Lawn mower

Abstract

A lawn mower, comprising a base (100), a sensor (300) and a controller (400), wherein travelling wheels (210) are mounted at the bottom of the base (100), and the travelling wheels (210) are configured to support the base (100) on the ground and drive the base (100) to travel on the ground. The sensor (300) is arranged at the front end of the base (100), and is configured to detect whether broken stone and debris exist in an area in front of the base (100) and generate an abnormal signal when the broken stone and the debris are detected. The controller (400) is arranged on the base (100), is electrically connected to the sensor (300), and is configured to receive the abnormal signal generated by the sensor (300) and control, on the basis of the abnormal signal, the lawn mower to take a risk-avoiding reaction. In the lawn mower, the sensor (300) is provided to identify the broken stone and the debris, so as to prevent the lawn mower from passing through the area where the broken stone and the debris exist, thereby preventing personal injury accidents.

Description

lawn mower Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of garden tools, in particular to a lawn mower that automatically identifies gravel and debris. Background Art

[0002] When mowing in dense, deep grass, common lawn mowers on the market today often contain gravel and other debris. The mower itself cannot detect this, requiring the operator to visually inspect it. While it's possible to detect sparse or shallow grass, it's impossible to do so in dense, deep grass. Mowing in low light, on cloudy evenings, or other conditions, can also make it impossible to visually detect gravel and debris within the operating area. If a mower passes over gravel and debris, the blades could be thrown out, causing serious injury and accidents. Prolonged mowing in gravel and debris areas can also damage the motor and blades, significantly reducing the machine's lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a lawn mower that has the function of automatically identifying gravel and debris.

[0004] The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by employing the following technical solution: a lawn mower includes a base, a sensor, and a controller. The base is provided with running wheels mounted on the bottom thereof, the running wheels being used to support the base on the ground and drive the base along the ground. A sensor is disposed at the front end of the base and is configured to detect the presence of gravel or debris in the area in front of the base and to generate an abnormality signal when gravel or debris is detected. A controller is disposed on the base and is electrically connected to the sensor, and is configured to receive the abnormality signal generated by the sensor and control the lawn mower to respond to a hazard.

[0005] Optionally, the lawn mower includes an alarm component, which is electrically connected to the controller and is configured to sound an alarm under the control of the controller when the controller receives the abnormal signal.

[0006] Optionally, the sensor generates a first normal signal when re-detecting that there are no gravels or debris in the area in front of the base, and the controller controls the alarm to stop sounding the alarm according to the first normal signal.

[0007] Optionally, the detection distance of the sensor in the forward direction of the base is L, the horizontal distance from the sensor to the front end face of the base is △L, the operator's reaction time is t, and the walking speed of the lawn mower is v, wherein L is configured as: L>vt+△L.

[0008] Optionally, the base further includes a cutting mechanism, which is electrically connected to the controller and is configured to stop cutting under the control of the controller when the controller receives an abnormal signal.

[0009] Optionally, the sensor generates a second normal signal when it re-detects that there are no gravel or debris in the area in front of the base, and the controller controls the cutting mechanism to start cutting according to the second normal signal.

[0010] Optionally, the base further includes a travel drive system, which is connected to the travel wheel and is used to drive the travel wheel to rotate. The travel drive system is electrically connected to the controller and is used to shut down under the control of the controller when the controller receives the abnormal signal.

[0011] Optionally, the sensor generates a third normal signal when re-detecting that there is no gravel or foreign matter in the area in front of the base, and the controller controls the travel drive system to start according to the third normal signal.

[0012] Optionally, the base further includes a steering mechanism, the steering mechanism acting on the running wheel for adjusting the forward direction of the running wheel. The controller is electrically connected to the steering mechanism and is configured to control the steering mechanism to change the forward direction of the running wheel according to the abnormal signal.

[0013] Optionally, the steering mechanism includes a steering motor and a steering gear, wherein the steering motor drives the steering gear to act on the running wheel and drive the running wheel to deflect in the forward direction. The controller is electrically connected to the steering motor and is used to control the steering motor to start according to the abnormal signal.

