Robotic lawnmower with a lawn care device

Abstract

Robotic lawnmower (100) with a lawn care device (1) for maintaining a lawn (200) in a private or commercial environment, comprising at least one storage container (4, 5) for a care material (30) for maintaining the lawn and at least one dispensing device (20) for the targeted dispensing of the care material (30) from the storage container (4, 5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a robotic lawnmower with a lawn care device and a lawn care device for a robotic lawnmower, wherein the lawn care device is used for maintaining a lawn in a private or commercial environment.

[0002] Robotic lawnmowers that automatically mow lawns in private gardens or commercial settings have become well-known in the state of the art. To do this, the robotic lawnmowers periodically travel over the lawn within an area defined, for example, by a boundary wire, to maintain the grass at the desired height. This automatically maintains the lawn and can improve its quality. The short, clipped grass blades also fertilize the lawn and improve its quality. Many users want high-quality lawns without much effort.

[0003] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a robotic lawnmower with a lawn care device and a lawn care device for a robotic lawnmower, with which the quality of a lawn in a private or commercial environment can be further improved, in particular without a great expenditure of time.

[0004] This object is achieved by a robotic lawnmower having the features of claim 1 and by a lawn care device having the features of claim 13 and claim 14. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

[0005] A robotic lawnmower according to the invention with a lawn care device is used for maintaining a lawn in a private or commercial environment and comprises at least one storage container for a care material for maintaining the lawn. Furthermore, it includes at least one dispensing device for the targeted dispensing of the care material from the storage container.

[0006] The robotic lawnmower according to the invention has many advantages. A significant advantage of the robotic lawnmower according to the invention is that, for example, maintenance materials can be applied to the lawn simultaneously while mowing. For example, fertilizer can be applied and distributed specifically over the lawn area. This allows the lawn to be supplied with precisely the nutrients it needs for optimal growth.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the robotic lawnmower or lawn care device comprises an adjustment device with which the discharge rate of the dispensing device can be set or adjusted (mechanically and / or electronically). In a simple embodiment, the adjustment device comprises two perforated grids that can be moved relative to one another to adjust the size of the passage opening and thus a measure of the discharge rate. However, it is possible and preferred for the dispensing device to be controlled not only mechanically, but also, in particular, electrically or electronically.

[0008] In preferred embodiments, at least one control device is included. The control device can be used to specifically control the dispensing of care material. For this purpose, the control device can, for example, control a pump that dispenses the care material. However, it is also possible, for example, to adjust the size of a passage opening for, for example, powdered care material, or to specifically convey powdered care material.

[0009] In preferred embodiments, an adapter device is included, which serves to attach the lawn care device to the robotic lawnmower. In particular, the adapter device is designed to be so general or adaptable that a separate lawn care device can be attached to different robotic lawnmowers. If necessary, a specially adapted adapter can be provided for different models of robotic lawnmowers.

[0010] In preferred developments of all embodiments, at least one sensor device is assigned to and / or included in the lawn care device and / or the robotic lawnmower. The sensor device has at least one sensor for detecting sensor data. The sensor is in particular taken from a group of sensors which comprises at least one light sensor for detecting light intensity, a rain sensor for detecting rain and / or for detecting a rainfall amount, a temperature sensor for detecting air temperature, a humidity sensor for detecting air humidity, a soil sensor for detecting or estimating soil temperature and / or soil moisture, and a wind sensor for detecting wind speed.

[0011] Using a light sensor, for example, fertilizer application can be controlled only when the sun is not too bright. The light sensor data can be combined with a timer, so that fertilization only occurs in the late morning or early afternoon when the amount of incident light is not too high.

[0012] The rain sensor can be used to control the application system, for example, if maintenance material should only be applied when the soil is dry or when it is moist. Weather forecast data can also be used if necessary, so that maintenance material is applied precisely when, for example, rain is expected immediately afterwards. If necessary, the application of maintenance material can be started when rain begins. The mower can also remain switched off in this case.

