Lawn mower

Abstract

The utility model provides a mowing machine. The mowing machine comprises a machine body; the first collision buffering structure is arranged corresponding to the front side of the outer contour of the fuselage; the first collision buffer structure comprises a first side section, a front section and a second side section which are connected in sequence; the front section is connected with the front edge of the outer contour of the fuselage; the first side section and the second side section are respectively connected with the side edges of the outer contour of the fuselage; the length of the first side section is smaller than that of the second side section in the lengthwise axis direction of the machine body; the side cutting module is arranged on the side, where the first side-arranged section is located, of the machine body, and the cutting range of the side cutting module at least extends to be flush with the outer contour of the mower. The first collision buffer structure is adjusted according to the mounting position of the side cutting module, so that the first collision buffer structure is compatible with the side cutting module, and the first collision buffer structure keeps collision protection for the mower and does not affect the work of the side cutting module; space is saved, and good use experience is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of garden tool technology, and more particularly to a lawnmower. Background Technology

[0002] A lawnmower is a mechanical tool used for trimming lawns, vegetation, etc.; with the development of technology, intelligent lawnmowers are being used more and more widely. Intelligent lawnmowers are usually equipped with a variety of control devices and sensors to help control the movement and operation of the lawnmower, and to help the lawnmower sense surrounding information or interact with the user during movement and operation.

[0003] In the prior art, the control devices and sensors are mounted on the lawnmower's casing. During the use of the lawnmower, the control devices and sensors may collide with obstacles; or when the lawnmower is tilted for maintenance, the control devices and sensors may collide with the ground. The control devices and sensors are easily damaged by collisions, resulting in high maintenance costs and affecting the stability and safety of the lawnmower. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this disclosure is to propose a lawnmower with a better user experience.

[0005] To achieve one of the aforementioned objectives, this disclosure provides a lawnmower, comprising: a body;

[0006] A first collision buffer structure is arranged corresponding to the front side of the fuselage outer contour; the first collision buffer structure includes: a first side section, a front section and a second side section connected in sequence; the front section is connected to the front edge of the fuselage outer contour, and the first side section and the second side section are respectively connected to the side edges of the fuselage outer contour; along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, the length of the first side section is less than the length of the second side section;

[0007] A side-cutting module is located on one side of the body where the first side section is located, and the cutting range of the side-cutting module extends at least to be flush with the outer contour of the lawnmower.

[0008] As a further improvement to the embodiments of this disclosure, the lawnmower further includes:

[0009] A second collision buffer structure is provided outside the side cutting module and is configured to protect the side cutting module.

[0010] As a further improvement to the embodiments of this disclosure, the second collision buffer structure is designed independently from the first collision buffer structure, and the projection of the second collision buffer structure in the longitudinal axis direction of the fuselage at least partially overlaps with the projection of the first side section in the longitudinal axis direction of the fuselage.

[0011] As a further improvement to the embodiments of this disclosure, the lawnmower also includes a drive wheel configured to move the body;

[0012] Along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, the side cutting module is disposed between the first side section and the drive wheel.

[0013] As a further improvement to the embodiments of this disclosure, along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, the second side section has a first gap with the drive wheel, and the second collision buffer structure has a second gap with the drive wheel; wherein,

[0014] The first gap ranges from [5mm to 50mm], and the second gap ranges from [5mm to 50mm].

[0015] As a further improvement to the present disclosure, the range of the first gap is [10mm, 20mm], and the range of the second gap is [10mm, 20mm].

[0016] As a further improvement to the embodiments of this disclosure, the outermost edge of the first side section, the outermost edge of the second collision buffer structure, and the outermost edge of the drive wheel are substantially flush; or,

[0017] The lawnmower also includes: a protective cover, which is provided outside the drive wheel; the outermost edge of the first side section, the outermost edge of the second collision buffer structure, and the outermost edge of the protective cover are substantially flush.

[0018] As a further improvement to the embodiments of this disclosure, the lawnmower also includes a controller;

[0019] When it is confirmed that the first collision buffer structure has collided with an obstacle, the controller controls the lawnmower to perform an obstacle avoidance action.

[0020] As a further improvement to the embodiments of this disclosure, a collision detection sensor is provided on the first collision buffer structure or the body.

[0021] The collision sensor includes a first collision detection sensor and a second collision detection sensor. The first collision detection sensor and the second collision detection sensor are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fuselage. The first collision detection sensor is disposed on the first side section or on the fuselage corresponding to the first side section, and the second collision detection sensor is disposed on the second side section or on the fuselage corresponding to the second side section.

