Automatic lawnmower and method for controlling the automatic lawnmower

Abstract

An automatic lawnmower (100) and a method for controlling the automatic lawnmower (100) are disclosed. The lawnmower (100) includes: a body having a housing (101) and a driving mechanism (102) for moving the body; a main mowing unit (103) located below the housing (101) and having a first cutting area (108); a trimming unit (104) located outside the main mowing unit (103) and having a second cutting area (112) different from the first cutting area (108), wherein the side of the second cutting area (112) away from the first cutting area (108) is at least flush with and / or partially extends beyond the outer side of the housing (101); and a protective cover configured to at least cover the portion of the trimming unit (104) located outside the housing (101) and / or the portion flush with the outer side of the housing (101) when the trimming unit (104) is in operation. The automatic lawnmower (100) and the method of controlling the automatic lawnmower (100) can avoid injury to personnel when the trimming unit (104) is working, thus improving the safety of the automatic lawnmower (100).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application filed by the applicant on September 27, 2019, entitled "Automatic Lawn Mower and Method for Controlling the Automatic Lawn Mower," application number CN201980006074.7. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates generally to lawnmower safety protection technology, and in particular to an automatic lawnmower with a protective cover and a method for controlling the automatic lawnmower. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, some garden tools are commonly used in daily life. However, these tools often have sharp blades and other parts that pose a potential hazard to the operator. Therefore, operator safety must be considered when designing these tools to minimize the possibility of injury from improper operation. Industry standards also stipulate safety design requirements for certain tools to ensure operator safety.

[0004] Automatic lawnmowers are a common gardening tool. However, most automatic lawnmowers currently fail to effectively trim the edges of lawns, resulting in unsatisfactory overall mowing results. To address this, some lawnmowers have added an edging unit to the main mowing unit to trim the edges of the lawn. However, because the edging unit is typically located on the outside of the lawnmower housing, or at least partially on the outside, its cutting blades are directly exposed outside the housing during operation, posing a significant risk of injury to nearby people. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention provides an automatic lawnmower and a method for controlling the automatic lawnmower to improve the safety of the lawnmower and avoid personnel injury during the operation of the trimming unit.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an automatic lawnmower is provided, comprising:

[0007] The fuselage includes a housing and a driving mechanism for moving the fuselage.

[0008] The main mowing unit is located under the housing and has a first cutting area;

[0009] The trimming unit is located outside the main mowing unit and has a second cutting area different from the first cutting area. The side of the second cutting area away from the first cutting area is at least flush with and / or partially extends beyond the outer side of the housing.