[0014] Optionally, the detection range of the sensor in the width direction covers the mowing range of the lawn mower.

[0015] Optionally, a push rod is installed on the base, and the push rod is used for an operator to hold.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: a sensor is set at the front end of the base to monitor gravel and debris in the area in front of the base. Once gravel and debris are detected in the front, the controller will control the base to make a risk avoidance response, such as an alarm, the lawn mower stops moving, the blade assembly stops cutting, etc., which can effectively protect the personal safety of the operator, reduce the occurrence of accidents, and extend the life of the lawn mower. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The specific embodiments of the present invention are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0018] FIG1 is a perspective schematic diagram of a lawn mower according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG2 is a partial view of a lawn mower according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG3 is a perspective schematic diagram of a partial structure of a lawn mower base according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG4 is a partial exploded view of a local structure of the lawn mower body shown in FIG3 ;

[0022] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of the lawn mower body shown in FIG3;

[0023] FIG6 is a side view of a lawn mower according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG7 is a top view of a lawn mower according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG8 is a top view of a lawn mower according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] The meanings of the reference numerals in the figure are: 100, base; 210, walking wheel; 300, sensor; 400, controller; 510, blade assembly; 520, drive motor; 530, drive battery; 220, walking motor; 600, lighting assembly; 610, lighting lamp; 620, circuit board; 630, bracket; 640, lampshade; 110, housing; 120, motor compartment; 130, power compartment; 131 groove; 700, push rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. For example, terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," and "rear" indicating orientation or positional relationships are based solely on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the disclosure. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the disclosure.

[0028] Referring to Figures 1-8, the present application provides a lawn mower comprising a base 100, a sensor 300, and a controller 400. The base 100 is provided with running wheels 210 mounted on the bottom thereof. The running wheels 210 are used to support the base 100 on the ground and drive the base 100 to move along the ground. The sensor 300 is disposed at the front end of the base 100 and is used to detect the presence of gravel or debris in the area in front of the base 100 and to generate an abnormality signal when gravel or debris is detected. The controller 400 is disposed on the base 100 and is electrically connected to the sensor 300. The controller 400 is used to receive the abnormality signal generated by the sensor 300 and to control the lawn mower's risk avoidance response based on the abnormality signal.

[0029] It should be understood that the front end of the base 100 refers to the end of the base 100 pointing to the forward direction. The above-mentioned lawn mower can be a hand-push lawn mower or an intelligent lawn mower.

[0030] During the above implementation process, when the lawn mower is mowing the lawn, the sensor 300 detects the situation in the front area in real time. Once the presence of gravel or debris is detected, an abnormal signal is generated and sent to the controller 400. After receiving the abnormal signal, the controller 400 controls the lawn mower to make various risk avoidance responses, such as alarm, shutdown, stopping or changing the direction of travel, etc., so as to prevent the blade assembly 510 of the lawn mower from hitting relatively hard objects such as gravel, and to prevent personal injury and accidents caused by the gravel being thrown out of the bottom of the lawn mower under the rotation of the blade assembly 510, while also effectively protecting the performance of the blade assembly 510 and the drive motor 520 of the blade assembly 510.

[0031] Optionally, the lawn mower is a hand-push lawn mower, and a push rod 700 is installed on the base 100 of the lawn mower. The push rod 700 is for an operator to hold so that the operator can push the lawn mower.

[0032] Optionally, the lawn mower is provided with an alarm assembly, which is electrically connected to the controller 400 and is configured to sound an alarm under the control of the controller 400 when the controller 400 receives an abnormal signal.

[0033] The alarm avoidance method is more suitable for hand-push lawn mowers or other types of lawn mowers that are always followed by users. After the alarm component issues an alarm prompt, the operator can immediately perceive the alarm prompt and respond randomly, turning off the drive motor 520, preventing the lawn mower from continuing to move, or adjusting the direction of travel of the lawn mower.

