Robot mower parking cabin and robot mower interaction station

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a robotic lawnmower parking compartment comprising a cover portion having a longitudinal extension extending between a first end and a second end, and at least two opposing wall portions extending between a bottom plane and the cover portion. The cover portion and the wall portion include two pairs of closed hinge slots and respective hinge pins, where, for each pair of closed hinge slots and respective hinge pins, the hinge pins are adapted to move between a first slot end and a second slot end in the respective hinge slots and pivot about a pivot axis when the cover portion is moved relative to the wall portion. The cover portion and the wall portion comprise locking means adapted to be released from a locked position, in which the cover portion is prevented from pivoting about the pivot axis, to an open position, in which the cover portion is prevented from pivoting about the pivot axis, when the hinge pin abuts against a second slot end of the respective hinge slot opposite the first slot end. The cover portion is allowed to pivot about a pivot axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a robotic lawnmower bay suitable for receiving and accommodating a robotic lawnmower. The bay includes a cover and at least two opposing walls extending between a bottom plane and the cover, wherein the bottom plane is adapted to face the ground. Background Technology

[0002] Automated or robotic work tools, such as robotic lawnmowers, are becoming increasingly popular. In a typical deployment in a work area (such as a garden), the work area can be surrounded by boundary wires to keep the robotic lawnmower within its boundaries. Electrical control signals can be transmitted through the boundary wires, generating a (electro)magnetic field emanating from them. The robotic lawnmower is typically equipped with one or more sensors suitable for sensing these control signals. Other types of navigation systems can be used in place of or in combination with boundary wires. Such navigation systems can be, for example, based on satellite navigation systems and / or local radio beacons or image processing, such as Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM).

[0003] The robotic lawnmower can then automatically mow the lawn on the user's lawn and can automatically recharge without user intervention, requiring no further manual management after being set up once. Robotic lawnmowers typically include a charging rail that contacts a corresponding contact plate in the charging unit (usually an interaction station) when the robotic lawnmower docks there to receive the charging current. This charging rail may also be used to transmit information between the charging unit and the robotic lawnmower via electrical communication.

[0004] The charging unit is typically equipped with a cover that provides environmental protection (such as rain and sun protection) and often houses a contact plate for electrical contact with the charging rails of a parked robotic lawnmower. Sometimes users need to open the cover, for example, to access the parked robotic lawnmower or to access parts inside the charging unit, such as for adjustment, replacement, or cleaning.

[0005] However, the lid should be locked so that it cannot be opened, for example, by strong winds. Regarding the additional parts, previously known locking mechanisms typically increase complexity and cost. For example, CN211353151U illustrates this, where a lid-fastening member in the form of a metal spring is attached to a corresponding receiving part, requiring the user to apply external force to open the lid. This solution requires the installation of several necessary additional parts, which are easily damaged and wear down over time. Furthermore, the lid may accidentally open, for example, due to strong winds.

[0006] It is desirable to provide an improved robotic lawnmower parking cabin with an openable lid that is normally firmly locked, easily openable and does not require additional parts. SUMMARY

[0007] It is desirable to provide an improved robotic lawnmower parking cabin with an openable lid that is normally firmly locked, easily openable and does not require additional parts.

[0008] The object is achieved by means of a robotic lawnmower parking cabin adapted to receive and house a robotic lawnmower, wherein the parking cabin comprises a lid portion having a longitudinal extension extending between a first end portion and a second end portion, and at least two opposite wall portions extending between a bottom plane and the lid portion, wherein the bottom plane is adapted to face a ground surface. The lid portion and the wall portions comprise two pairs of enclosed hinge slots and corresponding hinge pins, wherein for each pair of enclosed hinge slots and corresponding hinge pins, the hinge pin is adapted to move in the corresponding hinge slot between a first slot end and a second slot end and to pivot about a pivot axis when the lid portion is moved relative to the wall portions. The lid portion and the wall portions further comprise locking means adapted to release from a locked position, in which the lid portion is prevented from pivoting about the pivot axis, to an open position, in which the lid portion is allowed to pivot about the pivot axis, when the hinge pin rests against the second slot end of the corresponding hinge slot opposite the first slot end.

