GPS tracking pole with angle-adjustable solar panel

Abstract

GPS tracking rod (1, 2), characterized in that it comprises: a support mast (10); a base (20) connected to the support mast (10), the base (20) having a GPS positioning module (24) and a rotation axis (23); an adjustment plate (30) having an axle boot portion (323) and a solar panel (314), wherein the axle boot portion (323) is pivotally connected to the rotational axis (23) and the solar panel (314) provides electrical energy for operating the GPS positioning module (24); and an angle adjustment device (40) comprising: a first gear (42) fixedly connected to the rotation axis (23), the first gear (42) having a first tooth portion (421); a second gear (44, 44a) which is pushed onto the rotational axis (23) and is located in the axle sleeve section (323), wherein the second gear (44, 44a) is arranged such that the second gear (44, 44a) is displaceable along an axial direction of the rotational axis (23) relative to the rotational axis (23) and the axle sleeve section (323) and is capable of being driven by the axle sleeve section (323) to rotate relative to the rotational axis (23), wherein the second gear (44, 44a) has a second tooth section (443, 44a1) facing the first tooth section (421); an elastic member (50) providing an elastic force acting on the second gear (44, 44a) to displace the second gear (44, 44a) toward the first gear (42); and an actuating element (51, 54) which is pushed onto the rotational axis (23) in such a way that the actuating element (51, 54) is displaceable between a locking position (P1) and an unlocking position (P2), wherein the actuating element (51, 54) has a sliding portion (52, 55) which is arranged in the axle sleeve portion (323) and a force-absorbing portion (53, 57) which protrudes from the axle sleeve portion (323), wherein the force-absorbing portion (53, 57) is suitable for absorbing an external force, so that the actuating element (51, 54) is displaced relative to the rotational axis (23) from the locking position (P1) to the unlocking position (P2), wherein, when the actuating element (51, 54) is in the locking position (P1), the second tooth portion (443, 44a1) engages the first tooth portion (421) to prevent the axle sleeve portion (323) of the adjusting plate (30) from rotating relative to the rotation axis (23),and wherein, when the actuating element (51, 54) is in the unlocking position (P2), the sliding portion (52, 55) is inserted between the second tooth portion (443, 44a1) and the first tooth portion (421) to separate the second tooth portion (443, 44a1) from the first tooth portion (421) to allow the axle sleeve portion (323) of the adjusting plate (30) to drive the second gear (44, 44a) to rotate relative to the rotation axis (23).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to GPS tracking poles and, more particularly, to a GPS tracking pole with an angle-adjustable solar panel. 2. State of the art

[0002] Utility model CN ​​2 15 345 883 U discloses a lawnmower positioning system comprising a base station and a lawnmower main body. The base station has a first GPS module and a first communication module. The lawnmower main body has a second GPS module, a second communication module, and a controller. The lawnmower positioning system establishes communication between the first and second communication modules and uses the controller to receive the signal obtained from the first and second GPS modules to obtain position information of the lawnmower main body, which is easy to operate and maintain. However, the base station uses a wired charging device (e.g., an electrical cable and a charging socket) to supply electrical power for operating the first GPS module, so the position of the base station is limited by the wired charging device.Therefore, the lawnmower tracking system described in the aforementioned utility model still requires improvement. WO 2011 / 019 810 A1 discloses a GPS-enabled digital tracking or marking device. The device is designed to be mechanically or electronically coupled to the equipment and can electronically record various information used for a tracking and / or marking process. CN 2 15 173 884 U discloses an RTK receiver consisting of a cone rod, a surveying and mapping mechanism, a mounting mechanism, an adjustment mechanism, and a support mechanism. CN 2 18 566 525 U discloses an observation device for hydrogeological surveys, in particular an automatic monitoring data acquisition device for flood streams in arid areas, comprising a collection mechanism, a support rod, and a support plate.The top of the support rod is firmly connected to the support plate. The collection mechanism is mounted on the support rod and the support plate. KR 10 1 353 611 B1 discloses a height determination device with a dust removal body for wiping the surface of a rod on one side of the rod, and LED modules on the left and right sides of the rod generate single-wavelength light or ultrasound to repel pests. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention was completed in view of the above circumstances. The present invention provides a GPS tracking stick that is self-powered by a solar panel, allowing for unlimited placement in the environment. Furthermore, the light receiving angle of the solar panel is adjustable to achieve relatively better energy conversion efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a GPS tracking pole comprising a support pole, a base, an adjustment plate, and an angle adjustment device. The base is connected to the support pole. The base has a GPS tracking module and a rotation axis. The adjustment plate has a sleeve portion and a solar panel. The sleeve portion is pivotally connected to the rotation axis. The solar panel supplies electrical power for operating the GPS tracking module. The angle adjustment device comprises a first gear, a second gear, an elastic member, and an actuating member. The first gear is fixedly mounted on the rotation axis, and the first gear has a first tooth portion. The second gear is slidably mounted on the rotation axis and is located in the sleeve portion.The second gear is arranged such that the second gear is slidable along an axial direction of the rotation axis relative to the rotation axis and the axle boot portion, and can be driven by the axle boot portion to rotate relative to the rotation axis. The second gear has a second tooth portion facing the first tooth portion. The elastic member generates an elastic force acting on the second gear to displace the second gear toward the first gear. The actuating element is slid onto the rotation axis such that the actuating element is slidable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The actuating element has a sliding portion located in the axle boot portion and a force-receiving portion protruding from the axle boot portion.The force-receiving portion can be pressed to displace the actuating member from the locking position to the unlocking position relative to the rotation axis. When the actuating member is in the locking position, the second tooth portion engages the first tooth portion to prevent the axle boot portion of the adjustment plate from rotating relative to the rotation axis. When the actuating member is in the unlocking position, the sliding portion is inserted between the second tooth portion and the first tooth portion to separate the second tooth portion from the first tooth portion, allowing the axle boot portion of the adjustment plate to drive the second gear to rotate relative to the rotation axis.

