Lawn mower edge trimming method and lawn mower

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides an edge trimming method of a mower. The edge trimming method comprises the following steps: acquiring information of an edge trimming module accessing the mower; obtaining an edge trimming area in which the lawn mower needs to perform edge trimming operation; detecting a control signal for the mower; judging whether the control signal belongs to a set safe operation range or not; and when the control signal belongs to a set safe operation range, controlling the mower to move to the edge trimming area to perform edge trimming operation. The embodiment of the invention further provides a mower capable of executing the edge trimming method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of lawn mowers, and in particular to an edge trimming method for lawn mowers and the lawn mower. Background Art

[0002] In the fields of garden maintenance and lawn management, lawn mowers are widely used as efficient and convenient mechanical equipment for lawn mowing in various places. However, with the continuous improvement and strictness of safety laws, more stringent requirements are put forward for the design and use of lawn mowers, especially the regulations on the safe distance between the lawn mower blade and the edge of the machine or safety protection measures.

[0003] The introduction of these safety regulations is aimed at preventing users from being injured due to improper operation or unexpected situations during use, and ensuring the safety of operators and the surrounding environment. However, the existence of such safety distances or safety protection measures also brings certain disadvantages. Specifically, during the mowing process, especially in the area near the edge of the lawn, due to the safety distance limit between the blade and the edge of the machine, the mower cannot directly mow close to the edge, resulting in incomplete mowing of the lawn at the edge and residual grass. This is what is commonly referred to as "edging", which refers to the mowing of the edge of the lawn, including the mowing of the boundaries between the lawn and other areas (such as flower beds, paths, roads, etc.). In order to solve this problem, the traditional method is to manually or use special edging tools to perform secondary mowing of the edge area after the mower completes large-scale mowing, which is the so-called "edging operation". However, this method not only increases the workload and time cost, but also reduces the overall work efficiency, and may also cause additional damage to the lawn.

[0004] Therefore, how to design a lawn mower edging method that can not only meet safety legal requirements but also effectively solve the problem of incomplete pruning of the edge area has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently in the current field of garden machinery. The present invention is proposed to address this situation and aims to provide an intelligent and efficient lawn mower edging method to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, an embodiment of the present invention provides an edging method for a lawn mower, which can improve the quality of mowing.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for trimming edges of a lawn mower, comprising:

[0007] Acquire information about the edge trimming module being connected to the lawn mower;

[0008] Obtaining an edge trimming area where the lawn mower is to perform an edge trimming operation;

[0009] detecting a control signal for the lawn mower;

[0010] Determining whether the control signal is within a set safe operating parameter range;

[0011] When the control signal falls within the set safe operating parameter range, the lawn mower is controlled to move to the trimming area to perform trimming operations.

[0012] Furthermore, the detecting of the control signal of the lawn mower specifically includes: detecting the distance information between the control device and the lawn mower;

[0013] The determining whether the control signal is within the set safe operating parameter range is specifically: determining whether the distance between the control device and the lawn mower is within the set safe operating distance range;

[0014] The controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation specifically includes: when the distance between the control device and the lawn mower is within a set safe operating distance range, controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation.

[0015] The further detecting of the control signal of the lawn mower specifically includes: detecting a pressing signal of a safety button on a control device by an operator;

[0016] The determining whether the control signal is within the set safe operation parameter range is specifically: determining whether the pressing signal lasts for more than a set time range;

[0017] The controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation specifically includes: when the pressing signal continues for more than a set time range, controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation.

[0018] Furthermore, the method further comprises detecting the edge trimming quality of the lawn mower after edge trimming to determine an area where the edge trimming quality does not meet the requirements;

[0019] The lawn mower is controlled to return to the area where the edging quality does not meet the requirements to perform edging again.

[0020] Further, controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation includes:

[0021] The lawn mower is controlled to move to the edging area and perform edging operations forward or backward along the boundary of the edging area.

[0022] Furthermore, the method also includes limiting the free steering function of the lawn mower to ensure that the lawn mower can only move forward or backward along the trimming area during the trimming process.

[0023] Furthermore, the step of obtaining the trimming area where the lawn mower is to perform trimming operation includes:

[0024] Get the boundary area of ​​the mowing area shown on the map;

[0025] The boundary area is determined as a margin area that needs to be marginated.

[0026] Furthermore, the method further comprises: displaying the mowing area on the interface;

[0027] Get the border area selected by the user on the interface;

[0028] The edging area selected by the user is determined as the edging area where the lawn mower is to perform edging operations.

