Hedge trimmer

Abstract

The invention relates to a hedge trimmer, comprising: a front body; a blade assembly; the rear machine body is rotationally connected with the front machine body and comprises a motor and a power supply circuit; the rotary unlocking trigger is arranged on the rear machine body, and the rotary unlocking trigger is configured to be that when the rotary unlocking trigger is located at the first position, the front machine body is fixed relative to the rear machine body; when the rotary unlocking trigger is located at the second position, the front machine body can rotate relative to the rear machine body; the microswitch is arranged on the rear machine body, the microswitch is a normally-closed switch, and when the rotary unlocking trigger is switched from the first position to the second position, the rotary unlocking trigger triggers the microswitch so that the power supply circuit can be disconnected; the rotary unlocking trigger is provided with a hole matched with the rear machine body, a triggering structure for triggering the microswitch is located at the position, close to the hole, of the rotary unlocking trigger, the rotary unlocking trigger controls rotation of the front machine body and the rear machine body and controls on-off switching of the power supply circuit, and use safety is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number CN202111441890.6, application date: November 30, 2021, invention title: "Hedge Machine".

[0002] This invention relates to a garden power tool, and more particularly to a hedge trimmer. Background Technology

[0003] Hedge trimmers, a common type of garden power tool, can be used to prune or trim shrubs and hedges, offering advantages such as ease of operation and high cutting efficiency. The main components of a hedge trimmer include the blade assembly, the front body, and the rear body. Traditional hedge trimmers, due to the fixed structure of the front and rear bodies, cannot change their operating configuration. This forces operators to frequently adjust their body or arm posture to rotate the machine when trimming different angles, such as inclined or vertical cuts, making operation inconvenient and limiting their application to simple horizontal cuts, thus failing to meet general trimming needs.

[0004] With the development of technology, some companies have developed models with a rotating rear body. However, these models still have the following shortcomings: while the blades of the hedge trimmer are cutting at high speed, the rear body can still be operated and rotated, which can easily lead to accidents and cause personal injury to the operator.

[0005] Therefore, it is indeed necessary to provide an improved hedge trimmer to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a hedge trimmer that is both safe and easy to operate.

[0007] The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by adopting the following technical solution: A hedge trimmer, comprising: Forebody; The blade assembly is mounted at the front end of the front body; The rear body is rotatably connected to the front body, and the rear body includes a motor for driving the blade assembly and a power supply circuit electrically connected to the motor. A rotating unlock trigger is disposed on the rear body. The rotating unlock trigger is configured such that when the rotating unlock trigger is in a first position, the front body is fixed relative to the rear body; and when the rotating unlock trigger is in a second position, the front body is rotatable relative to the rear body. A micro switch is provided on the rear body. The micro switch is a normally closed switch. When the rotary unlocking trigger switches from the first position to the second position, the rotary unlocking trigger triggers the micro switch to disconnect the power supply circuit. The rotary unlocking trigger is provided with a hole that mates with the rear body, and the triggering structure for triggering the micro switch is located on the rotary unlocking trigger near the hole.

[0008] A further improvement is as follows: the hedge trimmer also includes an elastic element, which is disposed between the front end of the rotary unlocking trigger and the rear body, and the elastic element enables the rotary unlocking trigger to be reset to the first position.

[0009] A further improvement is as follows: the minimum distance between the triggering structure of the micro switch triggered by the rotary unlocking trigger and the hole is less than the minimum distance between the contact structure of the elastic element contacted by the rotary unlocking trigger and the hole.

[0010] A further improvement is that the micro switch is located between the contact structure of the rotary unlocking trigger that contacts the elastic element and the hole.

[0011] A further improvement is that the micro switch is located below the rotary unlocking trigger.

[0012] A further improvement is as follows: the rear body includes a second handle, which is a longitudinally ring-shaped handle. The second handle is also equipped with a switch trigger, which is located on the upper side of the inner ring of the second handle, while the rotary unlocking trigger is located on the lower side of the inner ring of the second handle. The rear end of the rotary unlocking trigger is exposed on the rear body, and the rear end of the rotary unlocking trigger is configured so that when the operator holds the second handle, the operator's index and middle fingers can pull the rear end of the rotary unlocking trigger upward.

[0013] A further improvement is as follows: another switch trigger is provided on the first handle. When the rotary unlock trigger is in the first position, the switch triggers on the first handle and the second handle are pressed simultaneously, and the hedge generator is started.