[0005] Through the technical features described above, the GPS tracking stick of the present invention provides the electric power for operating the GPS tracking module by illuminating the sun on the solar panel, and the GPS tracking stick of the present invention allows the user to adjust the angle of the adjustment board to increase the probability that the solar panel is illuminated by the sun to obtain relatively better energy conversion efficiency.

[0006] Preferably, the actuating element is a pressed rod or a drawn rod; and the pressed rod or the drawn rod is pushed onto the rotation axis in such a way that the pressed rod or the drawn rod is displaceable along a radial direction of the rotation axis. In such a configuration, the pressed rod or the drawn rod is reduced in volume.

[0007] Preferably, the second gear has a first slope; wherein, when the operating element is the pressed rod, the pushing portion of the pressed rod has a second slope, and the first slope abuts the second slope; wherein, when the operating element is the pulled rod, the pushing portion of the pulled rod has a third slope, and the first slope abuts the third slope. In this way, when the pressed rod is slid from the locking position to the unlocking position, the second slope of the pressed rod presses the first slope of the second gear to move the second gear along the axial direction of the rotation axis in the direction away from the first gear, thereby separating the second tooth portion of the second gear from the first tooth portion of the first gear.When the pulled rod is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position, the third slope of the pulled rod presses the first slope of the second gear to cause the second gear to move along the axial direction of the rotation axis in the direction away from the first gear, thereby separating the second tooth portion of the second gear from the first tooth portion of the first gear.

[0008] Preferably, the base has a position limiting block; the first gear has a position limiting hole; wherein, when the first gear is slid onto the rotation axis, the position limiting block fits into the position limiting hole so that the first gear is firmly slid onto the rotation axis.

[0009] Preferably, the angle adjusting device includes a protective cover fixedly disposed in the axle boot portion; the protective cover has a bottom plate, an annular body portion extending from the bottom plate, a receiving space formed by the bottom plate and the annular body portion, and a fixed tube extending from the bottom plate and disposed in the annular body portion; the rotation axis of the base has a connecting portion; and the fixed tube is fitted onto the connecting portion so that the axle boot portion is pivotable relative to the rotation axis.

[0010] Preferably, the protective cover has two embedded projections located in the annular body portion; the second gear has two embedded recesses provided separately; and the embedded projections are embedded in the embedded recesses, so that the second gear is displaceable relative to the protective cover along the axial direction of the rotation axis and is also capable of being driven by the protective cover to rotate relative to the rotation axis.

[0011] Preferably, the second gear has a support portion; the elastic element is a coil spring and is arranged in the receiving space of the protective cover; one end of the elastic element is pushed onto the support portion; and another end of the elastic element rests against the bottom plate of the protective cover.

[0012] Preferably, the adjustment plate has a first end portion and a second end portion; the adjustment plate is rotatable until the first end portion abuts the base, or the adjustment plate is rotatable until the second end portion abuts the base. In this way, the first end portion and the second end portion can limit the angle through which the adjustment plate can be rotated.

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides another GPS tracking pole comprising a support pole, a base, an adjustment plate, and an angle adjustment device. The base is connected to the support pole, and the base has a GPS tracking module and a rotation axis. The adjustment plate has a sleeve portion and a solar panel. The sleeve portion is pivotable relative to the rotation axis. An inner peripheral surface of the sleeve portion has a tooth portion. The solar panel supplies electrical power for operating the GPS tracking module. The angle adjustment device includes an engagement gear, an elastic member, and an actuating member. The engagement gear is fitted onto the rotation axis and is located in the sleeve portion. The engagement gear is arranged such that the engagement gear is displaceable relative to the rotation axis along an axial direction of the rotation axis.The engagement gear has an engagement tooth portion facing the tooth portion of the axle boot portion. The elastic member provides an elastic force acting on the engagement gear to displace the engagement gear toward the tooth portion of the axle boot portion. The operating member is inserted into the axle boot portion such that the operating member is displaceable between a locking position and an unlocking position. When the operating member is in the locking position, the engagement tooth portion engages the tooth portion of the axle boot portion to prevent rotation of the adjustment plate relative to the rotation axis.When the actuator is in the unlock position, the actuator pushes the engagement gear to separate the engagement tooth portion from the tooth portion of the axle boot portion to allow the adjustment plate to rotate relative to the rotation axis.

[0014] Preferably, the actuating element is a knob or a rotary knob; the knob or the rotary knob is inserted into the axle boot portion such that the knob or the rotary knob is displaceable along an axial direction of the rotation axis.

[0015] If the operating element is the rotary knob, an outer peripheral surface of the knob preferably has a thread, the inner peripheral surface of the axle boot portion has an annular flange, and the thread abuts against the annular flange. Thus, the thread of the rotary knob is guided by the annular flange of the axle boot portion to slide along the axial direction of the rotation axis.