[0029] Further, the method further comprises: obtaining the destination coordinates of the lawn mower;

[0030] Obtaining the coordinates of the lawn mower after completing the trimming of the trimming area;

[0031] Generate a motion path based on the destination coordinates and the coordinates after edge processing is completed;

[0032] Based on the motion path, the lawn mower is controlled to automatically move to a destination.

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a lawn mower, comprising:

[0034] Lawn mower body;

[0035] Edge module;

[0036] The lawn mower is used to perform the above-mentioned edging method.

[0037] The lawn mower edging method and lawn mower provided by the embodiments of the present invention can improve the quality of lawn mowing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without paying creative labor.

[0039] Figure 1 It is a schematic flow chart of a method for trimming edges of a lawn mower provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 is another schematic flow chart of the edging method of a lawn mower provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 is another schematic flow chart of the edging method of a lawn mower provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 is another schematic flow chart of the edging method of a lawn mower provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 is another schematic flow chart of the edging method of a lawn mower provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary structure of a lawn mower provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Specific embodiments

[0045] In the following description, specific details such as specific system structures, technologies, etc. are provided for the purpose of illustration rather than limitation, so as to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other cases, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, devices, circuits, and methods are omitted to prevent unnecessary details from obstructing the description of the present invention.

[0046] The terms "first", "second" and the like in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to distinguish relevant technical features and do not indicate the order of precedence.

[0047] In order to illustrate the technical solution described in the embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1-6 As shown, the invention is described below through specific embodiments.

[0048] An exemplary lawn mower structure is as follows Figure 6 As shown, the lawn mower 1 provided in the embodiment of the present invention comprises a lawn mower body 11 and an edge trimming module 12. The edge trimming module 12 may be detachably connected to the lawn mower body 11. The edge trimming module 12 performs an edge trimming operation on the lawn.

[0049] Embodiment 1

[0050] This embodiment provides a method for trimming edges of a lawn mower, which realizes the function of automatically trimming edges of the lawn mower under safe conditions through intelligent control. The specific implementation scheme is as follows:

[0051] First, the system obtains information that the trimming module has been correctly connected to the mower, which is a prerequisite for ensuring that the subsequent trimming operation can proceed smoothly. Then, the designated trimming area where the trimming operation needs to be performed is determined through the mower's positioning system or user input.

[0052] In the design of the lawn mower, in order to enhance the flexibility and user experience of its edge trimming function, an identifiable chip or signal can be introduced and set inside the edge trimming module. When the edge trimming module is connected to the lawn mower, the lawn mower can automatically detect and identify the existence of this module, thereby ensuring that the lawn mower will only start the relevant edge trimming operation after the edge trimming module is correctly installed. This automatic recognition function not only simplifies the operation process, but also improves the safety of use.

[0053] In addition, another user interaction method can also be provided, that is, the user can manually confirm the access of the edge trimming module on the operating module of the lawn mower. By clicking the confirmation button on the operating module, the user can actively inform the lawn mower that the edge trimming module is ready, thereby starting the edge trimming process. This manual confirmation method provides the user with additional control and ensures the accuracy of the edge trimming operation.

[0054] As for the edge trimming module itself, it can be a module designed with a cutting knife (e.g., plastic blade, plastic blade disc, etc.) for accurately cutting the edge of the lawn; or it can be a rope-swinging edge trimming module that uses a high-speed rotating rope to trim hard-to-reach corners and edges. Regardless of the type of edge trimming module, as long as it can effectively achieve the edge trimming function, it is compatible and works in conjunction with the lawn mower.

[0055] Next, the control signal of the lawn mower is detected. In this embodiment, the detection of the control signal is not limited to the traditional physical joystick, button or wired keyboard, etc., but can also include signals sent by remote control methods such as wireless remote control and smartphone application. The system analyzes these signals to determine whether they are valid and meet the operating specifications.

[0056] When determining whether the control signal is within the set safe operating range, the system will compare it with the preset safety parameters. These safety parameters may include signal strength, signal type, legitimacy of the signal source, etc. Only when the control signal fully meets these safety requirements will the system consider it to be within the safe operating range.

[0057] Once the control signal is confirmed to be safe and effective, the system will automatically control the mower to move to the designated trimming area and start the trimming module to trim the edges. During the movement, the mower will ensure that it reaches the target location safely and accurately based on the preset path planning or real-time environmental perception capabilities, and perform high-quality trimming operations.