[0010] A protective cover, configured to at least cover the portion of the trimming unit located outside the housing and / or flush with the outer surface of the housing when the trimming unit is in operation.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the trimming unit is capable of automatically switching between a working state and an inactive state or switching between a working state and an inactive state by means of manual operation.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, a detection unit and a control unit are further included. The control unit is electrically connected to the detection unit and the trimming unit. The control unit automatically controls the trimming unit to automatically switch between working and non-working states based on the detection signal from the detection unit.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, a control unit is further included, and an operation unit disposed on the housing is electrically connected to the operation unit; when the operation unit receives a preset signal, the control unit controls the trimming unit to switch between working and non-working states.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, a control unit and a wireless signal receiving unit are further included; wherein the wireless signal receiving unit is used to receive a preset signal transmitted from a user terminal; the control unit is electrically connected to the signal receiving unit; when the signal receiving unit receives the preset signal, the control unit controls the trimming unit to switch between working and non-working states.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the preset signal is generated manually.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the protective cover is configured to expose at least partially the trimming unit when the trimming unit is in a non-operating state.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the protective cover includes: a movable cover configured to switch between an open state and a closed state, and when the movable cover is in the closed state, covering at least the portion of the trimming unit located outside the housing and / or the portion flush with the outer surface of the housing.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the movable cover is configured to rotate or move up and down along the axial direction of the trimming unit to switch between an open state and a closed state.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the trimming unit includes a mowing section and a drive mechanism for driving the mowing section to rotate.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the movable shield is configured to rotate about the drive shaft of the drive mechanism to switch between the open state and the closed state.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, a gear set connected to the drive shaft of the drive mechanism is further included. The movable cover is connected to the gear set. When the drive mechanism drives the drive shaft to rotate, it drives the gear set to rotate, thereby driving the movable cover to rotate.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, the movable cover is provided on the mowing part by a threaded connection and is configured to rotate spirally around the mowing part to switch between the open state and the closed state.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, a lifting mechanism is further provided on the housing. The lifting mechanism includes a lifting motor and a transmission mechanism. The lifting motor drives the transmission mechanism to move the movable cover up and down, thereby switching between the open state and the closed state.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the transmission mechanism is a linkage mechanism.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the front end of the movable shield is configured as a comb-like structure.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover further includes a fixed cover, the fixed cover being configured such that when the movable cover is in a closed state, the movable cover and the fixed cover together cover the trimming unit.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the fixed cover is located inside the housing.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the fixed cover is at least partially located on the outside of the housing.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the trimming unit is disposed on the front, left or right side of the main mowing unit.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the trimming unit is located outside the housing during operation.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the trimming unit is disposed on the outside of the housing via a connecting structure, and the protective cover is connected to the housing via a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism is configured to rotate in the vertical direction to drive the protective cover to move in the vertical direction, so as to cover the trimming unit when the trimming unit is in the working state.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the trimming unit is disposed on the outside of the housing via a mounting shaft, and the mounting shaft is configured as a telescopic structure, wherein when in the retracted state, the trimming unit is retracted inside the housing; and when the mounting shaft is in the extended state, the trimming unit extends to the outside of the housing.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the trimming unit is located at least partially inside the housing when in operation.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the trimming unit includes a mowing section and a drive mechanism for driving the mowing section to rotate. The mowing section includes a mowing element and a receiving portion for accommodating and fixing the mowing element. The receiving portion is disposed on the drive shaft of the drive mechanism.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism and the receiving portion are at least partially located inside the housing.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the mowing element comprises a mowing rope or a swivel blade made of a non-sharp metal or flexible material.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the protective cover has a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical structure.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an automatic lawnmower as described above is provided, comprising:

[0039] Switch the lawnmower to the edge-trimming mode;

[0040] When the trimming unit is in operation, the control shield covers at least the portion of the trimming unit located outside the housing and / or the portion flush with the outer side of the housing.

[0041] The automatic lawnmower and method for controlling the automatic lawnmower according to the present invention, by adding a protective cover and controlling the protective cover to at least cover the portion of the trimming unit located outside the housing and / or the portion flush with the outer side of the housing during trimming work, can avoid injury to personnel during the operation of the trimming unit and improve the safety of the automatic lawnmower. Attached Figure Description

[0042] These and / or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become clearer and more readily understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1AThis is a schematic top view of an automatic lawnmower according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable cover is in the open state;

[0044] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A The diagram shows a schematic side view of an automatic lawnmower, with the movable cover in the open position.

[0045] Figure 1C This is a schematic top view of an automatic lawnmower according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable cover is in a closed state;

[0046] Figure 1D yes Figure 1C The diagram shows a schematic side view of an automatic lawnmower, with the movable guard in the closed position.