[0009] In this way, the lid portion is locked when closed, such that the lid portion needs to be displaced to release it and enable the lid portion to be opened.

[0010] According to some aspects, the lid portion and the wall portions comprise locking means in the form of at least one pair of open locking slots and corresponding locking pins, wherein for each pair of open locking slots and corresponding locking pins, the locking pin is adapted to move along the corresponding locking slot when the lid portion is moved relative to the wall portions.

[0011] The hinge slot and the locking slot present a corresponding minimum angle relative to the bottom plane to prevent each of the at least one locking pin from exiting the corresponding locking slot when the hinge pin rests against the first slot end of the corresponding hinge slot, and to allow each of the at least one locking pin to exit the corresponding locking slot via the corresponding slot opening when the hinge pin rests against the second slot end of the corresponding hinge slot opposite the first slot end.

[0012] This means that when the hinge pin is in the first position against the respective first slot end, the locking pin is prevented from leaving the locking slot, and when the hinge pin is in the second position against the respective second slot end, the locking pin can leave the locking slot, and then the cover can be pivoted open via the hinge pin in the hinge slot. In this way, the risk of the cover being opened accidentally can be further reduced.

[0013] According to some aspects, the first slot end is positioned further away from the bottom plane than the second slot end. When the bottom plane is facing the ground, this means that the first slot end is further away from the ground than the second slot end. This in turn means that the hinge pin will normally be against the respective first slot end, the cover is normally locked by means of the locking pin and prevented from leaving the locking slot.

[0014] According to some aspects, the hinge slot presents a smallest first angle relative to the bottom plane, and the locking slot presents a smallest second angle relative to the bottom plane, the first and second angles extending in the opening direction of the cover. This means that the first and second angles increase when the cover is opened.

[0015] According to some aspects, the at least one locking slot comprises a locking notch adapted to locally reduce the locking slot width. Assuming that the diameter of the corresponding locking pin is close to but does not exceed the locking slot width, this means that when the user pulls the cover again, the user will have to overcome the holding force given by means of the locking notch. In this way, the risk of the cover being opened accidentally will be further reduced.

[0016] According to some aspects, the robotic lawnmower parking bay further comprises at least one support surface positioned adjacent to the corresponding locking slot and presenting a smallest third angle relative to the bottom plane, wherein the third angle is parallel to and opposite the first and second angles. This means that when closing the cover, the locking pin will be guided downwards into the respective locking slot, thereby facilitating closing of the cover.

[0017] According to some aspects, the two wall portions are connected by a support bar. This can improve the stability of the parking bay.

[0018] According to some aspects, the cover comprises two mutually opposite closed hinge slots, and each wall portion comprises a corresponding hinge pin, the two hinge pins being mutually opposite, extending away from each other and adapted to move and pivot in the respective hinge slot. Furthermore, each wall portion comprises a corresponding open locking slot, and the cover comprises two mutually opposite locking pins, the two locking pins extending towards each other and being adapted to move along the respective locking slot. This constitutes one example of a pin and slot configuration that is easy to assemble.

[0019] According to some aspects, the cover part and the wall part comprise locking means in the form of at least one pair of protruding elements and protruding engagement members. For each pair of protruding elements and protruding engagement members, the protruding elements are released from the protruding engagement members when the hinge pin rests against the second slot end of the respective hinge slot. This provides an alternative solution to the locking pin and locking slot, which reduces the risk of the cover part being opened accidentally in equally effective manner.

[0020] According to some aspects, the engagement members are attached to the support bar and the protruding elements are comprised in the cover part.

[0021] According to some aspects, the robotic lawnmower parking bay further comprises a bottom part, wherein the wall part extends between the bottom part and the cover part. The bottom part may, for example, be used to obtain a larger contact surface towards the ground, or as a means for attaching the parking bay to a charging unit.