[0058] Embodiment 2

[0059] Based on the first embodiment, this embodiment makes a more specific optimization on the detection and judgment of the control signal. The specific implementation plan is as follows:

[0060] In this embodiment, the system determines the safety of the control signal by detecting the real-time distance information between the control device (such as a remote control, a handheld controller, etc.) and the lawn mower. Specifically, the system continuously measures the distance between the control device and the lawn mower and compares it with a preset safe operating distance range. Only when the distance is within the range will the system consider the control signal to be safe and allow the lawn mower to proceed with subsequent operations.

[0061] This distance-based detection helps prevent the control device from being moved beyond a safe distance from the mower, thereby improving the safety and reliability of operation.

[0062] Embodiment 3

[0063] This embodiment adopts an intuitive control signal detection method - detecting the operator's pressing signal of the safety button on the control device. The specific implementation plan is as follows:

[0064] In this embodiment, the system requires the operator to press the safety button on the control device before starting the trimming operation, and keep pressing it for a period of time (such as 2 seconds). The system will monitor the pressing signal in real time to determine whether it continues for more than the set time range. Only when the pressing signal meets this condition will the system consider that the operator has made sufficient safety preparations and allow the lawn mower to perform the trimming operation.

[0065] This method of confirming the control intention by pressing the safety button not only simplifies the operation process, but also improves the safety awareness and sense of responsibility of the operator. It requires the operator to perform a clear safety confirmation action before starting each edge operation.

[0066] A feasible implementation scheme can simultaneously detect the distance between the control device and the lawn mower, as well as the pressing signal of the safety button, which can more fully ensure safety.

[0067] Embodiment 4

[0068] This embodiment further expands the functions of the lawn mower trimming method and adds the steps of automatic detection and correction of trimming quality. The specific implementation plan is as follows:

[0069] After the initial edging operation is completed, the system will detect the quality of the lawn after the mower has edged the lawn through built-in sensors or image recognition technology. These sensors can detect indicators such as lawn flatness, height consistency, and whether there are uncut weeds, thereby evaluating whether the edging quality meets the preset standards.

[0070] Once the system finds areas where the edging quality does not meet the requirements, it will immediately record the location information of these areas and control the mower to automatically return to these areas for another edging operation. This process can be repeated until the edging quality of all areas meets or exceeds the preset standard.

[0071] This automatic detection and correction mechanism not only improves the accuracy and efficiency of edging operations, but also reduces the burden on operators, making the use of the lawn mower more convenient and intelligent.

[0072] Embodiment 5

[0073] This embodiment describes in detail the movement of the lawn mower in the trimming area. The specific implementation plan is as follows:

[0074] After controlling the lawn mower to move to the edging area, the system will control the lawn mower to perform edging operations forward or backward along the boundary of the edging area based on the preset path planning or real-time environment perception results.

[0075] To further improve the accuracy and safety of edging, the system can also choose to limit the steering function of the mower, ensuring that the mower can only move forward or backward along the edging area during edging. This limitation can reduce the steering deviation caused by misoperation or external environmental interference, thereby improving the stability and reliability of edging operations.

[0076] Embodiment 6

[0077] This embodiment provides a method for obtaining a border area based on map information. The specific implementation scheme is as follows:

[0078] The system first obtains the boundary information of the mowing area displayed on the map. This boundary information can be obtained through GPS positioning, map service interface or manual input by the user. Then, the system directly determines the boundary area as the edging area that needs to be edged. This method is simple and intuitive, and is suitable for scenarios where the boundaries of the mowing area are known and relatively fixed.

[0079] Embodiment 7

[0080] This embodiment provides a flexible method for obtaining a user-interactive edge region. The specific implementation scheme is as follows:

[0081] The system first displays the mowing area in a graphical way on the user interface (such as a touch screen, computer screen, etc.). Then, the user can select the area that he thinks needs to be edged on the interface by touching, clicking, or dragging. The system will determine the edged area based on the user's selection and control the mower to perform the corresponding edged operation. This method gives users greater autonomy and flexibility, making the edged operation more in line with personal needs and preferences.

[0082] Embodiment 8

[0083] This embodiment adds a function of planning the moving path of the lawn mower after completing the trimming operation. The specific implementation plan is as follows:

[0084] After the trimming operation is completed, the system first obtains the current coordinates of the mower (i.e. the coordinates after trimming) and the preset destination coordinates. Then, the system generates an optimal motion path based on these two coordinate points. This path can be the shortest path, the fastest path, or a path that avoids obstacles, etc., depending on the system's path planning algorithm and user needs.

