released, the support structure 14a can restore its shape.

[0102] The temporary change in shape and size enables the cutter unit 7a to be snap-fastened to the above Figure 1a-1d When the support structure 14a is in its original uncompressed state, the outer edge 20a of the support structure 14a (shown in Figure 2b The outer edge 20a thus has the function of a connector, which connects the support structure 14a of the tool unit 7a to the rotatable structure 1a.

[0103] The edge 20a of the support structure 14a may be shaped complementary to the shape of the C-shaped edge 8a of the rotatable structure 1a. The recess 21 near the shaped outer edge 20a may make the outer edge 20a slightly flexible and may facilitate fastening of the cutter unit 7a on the rotatable structure 1a.

[0104] Figure 2c The rotatable structure 1a is shown with the cutter unit 7a mounted thereon. In this state, the rotatable structure 1a and the cutter unit 7a are ready for use in a mechanical working tool. The installation and removal of the cutter unit 7a can be performed quickly by a few tools. It is optional to provide a skid plate on the rotatable structure 1a and on the cutter unit 7a.

[0105] Figure 3a A second embodiment of a rotatable structure 1 b is disclosed. As in the embodiments described above, the rotatable structure 1 b has the general shape of a disk with a recessed central portion 2 b. The disk is generally circular. There is a central hub 3 b, which, as in the previous embodiments, is provided with a recess 4 b and a hole 5 b for a fastener to secure the rotatable structure 1 b to a drive shaft in a work tool. The rotatable structure 1 b is provided with a C-shaped edge 8 b, which serves essentially the same purpose as the outer edge 8 a in the previously described embodiments.

[0106] Different from the previous embodiment, the rotatable structure 1b is provided with a lug 23 near the edge 8b for fixing the cutter unit 7b of the second embodiment. The lug 23 is arranged to be angled with respect to the radial direction of the rotatable structure 1b. The purpose of the lug 23 is to keep the flexible cutter unit 7b in the maximum extended position so that the cutter unit will be fixed against the outer edge 8b. Further details of the fixation will be described below in conjunction with the description of the cutter unit 7b of the second embodiment.

[0107] At least one notch 24 may be provided in the edge 8b near the lug 23. The notch 24 may provide access to the cutter unit 7b for removal of the cutter unit. A tool may be used to remove the cutter unit 7b from contact with the side of the lug 23, thereby allowing compression of the cutter unit 7b so that the cutter unit may be removed from the rotatable structure 1b.

[0108] Figure 3b A perspective view of the rotatable structure 1 b is shown. The edge 8 b, the hub 3 b, the lug 23 , the notch 24 and their extent in all directions are clearly visible therein.

[0109] The second embodiment of the tool unit 7b can be used with Figure 3a -b is used together with the rotatable structure 1b in the tool unit. Figure 4a As shown in Figure 2a In the embodiment shown in Figure 1-b, the cutter unit 7b comprises a support structure 14b, wherein a plurality of cutters 13b are mounted at a reinforcement portion 15b and extend a certain distance outside the edge 8b of the support structure 14b. The reinforcement portion 15b and therefore the cutters 13b are arranged at approximately equal distances around the support structure 14b, which has an overall annular shape. In the disclosed embodiment, the annulus is substantially flat, but other options are also possible.

[0110] The annular support structure 14b is provided with a weak portion in the shape of a slit 25 which is arranged at an angle with respect to the radial direction of the support structure 14b. The slit 25 may allow it to be compressed so that the support structure 14b is deformable and can snap into and out of interaction with the rotatable structure 1b. The width of the slit 25 corresponds to the width of the lug 23 of the rotatable structure 1b or is slightly smaller. Figure 4a In the embodiment disclosed in -c, both ends of the slit 25 are open, but in other embodiments, one or both ends of the slit 25 may be at least partially closed by a narrow bridging material. The various possible shapes of the slit 25 and its surroundings correspond to the above description of Figure 2a -c depicts a weakened portion comprising narrow bridging material 19 and slit portion 17. The shape and extent of lugs 23 of rotatable structure 14b may be adapted accordingly to fit within slits 25 or openings.

[0111] When the slit 25 or opening is compressed, the diameter of the support structure 14b can be reduced, and the support structure 14b can be inserted into the outer C-shaped edge 8b. Therefore, the compressed slit 25 should preferably be positioned near the lug 23. When the compression is released, the slit 25 and the support structure 14b can restore their original shape and expand to contact the C-shaped edge 8b.