[0022] As a further improvement of the embodiments of this disclosure, when the first collision buffer structure is a rigid structure, the first collision buffer structure and the fuselage are connected by an elastic member; wherein, the elastic member includes a first elastic member, a second elastic member, a third elastic member and a fourth elastic member, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are symmetrically arranged in the front section, the third elastic member is arranged in the first side section, and the fourth elastic member is arranged in the second side section.

[0023] The first collision buffer structure disclosed herein is adjusted according to the installation position of the side cutting module, so that the first collision buffer structure is compatible with the side cutting module. The first collision buffer structure maintains collision protection for the lawnmower without affecting the operation of the side cutting module; it saves space and has a good user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a lawnmower provided according to one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the first collision buffer structure.

[0026] The symbols in the attached image are explained as follows:

[0027] 10. Fuselage; 31. First collision buffer structure; 311. First side section; 312. Second side section; 313. Front section; 33. Second collision buffer structure; 51. Side cutting module; 71. Drive wheel; 91. First collision detection sensor; 93. Second collision detection sensor; 951. First elastic element; 952. Second elastic element; 953. Third elastic element; 954. Fourth elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0029] It should be noted that, unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure should have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0030] A lawnmower, also known as a lawn mower, is used to move across the ground and perform vegetation cutting and maintenance work. Lawn mowers can be powered in various ways; for example, a lawnmower may be powered by a battery for both movement and operation. The lawnmower described in this disclosure is merely illustrative, and the solutions described herein can also be applied to other machines. Other machines may be single-function outdoor garden machines, such as autonomous waterers or autonomous snow blowers; or they may be multi-function outdoor garden machines, such as a combination of mowing, watering, and pest control functions. In some cases, it may also be an automated navigation platform configured with appropriate functional components according to actual needs.

[0031] In this disclosure, "work area" is used herein to refer to areas contained (or largely contained) within boundaries where a lawnmower will perform work. For example, a work area may be defined by the grass surface of a yard, on which a lawnmower will perform maintenance functions, such as mowing the lawn. A home may contain one or more work areas, such as a front yard area and a backyard area, or two yard areas separated by a fence.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, this disclosure uses a smart lawnmower as an example for specific details. The lawnmower includes a body 10; a protective module, a cutting module, a moving module, and a controller are disposed on the body 10.

[0033] The body 10 provides structural support for the lawnmower; exemplaryly, the body 10 extends continuously and is formed by one or more components connected together. Alternatively, the body 10 may also be formed by a combination of mutually separate components connected by dynamic couplings.

[0034] The protective module is used to protect the lawnmower. When the lawnmower is actively or passively tipped over or collides with an obstacle, the corresponding parts equipped with the protective module are protected. Specific applications will be described in more detail below.

[0035] The cutting module is connected to the bottom of the machine body 10 and usually includes one or more; it is used to trim or cut vegetation in the working area. The cutting module typically includes components such as a cutter head and blades.

[0036] The moving module is used to carry the body 10 and move the lawnmower within the working area. It typically includes one or more drive wheels and a drive motor that drives the drive wheels.

[0037] The control module includes at least one of a controller and functional components. The controller controls the lawnmower, and the functional components provide input information to the controller. Based on the input information from the functional components, the controller controls the lawnmower to move and operate according to a preset pattern. Functional components typically include control devices and sensors. The control devices allow the user to operate the lawnmower and facilitate interaction between the lawnmower and the user. The sensors are used to identify and sense environmental information about the lawnmower, such as the lawnmower's map or geographical location, and information about obstacles around the lawnmower. Functional components consist of various parts, which will be described in detail when specific applications are discussed below.

[0038] In one specific embodiment provided in this disclosure, the protection module includes: a first collision buffer structure 31, which is arranged on the front side of the outer contour of the fuselage 10; the first collision buffer structure 31 includes: a first side section 311, a front section 313, and a second side section 312 connected in sequence; the front section 313 is connected to the front edge of the outer contour of the fuselage, and the first side section 311 and the second side section 312 are respectively connected to the side edges of the outer contour of the fuselage; along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage 10, the length of the first side section 311 is less than the length of the second side section 312, so as to leave sufficient installation space for the side cutting module.