[0016] Preferably, the engagement gear has a support portion; the elastic member is a coil spring; one end of the elastic member is fitted onto the support portion; and another end of the elastic member is fitted onto the rotation axis and supported on the base.

[0017] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a GPS tracking stick of a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the GPS tracking stick of the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a system block diagram showing an operation mode between a GPS positioning module and a solar panel; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of part A in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of part B in Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a radially oriented partial sectional view of the GPS tracking rod of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing that a first gear is fixedly mounted on a rotational axis; Fig. 7 is a radially oriented partial sectional view of the GPS tracking rod of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing that a protective cover is slid onto a second gear; Fig. 8 is an axially aligned partial sectional view of the GPS tracking rod of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing that a pressed rod is arranged in a locking position; Fig. 9 is similar to Fig. 8 and shows that the pressed rod is in an unlocking position; Fig. 10 is a structural perspective view of a drawn rod and a second gear of a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is an axially aligned partial sectional view of a GPS tracking rod of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing that the pulled rod is in a locking position; Fig. 12 is similar to Fig. 11 and shows that the pulled rod is in an unlocking position; Fig. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of a GPS tracking rod of a third embodiment of the present invention, showing that an engaging tooth portion of an engaging gear is engaged with a tooth portion of an axle boot portion; Fig. 14 is an axially aligned partial sectional view of the GPS tracking stick of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing that a knob is in a locking position; Fig. 15 is similar to Fig. 14 and shows that the button is in an unlocking position; Fig. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of a GPS tracking rod of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing that an engaging tooth portion of an engaging gear is engaged with a tooth portion of an axle boot portion; Fig. 17 is an axially aligned partial sectional view of a GPS tracking rod of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing that a rotary knob is arranged in a locking position; Fig. 18 is similar to Fig. 17 and shows that the rotary knob is in an unlocking position; Fig. 19 is a side view of the GPS tracking rod of the present invention, showing the status that an adjustment plate is not adjusted; Fig. 20 is similar to Fig. 19 and shows the state in which a first end portion of the adjusting plate abuts against a base; and Fig. 21 is similar to Fig. 20 and shows the condition that a second end portion of the adjustment plate rests against the base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] First, it should be noted that the technical features provided by the present invention are not limited to the specific construction, use, and application described in the detailed description of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that all terms used in the description are for illustrative purposes. The directional terms mentioned in this description, such as "front, above, below, behind, left, right, top, bottom, inside, and outside," are also used for descriptive purposes based on the normal direction of use and are not intended to limit the claimed scope.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a GPS tracking rod 1 of a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a support mast 10, a base 20, an adjustment plate 30, and two angle adjustment devices 40. In practice, it may also contain only one angle adjustment device 40.

[0020] The support mast 10 is a telescopic pole whose lower end has a trident seat 11 and an insertion section 12 arranged below the trident seat 11. The insertion section 12 can be inserted into a predetermined insertion hole (not shown) or directly into the ground. Then, the trident seat 11 is stably supported on the ground to enhance the supporting effect of the support mast 10.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, the lower end of the base 20 has a connecting section 21 that is connected to the support mast 10. Two opposite outer sides of the base 20 each have a fixed seat 22. Each fixed seat 22 has a rotation axis 23 and a position limiting block 231 that is fixedly arranged on the rotation axis 23. The rotation axis 23 is provided at its free end with a connecting section 232. Inside the base 20 is a GPS positioning module 24, as shown in Fig. 3. The GPS positioning module 24 is arranged to provide a satellite positioning signal to a robotic lawnmower (not shown).

[0022] The adjustment plate 30 comprises an upper cover plate 31 and a lower cover plate 32. The upper cover plate 31 has an upper adjustment portion 311, an upper slot 312 penetrating the upper adjustment portion 311, and an upper support portion 313 connected to the upper adjustment portion 311 and inclined downward. The upper support portion 313 is provided for the placement of a solar panel 314. As shown in Fig. 3, the solar panel 314 receives sunlight, then converts direct current into alternating current through a photoelectric converter 33, and stores the energy thereby generated in a storage battery 34 to provide electrical power for operating the GPS positioning module 24 of the base 20. The lower cover plate 32 has a lower adjustment portion 321, a lower slot 322 penetrating the lower adjustment portion 321, two axle sleeve portions 323 provided oppositely on the lower adjustment portion 321, and a lower bearing portion 324 connected to the lower adjustment portion 321 and inclined downward.The lower adjustment portion 321 of the lower cover plate 32 is connected to the upper adjustment portion 311 of the upper cover plate 31, and the lower bearing portion 324 of the lower cover plate 32 is connected to the upper bearing portion 313 of the upper cover plate 31, so that the lower slot 322 of the lower cover plate 32 communicates with the upper slot 312 of the upper cover plate 31. The adjustment plate 30 is slid onto the base 20 through the upper and lower slots 312 and 322. Furthermore, the adjustment plate 30 is pivotally slid onto the fixed seats 22 of the base 20 through the two axle sleeve portions 323 of the lower cover plate 32 and receives the rotary axes 23 of the base 20 therein. The angle adjustment devices 40 are received in the axle sleeve portions 323 of the adjustment plate 30.Each angle adjustment device 40 comprises a first gear 42, a second gear 44, a protective cover 46, an elastic element 50 and an actuating element 51.