[0047] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the trimming unit and the protective cover of an automatic lawnmower according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable protective cover is in the open state;

[0048] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the trimming unit and the protective cover of an automatic lawnmower according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable protective cover is in a closed state;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic top view of an automatic lawnmower according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable cover is in the open state;

[0050] Figure 4A This is a schematic top view of an automatic lawnmower according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable cover is in the open state;

[0051] Figure 4B This is a schematic top view of an automatic lawnmower according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable cover is in a closed state;

[0052] Figure 5A This is a schematic front view of an automatic lawnmower according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protective cover is in the open state;

[0053] Figure 5B This is a schematic front view of an automatic lawnmower according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protective cover is in a closed state;

[0054] Figure 6A This is a schematic front view of an automatic lawnmower according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the live protective cover is in the open state;

[0055] Figure 6B yes Figure 6AThe diagram shows a schematic top view of an automatic lawnmower, with the protective cover in the open position;

[0056] Figure 6C This is a schematic front view of an automatic lawnmower according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the protective cover is in a closed state;

[0057] Figure 6D yes Figure 6C The diagram shows a schematic top view of an automatic lawnmower, with the protective cover in the closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0059] Before we begin, let's explain the meaning of the terms used in this article.

[0060] The main mowing unit is the primary mowing component of an automatic lawnmower, used to complete most of the mowing tasks.

[0061] The trimming unit is an auxiliary mowing component of an automatic lawnmower, used to mow areas where the main mowing unit is inconvenient or unable to mow, such as the edges of the lawn.

[0062] 'Located outside the shell' means outside the portion occupied by the shell.

[0063] As mentioned earlier, most lawnmowers currently cannot completely cut the edges of the blades during mowing, resulting in poor mowing performance at the edges of lawns. While some lawnmowers are equipped with trimming units to cut the edges, these units are often partially or completely exposed, posing a safety hazard and potentially causing injury. This invention addresses this issue by proposing an automatic lawnmower that is equipped with a trimming unit for cutting the edges of lawns, and also features a protective cover to prevent injury from the trimming unit, thus improving the safety of the automatic lawnmower.

[0064] The following is combined Figures 1A-6D An automatic lawnmower according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail to provide a better understanding of the invention.

[0065] Example 1

[0066] like Figures 1A-1D As shown, the automatic lawnmower 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 101, a traveling mechanism 102, a main mowing unit 103, a trimming unit 104, a fixed cover 105, and a movable cover 106.

[0067] The housing 101 and the driving mechanism 102 mounted on the housing constitute the body of the automatic lawnmower 100. The driving mechanism 102 is used to drive the body to move. The driving mechanism includes, for example, a left wheel, a right wheel, and a front wheel, as well as a power mechanism (not shown) that drives the left wheel, right wheel, and front wheel to rotate and thus drive the body to move. The power mechanism is, for example, an electric motor, which can be powered by a battery.

[0068] The main mowing unit 103 is disposed below the housing 101 and is completely covered by the housing 101, so it will not cause harm to the human body or others when the main mowing unit is in operation. Exemplarily, the main mowing unit 103 includes three symmetrically arranged blades 107, which can rotate under the drive of a drive mechanism (e.g., a motor) to mow the grass. The three blades are arranged as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. Figure 1C The first cutting area 108 shown, namely the main mowing unit 103, can mow the lawn within the first cutting area 108. In other words, when grass and other plants are located within the first cutting area 108, they can be cut by the main mowing unit 103, thereby completing the mowing of the main lawn area.

[0069] The trimming unit 104 is located outside the main mowing unit 103. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the trimming unit 104 is located to the right of the main mowing unit 103 and on the right edge of the housing 101. It should be understood that although in this embodiment the trimming unit 104 is located to the right of the main mowing unit 103, in other embodiments of the present invention, the trimming unit 104 may be located on the front or left side of the main mowing unit 103, etc., and its arrangement can be as needed and is not limited to the manner given in this invention.