[0034] Specifically, the alarm assembly can be completely or partially arranged on the base 100 of the lawn mower, or can be connected to the push rod 700 on the base 100, or can be arranged in other places that are easy for the operator to see or perceive according to the structural layout of the lawn mower.

[0035] After the operator takes the risk avoidance action, the operator can manually turn off the alarm, or the alarm can be automatically turned off. Specifically, the sensor 300 generates a first normal signal when it re-detects that there is no gravel or debris in the area in front of the base 100, and the controller 400 controls the alarm to stop sounding according to the first normal signal.

[0036] It takes a certain amount of time for the operator to react after noticing the alarm and taking evasive action. If the detection distance of the sensor 300 is too short, the lawn mower will reach the gravel before the operator takes evasive action. If the detection distance is too far, on the one hand, the accuracy of the detection result will be reduced, and on the other hand, the operator will still be some distance away from the lawn mower when taking evasive action.

[0037] Optionally, the detection distance of the sensor 300 in the forward direction of the base 100 satisfies the following conditions: the detection distance of the sensor 300 in the forward direction of the base 100 is L, the horizontal distance from the sensor 300 to the front end face of the base 100 is △L, the operator's reaction time is t, the walking speed of the lawn mower is v, L>vt+△L.

[0038] 6-8 , it should be understood that the detection distance L of the sensor 300 in the forward direction of the base 100 refers to the difference between the actual horizontal detection distance of the sensor 300 and the horizontal distance ΔL from the sensor 300 to the front end surface of the base 100.

[0039] Optionally, please refer to Figures 7 and 8. The operator's reaction time is generally 1.0s-1.5s, and the walking speed of the lawn mower is generally 1m / s. Therefore, the detection distance L of the sensor 300 in the forward direction of the base 100 is limited to 2m, the horizontal detection angle α of the sensor 300 is 14°, and the vertical detection angle β of the sensor 300 is 8°. This can effectively prevent the lawn mower from reaching the location of gravel and debris, and can also ensure effective detection effects.

[0040] Optionally, the alarm assembly may be of various types, such as an audible alarm, a flashing or color-changing alarm, a vibration alarm, etc. When a vibration alarm is used, the vibration alarm may be positioned closer to the operator's hand so that the operator can distinguish between the vibration of the lawn mower and the vibration of the alarm assembly.

[0041] Furthermore, the alarm assembly includes a sound alarm, a color alarm and a first photoelectric sensor 300. The sound alarm, the color alarm and the first photoelectric sensor 300 are electrically connected to the controller 400. The first photoelectric sensor 300 is used to detect the brightness of the light in the external environment, and sends a first signal to the controller 400 when it detects that the brightness of the light in the external environment reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, and sends a second signal to the controller 400 when it detects that the brightness of the light in the external environment is lower than a predetermined value. The controller 400 is used to control the sound alarm to be powered on and the color alarm to be powered off according to the first signal, and to control the color alarm to be powered on and the sound alarm to be powered off according to the second signal.

[0042] Flashing or color-changing alarms are not very effective in bright daylight environments and cannot provide effective warnings. Although sound alarms are effective, they can easily disturb people at night. Therefore, one embodiment of the present application combines sound alarms with color alarms, using sound alarms during the day and color alarms at night. This ensures the warning function while reducing the noise disturbance caused by lawn mowing at night.

[0043] In a possible embodiment, the base 100 further includes a cutting mechanism, which is electrically connected to the controller 400 and is configured to stop cutting under the control of the controller 400 when the controller 400 receives an abnormal signal.

[0044] When the sensor 300 detects gravel and debris ahead, the controller 400 directly controls the cutting mechanism to stop rotating. At the same time, the lawn mower can continue to move forward, and restart the cutting mechanism for cutting after crossing the gravel and debris area; or the lawn mower stops moving and restarts the cutting mechanism for cutting after the operator has cleared the gravel and debris ahead.

[0045] After crossing, bypassing, or clearing the debris in front of the base 100, the cutting mechanism can be manually or automatically activated. Specifically, the sensor 300 generates a second normal signal after re-detecting that there are no debris in the area in front of the base 100. The controller 400 controls the cutting mechanism to initiate cutting based on the second normal signal.