[0023] With reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the first gear 42 has a first tooth portion 421, and the position limiting block 231 of the rotation axis 23 fits into a position limiting hole 422 of the first gear 42, so that the first gear 42 is firmly pushed onto the rotation axis 23 and inserted into the fixed seat 22 (as in Fig. 6 shown).

[0024] The second gear 44 is pushed onto the rotational axis 23 through an axial hole 441. One end of the axial hole 441 has two support portions 442. The second gear 44 has a second tooth portion 443 facing the first tooth portion 421 and a first bevel 444 surrounded by the second tooth portion 443 (as shown in Fig. 5). The outer peripheral edge of the second gear 44 has two embedded recesses 445 that are opposite each other.

[0025] The protective cover 46 is fixedly arranged on the upper adjustment section 311 of the upper cover plate 31 and is located in the axle sleeve section 323 of the lower cover plate 32. As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the protective cover 46 has a bottom plate 461, an annular body portion 462 extending from the bottom plate 461, a receiving space 463 formed by the bottom plate 461 and the annular body portion 462, two embedded projections 464 provided opposite each other on the inner wall surface of the annular body portion 462, and a fixed tube 465 extending from the bottom plate 461 and disposed in the annular body portion 462. One end of the fixed tube 465 has a flange 466. As shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the embedded projections 464 of the protective cover 46 are embedded in the embedded recesses 445 of the second gear 44, and the fixed tube 465 is inserted through the axial hole 441 of the second gear 44, as shown in Fig. 4, and fitted through the flange 466 onto the connecting portion 232 of the rotary shaft 23. The fixed tube 465 and the rotary shaft 23 are pivotally connected to each other by a bolt 47, a spacer 48, and a nut 49, so that the axle sleeve portion 323 can drive the second gear 44 to rotate relative to the rotary shaft 23 through the protective cover 46, and allows the second gear 44 to move along the axial direction of the rotary shaft 23 relative to the rotary shaft 23, the axle sleeve portion 323, and the protective cover 46.

[0026] As in Fig. 4, the elastic element 50 is designed as a coil spring. The elastic element 50 is accommodated in the receiving space 463 of the protective cover 46. One end of the elastic element 50 is placed on the support portions 442 of the second gear 44, and another end of the elastic element 50 rests on the base plate 461 of the protective cover 46. In this way, the elastic element 50 provides an elastic restoring force acting on the second gear 44 to displace the second gear 44 toward the first gear 42 (as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shown).

[0027] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, in this embodiment, the actuating element 51 is a pressed rod. The pressed rod has a sliding portion 52 and a force-absorbing portion 53, wherein the sliding portion 52 is arranged in the axle sleeve portion 323 and is pushed onto the rotation axis 23 through an elongated hole 521, so that the pressed rod can be displaced upwards and downwards relative to the rotation axis 23 along the radial direction of the rotation axis 23. The sliding portion 52 further has a second bevel 522. The second slope 522 of the sliding portion 52 abuts against the first slope 444 of the second gear 44. The force receiving portion 53 is located outside the axle sleeve portion 323 to be pressed by an external force, so that the pressed rod, on which the external force acts, is moved relative to the rotation axis 23 along the radial direction of the rotation axis 23 from a locking position P1 (as shown in Fig. 8) to an unlocking position P2 (as shown in Fig. 9). When the pressed rod is in the locking position P1, as shown in Fig. 8, the second tooth portion 443 of the second gear 44 is engaged with the first tooth portion 421 of the first gear 42 to prevent the axle sleeve portion 323 of the adjusting plate 30 from driving the second gear 44 to rotate relative to the rotation axis 23. In the process in which the pressed rod is moved from the locking position P1 as shown in Fig. 8, in the direction of the unlocking position P2, as shown in Fig. 9, the second slope 522 of the sliding portion 52 of the pressed rod presses the first slope 444 of the second gear 44 to cause the second gear 44 to move along the axial direction of the rotation axis 23 in the direction away from the first gear 42. When the pressed rod reaches the Fig. 9, the sliding portion 52 of the pressed rod is inserted between the second tooth portion 443 and the first tooth portion 421 to separate the second tooth portion 443 of the second gear 44 from the first tooth portion 421 of the first gear 42 so that the axle sleeve portion 323 of the adjusting plate 30 can drive the second gear 44 for rotation relative to the rotation axis 23.