[0014] A further improvement is as follows: a locking pin is provided at the front end of the rotary unlocking trigger. When the rotary unlocking trigger is in the first position, the locking pin engages with the front body, and the front body is fixed relative to the rear body. When the rotary unlocking trigger is in the second position, the locking pin disengages from the front body, and the front body can rotate relative to the rear body. The elastic element is located between the front end of the locking pin and the triggering structure of the micro switch triggered by the rotary unlocking trigger.

[0015] A further improvement is as follows: the front body has a cylindrical rotating shaft located at the rear end, and the rotating shaft has several locking holes evenly distributed on its outer circumference. When the rotating unlocking trigger is in the first position, the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole; when the rotating unlocking trigger is in the second position, the locking pin will disengage from the locking hole, and the elastic element is located on the side of the rotating unlocking trigger away from the locking hole.

[0016] A further improvement is that the rear end of the rotary unlocking trigger is located above the locking pin.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following advantages: the front body can rotate relative to the rear body, conveniently meeting user needs; the rotary unlocking trigger controls both the rotation of the front and rear bodies and the switching of the power supply circuit. While the rotary unlocking trigger is in the unlocked state, even if the starting trigger is activated, the motor cannot be started because the power supply circuit is disconnected, ensuring safe operation. The rotary unlocking trigger is hook-shaped, making it easy to operate and making efficient use of space, resulting in a compact structure. The shifted center of gravity of the entire machine makes the hedge trimmer more stable in use, facilitating operator force distribution and center of gravity control, reducing fatigue. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the entire hedge generator of the present invention; Figure 2 Displayed as Figure 1 An exploded view of the connection between the front and rear bodies of the hedge trimmer shown. Figure 3 Displayed as Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the connection between the front and rear bodies of the hedge trimmer shown. Figure 4 Displayed as Figure 1 Top view.

[0019] Meaning of the reference numerals in the diagram: 10. Front body 101, First handle 102, Rotating shaft 1021, keyhole 20, rear body 201, second handle 11. Rotary unlocking trigger; 111. Locking pin; 12. Micro switch 13. Elastic component; 14. Battery pack; 15. Blade assembly 16. Power-on trigger 17. Center split line Detailed Implementation The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] The hedge trimmer provided in this invention is a horticultural cutting tool used for outdoor pruning of shrubs, hedges, and other vegetation. (See attached document.) Figure 1 As shown, with the axis of the machine body defined as the front-to-back direction, the hedge trimmer includes at least a blade assembly 15, a protective cover to prevent splashing, a front body 10 with a first handle 101, and a rear body 20 with a second handle 201, all connected sequentially along the axis of the machine body. The blade assembly 15 is mounted on the axial front end of the front body 10. The front body 10 includes a motor connected to the blade assembly 15, which drives the blade assembly 15 to reciprocate. The rear body 20 includes a power supply circuit electrically connected to the motor and a power source connected to the rear body 20. The power source supplies power to the motor through the power supply circuit. The blade assembly 15 has an upper shearing blade and a lower shearing blade, both extending forward from the front body 10 and having cutting edges. The motor drives a transmission element to rotate eccentrically through an output shaft, thereby enabling the two shearing blades of the blade assembly 15 to reciprocate relative to each other. When the blade assembly 15 moves along the vegetation surface, it achieves the cutting function.

[0022] When pruning vegetation horizontally or along its sides, the operator needs to switch between horizontal and side-cutting operations. As the front unit 10 rotates relative to the rear unit 20, the orientation of the blade assembly can be changed to horizontal, tilted, or vertical. (See also...) Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front body 10 has a cylindrical rotating shaft portion 102 located at the rear end. The rotating shaft portion 102 is provided with a plurality of locking holes 1021 evenly distributed on its outer circumferential surface. A rotating unlocking trigger 11 for unlocking the front body 10 and the rear body 20 in their rotated state is connected to the rear body 20. The rotating unlocking trigger 11 and the rear body 20 are slidably connected or rotatably connected. The front end of the rotating unlocking trigger 11 has a locking pin 111 that cooperates with the locking hole 1021. The rear end of the rotating unlocking trigger 11 is exposed outside the rear body 20 for the operator to push so that the trigger moves relative to the rear body 20. When the rotating unlock trigger 11 is in the initial first position, the locking pin 111 is inserted into the lock hole 1021 and remains in the locked position as long as no external force is applied. At this time, the front body 10 is fixed relative to the rear body 20. When the rotating unlock trigger 11 is pushed by the operator and slides a preset distance or rotates a preset angle relative to the first position to the second position, the locking pin 111 will disengage from the lock hole 1021. At this time, the front body 10 can rotate relative to the rear body 20.