[0085] Finally, the system controls the lawn mower to automatically move to the destination according to the generated motion path. This process can achieve seamless operation of the lawn mower, improve overall work efficiency and automation level. At the same time, it also provides convenient conditions for remote monitoring and management of the lawn mower.

[0086] Embodiment 9

[0087] This embodiment provides a lawn mower that integrates the above-mentioned edge trimming method. The lawn mower realizes efficient and safe edge trimming function through built-in intelligent system and hardware components. The specific implementation scheme is as follows:

[0088] The mower is mainly composed of two parts: the mower body and the trimming module. The mower body is the core part of the mower, including key components such as the engine, transmission system, travel mechanism, control system, etc., which are responsible for providing power, driving the mower forward and performing basic mowing operations.

[0089] The edge trimming module is one of the key innovations of the present invention. It is a detachable or integrated attachment of the lawn mower, which is specially used to perform edge trimming tasks. The design of the edge trimming module can be adjusted and optimized according to actual needs to ensure that it can closely fit the edge of the grass and achieve high-quality edge trimming results.

[0090] Importantly, the lawn mower is configured to be able to perform any of the above-mentioned edging methods. This means that it can flexibly select and execute different edging strategies according to different application scenarios and user needs. For example, in a scenario where high-precision edging is required, the lawn mower can use a method of precisely following the edge of the grass and limit the moving speed to ensure edging accuracy; in a scenario where the user needs to customize the edging area, the lawn mower can use the user interactive edging area acquisition method in Example 7, allowing the user to select the edging area according to their needs.

[0091] In addition, the mower also has the function of automatically detecting and correcting the edging quality. It can automatically detect the lawn quality after completing the initial edging and re-edge the areas that do not meet the requirements to ensure the consistency and high quality of the overall edging effect.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0093] The embodiments described above are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments may still be modified, or some of the technical features may be replaced by equivalents. Such modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for trimming edges of a lawn mower, characterized in that: include: Acquire information about the edge trimming module being connected to the lawn mower; Obtaining an edge trimming area where the lawn mower is to perform an edge trimming operation; detecting a control signal for the lawn mower; Determining whether the control signal falls within a set safe operating parameter range; When the control signal falls within the set safe operating parameter range, the lawn mower is controlled to move to the trimming area to perform trimming operations.

2. The edge punching method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detecting of the control signal of the lawn mower specifically includes: detecting the distance information between the control device and the lawn mower; The determining whether the control signal is within the set safe operating parameter range is specifically: determining whether the distance between the control device and the lawn mower is within the set safe operating distance range; The controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation specifically includes: when the distance between the control device and the lawn mower is within a set safe operating distance range, controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation.

3. The edge punching method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detecting of the control signal of the lawn mower specifically includes: detecting a pressing signal of a safety button on a control device by an operator; The determining whether the control signal is within the set safe operation parameter range is specifically: determining whether the pressing signal lasts for more than a set time range; The controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation specifically includes: when the pressing signal continues for more than a set time range, controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation.

4. The edge punching method according to claim 1, further characterized in that: Detecting the edge trimming quality of the lawn mower after trimming to determine the area where the edge trimming quality does not meet the requirements; The lawn mower is controlled to return to the area where the edging quality does not meet the requirements to perform edging again.

5. The edge punching method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controlling the lawn mower to move to the trimming area to perform the trimming operation comprises: The lawn mower is controlled to move to the edging area and perform edging operations forward or backward along the boundary of the edging area.

6. The edge punching method according to claim 5, further characterized in that: The function of limiting the free steering of the lawn mower ensures that the lawn mower can only move forward or backward along the edge trimming area during the edge trimming process.

7. The edge punching method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of obtaining the trimming area where the lawn mower is to perform trimming operation comprises: Get the boundary area of ​​the mowing area shown on the map; The boundary area is determined as a margin area that needs to be marginated.

8. The edge punching method according to claim 1, further characterized in that: Display the mowing area on the interface; Get the border area selected by the user on the interface; The edging area selected by the user is determined as the edging area where the lawn mower is to perform edging operations.

9. The edge punching method according to claim 1, further characterized in that: Get the destination coordinates of the lawnmower; Obtaining the coordinates of the lawn mower after completing the trimming of the trimming area; Generate a motion path based on the destination coordinates and the coordinates after edge processing is completed; Based on the motion path, the lawn mower is controlled to automatically move to a destination.

10. A lawn mower comprising: Lawn mower body; Edge module; The lawn mower is configured to perform any one of the edging methods described in claims 1 to 9.

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