[0112] In order to fix the cutter unit 7b in its proper position on the rotatable structure 1b, the sides of the slit 25 are located on either side of the lugs 23. The lugs 23 can keep the slit 25 in its open position, so that the support structure 14b remains in contact with the C-shaped edge 8b. Positioning the lugs 23 in the slit 25 can also have the effect of preventing the support structure 14b from rotating relative to the rotatable structure. Therefore, during use, the cutter 13b will have different positions and will not yield.

[0113] like Figure 4b As shown, the support structure 14b of the tool unit 7b may have an approximately U-shaped section, with the shank of the U being designed to face the rotatable structure 1b when the tool unit 7b is mounted on the rotatable structure. The circumferentially extending outer edge or bead 20b of the support structure 14b is Figure 4b As with the outer edge 20a of the first embodiment described above, the outer edge 20b may fit into the peripheral edge 8b of the rotatable structure 1b, thereby connecting the cutter unit to the rotatable structure 1b and retaining the cutter unit 7b in its proper position during use.

[0114] exist Figure 4c , a stereoscopic view of the cutter unit 7b is shown. As in the first embodiment described above, the cutter 13b is preferably screwed or riveted to the support structure 14b at its reinforcement portion 15b. Although the fastening element 22 can be a screw for detachable fastening of the cutter 13a, rivets can be used for fastening in cases where the thickness dimension of the cutter unit 7b is extremely critical, because the rivet can be fastened in a thinner support structure 14b, and the rivet itself will not further increase the thickness of the cutter unit 7b. When the cutter unit 7b is a disposable component, rivets can be used as an option.

[0115] Figure 4d The rotatable structure 1b is shown with the tool unit 7b mounted thereon. In this state, the rotatable structure 1b and the tool unit 7b are ready for use in a mechanical working tool. The installation and removal of the tool unit 7b can be performed quickly by a few tools. The provision of sliding protection plates on the rotatable structure 1b and on the tool unit 7b is optional.

[0116] In the embodiment already shown in the figures and in further embodiments, the cutter unit 7a, 7b is snapped into a mounting position on the rotatable structure 1a, 1b. The circumferential edges 20a, 20b of the support structures 14a, 14b are in contact and connected with the C-shaped edges 8a, 8b, and this connection can be enhanced by a slight radial expansion of the support structures 14a, 14b when the rotatable structure 1a, 1b is rotated by the drive shaft. There may be a corresponding centripetal force from the C-shaped edges 8a, 8b, thereby keeping the circumferential edges 20a, 20b of the support structures 14a, 14b in their position. The friction force that prevents the support structures 14a, 14b from sliding relative to the rotatable structure 1a, 1b is enhanced by the centripetal force. The risk of the cutter unit 7a, 7b accidentally falling off is therefore eliminated.

[0117] The removal of the cutter unit 7a, 7b from the rotatable structure 1a, 1b can be performed by moving the cutter unit 7a, 7b out of its mounted position by means of a slight deformation of its support structure 14a, 4b. The deformation can be achieved by compressing the slits 16, 25. If necessary, a tool such as a screwdriver or a special tool can be applied to achieve this deformation.

[0118] In some further embodiments not disclosed in the figures, the support structure may have an arched or arcuate portion, preferably at its central portion. By applying pressure on the central domed portion, the support structure may be deformed so that the support structure can change its shape in a snap-in action. By the same action, the portion outside the arched portion can change its shape and position, and thus its outer edge can snap into contact with the peripheral edge or out of contact. The opposite action can occur in a controlled manner, and thus mounting and dismounting of the tool unit can be performed on the rotatable structure.

[0119] In some embodiments, the fastening of the cutters 13a, 13b may be articulated. Depending on the plant to be cut and the desired effect, this feature may be desirable for a particular use. In some embodiments, the articulation may be used to adjust the angle of the cutters 13a, 13b relative to the outer edge of the support structure 14a, 14b.

[0120] The cutter unit 7a, 7b and the rotatable structure 1a, 1b may be covered by a sliding protection plate of the working tool. If so, the sliding protection plate must be removed to make the rotatable structure 1a, 1b and the cutter unit 7a, 7b accessible. However, the disassembly of the working tool required for replacing the cutter 13a, 13b is still limited.

[0121] The simple installation and removal of the cutter units 7a, 7b allows all the cutters to be replaced at the same time with minimal effort and downtime. If the cutter units 7a, 7b are not disposable parts, the cutters 13a, 13b thereon can be removed and sharpened at leisure time while another cutter unit 7a, 7b is installed and used on the work tool. The risk of injury is reduced because there is no need to touch the cutters 13a, 13b when the cutters are installed in an unsuitable position on the tool.

[0122] The invention has generally been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as will be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than those disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended patent claims.