[0023] The front body 10 has multiple rotation angle settings relative to the rear body 20. Multiple locking holes 1021 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference of the rotating shaft 102. Each locking hole 1021 corresponds to a rotation angle setting of the front body 10 relative to the rear body 20, with an angle difference of 45° between adjacent settings. For example, four settings can be configured, allowing the front body 10 to rotate counterclockwise by 45 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the rear body 20, or clockwise by 45 degrees and 90 degrees. The 90-degree setting is used for horizontal and vertical line trimming, while the 45-degree setting is used for tilt angles and smooth transitions, satisfying both general coarse trimming and fine trimming needs.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second handle 201 is a longitudinally extending ring-shaped handle along the axis of the machine body. The start trigger 16 for starting the motor and the rotary unlock trigger 11 for unlocking the front and rear machine bodies 10 and 20 from their rotating states are located on the upper and lower sides of the inner ring of the second handle 201, respectively, to make reasonable use of space and achieve a compact structure. Furthermore, the portion of the rotary unlock trigger 11 exposed beyond the rear machine body 20 is designed as a hook, with the free end of the hook bending towards the lower side of the rear machine body 20. When the operator holds the second handle 201, they can pull the rotary unlock trigger 11 upwards using their index and middle fingers, facilitating operation and conforming to ergonomics. An elastic element 13 is provided between the locking pin 111 and the rear machine body 20, allowing the rotary unlock trigger 11 to return to its initial position when not in use by the operator.

[0025] Unlike existing hedge trimmers where the blade assembly 15 allows the rear body 20 to continue rotating during operation, potentially causing accidents and injury to the operator, this preferred embodiment of the invention includes a micro switch 12 located on one side of the rotary unlocking trigger 11. The micro switch 12 is normally closed and electrically connected to the motor's power supply circuit. When the rotary unlocking trigger 11 is in its initial first position, the front body 10 is fixed relative to the rear body 20. At this time, the rotary unlocking trigger 11 is away from the micro switch 12, the motor's power supply circuit is active, and pressing the start trigger 16 starts the motor. When the rotary unlocking trigger 11 is pushed by the operator and slides a preset distance or rotates a preset angle relative to the first position to a second position, the front body 10 can rotate relative to the rear body 20. At this time, the rotary unlocking trigger 11 triggers the micro switch 12, disconnecting the power supply circuit. Even if the start trigger 16 is pressed by the operator, the motor cannot be started because the power supply circuit is disconnected, ensuring safe operation.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hedge trimmer includes a first handle 101 located on the front body 10 and a second handle 201 located on the rear body 20, for the operator to hold with both hands. To prevent personal injury caused by accidental start-up of the machine by the operator, both the first handle 101 and the second handle 201 are equipped with a start-up trigger 16. The machine can only be started when the unlocking trigger 11 is engaged and the start-up triggers 16 on both handles are pressed simultaneously by the operator, thereby improving safety. The first handle 101 is a ring-shaped handle extending laterally perpendicular to the axial direction of the front body 10. The first handle 101 includes a grip portion and connecting portions that connect to the left and right sides of the front body 10 from the lateral ends of the grip portion. A U-shaped start-up trigger 16 extends along the inner contour of the grip portion. The operator can trigger the U-shaped start-up trigger 16 by pressing the first handle 101 in any direction.

[0027] Since the hedge trimmer generates significant vibrations during use, and these vibrations are directly transmitted to the operator holding the handle, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an elastic member is provided between the connecting part of the first handle 101 and the front body 10. The elastic member is preferably rubber or a spring, which absorbs some of the vibrations to improve the user experience.

[0028] The power supply unit is connected to the rear body 20 and supplies power to the motor through a power supply circuit. The power supply unit can be connected to an external power source such as a mains outlet or battery pack via a power cord, or the battery pack can be directly plugged into the body to provide power. The battery pack can be independently installed, removed, charged, and stored. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the battery pack 14 is directly plugged into the body as an example. The battery pack 14 is inserted horizontally from the side or rear below the second handle 201 of the rear body 20. The weight of the battery pack 14 is balanced with the weight of the forward-extending blade assembly 15, preventing the hedge trimmer's center of gravity from shifting towards either the front or rear direction.