[0028] It is apparent from the above description that for the GPS tracking rod 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, when the angle adjustment of the adjustment plate 30 is to be performed, a pressing force must first be applied to the force receiving portion 53 of the pressed rod to move the pressed rod from the locking position P1 as shown in Fig. 8, into the unlocking position P2, as shown in Fig. 9. At this time, the pressed rod forces the second tooth portion 443 of the second gear 44 to separate from the first tooth portion 421 of the first gear 42, so that the adjustment plate 30, through the axle sleeve portion 323 and the protective cover 46, can drive the second gear 44 to rotate relative to the rotation axis 23. Thus, the adjustment plate 30 can be rotated relative to the rotation axis 23 to adjust the light receiving angle of the solar panel 314. At this time, the elastic member 50 is compressed by the second gear 44, thereby storing the elastic restoring force. Once the adjustment plate 30 is adjusted to the correct angle, the compressive force exerted on the force receiving portion 53 of the pressed rod can be released.At this time, the elastic restoring force released from the elastic member 50 acts on the second gear 44, and the first slope 444 of the second gear 44 presses the second slope 522 of the sliding portion 52 of the pressed rod, so that the pressed rod moves from the unlocking position P2 as shown in FIG. Fig. 9, back to the locking position P1, as shown in Fig. 8. At this time, the second tooth portion 443 of the second gear 44 is again engaged with the first tooth portion 421 of the first gear 42, and thus the adjustment plate 30 is prevented from rotating relative to the rotation axis 23, and the adjustment of the light receiving angle of the solar panel 314 is completed. However, the GPS tracking rod 1 is not identical to the pole disclosed in this embodiment. With reference to Fig. 10, a GPS tracking rod 2 of a second embodiment of the present invention is approximately the same in structure as the first embodiment, but the main difference therebetween is that another second gear 44a is provided in this embodiment. The second gear 44a in this embodiment has approximately the same structure as the second gear 44 in the first embodiment described above. However, the main difference therebetween is that the second gear 44a in this embodiment has two second tooth portions 44a1, a first slope 44a2 is surrounded by the second tooth portion 44a1, and a break 44a3 is arranged between the second tooth portions 44a1. The second tooth portions 44a1 face the first tooth portion 42a1 of the first gear 42. The operating member 54 in this embodiment is a drawn rod.The drawn rod has a sliding portion 55, an embedded portion 56 connected to the sliding portion 55, and a force receiving portion 57 connected to the embedded portion 56. As shown in . Fig. 11, the sliding portion 55 is arranged in the axle sleeve portion 323 and is pushed onto the rotational axis 23 through an elongated hole 551, so that the drawn rod can be displaced upwards and downwards relative to the rotational axis 23 along the radial direction of the rotational axis 23. The sliding portion 55 further has a third bevel 552. The third bevel 552 abuts the first bevel 44a2 of the second gear 44a. The embedded portion 56 is embedded in the opening 44a3 of the second gear 44a (as shown in Fig. 10). The force receiving portion 57 protrudes from the axle sleeve portion 323 to be pulled by an external force, so that the pulled rod actuated by the external force moves relative to the rotation axis 23 along the radial direction of the rotation axis 23 from a locking position P1 (as shown in Fig. 11) to an unlocking position P2 (as shown in Fig. 12) is movable.

[0029] When the pulled rod is in the locking position P1, as shown in Fig. 11, the second tooth portions 44a1 of the second gear 44a, as shown in Fig. 10, engages with the first tooth portion 421 of the first gear 42 to prevent the axle sleeve portion 323 of the adjustment plate 30 from driving the second gear 44a to rotate relative to the rotation axis 23. In the process in which the pulled rod is moved from the locking position P1 as shown in Fig. 11, in the direction of the unlocking position P2, as shown in Fig. 12, the third slope 552 of the sliding portion 55 of the pulled rod presses the first slope 44a2 of the second gear 44a to cause the second gear 44a to move along the axial direction of the rotation axis 23 in the direction away from the first gear 42. When the pulled rod reaches the Fig. 12, the sliding portion 55 of the pulled rod is inserted between the second tooth portion 44a1 and the first tooth portion 421 to separate the second tooth portion 44a1 of the second gear 44a from the first tooth portion 421 of the first gear 42, so that the axle sleeve portion 323 of the adjusting plate 30 can drive the second gear 44a to rotate relative to the rotation axis 23.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, for the GPS tracking rod 2 of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the angle adjustment of the adjustment plate 30 is to be performed, a pulling force must first be applied to the force receiving portion 57 of the pulled rod in order to move the pulled rod from the locking position P1 as shown in Fig. 11, into the unlocking position P2, as shown in Fig. 12. At this time, the pulled rod forces the second tooth portion 44a1 of the second gear 44a to separate from the first tooth portion 421 of the first gear 42, so that the adjustment plate 30 can drive the second gear 44a to rotate relative to the rotation axis 23 through the axle sleeve portion 323 and the protective cover 46. Thus, the adjustment plate 30 can be rotated relative to the rotation axis 23 to adjust the light receiving angle of the solar panel 314. At this time, the elastic member 50 is compressed by the second gear 44a, thereby storing the elastic restoring force. Once the adjustment plate 30 is adjusted to the correct angle, the tensile force exerted on the force-receiving portion 57 of the pulled rod can be released.At this time, the elastic restoring force released from the elastic member 50 acts on the second gear 44a, and the first slope 44a2 of the second gear 44a presses the third slope 552 of the sliding portion 55 of the pulled rod, so that the pulled rod moves from the unlocking position P2 as shown in FIG. Fig. 12, back to the locking position P1, as shown in Fig. 11. At this time, the second tooth portions 44a1 of the second gear 44a (as shown in Fig. 10) again engages with the first tooth portion 421 of the first gear 42, and thus the adjustment plate 30 is prevented from rotating relative to the rotation axis 23, and the adjustment of the light receiving angle of the solar panel 314 is completed.