[0070] like Figure 1B and Figure 1D As shown, the trimming unit 104 includes a mowing section and a drive mechanism 109 for driving the mowing section to rotate. The mowing section includes a mowing element 111 and a receiving portion 110 for accommodating and fixing the mowing element 111. That is, the trimming unit 104 includes the drive mechanism 109, the receiving portion 110, and the mowing element 111. The drive mechanism 109 is, for example, a power device such as a motor, and has a rotatable drive shaft. The receiving portion 110 is disposed on the drive shaft of the drive mechanism 109 and can rotate under the drive of the drive shaft. The mowing element 111 is mounted on the receiving portion 110 and can rotate with the rotation of the receiving portion 110, thereby performing mowing. Exemplarily, the mowing element 111 includes a rope or a blade. Exemplarily, the rope is made of a material such as nylon, and the blade is made of a non-sharp metal material or a flexible material. This manufacturing method can reduce the potential injury of the mowing element 111 to operators, etc., and avoid accidental cuts caused by the mowing element.

[0071] like Figure 1Aand Figure 1C As shown, the mowing element 111 forms a second cutting area 112, that is, the trimming unit 104 can mow the lawn in the second cutting area 112. In other words, when grass and other plants are located in the second cutting area 112, they can be cut by the trimming unit 104 to complete the trimming of the lawn edge area.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism 109 and the receiving portion 110 are generally located within the housing 101, that is, the drive mechanism 109 and the receiving portion 110 are mostly located inside (or on the inner side) of the housing 101, and only partially located outside (or on the outer side) of the housing 101. Correspondingly, unlike the first cutting area 108 which is entirely located within the housing 101, the second cutting area 112 is partially located inside the housing 101 and partially located outside the housing 101. Therefore, without necessary protective measures, there is a safety hazard when the trimming unit 104 is in operation, which could easily cause injury to the human body. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the drive mechanism 109 and the receiving portion 110 may also be entirely located within the housing 101, or more of them may be located outside the housing 101, or entirely outside the housing 101. Correspondingly, the second cutting area 112 will also vary, but the side of the second cutting area 112 furthest from the first cutting area 108 will at least be flush with the outer surface of the housing 101. Figure 1A and Figure 1C As shown, in this embodiment, the second cutting area 112 extends beyond the outer side (more specifically, the right side) of the housing 101. However, in order to meet the working requirements of the trimming unit, in other embodiments, the side of the second cutting area 112 away from the first cutting area 108 (the right side of the second cutting area 112 in this embodiment) is at least flush with the outer side (the right side of the housing 101 in this embodiment).

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the trimming unit can automatically switch between a working state and a non-working state or switch manually. Specifically, the automatic lawnmower 100 also includes a detection unit (not shown) and a control unit (not shown). The control unit automatically controls the trimming unit to switch between a working state and a non-working state based on the detection signal from the detection unit. In one embodiment, the detection unit includes a boundary detection sensor. When the boundary detection sensor detects a boundary, it sends a signal to the control unit, which then controls the trimming unit 104 to start the working state. In another embodiment, the detection unit includes an arrival detection sensor. When the arrival detection sensor detects a base station, it sends a signal to the control unit, which then controls the trimming unit 104 to start the non-working state. In yet another embodiment, the detection unit includes an obstacle detection sensor. When the obstacle detection sensor detects an obstacle, it sends a signal to the control unit, which then controls the trimming unit 104 to start the non-working state. The trimming unit 104 can also switch between a working state and a non-working state manually. In one embodiment, the automatic lawnmower 100 further includes a control unit and an operating unit disposed on the housing, the control unit being electrically connected to the operating unit; when the operating unit receives a preset signal, the control unit controls the trimming unit to switch between working and non-working states. More specifically, the operating unit includes buttons or controls, allowing manual operation of the corresponding control buttons / controls to switch the trimming unit between working and non-working states. In another embodiment, the automatic lawnmower 100 further includes a control unit and a wireless signal receiving unit, wherein the wireless signal receiving unit is used to receive a preset signal transmitted from a user terminal; the control unit is electrically connected to the signal receiving unit; when the signal receiving unit receives the preset signal, the control unit controls the trimming unit to switch between working and non-working states. Specifically, the preset signal is generated by manual operation and includes a start signal and / or a stop signal. When a start signal is generated by manual operation, the control unit controls the trimming unit to switch to the working state; when a stop signal is generated by manual operation, the control unit controls the trimming unit to switch to the non-working state.