[0022] The present disclosure also relates to a robotic lawnmower interaction station associated with the above-mentioned advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail, reference being made to the enclosed drawings, in which:

[0024] FIG. 1A a perspective side view of a robotic lawnmower is shown;

[0025] FIG. 1B a schematic overview of a robotic lawnmower is shown;

[0026] FIG. 2A a schematic side view of a charging unit with a robotic lawnmower is shown;

[0027] FIG. 2B a schematic top view of FIG. 2A is shown;

[0028] FIG. 3A a schematic side view of a robotic lawnmower in a parking bay according to a first example, wherein the cover part is closed, is shown;

[0029] FIG. 3B a partial cut-away schematic side view of the parking bay of FIG. 3A is shown;

[0030] FIG. 4A a schematic perspective side view of a parking bay according to a first example, wherein the cover part is in a first position, is shown;

[0031] FIG. 4B a partial cut-away schematic side view of the parking bay of FIG. 4A is shown;

[0032] FIG. 5Aa schematic perspective side view of the parking bay according to the first example is shown, wherein the cover portion is in the second position;

[0033] FIG. 5B a schematic perspective side view of the parking bay according to the first example is shown, wherein the cover portion is in the second position; FIG. 5A a partial cut-away schematic side view of the parking bay is shown;

[0034] FIG. 6 a schematic perspective top view of the parking bay according to the first example is shown, wherein the cover portion is in the fully open third position;

[0035] FIG. 7 a schematic perspective top view of the parking bay according to the second example is shown, wherein the cover portion is in the fully open third position; and

[0036] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B a schematic perspective top view of the parking bay is shown, wherein the cover portion is in different positions along its longitudinal extension. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Aspects of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the different apparatuses, systems, computer programs and methods disclosed herein can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Like reference numerals refer to elements throughout the figures.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] FIG. 1A a perspective view of an exemplary robotic lawnmower 100 is shown, and FIG. 1B a schematic overview of a robotic lawnmower 100 is shown. According to some aspects, the robotic lawnmower 100 is adapted to travel in a forward direction of travel D and has a main body 140 and a plurality of wheels 130; in this example, the robotic lawnmower 100 has four wheels 130 (two front wheels and two rear wheels). The robotic lawnmower 100 comprises a control unit 110 and at least one electric motor 150, wherein at least some of the plurality of wheels 130 are drivingly connected to the at least one electric motor 150. It should be noted that while the description herein focuses on electric motors, combustion engines can alternatively be used in combination with the electric motor arrangement. The robotic lawnmower 100 can be of a multi-chassis type or a single-chassis type. The multi-chassis type comprises two or more body parts that are movable relative to each other. The single-chassis type comprises only one main body part.

[0040] In this exemplary embodiment, the robotic lawnmower 100 is of the single chassis type and has a main body portion 140. The main body portion 140 essentially houses all components of the robotic lawnmower 100.

[0041] The robotic lawnmower 100 also comprises a mowing device 160, such as a rotating blade or disc 160 having a number of individual rotating blades driven by a cutter motor 165. The robotic lawnmower 100 also has at least one rechargeable power source, such as a battery 155, for providing power to the electric motor arrangement 150 and / or the cutter motor 165.

[0042] According to some aspects, the robotic lawnmower 100 can also comprise at least one navigation arrangement 175, e.g. including satellite navigation sensors in the form of GPS (Global Positioning System) arrangements or other GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) arrangements, according to some aspects utilizing the RTK (Real Time Kinematic) technique for differential carrier phase.

[0043] According to some aspects, the robotic lawnmower 100 also comprises at least one environment detection arrangement 170. In this instance, the radar transceiver 170 is arranged and adapted to emit signals and receive reflected signals in a previously well-known manner. To achieve this, each radar transceiver 170 comprises a corresponding transmitter arrangement and receiver arrangement and other necessary circuitry in a well-known manner, according to some aspects.

[0044] For this purpose, the control unit 110 is adapted to control the environment detection arrangement 170 and control the speed and direction of the robotic lawnmower 100 in dependence on information acquired by means of the environment detection arrangement 170 when the robotic lawnmower 100 is moving.