[0123] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A tool carrier device, comprising a tool unit (7a, 7b) for a cutter assembly in a working tool and a rotatable structure (1a, 1b), wherein the tool unit (7a, 7b) is mounted on the rotatable structure, and the tool unit (7a, 7b) is detachable, in, The tool unit (7a, 7b) comprises one or more tools (13a, 13b) and a support structure (14a, 14b) carrying the tools (13a, 13b), the support structure (14a, 14b) having an at least partially circular periphery and extending around a center, the support structure (14a, 14b) comprising a connector (20a, 20b) for connecting to a rotatable structure (1a, 1b), wherein the rotatable structure comprises at least one connector device (8a, 8b) having a C-shaped cross-section; wherein the connector (20a, 20b) comprises at least an outer edge or a rim extending circumferentially at the peripheral edge of the support structure (14a, 14b), the outer edge or the rim being formed into a shape complementary to the shape of the at least one connector device (8a, 8b), so that the support structure (14a, 14b) is connected to the rotatable structure (1a, 1b) by fitting the outer edge or the rim of the connector (20a, 20b) into the at least one connector device (8a, 8b) of the rotatable structure (1a, 1b); and Wherein, the at least one connector device of the rotatable structure also includes a lug and at least one recess, the lug extending inward from the peripheral edge of the rotatable structure to hold the tool unit, and the at least one recess is arranged near the lug to provide a channel to access the tool unit for disassembling the tool unit.

2. The tool carrier device according to claim 1, wherein: The support structures (14a, 14b) extend in a single plane.

3. The tool carrier device according to claim 1, wherein: The support structure (14a, 14b) is arranged to be locally deformable in one or more regions thereof.

4. The tool carrier device according to claim 1, wherein: The support structure (14a, 14b) is shaped so as to be continuously deformable.

5. The tool carrier device according to claim 1, wherein: The support structure (14a, 14b) comprises at least one weakened portion (19).

6. The tool carrier device according to claim 5, wherein: The support structure (14a, 14b) comprises at least one cut-out portion (16, 17, 25) in the area of ​​a main plane of the support structure (14a, 14b).

7. The tool carrier device according to claim 1, wherein: The support structure (14a, 14b) is annular, and at least one weak portion (19, 25) is provided at a peripheral edge of the support structure (14a, 14b).

8. The tool carrier device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one weak portion (19) is provided at a central portion of the support structure (14a).

9. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The weakened portion (19) comprises a bendable bridging material between separate portions of the support structure (14a), the bendable bridging material being narrower and smaller than the separate portions.

10. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The weak portion (19) comprises a hinge.

11. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The weak portion includes a slit (16, 17, 25).

12. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein: The weakened portion is 1 to 10 mm wide.

13. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The connector (20a, 20b) comprises a slit (16, 25).

14. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The support structure (14a) comprises a circular disk having radial slits (16).

15. The tool carrier according to claim 14, wherein: Each slit (16) has an open end (18) and a closed end, and the slits (16) are alternately arranged with their open ends (18) directed toward the periphery and with their open ends (18) directed toward the center of the disk.

16. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The connector (20a, 20b) comprises a material different from that of the remainder of the support structure (14a, 14b).

17. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: A portion of the support structure (14a) is arched and can be converted between two shapes.

18. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: One or more of the knives (13a, 13b) are arranged on the support structure (14a, 14b) via a hinge.

19. The tool carrier device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The cutter (13a, 13b) extends beyond the peripheral edge of the support structure (14a, 14b).

20. The tool carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The connector device (8a, 8b) is annular and is arranged at the peripheral edge of the rotatable structure (1a, 1b).

21. The tool carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The connector device (8a, 8b) is a circumferential groove open towards the center of the tool carrier device, the circumferential groove having a section complementary to a section of the connector (20a, 20b) of the tool unit (7a, 7b).

22. The tool carrier according to claim 1, wherein: A connector device (6) is arranged at a central portion of the tool carrier.

23. A lawn mower comprising a cutter carrying device according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. A method for performing a tool change in a work tool, the work tool comprising a tool carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 22, the method comprising the following steps: - deforming the tool unit (7a, 7b) in one or more deformable parts (19) of the support structure (14a, 14b), - releasing the connector (20a, 20b) of the support structure (14a, 14b) from the rotatable structure (1a, 1b), - removing the cutter unit (7a, 7b) from the rotatable structure (1a, 1b), - placing a second cutter unit (7a, 7b) on said rotatable structure (1a, 1b), and - deforming the deformable portion (19) of the second tool unit (7a, 7b) to connect the connector (20a, 20b) to the rotatable structure (1a, 1b), Wherein, deforming the deformable portion (19) includes compressing and widening the slits (16, 17, 25).

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: Deforming the deformable portion (19) comprises transforming the support structure (14a, 14b) between its two shapes.

Images