[0013] Air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, and soil moisture can also be used in a similar way. In strong winds, the application of powdered treatment materials can be avoided to prevent them from being blown away.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, at least one data transmitting and / or receiving device and / or at least one network device is included. External sensor data can be received and / or internal sensor data can be sent via a data transmitting device or a data receiving device, and in particular a network device. Data from external sensors regarding temperature and humidity, light intensity, rainfall, etc. can also be sent and / or received. In some households, local data from smart weather stations is already available, making internal sensors in the lawn care system unnecessary. If necessary, external data can also be used to support the system.

[0015] Preferably, the control device is configured and designed to control the dispensing device in dependence on the internal and / or external sensor data.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, at least two separate storage containers are included, which can be controlled separately. This makes it possible, for example, to apply two different maintenance materials in a targeted manner (simultaneously or sequentially). For example, one storage container can contain a supply of lawn seed. Another storage container can store fertilizer. It is also possible for a plant protection product to be stored in a separate storage container. If necessary, other materials can also be made available and applied in separate storage containers.

[0017] Preferably, at least one storage container is designed to hold liquids. In particular, at least one storage container is designed to hold solids.

[0018] Liquids, for example, can be dispensed via a pump and a connected nozzle. This allows for easy control via the pump flow. Powders and solids can be dispensed via a screw or similar device.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the lawn care system is an integral component of the robotic lawnmower. This means, in particular, that the lawn care system can be a fixed and inseparable part of the robotic lawnmower. This enables a particularly high level of integration and a particularly compact design. At the same time, all of the robotic lawnmower's sensors can also be used directly by the lawn care system.

[0020] In an alternative design, the lawn care system is detachably mounted. This is advantageous because it can then be retrofitted.

[0021] In other preferred embodiments, the lawn care device includes its own wheels and drive. In this case, the lawn care device can also be used independently of a robotic lawnmower.

[0022] Another lawn care device according to the invention is intended for a robotic lawnmower and is used for maintaining a lawn in a private or commercial environment. The lawn care device comprises at least one storage container for a care material for maintaining the lawn and at least one dispensing device for the targeted dispensing of the care material from the storage container. It includes at least one adapter device for attaching the lawn care device to a (separate) robotic lawnmower.

[0023] This lawn care device according to the invention also has many advantages. A significant advantage is that the lawn care device can be attached to a separate robotic lawnmower. In principle, the lawn care device can be controlled independently of the robotic lawnmower. However, it is preferable that the lawn care device detects when the robotic lawnmower starts mowing, in order to specifically (and only) apply care material when the robotic lawnmower is moving across the lawn.

[0024] In principle, it's possible for the robotic lawnmower to cover the lawn in a chaotic pattern. This might mean that the robotic lawnmower always drives to a boundary line, then turns at a different angle and drives back in a different direction. Over time, this leads to the robotic lawnmower driving over every part of the lawn. However, it's also possible for the robotic lawnmower to deliberately drive in a serpentine or zigzag pattern to regularly cover every part of the lawn.

[0025] In addition to boundary wires, for example, boundary wires can also be used to establish boundaries using a satellite signal. Other types of boundaries can also be used to keep the robotic lawnmower or lawn care device within the desired boundaries.

[0026] Another lawn care device according to the invention is used to care for a lawn in a private or commercial environment and comprises a (separate) drive and wheels that can be driven thereby, a battery, charging contacts for charging the battery, a sensor device for detecting the boundaries of a lawn, and at least one storage container for a care material. At least one dispensing device serves to dispense the care material from the storage container and to care for the lawn. The dispensed care material is distributed over the lawn. A control device serves to control the movement of the lawn care device and the dispensing of the care material with the dispensing device. This makes it possible to distribute care material from the storage container in a targeted manner over the lawn.

[0027] Such a lawn care facility also has many advantages.

[0028] A significant advantage of such a lawn care device is that it can be operated independently of the robotic lawnmower. In particular, in this embodiment, the lawn care device does not have a cutting blade for cutting the lawn. With this configuration, both a robotic lawnmower and a lawn care device can be used sequentially or in parallel on a lawn. Two separate charging stations can be provided for this purpose, or a single charging station can be provided where the robotic lawnmower and the lawn care device can be charged alternately.