[0045] Reference is made to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B which show a side view and a corresponding top view of a robotic lawnmower charging unit 200 and a robotic lawnmower 100, the charging unit 200 comprising a charger control unit 212 and a charging transmission arrangement 210. The robotic lawnmower 100 comprises a rechargeable power source 155, such as a battery 155, and a charging receiving arrangement 156, such as, for example, a charging slide rail, which is adapted to make electrical contact with the charging transmission arrangement 210 so that the battery 155 can be charged. This means that the charging transmission arrangement 210 is adapted to deliver a charging current to the charging receiving arrangement 156.

[0046] Thus, the battery 155 is arranged to be charged by means of a charging current received from the charging unit 200, which is received through the charging slide rail 156 or other suitable charging connector generally constituted by the charging receiving device 156. Inductive charging without galvanic contact (only by means of electrical contact) is also possible.

[0047] FIG. 3A A robotic lawnmower in a robotic lawnmower interaction station 301 is shown, which comprises a charging unit 200 according to the above and a robotic lawnmower parking bay 300.

[0048] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a robotic lawnmower parking bay 300, which will now be described with reference to FIG. 3B , FIG. 4A , FIG. 4B , FIG. 5A , FIG. 5B and FIG. 6 a more detailed description of the robotic lawnmower parking bay. It should be understood that FIG. 3B , FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B a partial cutaway side view of the parking bay 300 is shown, such that opposite parts of the parking bay 300 are shown.

[0049] The robotic lawnmower parking bay 300 is adapted to receive and house a robotic lawnmower 100 and comprises a cover part 311 having a longitudinal extension E extending between a first end part 325 and a second end part 326, and at least two opposite wall parts 312, 313 extending between a bottom plane 305 and the cover part 311, wherein the bottom plane 305 is adapted to face a ground G.

[0050] According to some aspects, the bottom plane 305 coincides with a bottom side of the parking bay 300 and the bottom plane 305 is adapted to face the ground G when the parking bay 300 is deployed.

[0051] The cover part 311 and the wall parts 312, 313 comprise two pairs of enclosed hinge slots 314, 315 and respective hinge pins 318, 319. For each pair of enclosed hinge slots and respective hinge pins, the hinge pin 318, 319 is adapted to move in the respective hinge slot 314, 315 between a first slot end 314A and a second slot end 314B and to pivot about a pivot axis 810 when the cover part 311 is moved relative to the wall parts 312, 313. This means that for a pair of enclosed hinge slots 314, 315 and respective hinge pins 318, 319, the enclosed hinge slots are positioned at the cover part 311 and the hinge pins are positioned at the wall parts 312, 313, or the enclosed hinge slots are positioned at the wall parts 312, 313 and the hinge pins are positioned at the cover part 311. According to some aspects, the longitudinal extension E extends perpendicular to the pivot axis 810.

[0052] With reference also to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B , the cover part 311 and the wall parts 312, 313 further comprise locking means 316, 317, 320, 321; 710, 711 (not shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B ), which are adapted to release from a locked position, in which the cover part 311 is prevented from pivoting about the pivot axis 810, to an open position, in which the cover part 311 is allowed to pivot about the pivot axis 810, when the hinge pin 318, 319 abuts against a second slot end 314B of the respective hinge slot 314, 315 opposite a first slot end 314A.

[0053] In the shown example, the closure hinge slot is positioned at the cover part 311 and the hinge pin is positioned at the wall parts 312, 313. This is for example shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B , which show how a first distance dl between the pivot axis 810 and the second end part 326 decreases to a second distance d2 when the cover part 311 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 8A . This is typically due to a user pulling at the first end part 325 in the direction of the arrow A, typically towards himself / herself.

[0054] In this way, when closed, the cover part 311 is locked such that the cover part 311 in this example needs to be displaced such that the pivot axis 810 is moved closer to the second end part 326 to release the cover part and enable the cover part 311 to be opened. Conversely, if the closure hinge slot is positioned at the wall parts 312, 313 and the hinge pin is positioned at the cover part 311, the pivot axis 810 is moved away from the second end part 326 to release the cover part 311 and enable the cover part 311 to be opened. Typically, when closed, the cover part 311 is locked such that the cover part 311 needs to be displaced such that the pivot axis 810 is moved relative to the end parts 325, 326 to release the cover part 311 and enable the cover part 311 to be opened.