[0031] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 13 to 15, a GPS tracking rod 3 of a third embodiment of the present invention is constructed approximately the same as the above-described first embodiment, but the main difference between them is that the angle adjusting devices 40 are constructed differently. As shown in Fig. 13, in this embodiment, an inner peripheral surface of the axle boot portion 323 has a tooth portion 323a, which is structurally completely identical to the first tooth portion 421 of the first gear 42. In addition, the angle adjusting device 40 in this embodiment has an engagement gear 45, as shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. The engagement gear 45 is approximately the same in structure as the second gear 44 in the first embodiment described above, but the main difference between them is that the engagement gear 45 includes a flat plate portion 451, an engagement tooth portion 452 located on the outer peripheral edge of the flat plate portion 451, and two support portions 453 located at another end of the flat plate portion 451. One end of the elastic member 50 is fitted onto the support portions 453 of the engagement gear 45, and the other end is fitted onto the rotation shaft 23 and abuts against the fixed seat 22 of the base 20. In this embodiment, the operating member 58 is a knob.A part of the knob is inserted into the axle boot portion 323, and another part is exposed from the axle boot portion 323 to be pressed by an external force, so that the knob, on which the external force acts, is rotated relative to the rotation axis 23 along the axial direction of the rotation axis 23 from a locking position P3 (as shown in FIG. Fig. 14) to an unlocking position P4 (as shown in Fig. 15). When the knob is in the locking position P3 (as shown in Fig. 14), the engagement tooth portion 452 of the engagement gear 45 is engaged with the tooth portion 323a of the axle sleeve portion 323 to prevent the rotation of the adjustment plate 30 relative to the rotation axis 23. In the process in which the knob is moved from the locking position P3 as shown in Fig. 14, in the direction of the unlocking position P4, as shown in Fig. 15, one end of the knob abuts against the flat plate portion 451 of the engagement gear 45 to cause the engagement gear 45 to move along the axial direction of the rotation axis 23 in the direction away from the tooth portion 323a of the axle sleeve portion 323. When the knob Fig. 15 is reached, the engagement tooth portion 452 of the engagement gear 45 is separated from the tooth portion 323a of the axle sleeve portion 323 to allow the adjustment plate 30 to rotate relative to the rotation axis 23.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, for the GPS tracking rod 3 of the third embodiment of the present invention, when the angle adjustment of the adjustment plate 30 is to be performed, a pressing force must first be applied to the button (actuating member 58) to move the button from the locking position P3 as shown in Fig. 14, into the unlocking position P4, as shown in Fig. 15. At this time, the knob abuts the flat plate portion 451 of the engagement gear 45 and pushes the engagement gear 45 to separate the engagement tooth portion 452 of the engagement gear 45 from the tooth portion 323a of the axle sleeve portion 323, allowing the user to move the adjustment plate 30. In this way, the adjustment plate 30 can be rotated relative to the rotation axis 23 to adjust the light receiving angle of the solar panel 314. At this time, the elastic member 50 is compressed by the engagement gear 45, thereby storing the elastic restoring force. Once the adjustment plate 30 is adjusted to the correct angle, the pressing force exerted on the knob can be released.At this time, the elastic restoring force released from the elastic member 50 acts on the engagement gear 45, and the flat plate portion 451 of the engagement gear 45 presses the button, so that the button moves from the unlocking position P4 as shown in FIG. Fig. 15, back to the locking position P3, as shown in Fig. 14. At this time, the engagement tooth portion 452 of the engagement gear 45 is again engaged with the tooth portion 323a of the axle sleeve portion 323, and thus the adjustment plate 30 is prevented from rotating relative to the rotation axis 23, and the adjustment of the light receiving angle of the solar panel 314 is completed.

[0033] As in the Fig. 16 to Fig. As shown in Figure 18, a GPS locating rod 4 of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is constructed approximately the same as the GPS locating rod 3 of the third embodiment, the main difference being that the angle adjusting devices 40 are constructed differently. As shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, in this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the axle boot portion 323 has an annular flange 323b. The operating member 59 is a rotary knob, and an outer peripheral surface of the rotary knob has a thread 591. A part of the knob is inserted into the axle boot portion 323, and the thread 591 abuts against the annular flange 323b of the axle boot portion 323. Another part of the rotary knob is led out of the axle boot portion 323 to be rotated, so that the thread 591 of the rotary knob is passed through the annular flange 323b to move along the axial direction of the rotation axis 23 from a locking position P3 (as shown in Fig. 17) to an unlocking position P4 (as shown in Fig. 18). When the rotary knob is in the locking position P3 (as shown in Fig. 17), the engagement tooth portion 452 of the engagement gear 45 is connected to the tooth portion 323a of the axle sleeve portion 323 (as shown in Fig. 16) to prevent the rotation of the adjustment plate 30 relative to the rotation axis 23. In the process in which the rotary knob is moved from the locking position P3, as shown in Fig. 17, in the direction of the unlocking position P4, as shown in Fig. 18, one end of the rotary knob abuts against the flat plate portion 451 of the engagement gear 45 to cause the engagement gear 45 to move along the axial direction of the rotation axis 23 in the direction away from the tooth portion 323a of the axle sleeve portion 323. When the knob Fig. 18, the engagement tooth portion 452 of the engagement gear 45 is separated from the tooth portion 323a of the axle sleeve portion 323 to allow the adjustment plate 30 to rotate relative to the rotation axis 23.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, for the GPS tracking rod 4 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the angle adjustment of the adjustment plate 30 is to be performed, a rotational force must first be applied to the rotary knob (actuating member 59) to rotate the rotary knob from the locking position P3 as shown in Fig. 17, into the unlocking position P4, as shown in Fig. 18. At this time, the rotary knob abuts against the flat plate portion 451 of the engagement gear 45 and pushes the engagement gear 45 to separate the engagement tooth portion 452 of the engagement gear 45 from the tooth portion 323a of the axle boot portion 323, as shown in Fig. 16, so that the user can move the adjustment plate 30. Thus, the adjustment plate 30 can be rotated relative to the rotation axis 23 to adjust the light receiving angle of the solar panel 314. At this time, the elastic member 50 is compressed by the engagement gear 45, thereby storing the elastic restoring force. Once the adjustment plate 30 is adjusted to the correct angle, the user can turn the knob in the opposite direction. At this time, the elastic restoring force released by the elastic member 50 acts on the engagement gear 45, and the flat plate portion 451 of the engagement gear 45 presses on the knob, so that the knob moves from the unlocked position P4, as shown in Fig. 18, moved back to the locking position P3, as shown in Fig. 17. At this time, the engagement tooth portion 452 of the engagement gear 45 is again engaged with the tooth portion 323a of the axle boot portion 323 (as shown in Fig. 16), and thus the adjustment plate 30 is prevented from rotating relative to the rotation axis 23, and the adjustment of the light receiving angle of the solar panel 314 is completed.