[0074] In this embodiment, to avoid safety hazards when the trimming unit 104 is in operation, a protective cover is provided for the trimming unit 104. The protective cover is configured to at least cover the portion of the trimming unit 104 located outside the housing 101 and / or the portion flush with the outer side of the housing 101 when the trimming unit is in operation.

[0075] Please refer to this again. Figures 1A to 1DIn this embodiment, the protective cover includes a fixed cover 105 and a movable cover 106, and exemplaryly, the fixed cover 105 and the movable cover 106 have a generally semi-cylindrical structure, which may be made of a rigid material. The fixed cover 105 is arranged such that it is partially located inside the housing 101 and partially located outside the housing 101. The movable cover 106 is configured to be able to open in an open state (e.g., Figure 1A and Figure 1B (as shown) and off state (as shown) Figure 1C and Figure 1D The device switches between the working state and the closed state when the trimming unit 104 is in the working state, so as to at least cover the portion of the trimming unit 104 located outside the housing 101 and / or the portion flush with the outer surface of the housing 101. The fixed cover 105 is configured such that when the movable cover 106 is in the closed state, the movable cover 106 and the fixed cover 105 together cover the trimming unit 104.

[0076] Furthermore, when the active cover 106 is in the open state, a portion of the trimming unit 104 can be exposed (i.e., exposed outside the housing 101). Exemplarily, in this invention, the cover can be configured to expose or partially expose the trimming unit 104 when it is in a non-operating state. This prevents the cover from contacting the ground or obstacles while the automatic lawnmower is moving, thus affecting its mobility.

[0077] Preferably, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1C As shown, the front end of the movable cover 106 is configured with a comb-like structure so that when the movable cover 106 is rotated from the open state to the closed state, the grass can be better combed into the interior of the cover. Furthermore, the gap between the combs of the comb structure is less than 8.6 mm.

[0078] Please refer to this again. Figures 1A to 1D In this embodiment, the movable cover 106 is configured to rotate between the open state and the closed state. More specifically, the movable cover 106 is configured to rotate about the drive shaft of the drive mechanism 109 to switch between the open state and the closed state.

[0079] The following is combined Figure 2A and Figure 2B The arrangement of the protective cover and trimming unit in this embodiment is described in detail.

[0080] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, in this embodiment, the fixed cover 105 is disposed below the drive mechanism 109 and partially covers the receiving portion 110. The movable cover 106 is disposed on the drive shaft 113 of the drive mechanism (e.g., a motor) 109 via a gear set 114 and a connecting member 115, and can switch between open and closed states under the drive of the drive shaft 113. Specifically, the gear set 114 includes a first gear 116, a second gear 117, a rotating shaft 118, and a third gear 119. The first gear 116 is fixed on the drive shaft 113 and can rotate with the drive shaft 113. The third gear 119 can rotate freely around the drive shaft. The second gear 117 is a double gear and can rotate freely around the rotating shaft 118. The connecting member 115 is connected to the third gear 119 and the movable cover 106. When the third gear 119 rotates, it can drive the movable cover 106 to rotate around the drive shaft 113.

[0081] like Figure 2A As shown, the movable cover 106 is in the open state. When the drive mechanism 109 is driven, the drive shaft 113 drives the first gear 116 to rotate, the first gear 116 drives the second gear 117 to rotate, the second gear 117 drives the third gear 119 to rotate, and the third gear 119 drives the movable cover 106 to rotate around the drive shaft 113 through the connecting piece 115, until... Figure 2B As shown, the movable cover 106 rotates to completely enclose the mowing element 111, at which point the movable cover 106 is in the closed state; the drive mechanism 109 reverses to reset the movable cover 106 to the open state.

[0082] It should be understood that although the transmission of the gear set 114 is a two-stage transmission reduction in this embodiment, it may be a multi-stage transmission reduction in other embodiments, such as a three-stage or four-stage transmission reduction.