[0055] In FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B , the locking means are not indicated, two examples of locking means will be provided below.

[0056] According to a first example, with reference to FIG. 3B , FIG. 4A , FIG. 4B , FIG. 5A , FIG. 5B and FIG. 6The lid part 311 and the wall parts 312, 313 further comprise locking means in the form of at least one pair of open locking slots 316, 317 and corresponding locking pins 320, 321. This means that there is at least one locking slot 316, 317 and at least one corresponding locking pin 320, 321. For each pair of open locking slots and corresponding locking pins, the locking pin 320, 321 is adapted to move along the corresponding locking slot 316, 317 when the lid part 311 is moved relative to the wall part 312, 313. This means that for a pair of open locking slots 316, 317 and corresponding locking pins 320, 321, the open locking slots are positioned at the lid part 311 and the locking pins are positioned at the wall part 312, 313, or the open locking slots are positioned at the wall part 312, 313 and the locking pins are positioned at the lid part 311. As shown in the shown example and according to some aspects, there are two pairs of open locking slots 316, 317 and corresponding locking pins 320, 321.

[0057] As shown in the shown example and according to some aspects, the closed hinged slots 314, 315 and the locking pins 320, 321 are positioned at the lid part 311 and the open locking slots 316, 317 and the hinged pins 318, 319 are positioned at the wall parts 312, 313. In more detail, according to some aspects, the lid part 311 comprises two closed hinged slots 314, 315 opposite each other and each wall part 312, 313 comprises a corresponding pair of hinged pins 318, 319, which are opposite each other, protrude away from each other and are adapted to move and pivot in the corresponding hinged slots 314, 315. Furthermore, each wall part 312, 313 comprises a corresponding open locking slot 316, 317 and the lid part 311 comprises two locking pins 320, 321 opposite each other, which protrude towards each other and are adapted to move along the corresponding locking slots 316, 317. Of course, other configuration alternatives are possible, where the pins and corresponding slots can change position between the lid part and the wall parts. According to some aspects, where the two corresponding pins protrude away from each other, they can be formed as one common piece, such as a support bar with integrated pins.

[0058] When the hinge pins 318, 319 rest against the first slot end 314A of the respective hinge slot 314, the slots 314, 315, 316, 317 present a respective minimum angle a, b with respect to the bottom plane 305 to prevent each of the at least one locking pin 320, 321 from exiting the respective locking slot 316, 317, and, when the hinge pins 318, 319 rest against the second slot end 314B of the respective hinge slot 314, 315 opposite the first slot end 314A, these hinge slots and locking slots allow each of the at least one locking pin 320, 321 to exit the respective locking slot 316, 317 via the respective slot opening 317B.

[0059] This means that when the hinge pins 318, 319 rest against the respective first slot end 314A in the first position, the locking pins 320, 321 are prevented from leaving the locking slots 316, 317, and when the hinge pins 318, 319 rest against the respective second slot end 314B in the second position, the locking pins 320, 321 can leave the locking slots 316, 317, and the lid can then be pivoted open via the hinge pins 318, 319 in the hinge slots 314, 315.

[0060] According to some aspects, the first slot end 314A is positioned further away from the bottom plane 305 than the second slot end 314B. When the bottom plane 305 faces the ground G, this means that the first slot end 314A is further away from the ground G than the second slot end 314B. This in turn means that the hinge pins 318, 319 will generally rest against the respective first slot end 314A, the lid 311 is generally locked by means of the locking pins 320, 321, and is prevented from leaving the locking slots 316, 317.

[0061] According to some aspects, the hinge slots 314, 315 present a minimum first angle a with respect to the bottom plane 305, and wherein the locking slots 316, 317 present a minimum second angle b with respect to the bottom plane 305, the angles a, b extending in the opening direction 350 of the lid 311. This means that the angles a, b increase when the lid 311 is opened.