[0035] It should be noted here that the adjustment plate 30 of the GPS locating rod 1, 2, 3, 4 of the present invention is provided at two ends of the upper and lower adjustment sections 311 and 321, as shown in Fig. 2, each with a first end portion 30a and a second end portion 30b (as in Fig. 19). In the process of angle adjustment, the adjustment plate 30 is allowed to be rotated the most to press the first end portion 30a against the base 20 (as shown in Fig. 20) or rotated to allow the second end portion 30b to bear against the base 20 (as shown in Fig. 21), so that the angle through which the adjustment plate 30 can be rotated is limited.

[0036] In summary, the GPS tracking rod 1, 2, 3, 4 of the present invention is powered by the solar panel 314 to operate the GPS tracking module 24 itself, which solves the problem of the limited position of the GPS tracking rod 1 and allows the user to use the GPS tracking rod 1 of the present invention anywhere for positioning the robotic lawnmower. Therefore, the GPS tracking rod 1, 2, 3, 4 of the present invention has relatively higher flexibility in use. Furthermore, the GPS tracking rod 1, 2, 3, 4 of the present invention allows the user to adjust the angle of the adjustment plate 30 to increase the probability that the solar panel 314 is illuminated by the sun, thus increasing the energy conversion efficiency.

[0037] Having thus described the invention, it will be obvious that it is susceptible to variation in many respects. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] GPS tracking rod (1, 2), characterized by that it includes: a support mast (10); a base (20) connected to the support mast (10), the base (20) having a GPS positioning module (24) and a rotation axis (23); an adjustment plate (30) having an axle boot portion (323) and a solar panel (314), wherein the axle boot portion (323) is pivotally connected to the rotational axis (23) and the solar panel (314) provides electrical energy for operating the GPS positioning module (24); and an angle adjustment device (40) comprising: a first gear (42) fixedly connected to the rotation axis (23), the first gear (42) having a first tooth portion (421); a second gear (44, 44a) which is pushed onto the rotational axis (23) and is located in the axle sleeve section (323), wherein the second gear (44, 44a) is arranged such that the second gear (44, 44a) is displaceable along an axial direction of the rotational axis (23) relative to the rotational axis (23) and the axle sleeve section (323) and is capable of being driven by the axle sleeve section (323) to rotate relative to the rotational axis (23), wherein the second gear (44, 44a) has a second tooth section (443, 44a1) facing the first tooth section (421); an elastic member (50) providing an elastic force acting on the second gear (44, 44a) to displace the second gear (44, 44a) toward the first gear (42); and an actuating element (51, 54) which is pushed onto the rotational axis (23) in such a way that the actuating element (51, 54) is displaceable between a locking position (P1) and an unlocking position (P2), wherein the actuating element (51, 54) has a sliding portion (52, 55) which is arranged in the axle sleeve portion (323) and a force-absorbing portion (53, 57) which protrudes from the axle sleeve portion (323), wherein the force-absorbing portion (53, 57) is suitable for absorbing an external force, so that the actuating element (51, 54) is displaced relative to the rotational axis (23) from the locking position (P1) to the unlocking position (P2), wherein, when the actuating element (51, 54) is in the locking position (P1), the second tooth portion (443, 44a1) engages the first tooth portion (421) to prevent the axle sleeve portion (323) of the adjusting plate (30) from rotating relative to the rotation axis (23),and wherein, when the actuating element (51, 54) is in the unlocking position (P2), the sliding portion (52, 55) is inserted between the second tooth portion (443, 44a1) and the first tooth portion (421) to separate the second tooth portion (443, 44a1) from the first tooth portion (421) to allow the axle sleeve portion (323) of the adjusting plate (30) to drive the second gear (44, 44a) to rotate relative to the rotation axis (23). [2] GPS tracking rod (1, 2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the actuating element (51, 54) is a pressed rod (51) or a drawn rod (54); the pressed rod (51) or the drawn rod (54) is pushed onto the rotation axis (23) in such a way that the pressed rod (51) or the drawn rod (54) is displaceable along a radial direction of the rotation axis (23). [3] GPS tracking rod (1, 2) according to claim 2, characterized byin that the second gear (44, 44a) has a first bevel (444, 44a2); when the actuating element (51) is the pressed rod (51), the sliding portion (52) of the pressed rod (51) has a second bevel (522) and the first bevel (444) abuts the second bevel (522); wherein, when the actuating element (54) is the pulled rod (54), the sliding portion (55) of the pulled rod (54) has a third bevel (552) and the first bevel (44a2) abuts the third bevel (552). [4] GPS tracking rod (1, 2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the base (20) has a position limiting block (231); the first gear (42) has a position limiting hole (422); wherein, when the first gear (42) is slid onto the rotation axis (23), the position limiting block (231) fits into the position limiting hole (422) so that the first gear (42) is