[0039] The cutting module is specifically a side cutting module 51, which is located on one side of the body 10 where the first side section 311 is located. The cutting range of the side cutting module 51 extends at least to be flush with the outer contour of the lawnmower.

[0040] The first collision buffer structure disclosed herein is adjusted according to the installation position of the side cutting module, so that the first collision buffer structure is compatible with the side cutting module. The first collision buffer structure maintains collision protection for the lawnmower without affecting the operation of the side cutting module; it saves space and has a good user experience.

[0041] In this disclosed implementation, the side-cutting module 51 is typically used in conjunction with the main cutting module to facilitate cutting grass in areas that the main cutting module cannot reach. The side-cutting module 51 can be a blade disc, a cutting head, a trimming rope, etc. The side-cutting module 51 is typically used for cutting lawns in edge areas, such as wall edges or the edges of isolated areas. When the lawnmower travels along an edge or close to a wall, the side-cutting module 51 maximizes the cutting range on the side close to the wall, significantly reducing areas that cannot be cut, thus minimizing missed areas and avoiding manual trimming.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the lawnmower further includes a second collision buffer structure 33, which covers the side-cutting module 51 and is configured to protect the side-cutting module 51. The second collision buffer structure 33 mainly covers the outer part of the side-cutting module 51 exposed on the machine body 10, thus protecting the side-cutting module 51 without affecting its installation and operation.

[0043] The first and second collision buffer structures work together to protect the front and sides of the lawnmower, fully covering the front and sides and enhancing the protective effect.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the second collision buffer structure 33 and the first collision buffer structure 31 can be designed as an integral unit or as separate, independent units. In a specific embodiment of this disclosure, the second collision buffer structure 33 and the first collision buffer structure 31 are designed independently, which can provide better protection for the lawnmower's body 10. Correspondingly, the ends of the second collision buffer structure 33 and the first collision buffer structure 31 that are close to each other extend into the other, that is, the projection of the second collision buffer structure 33 in the longitudinal axis direction of the body 10 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the first side section 311 in the longitudinal axis direction of the body. In this way, the installation and operation of the side cutting module 51 are not affected, improving the protective performance, and the two structures are mutually reinforced, improving the stability of the protective module.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the moving module includes a drive wheel 71 disposed near the rear side of the machine body 10, the drive wheel being configured to move the machine body 10. The number of drive wheels 71 is typically set to two, symmetrically arranged along the minor axis of the machine body 10; along the longitudinal axis of the machine body 10, the side cutting module 51 is disposed between the first side section 311 and the drive wheel 71.

[0046] Preferably, along the longitudinal axis of the mower body 10, there is a first gap between the second side section 312 and the drive wheel 71, and a second gap between the second collision buffer structure 33 and the drive wheel 71. The range of the first gap is [5mm, 50mm], and the range of the second gap is [5mm, 50mm]. The range of the first or second gap ensures that the second side section 312 or the second collision buffer structure 33 will not affect the normal rotation of the drive wheel 71; at the same time, the gap will not be too large, causing obstacles to collide with the mower body 10 within the gap, thereby damaging the lawnmower. Furthermore, it also ensures that when a collision occurs, the first collision buffer structure 31 and / or the second collision buffer structure 33 can normally displace relative to the mower body 10 to trigger the collision detection sensor, thus achieving collision protection for the lawnmower.

[0047] In a more preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the range of the first gap is [10mm, 20mm], and the range of the second gap is [10mm, 20mm].

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the outermost edge of the first side section 311, the outermost edge of the second collision buffer structure 33, and the outermost edge of the drive wheel 71 are substantially flush.

[0049] Alternatively, the lawnmower may also include a protective cover that covers the outside of the drive wheel 71; the outermost edge of the first side section 311, the outermost edge of the second collision buffer structure 33, and the outermost edge of the protective cover are substantially flush. This makes the lawnmower's outer wall more aesthetically pleasing, and at the same time, makes the lawnmower neater and improves the efficiency of its passage.

[0050] In other possible implementations of this disclosure, the distance between any two of the first side section 311, the second collision buffer structure 33, and the drive wheel 71 along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 10 is no greater than 20mm, to ensure that the three are basically flush. Correspondingly, when the lawnmower includes a protective cover, the distance between any two of the first side section 311, the second collision buffer structure 33, and the protective cover along the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body 10 is no greater than 20mm; further details are omitted here.