[0062] For the above-described configuration, the following use cases will be described with reference to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B A user standing at the first end 325 of the lid 311 furthest from the hinge slots 314, 315 and the hinge pins 318, 319 and wanting to open the lid 311 must pull the lid 311 somewhat in the direction of the arrow A, generally towards himself / herself. This is because the hinge slots 314, 315 and the locking slots 316, 317 are angled with respect to the bottom plane 305, and the hinge pins 318, 319 are positioned in the hinge slots 314, 315. FIG. 3A , FIG. 3B , FIG. 4A and FIG. 4BThe hinged pins 318, 319 are then moved from the first position to the second position, now abutting the respective second slot end 314B. The locking pins 320, 321 can then be released from the locking slots 316, 317 as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B and the cover part can then be pivoted open via the hinged pins 318, 319 in the hinged slots 314, 315 as shown in FIG. 6 When the locking pins 320, 321 have been released from the locking slots 316, 317 as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B the cover part 311 will slide back so that the hinged pins 318, 319 will pivot as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B and abut the respective first slot end 314A and will remain abutting the respective first slot end 314A during opening of the cover part 311.

[0063] When closing the cover part 311, the user will lower the cover part 311 and again pull the cover part 311 towards himself / herself so that the hinged pins 318, 319 are moved from the first position to the second position, now abutting the respective second slot end 314B. This allows the locking pins 320, 321 to enter the locking slots 316, 317 as shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B The cover part 311 can now be released and the locking pins 320, 321 will fall into the respective locking slots 316, 317 and the hinged pins 318, 319 will abut the respective first slot end 314A as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B The cover part is now locked until the user again pulls the cover part 311 as described above and until then the cover part 311 will be secured against accidental opening, e.g. due to strong wind.

[0064] According to some aspects, the first angle a is between 20° to 40° and the second angle b is between 35° to 55°.

[0065] According to some aspects, the at least one locking slot 316, 317 comprises a locking notch 330 adapted to locally reduce the locking slot width w s . Assuming that the diameter of the corresponding locking pin is close to but not exceeding the locking slot width w s , it means that when the user again pulls the cover part 311 as described above, the user will have to overcome the holding force given by means of the locking notch 330 (see FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B ). By this means, the risk of accidental opening of the cover part 311 can be further reduced.

[0066] According to some aspects, and asFIG. 3B As shown in particular, the robotic lawnmower parking bay 300 further comprises at least one support surface 331, 332 positioned adjacent to the corresponding locking slot 316, 317 and presenting a minimum third angle φ with respect to the bottom plane 305, wherein the third angle φ is parallel to and opposite the first angle a and the second angle β. This means that when the lid 311 is closed, the locking pin 320, 321 will be guided down into the respective locking slot 316, 317, thereby facilitating the closing of the lid 311.

[0067] According to some aspects, and as FIG. 6 As shown in particular, the wall portions 312, 313 are connected by a support bar 340. This improves the stability of the parking bay 300.

[0068] According to a second example, with reference to FIG. 7 The lid 311 and the wall portions 312, 313 comprise locking means in the form of at least one pair of protruding elements 710 and a protruding engagement member 711, wherein for each pair of protruding elements and protruding engagement member, the protruding elements 710 are released from the protruding engagement member 711 when the hinge pin 318, 319 rests on a second slot end 314B of the respective hinge slot 314, 315 opposite the first slot end 314A. This provides an alternative solution to the locking pin and locking slot according to the first example, which in an equally effective manner reduces the risk of the lid 311 being opened accidentally.

[0069] According to some aspects, as FIG. 7 shown in particular, the engagement member 711 is attached to the support bar 340 as FIG. 7 shown in particular, and the protruding elements 710 are comprised in the lid 311. The opposite is of course also possible, and there can be more than one pair of protruding elements 710 and protruding engagement members 711.

[0070] When the lid 311 is closed, the protruding elements 710 are locked to the protruding engagement member 711. When the user pulls the first end portion 325 in the direction of arrow A, the pivot pin 318, 319 moves in the pivot slot 314, 315 as described above, the protruding elements 710 are released from the protruding engagement member 711, and the lid 311 can then be pivoted open via the hinge pin 318, 319 in the hinge slot 314, 315 as FIG. 7 shown in particular. The lid 311 will then be slid back as described in the first example, so that the hinge pin 318, 319 will pivot and rest against the respective first slot end 314A.