[0029] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0030] The figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic plan view of a lawn; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a lawn care device for a robotic lawnmower; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the discharge of care material; Fig. 4 a schematic bottom view of a robotic lawnmower with a lawn care device; Fig. 5 a front view of a lawn care facility; and Fig. 6 a schematic plan view of a robotic lawnmower or lawn care device.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a lawn 200 with a boundary 202. A charging station 201 is used to charge a robotic lawnmower 100 or a lawn care device 1. The lawn care device 1 is currently moving in a zigzag pattern across the lawn 200 along the line shown. When the robotic lawnmower 100 or the lawn care device 1 reaches the boundary 202, a sensor (not visible here) detects the boundary 202 and turns around and continues in a different direction. It can be seen that, over time, all parts of the lawn are driven over.

[0032] In addition to the lawn area 200, an (external) sensor device is provided on the lawn area, which is mounted externally of the lawn care device 1 and can communicate with it. The sensor device 10 can comprise various sensors. For example, a light sensor 11 can detect a measure of the brightness and thus determine whether and how intensely the sun is currently shining. A rain sensor 12 can detect whether it is currently raining and how much rain has fallen. A temperature sensor 13 and a humidity sensor 14 detect air temperature and humidity. Likewise, a soil sensor 15 can detect the temperature in the soil and the moisture of the soil or, for example, estimate them optically. Finally, a wind sensor 16 is used to detect the wind speed.

[0033] With reference to the Fig. 2 to 6, a lawn care device 1 according to the invention or a robotic lawnmower 100 according to the invention is explained below.

[0034] In this case, Fig. 2 shows a side view of a separate lawn care device 1, which can be attached to a robotic lawnmower 100 via an adapter device 3. The lawn care device 1 has a housing 2. The housing or holder 2 houses at least one storage container 4, which serves to hold a supply of a care material 30.

[0035] For example, the interior of the storage container 4 can be funnel-shaped so that the care material 30 can be dispensed completely or almost completely. A fill level sensor 17 can be provided and emit a signal when the supply of care material 30 is nearing its end. The signal can be emitted electronically, visually, or acoustically.

[0036] An adjusting device 6 can electronically or mechanically change the delivery rate of the care material 30.

[0037] The dispensing device 20 can, for example, have a plurality of nozzles 21 to spray liquid care material.

[0038] Pumps 23, a control device 7, a battery (not visible here) and a network device 9 or a data receiving device 8 can be accommodated inside the housing 2.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the discharge of care material 30, wherein a central pump sucks liquid care material 30 from a storage container 4, distributes it and discharges it via several nozzles 21.

[0040] Fig. Figure 4 shows a bottom view of a robotic lawnmower 100. The robotic lawnmower 100 has wheels 102, 103, and 104 and sensors 105 at the corners to detect obstacles. A cutting blade 107 is used to cut the lawn. A battery 106 provides the power supply. The robotic lawnmower also includes a dispensing device 20, which has, for example, openings 22 from which powdered maintenance material 30 can be discharged. It is preferred that liquid maintenance material 30 also be dispensed.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 shows a front view of a lawn care device 1 or a robotic lawnmower 100, with the cutting blade 107 visible. Liquid care material 30 can be distributed from the reservoir via the spray nozzles 21. This allows care material 30 to be applied in a targeted manner when mowing the lawn area 200. It is possible that care material is not applied during every mowing operation. Care material can also be applied only every second or third day, once a week, or only at certain, specified times.

[0042] Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of a lawn care device 1, which has nozzles 21 at the front and rear ends for selectively dispensing care material 30 from the two different storage containers 4, 5. For example, fertilizer and seeds can be applied simultaneously in parallel.

[0043] Overall, the invention enables easy care of a lawn 200 with liquid or powdered care materials.

[0044] The quality of the lawn can be improved while simultaneously reducing labor. Separate manual fertilization is no longer necessary.