[0046] The above-mentioned base 100 includes a base frame, a blade assembly 510 and a driving circuit system. The blade assembly 510 is rotatably connected to the base frame. The driving circuit system includes a driving battery 530, a driving motor 520 and a driving power supply circuit electrically connecting the driving battery 530 and the driving motor 520. The driving motor 520 is installed on the base frame and connected to the blade assembly 510 to drive the blade assembly 510 to rotate.

[0047] The controller 400 is electrically connected to the driving power supply circuit, and is used to control cutting off the driving power supply circuit according to the abnormal signal and / or control connecting the driving power supply circuit according to the second normal signal.

[0048] The controller 400 is electrically connected to the driving motor 520 and is configured to control the driving motor 520 to stop according to the abnormal signal and / or control the driving motor 520 to start according to the second normal signal.

[0049] In a possible embodiment, the base 100 also includes a walking drive system, which is connected to the walking wheel 210 and is used to drive the walking wheel 210 to rotate. The walking drive system is electrically connected to the controller 400 and is used to shut down under the control of the controller 400 when the controller 400 receives an abnormal signal.

[0050] When the sensor 300 detects that there are gravels and debris ahead, the controller 400 directly controls the traveling wheels 210 to stop moving forward, while the cutting mechanism can continue to rotate, or the cutting mechanism also stops rotating.

[0051] After the operator has cleared the debris or the lawn mower has reversed its direction of travel, the operator manually activates the travel drive system, or the travel drive system can automatically activate. Specifically, upon re-detection of the absence of debris in the area in front of the base 100, the sensor 300 generates a third normal signal. The controller 400 activates the travel drive system based on the third control signal, thereby rotating the travel wheels 210.

[0052] Optionally, the travel drive system includes a travel battery, a travel motor 220 and a travel power supply circuit connecting the travel battery and the travel motor 220 . The travel motor 220 is connected to the travel wheel 210 to drive the travel wheel 210 to rotate.

[0053] The controller 400 is electrically connected to the walking power supply circuit, and controls the walking power supply circuit to be cut off according to the abnormal signal and / or controls the walking power supply circuit to be turned on according to the third normal signal.

[0054] The controller 400 is electrically connected to the travel motor 220 , and controls the travel motor 220 to stop according to the abnormal signal and / or controls the travel motor 220 to start according to the third normal state.

[0055] Optionally, the travel motor 220 may be a self-propelled motor, which is integrated with the travel wheel 210 to form a self-propelled wheel.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the base 100 further includes a steering mechanism that acts on the running wheels 210 to adjust the forward direction of the running wheels 210. The controller 400 is electrically connected to the steering mechanism and is configured to control the steering mechanism to change the forward direction of the running wheels 210 based on the abnormal signal, thereby bypassing the gravel and debris area.

[0057] Optionally, the steering mechanism includes a steering motor and a steering gear, the steering motor drives the steering gear to act on the running wheel 210 and drive the running wheel 210 to deflect in the direction of travel. The controller 400 is electrically connected to the steering motor and is used to control the steering motor to start according to the abnormal signal.

[0058] Optionally, the detection range of the sensor 300 in the width direction covers the mowing range of the lawn mower to avoid omissions.

[0059] It should be understood that the width direction mentioned above refers to a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the base 100 and parallel to the ground.

[0060] Optionally, the sensor 300 is one of an infrared sensor 300 , an image recognition sensor 300 and a radar sensor 300 .

[0061] Alternatively, referring to Figures 2-5, the base 100 includes a base frame, a housing 110, a motor compartment 120, and a power compartment 130. The housing 110 is mounted on the base frame. The motor compartment 120 is housed within the housing 110 and is configured to accommodate the drive motor 520. The power compartment 130 is mounted on the housing 110 and is located above the motor compartment 120. The power compartment 130 is at least partially exposed above the base frame, and the sensor 300 is located in front of the power compartment 130.