[0051] The lawnmower body 10 is provided with a first collision buffer structure 31, a second collision buffer structure 33 and a protective cover; these can cover the front edge and side edge of the body 10, reduce the impact of collisions on the body 10 from these three sides and protect the body 10.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the control module includes a controller; when it is confirmed that the first collision buffer structure 31 collides with an obstacle, the controller controls the lawnmower to perform an obstacle avoidance action.

[0053] Combination Figure 2As shown, the control module also includes a collision detection sensor. A collision detection sensor is installed on the first collision buffer structure or the fuselage. The collision detection sensor can be a microswitch, a mechanical switch, or a Hall effect sensor, etc. When the displacement of the first collision buffer structure 31 relative to the fuselage 10 reaches a preset distance threshold, the collision detection sensor is triggered to transmit a collision signal to the controller.

[0054] The number of collision sensors can be specifically set as needed. The more collision sensors there are, and the more evenly and densely they are distributed, the better the protective effect. In a specific example of this disclosure, considering both protective performance and manufacturing and usage costs, the number of collision sensors is set to two. Specifically, the collision sensors include a first collision detection sensor 91 and a second collision detection sensor 93. The first collision detection sensor 91 and the second collision detection sensor 93 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the body 10. The first collision detection sensor 91 is located on the first side section 311 or on the body 10 corresponding to the first side section 311, and the second collision detection sensor 93 is located on the second side section 312 or on the body 10 corresponding to the second side section 312. When both collision sensors are detected to be triggered almost simultaneously, it can be determined that a collision has occurred at the front of the lawnmower; when either the first collision detection sensor 91 or the second collision detection sensor 93 is detected to be triggered, it can be determined that a collision has occurred on the right or left side of the lawnmower, which will not be further elaborated here.

[0055] In another preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the number of collision sensors is set to 3 or 4. Specifically, the collision sensors include the first collision detection sensor 91 and the second collision detection sensor 93 described above, as well as a third collision sensor; the number of the third collision sensor is set to 1 or symmetrically set to 2, and the third collision sensor is disposed on the front section 313 or on the body 10 corresponding to the front section 313; accordingly, when the third collision sensor is detected to be triggered, it can also be determined that a collision has occurred at the front of the lawnmower, which will not be further elaborated here.

[0056] In other embodiments of this disclosure, when the collision sensor includes a third collision sensor, the first collision detection sensor 91 and the second collision detection sensor 93 can be symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fuselage 10, or asymmetrically arranged on both sides of the fuselage 10. When any collision sensor is detected to be triggered, it is determined that a collision has occurred on the side where the collision sensor is located. Additionally, in this embodiment, the first collision detection sensor 91 can also be disposed between the second collision buffer structure 33 and the fuselage 10 to improve protective performance; this will not be further elaborated upon here.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, when the first collision buffer structure 31 is a rigid structure, the first collision buffer structure 31 and the fuselage 10 are connected by an elastic element.

[0058] Preferably, the number of elastic elements can be set as needed; the number is preferably an even number. In a specific example of this disclosure, in order to ensure the sensitivity of the first collision buffer structure 31 and the uniformity and symmetry of the triggering force, the number of elastic elements is set to 4; in this way, it can be ensured that the deformation force is not too large, and the lawnmower will not cause damage to the collision object or the lawnmower itself when it collides.

[0059] Preferably, the elastic elements include a first elastic element 951, a second elastic element 952, a third elastic element 953, and a fourth elastic element 954. The first elastic element 951 and the second elastic element 952 are symmetrically arranged in the front section 313, the third elastic element 953 is arranged in the first side section 311, and the fourth elastic element 954 is arranged in the second side section 312. In this way, a more stable connection is achieved between the first collision buffer structure 31 and the fuselage 10.

[0060] Preferably, the third elastic element 953 is disposed in the middle of the first side section 311, and the fourth elastic element 954 is disposed in the middle of the second side section 312, so as to achieve better collision triggering.

[0061] In a specific example of this disclosure, collision sensors are disposed between adjacent elastic members. Specifically, the first collision detection sensor 91 is disposed between the second elastic member 952 and the third elastic member 953, and the second collision detection sensor 93 is disposed between the first elastic member 951 and the fourth elastic member 954. When an obstacle collides with the first collision buffer structure 31, the collision sensor detects the collision and sends a collision signal to the controller, which then controls the lawnmower to perform obstacle avoidance actions.