[0083] Of course, it is understandable that the movable cover 106 can also move up and down along the axis of the trimming unit 104 to switch between the open and closed states. More specifically, the automatic lawnmower 100 also includes a lifting mechanism (not shown) disposed on the housing 101, the lifting mechanism including a lifting motor and a transmission mechanism, the lifting motor driving the transmission mechanism to move the movable cover 106 up and down, thereby switching between the open and closed states. In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism is a linkage mechanism; in another embodiment, the transmission mechanism is a rack and pinion mechanism.

[0084] The edge trimming process of the automatic lawnmower 100 according to this embodiment is as follows: When the automatic lawnmower 100 is in motion, the drive mechanism 109 stops running, the movable cover 106 opens, the automatic lawnmower 100 travels a certain distance according to the set program and then stops, the grass is gathered in the fixed cover 105, the movable cover 106 closes, the drive mechanism 109 starts to mow the grass, after the grass is mowed, the drive mechanism 109 stops running, the movable cover 106 opens, the automatic lawnmower 100 continues to run, and so on to achieve the edge mowing function.

[0085] Example 2

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the automatic lawnmower 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 201, a traveling mechanism 202, a main mowing unit 203, a trimming unit 204, a fixed cover 205, and a movable cover 206. The automatic lawnmower 200 of this embodiment has a structure substantially the same as the automatic lawnmower 100 shown in Embodiment 1. The main mowing unit 203 has a first cutting area 207 located within the housing 201, and the trimming unit 204 has a second cutting area 208 located at least partially outside the housing 201. The difference from the automatic lawnmower 100 disclosed in Embodiment 1 is that, in this embodiment, the fixed cover 205 is completely located inside the housing 201, and when the movable cover 206 is in the open state, it is located inside the housing 201 (e.g., when the fixed cover 205 is in the open state). Figure 3 As shown, when the movable cover 206 is in the closed state, the movable cover 206 is located outside the housing and together with the fixed cover 205 completely covers the mowing element of the trimming unit. At this time, the mowing element of the trimming unit performs mowing, thereby avoiding injury to the human body or others when the mowing element is working.

[0087] The structure of each component of the automatic lawnmower, as well as the arrangement and driving method of the fixed guard 205 and the movable guard 206, are the same as or similar to those described in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0088] Example 3

[0089] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the automatic lawnmower 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 301, a traveling mechanism 302, a main mowing unit 303, a trimming unit 304, a fixed cover 305, and a movable cover 306. The automatic lawnmower 300 of this embodiment has a structure that is generally the same as that of the automatic lawnmower 100 shown in the first embodiment, except that in this embodiment, the trimming unit 304 is disposed on the outside of the housing 301 via a mounting shaft 307, that is, the trimming unit 304 is completely located outside the housing 301.

[0090] Preferably, in this embodiment, the mounting shaft 307 is configured as a telescopic structure. When in the retracted state, the trimming unit 304 is retracted inside the housing 301; when the mounting shaft 307 is in the extended state, the trimming unit 304 extends to the outside of the housing 301. Of course, in this embodiment or other embodiments, the mounting shaft 307 can also be configured as a non-telescopic structure, such as a fixed structure, that is, the trimming unit 304 is always located on the outside of the housing 301.