[0029] With technological advancements and increasing battery capacity, the battery pack now constitutes a significant proportion of the overall weight of power tools. Therefore, the center of gravity of a power tool is affected by the battery pack. (See also...) Figure 4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the center line 17 is a straight line passing through the center of gravity of the blade assembly 15 and parallel to the axis of the machine body. The machine body without the battery pack 14 is symmetrical about the center line 17, meaning its center of gravity is also located on the center line 17. However, after the battery pack 14 is installed, the battery pack 14 is no longer symmetrical about the center line 17; the portion of the battery pack 14 on the left side of the center line 17 is larger than the portion on the right side, resulting in the center of gravity of the hedge trimmer being located to the left of the center line 17. Statistically, right-handed operators far outnumber left-handed operators. During use, the operator will hold the second handle 201 with their right hand and the first handle 101 with their left hand, meaning the hedge trimmer is usually located on the right side of the operator's body. This invention sets the center of gravity of the hedge trimmer to the left of the operator, making the operating posture more stable, facilitating the operator's force distribution and center of gravity control, reducing fatigue, and making operation easier.

[0030] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0031] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hedge trimmer, characterized in that, include: Forebody; The blade assembly is mounted at the front end of the front body; The rear body is rotatably connected to the front body, and the rear body includes a motor for driving the blade assembly and a power supply circuit electrically connected to the motor. A rotating unlock trigger is disposed on the rear body. The rotating unlock trigger is configured such that when the rotating unlock trigger is in a first position, the front body is fixed relative to the rear body; and when the rotating unlock trigger is in a second position, the front body is rotatable relative to the rear body. A micro switch is provided on the rear body. The micro switch is a normally closed switch. When the rotary unlocking trigger switches from the first position to the second position, the rotary unlocking trigger triggers the micro switch to disconnect the power supply circuit. The rotary unlocking trigger is provided with a hole that mates with the rear body, and the triggering structure for triggering the micro switch is located on the rotary unlocking trigger near the hole.

2. The hedge trimmer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hedge trimmer also includes an elastic element disposed between the front end of the rotary unlocking trigger and the rear body, the elastic element enabling the rotary unlocking trigger to return to the first position.

3. The hedge trimmer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The minimum distance between the triggering structure of the micro switch and the hole triggered by the rotary unlocking trigger is less than the minimum distance between the contact structure of the elastic element and the hole.

4. The hedge trimmer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The micro switch is located between the contact structure of the rotary unlocking trigger that contacts the elastic element and the hole.

5. The hedge trimmer as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The micro switch is located below the rotary unlocking trigger.

6. The hedge trimmer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rear body includes a second handle, which is a longitudinally ring-shaped handle. The second handle is also equipped with a switch trigger, which is located on the upper side of the inner ring of the second handle, while the rotary unlocking trigger is located on the lower side of the inner ring of the second handle. The rear end of the rotary unlocking trigger is exposed on the rear body, and the rear end of the rotary unlocking trigger is configured so that when the operator holds the second handle, the operator's index and middle fingers can pull the rear end of the rotary unlocking trigger upward.

7. The hedge trimmer as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first handle is equipped with another switch trigger. When the rotary unlocking trigger is in the first position, the switch triggers on the first handle and the second handle are pressed simultaneously, and the hedge machine is started.

8. The hedge trimmer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The front end of the rotary unlocking trigger is provided with a locking pin. When the rotary unlocking trigger is in the first position, the locking pin engages with the front body, and the front body is fixed relative to the rear body. When the rotary unlocking trigger is in the second position, the locking pin disengages from the front body, and the front body can rotate relative to the rear body. The elastic element is located between the front end of the locking pin and the triggering structure of the micro switch triggered by the rotary unlocking trigger.

9. The hedge trimmer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The front body has a cylindrical rotating shaft at the rear end. The rotating shaft has several locking holes evenly distributed on its outer circumference. When the rotating unlocking trigger is in the first position, the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole. When the rotating unlocking trigger is in the second position, the locking pin will disengage from the locking hole. The elastic element is located on the side of the rotating unlocking trigger away from the locking hole.

10. The hedge trimmer as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The rear end of the rotary unlocking trigger is located above the locking pin.

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