[0062] In other embodiments of this disclosure, the first collision buffer structure 31 may also be a collision strip. When the first collision buffer structure 31 is a collision strip, the first collision buffer structure 31 may be pasted onto the body 10, or clipped onto the body 10, or fixed onto the body 10 by means of threaded screws. Meanwhile, the collision sensor may be a piezoresistor disposed on the mating surface between the body 10 and the first collision buffer structure 31 to detect the occurrence of a collision. Further details will not be provided here.

[0063] In summary, the lawnmower provided in this disclosure has a first collision buffer structure that is adjusted according to the installation position of the side cutting module, making the first collision buffer structure compatible with the side cutting module. The first collision buffer structure maintains collision protection for the lawnmower without affecting the operation of the side cutting module, saving space, providing a good user experience, and improving the stability and safety of the lawnmower.

[0064] It should be noted that "a certain body" or "a certain part" can be a portion of the corresponding "component," meaning that "a certain body" or "a certain part" is integrally formed and manufactured with the "other parts of the component"; or it can be an independent component that can be separated from the "other parts of the component," meaning that "a certain body" or "a certain part" can be manufactured independently and then combined with the "other parts of the component" to form a whole. The expression of "a certain body" or "a certain part" in this disclosure is only one embodiment for ease of reading and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Any technical solution that includes the above features and has the same function should be understood as an equivalent technical solution of this disclosure.

[0065] It should be noted that the above description describes some embodiments of this disclosure. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps described in the claims can be performed in a different order than that in the above embodiments and still achieve the desired result. In addition, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result.

[0066] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of this disclosure (including the claims) is limited to these examples; within the framework of this disclosure, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0067] This disclosure is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A lawnmower, characterized in that, include: body; The first collision buffer structure is arranged on the front side of the fuselage outer contour; The first collision buffer structure includes: a first side segment, a front segment, and a second side segment connected in sequence; The front section is connected to the front edge of the outer contour of the fuselage, and the first side section and the second side section are respectively connected to the side edges of the outer contour of the fuselage; along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, the length of the first side section is less than the length of the second side section; A side-cutting module is located on one side of the body where the first side section is located, and the cutting range of the side-cutting module extends at least to be flush with the outer contour of the lawnmower.

2. The lawnmower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lawnmower also includes: A second collision buffer structure is provided outside the side cutting module and is configured to protect the side cutting module.

3. The lawnmower according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second collision buffer structure is designed independently from the first collision buffer structure. The projection of the second collision buffer structure in the longitudinal axis of the fuselage at least partially overlaps with the projection of the first side section in the longitudinal axis of the fuselage.

4. The lawnmower according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lawnmower also includes drive wheels configured to move the machine body. Along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, the side cutting module is disposed between the first side section and the drive wheel.

5. The lawnmower according to claim 4, characterized in that, Along the longitudinal axis of the fuselage, a first gap exists between the second side section and the drive wheel, and a second gap exists between the second collision buffer structure and the drive wheel; wherein... The first gap ranges from [5mm to 50mm], and the second gap ranges from [5mm to 50mm].

6. The lawnmower according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first gap ranges from [10mm, 20mm], and the second gap ranges from [10mm, 20mm].

7. The lawnmower according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outermost edge of the first side section, the outermost edge of the second collision buffer structure, and the outermost edge of the drive wheel are substantially flush; or... The lawnmower also includes: a protective cover, which is provided outside the drive wheel; the outermost edge of the first side section, the outermost edge of the second collision buffer structure, and the outermost edge of the protective cover are substantially flush.

8. The lawnmower according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lawnmower also includes a controller; When it is confirmed that the first collision buffer structure has collided with an obstacle, the controller controls the lawnmower to perform an obstacle avoidance action.

9. The lawnmower according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first collision buffer structure or the body is provided with a collision detection sensor; The collision detection sensor includes a first collision detection sensor and a second collision detection sensor. The first collision detection sensor and the second collision detection sensor are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the fuselage. The first collision detection sensor is disposed on the first side section or on the fuselage corresponding to the first side section, and the second collision detection sensor is disposed on the second side section or on the fuselage corresponding to the second side section.

10. The lawnmower according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, When the first collision buffer structure is a rigid structure, the first collision buffer structure and the fuselage are connected by elastic elements; wherein, the elastic elements include a first elastic element, a second elastic element, a third elastic element and a fourth elastic element, the first elastic element and the second elastic element are symmetrically arranged in the front section, the third elastic element is arranged in the first side section, and the fourth elastic element is arranged in the second side section.

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