[0091] The structure of each component of the automatic lawnmower, as well as the arrangement and driving method of the fixed guard 305 and the movable guard 306, are the same as or similar to those described in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0092] Example 4

[0093] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the automatic lawnmower 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 401, a traveling mechanism 402, a main mowing unit 403, a trimming unit 404, and a protective cover 405. The automatic lawnmower 400 of this embodiment has a generally similar structure to the automatic lawnmower 300 shown in Embodiment 3, except that in this embodiment, the protective cover 405 is integrally formed and is no longer divided into a movable cover and a fixed cover; in other words, in this embodiment, the entire protective cover 405 is a movable cover. In this embodiment, the protective cover 405 is configured to switch between an open state and a closed state by lifting and lowering, and when in the closed state, it completely covers all parts of the trimming unit 404, including the drive mechanism and the mowing section. Exemplarily, in this embodiment, the protective cover 405 is configured to be able to lift and lower along the axis of the trimming unit 404 to switch between the open state and the closed state. For example, in this embodiment, the trimming unit 404 is disposed on the outside of the housing 401 through the connecting structure 407, the protective cover 405 has a cylindrical structure and is connected to the housing 401 through the linkage mechanism 406. The linkage mechanism 406 is configured to rotate in the vertical direction to drive the protective cover to move up and down in the vertical direction so as to cover the trimming unit 404 when the trimming unit 404 is in the working state.

[0094] The structures of the automatic lawnmower's housing 401, travel mechanism 402, main mowing unit 403, and trimming unit 404 are the same as or similar to those in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be described again here. The linkage can be driven by a motor or other means, and is not specifically limited here.

[0095] The edge trimming process of the automatic lawnmower 400 according to this embodiment is as follows: When the lawnmower is running, the drive mechanism of the edge trimming unit 404 stops running, the protective cover 405 is lifted by its drive device, the lawnmower stops after traveling a certain distance according to the set program, the drive device controls the protective cover 405 to fall down, completely covering the head area of ​​the cutting part of the edge trimming unit 404, the drive mechanism of the edge trimming unit 404 starts to cut grass, after the grass cutting is completed, the protective cover 405 is lifted by its drive device, the lawnmower continues to run, and so on to achieve the edge cutting function.

[0096] Example 5

[0097] like Figures 6A to 6D As shown, the automatic lawnmower 500 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a housing 501, a traveling mechanism 502, a main mowing unit 503, a trimming unit 504, and a protective cover 505. The automatic lawnmower 500 of this embodiment has a structure substantially the same as the automatic lawnmower 100 shown in Embodiment 1. The main mowing unit 503 has a first cutting area 506 located within the housing 501, and the trimming unit 504 has a second cutting area 507 located at least partially outside the housing 501. The difference from the automatic lawnmower 100 disclosed in Embodiment 1 is that, in this embodiment, the protective cover 505 is integrally formed and is no longer divided into a movable cover and a fixed cover; in other words, in this embodiment, the protective cover 505 only includes a movable cover. In this embodiment, the protective cover 505 has a generally semi-cylindrical structure and is configured to switch between the open state and the closed state in a rotatable manner. Specifically, the protective cover 505 is threadedly connected to the mowing part of the trimming unit 504 and is configured to be able to rotate spirally around the mowing part to switch between the open state and the closed state.

[0098] The structures of the automatic lawnmower housing 501, travel mechanism 502, main mowing unit 503, and trimming unit 504 are the same as or similar to those in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be described again here. The protective cover 505 can be driven by a drive mechanism of the trimming unit 504 similar to that in Embodiment 1, or it can be driven by a separate motor; no specific limitation is made here.

[0099] The edge trimming process of the automatic lawnmower 400 according to this embodiment is as follows: When the lawnmower is running, the drive mechanism of the edge trimming unit 504 stops running, and the protective cover 505 is controlled by its drive device to rotate to the upper part of the edge trimming unit 504. After the lawnmower travels a certain distance according to the set program, it stops. The drive device controls the protective cover 505 to rotate and fall, covering the part of the trimming part of the edge trimming unit 504 located outside the housing 501. The drive mechanism of the edge trimming unit 504 starts to cut grass. After the grass is cut, the protective cover 505 is controlled by its drive device to rotate and rise, and the lawnmower continues to run. This process is repeated to achieve the edge trimming function.