fixed to the rotation axis (23). [5] GPS tracking rod (1, 2) according to claim 1, characterized by in that the angle adjustment device (40) has a protective cover (46) which is fixedly arranged in the axle sleeve section (323); the protective cover (46) has a base plate (461), an annular body section (462) extending from the base plate (461), a receiving space (463) formed by the base plate (461) and the annular body section (462), and a fixed tube (465) extending from the base plate (461) and arranged in the annular body section (462); the rotation axis (23) of the base (20) has a connecting section (232); and the fixed tube (465) is pushed onto the connecting section (232) so that the axle sleeve section (323) is pivotable relative to the rotation axis (23). [6] GPS tracking rod (1, 2) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the protective cover (46) has two embedded projections (464) located in the annular body portion (462); the second gear (44, 44a) has two separately provided embedded recesses (445); the embedded projections (464) are embedded in the embedded recesses (445). [7] GPS tracking rod (1, 2) according to claim 6, characterized by that the second gear (44, 44a) has a support portion (442); the elastic element (50) is a coil spring and is arranged in the receiving space (463) of the protective cover (46); one end of the elastic element (50) is pushed onto the support portion (442); and another end of the elastic element (50) rests against the base plate (461) of the protective cover (46). [8] GPS tracking rod (1, 2) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the adjustment plate (30) has a first end portion (30a) and a second end portion (30b); the adjustment plate (30) is rotatable until the first end portion (30a) abuts the base (20), or the adjustment plate (30) is rotatable until the second end portion (30b) abuts the base (20). [9] GPS tracking rod (3, 4), the characterized by is that it includes: a support mast (10); a base (20) connected to the support mast (10), the base (20) having a GPS positioning module (24) and a rotation axis (23); an adjustment plate (30) having an axle boot portion (323) and a solar panel (314), wherein the axle boot portion (323) is pivotable relative to the rotation axis (23), an inner peripheral surface of the axle boot portion (323) has a toothed portion (323a), and the solar panel (314) provides electrical energy for operating the GPS positioning module (24); and an angle adjustment device (40) comprising: an engagement gear (45) which is pushed onto the rotational axis (23) and arranged in the axle sleeve section (323), wherein the engagement gear (45) is arranged such that the engagement gear (45) is displaceable along an axial direction of the rotational axis (23) relative to the rotational axis (23), wherein the engagement gear (45) has an engagement tooth section (452) which points towards the tooth section (323a) of the axle sleeve section (323); an elastic member (50) providing an elastic force acting on the engagement gear (45) to displace the engagement gear (45) toward the tooth portion (323a) of the axle boot portion (323); and an actuating element (58, 59) inserted into the axle boot portion (323) in such a way that the actuating element (58, 59) is displaceable between a locking position (P3) and an unlocking position (P4), wherein, when the actuating element (58, 59) is in the locking position (P3), the engaging tooth portion (452) of the engaging gear (45) engages with the tooth portion (323a) of the axle boot portion (323) to prevent the adjusting plate (30) from rotating relative to the rotation axis (23); wherein, when the operating member (58, 59) is in the unlocking position (P4), the operating member (58, 59) presses the engagement gear (45) to separate the engagement tooth portion (452) of the engagement gear (45) from the tooth portion (323a) of the axle sleeve portion (323) to allow the adjustment plate (30) to rotate relative to the rotation axis (23). [10] GPS tracking rod (3, 4) according to claim 9, characterized bythat the actuating element (58, 59) is a knob (58) or a rotary knob (59); the knob (58) or the rotary knob (59) is inserted into the axle sleeve portion (323) in such a way that the knob (58) or the rotary knob (59) is displaceable along an axial direction of the rotation axis (23). [11] GPS tracking rod (3, 4) according to claim 10, characterized by that when the actuating element (59) is the rotary knob (59), an outer peripheral surface of the knob (59) has a thread (591), the inner peripheral surface of the axle boot portion (323) has an annular flange (323b), and the thread (591) abuts against the annular flange (323b). [12] GPS tracking rod (3, 4) according to claim 9, characterized bythat the engagement gear (45) has a support portion (453); the elastic element (50) is a coil spring; one end of the elastic element (50) is pushed onto the support portion (453) of the engagement gear (45); another end of the elastic element (50) is pushed onto the rotation axis (23) and bears against the base (20). [13] GPS tracking rod (3, 4) according to claim 9, characterized by that the adjustment plate (30) has a first end portion (30a) and a second end portion (30b); the adjustment plate (30) is rotatable until the first end portion (30a) abuts the base (20), or the adjustment plate (30) is rotatable until the second end portion (30b) abuts the base (20).

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