[0071] When closing the lid portion 311, the user will lower the lid portion 311 and possibly pull the lid portion 311 slightly in the direction of arrow A again, so that the hinge pins 318, 319 are moved from the first position to the second position, now abutting the respective second slot end 314B. This allows the protrusion element 710 to engage with the protrusion engagement member 711. The protrusion element 710 and the protrusion engagement member 711 can be formed such that the user does not need to pull the lid portion 311 slightly in the direction of arrow A, but the protrusion element 710 will slide over the protrusion engagement member 711, for example over an inclined surface 712 comprised in the protrusion engagement member 711, so that the lid portion 311 is moved in the direction of arrow A, enabling the protrusion element 710 to engage with the protrusion engagement member 711.

[0072] Now, the lid portion 311 is locked until the user pulls the lid portion 311 again as described above, and until then, the lid portion 311 will be secured against accidental opening, for example due to strong wind. When closing and opening the lid portion 311, the movement of the protrusion element 710 towards and away from the protrusion engagement member 711 is indicated by the dotted arrows in Figs. 7 and 8. FIG. 7

[0073] According to some aspects, and in particular as shown in FIG. 3A , FIG. 4A , FIG. 5A and FIG. 6 the robotic lawnmower parking bay 300 further comprises a bottom portion 310, wherein the wall portions 312, 313 extend between the bottom portion 310 and the lid portion 311. In this case, the bottom plane 305 of the parking bay 300 is positioned just below the bottom portion 310 when deployed. In addition to this, in case the wall portions 312, 313 are adapted to face the ground G directly, the bottom plane 305 of the parking bay 300 is positioned just below the wall portions 312, 313 when deployed.

[0074] The bottom portion 310 can for example be used to obtain a larger contact surface towards the ground, or as a means for attaching the parking bay 300 to the charging unit 200.

[0075] The present disclosure also relates to the robotic lawnmower interaction station 301 as previously described, and when the parking bay 300 is mounted to the charging unit 200, the bottom plane 305 can face the ground G, but does not need to be in direct contact with the ground G, but rather abut against a portion of the charging unit 200.

[0076] The present disclosure is not limited to the above, but can vary freely within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the respective pins can be integral with the corresponding lid portion 311 and / or wall portions 312, 313, or be constituted by separate parts mounted to the rest of the corresponding lid portion 311 and / or wall portions 312, 313.

[0077] ​According to some aspects, and in particular as shown in FIG. 6 The cover portion 311 comprises a first sub-cover portion 311 A and a second sub-cover portion 311 B, wherein the sub-cover portions 311 A, 311 B are attached to each other along the mounting interface 322. In this way, the unmounted parking pod 300 does not need to comprise any larger parts, which facilitates packaging, storage and transportation of the parking pod 300, wherein the sub-cover portions 311 A, 311 B are attached to each other during mounting of the parking pod 300.

Claims

1. A robotic lawnmower parking bay (300), the robotic lawnmower parking bay being adapted to receive and accommodate a robotic lawnmower (100), wherein, The parking compartment (300) includes a cover (311) and at least two opposing walls (312, 313), the cover having a longitudinal extension (E) extending between a first end (325) and a second end (326), the at least two opposing walls extending between a bottom plane (305) and the cover (311), wherein the bottom plane (305) is adapted to face the ground (G), wherein the cover (311) and the walls (312, 313) include - Two pairs of closed hinge slots (314, 315) and corresponding hinge pins (318, 319), wherein, for each pair of closed hinge slots and corresponding hinge pins, the hinge pins (318, 319) are adapted to move between a first slot end (314A) and a second slot end (314B) in the corresponding hinge slots (314, 315) and pivot about a pivot axis (810) as the cover (311) moves relative to the wall (312, 313). - Locking devices (316, 317, 320, 321; 710, 711) adapted to release from a locked position to an open position when the hinge pin (318, 319) abuts against a second slot end (314B) of the corresponding hinge slot (314, 315) opposite to the first slot end (314A), in the locked position the cover (311) is prevented from pivoting about the pivot axis (810), and in the open position the cover (311) is allowed to pivot about the pivot axis (810).