[0100] The various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic lawn mower, comprising: a body provided with a housing and a traveling mechanism for driving the body to move; a main mowing unit located below the housing and having a first mowing area; an edging unit located outside the main mowing unit and having a second mowing area different from the first mowing area for mowing a grass edge area; the second mowing area is flush with or partially protrudes from an outer side of the housing away from the first mowing area; the edging unit comprises a mowing part and a driving mechanism for driving the mowing part to rotate; the edging unit comprises an active state in which the driving mechanism drives the mowing part to rotate for mowing and an inactive state in which the driving mechanism stops running; the edging unit comprises a retracted state in which the edging unit is located in the housing and an extended state in which the edging unit extends to the outside of the housing; a protective cover configured to cover at least the part of the edging unit located outside the housing and / or flush with the outer side of the housing when the edging unit is in the active state.

2. The lawnmower as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The first mowing area is located in the housing, and the second mowing area is partially located in the housing and partially protrudes from the outer side of the housing.

3. The lawnmower as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that Further comprising a control unit and a boundary detection sensor, when the boundary detection sensor detects a boundary, the control unit controls the edging unit to start the active state according to the detection signal of the boundary detection sensor.

4. The lawnmower as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that Further comprising a control unit and a base station detection sensor, when the base station detection sensor detects a base station, the control unit controls the edging unit to start the inactive state according to the detection signal of the base station detection sensor.

5. The lawnmower as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that Further comprising a control unit and an obstacle detection sensor, when the obstacle detection sensor detects an obstacle, the control unit controls the edging unit to start the inactive state according to the detection signal of the obstacle detection sensor.

6. The mower of claim 1, wherein, The protective cover is configured to at least partially expose the edging unit when the edging unit is in the inactive state.

7. The mower of claim 1, wherein, The protective cover comprises: a movable cover configured to be switchable between an open state and a closed state, and at least cover the part of the edging unit protruding from the outer side of the housing when the movable cover is in the closed state.

8. The lawnmower of claim 7, wherein, The movable cover is configured to make a rotational movement or a lifting movement along the axis direction of the edging unit to switch between the open state and the closed state.

9. The lawnmower as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that The movable cover is configured to rotate around the driving shaft of the driving mechanism to switch between the open state and the closed state.

10. The lawnmower as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that Further comprising a gear set connected to the driving shaft of the driving mechanism, the movable cover is connected to the gear set, and the driving mechanism drives the driving shaft to rotate to drive the gear set to rotate, thereby driving the movable cover to rotate.

11. The lawn mower of claim 8, wherein, The movable cover is provided on the mowing part by a threaded connection and is configured to make a helical rotation around the mowing part to switch between the open state and the closed state.

12. The mower of claim 8, wherein, Further comprising a lifting mechanism arranged on the housing, the lifting mechanism comprising a lifting motor and a transmission mechanism, the lifting motor driving the transmission mechanism to drive the movable shield to make lifting movement, thereby switching between the open state and the closed state.

13. The lawn mower of claim 12, wherein, The transmission mechanism is a linkage mechanism.

14. The lawn mower of claim 7, wherein, The front end of the movable shield is configured as a comb structure.

15. The lawn mower of claim 7, wherein, The protective shield further comprises: A fixed shield configured to jointly shield the trimming unit with the movable shield when the movable shield is in the closed state.

16. The lawn mower of claim 15, wherein, The fixed shield is located on the inner side of the housing.

17. The lawn mower of claim 15, wherein, The fixed shield is at least partially located on the outer side of the housing.

18. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein, The grass cutting part comprises a grass cutting element and a receiving part for receiving and fixing the grass cutting element, the receiving part being arranged on the driving shaft of the driving mechanism.

19. The lawn mower of claim 18, wherein, The driving mechanism and the receiving part are at least partially located on the inner side of the housing.

20. The lawn mower of claim 18, wherein, The grass cutting element comprises a rope or a blade made of a non-edged metal material or a flexible material.

21. The lawn mower of claim 1, wherein, The protective shield is in a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical structure.

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