[0045] No modification to an existing robotic lawnmower is necessary. The lawn care device 1 can also be retrofitted. Retrofitting significantly reduces costs, as an attachment can be mounted and removed as needed, rather than an entire robotic lawnmower. This allows one lawn care device 1 to be used on multiple robotic lawnmowers in succession.

[0046] A pesticide or weed killer may also be applied at the same time or at other times.

[0047] The application of care materials can also be sensor-controlled, so that over-fertilization of the lawn is avoided.

[0048] The reservoir may have a filling hole that can be closed, for example. A filter may be integrated to ensure that no contaminants can enter the system, which could clog the outlet openings or nozzles.

[0049] The invention provides a device for those who, for various reasons, avoid manually fertilizing, for example, due to lack of time, physical limitations, or simply convenience. The invention offers the possibility of easily maintaining a well-maintained lawn without significant personal effort. List of reference symbols: 1 lawn care facility 2 housing, bracket 3 Adapter setup 4 storage containers 5 storage containers 6 Adjustment device 7 Control device 8 Data receiving device 9 Network setup 10 Sensor device 11 Light sensor 12 Rain sensor 13 Temperature sensor 14 Humidity sensor 15 floor sensor 16 Wind sensor 17 Level sensor 20 Dispensing device 21 Nozzle 22 Opening 23 Pump 30 care materials 31 fertilizers 32 seeds 33 plant protection products 34 sand 35 Fill level 100 robotic lawnmowers 101 housings 102 wheels 103 wheels 104 wheels 105 Sensor 106 battery 107 cutting blades 108 Track 200 lawn area 201 charging station 202 Limitation

Claims

[1] Robotic lawnmower (100) with a lawn care device (1) for maintaining a lawn (200) in a private or commercial environment, comprising at least one storage container (4, 5) for a care material (30) for maintaining the lawn and at least one dispensing device (20) for the targeted dispensing of the care material (30) from the storage container (4, 5). [2] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to the preceding claim, comprising an adjusting device (6) with which the discharge rate of the discharge device (20) can be set or adjusted. [3] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a control device (7) is included. [4] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an adapter device (3) for attaching the lawn care device (1) to the robotic lawnmower (100). [5] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sensor device (10) is assigned and / or included, which comprises at least one sensor (11-15) for detecting sensor data, which sensor is taken from a group comprising a light sensor (11) for detecting a light intensity, a rain sensor (12) for detecting rain and / or for detecting a rainfall amount, a temperature sensor (13) for detecting an air temperature, a humidity sensor (14) for detecting an air humidity, a soil sensor (15) for detecting or estimating a soil temperature and / or a soil humidity and a wind sensor (16) for detecting a wind speed. [6] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one data transmitting or receiving device (8) and / or at least one network device (9) is included to receive external sensor data and / or to transmit internal sensor data taken from a group comprising a light intensity, a rainfall amount, an air temperature, an air humidity, a soil temperature, a soil moisture and a wind speed. [7] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the control device (7) is configured and designed to control the application device (20) in dependence on the sensor data (19). [8] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two separate storage containers (4, 5) which can be controlled separately. [9] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one storage container (4) is designed to hold liquids and / or wherein at least one storage container (5) is designed to hold solids. [10] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lawn care device (1) is an integral component. [11] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lawn care device (1) is detachably attached. [12] Robotic lawnmower (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lawn care device (1) has its own wheels and a drive. [13] Lawn care device (1) for a robotic lawnmower (100) for maintaining a lawn in a private or commercial environment, comprising at least one storage container for a care material for maintaining the lawn and at least one dispensing device for the targeted dispensing of the care material from the storage container, wherein an adapter device (3) for attaching the lawn care device (1) to a robotic lawnmower (100) is included. [14] Lawn care device (1) for the care of a lawn in a private or commercial environment, comprising a drive and wheels that can be driven thereby, a battery, charging contacts for charging the battery, a sensor device for detecting a boundary of a lawn and at least one storage container for a care material for caring for the lawn and at least one application device for the targeted application of the care material from the storage container onto the lawn and a control device for controlling the movement of the lawn care device (1) and the delivery of the care material with the application device in order to distribute care material from the storage container in a targeted manner onto the lawn.

Images