[0062] Optionally, the power compartment 130 is provided with an opening located in the front center and facing forward, and the sensor 300 is accommodated in the opening.

[0063] For sensors 300 that rely on light detection, such as image recognition sensors 300 , the sensors 300 may be integrated into the lighting lamp 610 .

[0064] Specifically, the base 100 includes a lighting assembly 600 , which includes a circuit board 620 electrically connected to the controller 400 , a lighting lamp 610 and a second photoelectric sensor 300 mounted on the circuit board 620 , and the sensor 300 is mounted on the circuit board 620 .

[0065] When the photoelectric sensor 300 senses that the light intensity is lower than a first predetermined intensity, it generates a first sensing signal, and the controller 400 controls the lighting lamp 610 to turn on according to the first sensing signal; and / or, when the photoelectric sensor 300 senses that the light intensity is higher than a second predetermined intensity, it generates a second sensing signal, and the controller 400 controls the lighting lamp 610 to turn off according to the second sensing signal.

[0066] The power compartment 130 has two grooves 131 on either side of the front. The base 100 includes a lighting assembly 600 housed within the grooves 131, and the sensor 300 is mounted within the lighting assembly 600. A bracket 630 is supported within the grooves 131, and a circuit board 620 is fixedly mounted on the bracket 630. A lampshade 640 is provided at the front end of the bracket 630, protecting the entire lighting assembly 600 within the grooves 131.

[0067] The base 100 further includes a battery pack housed in the power compartment 130 . The battery pack is located above the motor and electrically connected to the motor. The controller 400 is disposed at the rear of the base 100 and between the motor and the battery pack.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many alternatives to the lawn mower of the present invention exist without departing from the principles and scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A lawn mower, characterized in that: include: A base, wherein a running wheel is installed at the bottom of the base, and the running wheel is used to support the base on the ground and drive the base to walk on the ground; A sensor, disposed at the front end of the base, for detecting whether there are gravels or debris in the area in front of the base and generating an abnormal signal when gravels or debris are detected; The controller is arranged on the base and electrically connected to the sensor, and is used for receiving the abnormal signal generated by the sensor and controlling the lawn mower to make a risk avoidance response according to the abnormal signal.

2. The lawn mower according to claim 1, characterized in that: An alarm component is included, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used for sounding an alarm under the control of the controller when the controller receives the abnormal signal.

3. The lawn mower according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sensor generates a first normal signal when re-detecting that there is no gravel or debris in the area in front of the base, and the controller controls the alarm to stop the alarm according to the first normal signal.

4. The lawn mower according to claim 2, characterized in that: The detection distance of the sensor in the forward direction of the base is L, the horizontal distance from the sensor to the front end face of the base is △L, the operator's reaction time is t, and the walking speed of the lawn mower is v, wherein L is configured as: L>vt+△L.

5. The lawn mower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The base also includes a cutting mechanism, which is electrically connected to the controller and is used to stop cutting under the control of the controller when the controller receives an abnormal signal.

6. The lawn mower according to claim 5, characterized in that: The sensor generates a second normal signal when re-detecting that there is no gravel or debris in the area in front of the base, and the controller controls the cutting mechanism to start cutting according to the second normal signal.

7. The lawn mower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The base also includes a travel drive system, which is connected to the travel wheel and is used to drive the travel wheel to rotate. The travel drive system is electrically connected to the controller and is used to shut down under the control of the controller when the controller receives the abnormal signal.

8. The lawn mower according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sensor generates a third normal signal when re-detecting that there is no gravel or foreign matter in the area in front of the base, and the controller controls the travel drive system to start according to the third normal signal.

9. The lawn mower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The base further includes a steering mechanism, which acts on the running wheels to adjust the forward direction of the running wheels; The controller is electrically connected to the steering mechanism, and is used to control the steering mechanism to change the forward direction of the walking wheel according to the abnormal signal.

10. The lawn mower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The detection range of the sensor in the width direction covers the mowing range of the lawn mower; A push rod is installed on the base, and the push rod is used for an operator to hold.

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