2. The robotic lawnmower parking compartment (300) according to claim 1, wherein, The cover (311) and the wall (312, 313) include locking devices in the following form: - At least one pair of open locking slots (316, 317) and corresponding locking pins (320, 321), wherein, for each pair of open locking slots and corresponding locking pins, the locking pins (320, 321) are adapted to move along the corresponding locking slots (316, 317) as the cover (311) moves relative to the wall (312, 313). When the hinge pins (318, 319) abut against the first slot end (314A) of the corresponding hinge slot (314), the hinge slots (314, 315) and the locking slots (316, 317) present corresponding minimum angles (α, β) relative to the bottom plane (305) to prevent each locking pin in at least one of the locking pins (320, 321) from exiting the corresponding locking slot (316, 317), and, in When the hinge pins (318, 319) abut against the second slot end (314B) of the corresponding hinge slots (314, 315) opposite to the first slot end (314A), the hinge slots (314, 315) and the locking slots (316, 317) allow each of at least one of the locking pins (320, 321) to exit the corresponding locking slot (316, 317) via the corresponding slot opening (317B).

3. The robotic lawnmower parking compartment (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first slot end (314A) is positioned further away from the bottom plane (305) than the second slot end (314B).

4. The robotic lawnmower parking bay (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The hinge slots (314, 315) present a minimum first angle (α) relative to the bottom plane (305), and the locking slots (316, 317) present a minimum second angle (β) relative to the bottom plane (305), the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) extending in the opening direction (350) of the cover (311).

5. The robotic lawnmower parking compartment (300) according to claim 4, wherein, The first angle (α) is between 20° and 40°, and the second angle (β) is between 35° and 55°.

6. The robotic lawnmower parking bay (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one of the locking slots (316, 317) includes a locking notch (330) adapted to locally reduce the width of the locking slot (w). s ).

7. The robotic lawnmower parking bay (300) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes at least one support surface (331, 332), said at least one support surface being positioned adjacent to a corresponding locking slot (316, 317) and presenting a minimum third angle (φ) relative to the bottom plane (305), wherein, The third angle (φ) is parallel to the first angle (α) and the second angle (β) and is opposite to the first angle and the second angle.

8. The robotic lawnmower parking bay (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cover (311) includes two closed hinge slots (314, 315) opposite each other, and each wall (312, 313) includes a corresponding hinge pin (318, 319) which extends opposite each other, away from each other, and is adapted to move and pivot in the corresponding hinge slot (314, 315), and wherein each wall (312, 313) includes a corresponding open locking slot (316, 317), and the cover (311) includes two locking pins (320, 321) opposite each other which extend toward each other and are adapted to move along the corresponding locking slot (316, 317).

9. The robotic lawnmower parking compartment (300) according to claim 1, wherein, The cover (311) and the wall (312, 313) include locking devices in the form of at least one pair of protruding elements (710) and protruding engagement members (711), wherein, for each pair of protruding elements and protruding engagement members, the protruding element (710) is released from the protruding engagement member (711) when the hinge pin (318, 319) abuts against the second slot end (314B) of the corresponding hinge slot (314, 315).

10. The robotic lawnmower parking bay (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The two wall sections (312, 313) are connected by a support rod (340).

11. The robotic lawnmower parking bay (300) according to claim 10, which is subordinate to claim 9, wherein, The protruding engagement member (711) is attached to the support rod (340), and the protruding element (710) is included in the cover (311).

12. The robotic lawnmower parking compartment (300) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a bottom (310), wherein, The wall portions (312, 313) extend between the bottom portion (310) and the cover portion (311).

13. The robotic lawnmower parking bay (300) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The longitudinal extension (E) extends perpendicular to the pivot axis (810).

14. A robotic lawnmower interaction station (301) comprising a robotic lawnmower parking compartment (300) according to any one of the preceding claims and including a charging unit (200), wherein, The charging unit (200) includes a charging control unit (212) and a charging transmission device (210), the charging transmission device being adapted to provide charging current to the charging receiver (156) of the outdoor robotic lawnmower (100).

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