A gardening device

Abstract

A gardening device (100) comprises a housing (102) made of a material, and a button (114), wherein the button (114) is movable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2). The gardening device (100) is characterized in that the button (114) is made of the same material as the housing (102) and is formed integrally with the housing (102). The button (114) and the housing (102) are interconnected by a connecting part (118) comprising a thinned area of the material, and wherein the connecting part (118) is configured such that the button (114) is movable between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2).

Description

[0001] A GARDENING DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a gardening device comprising a waterproofbutton to operate the gardening device.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Today’s gardening devices, such as a watering computer, a watering device, a lawn care device, a mower, a sprinkler, an automatic sprinkler, and an automatic lawn mower is used for lawn care and / or gardening tasks. The gardening device has a button, in particular an axially movable button, wherein the gardening device is switched on and off by use of the button. Further, the gardening device comprises a housing, wherein a circuit board may be arranged inside the housing. The button is made of rubber-like material that is axially preloaded between the circuit board and the housing. The tightness between the button and the housing depend on the axial preload of the circuit board. Likewise, due to the setting behavior of the rubber material, the sealing effect decreases, and moisture gets to the circuit board and leads to damage. Alternatively, there is a button that is located on a self-adhesive foil and that is glued to the housing. The tightness of the connection depends on the adhesive connection to the housing. The self-adhesive button causes increased assembly and part costs.

[0006] CN 107 438 363 A discloses intelligent systems, and more particularly a system for smart watering that includes components configured to adaptively respond to environmental / situational factors.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the above, it is an objective of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the drawbacks discussed above. The objective is at least partially achieved by a gardening device comprising a water-proof button.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, the gardening device comprises a housing made of a material, and a button, wherein the button is movable between a first position and a second position. The gardening device is characterized in that the button is made of the same material as the housing andformed integrally with the housing. The button and the housing are interconnected by, in particular integrally interconnected by, a connecting part comprising a thinned area of the material, and wherein the connecting area is configured such that the button is movable between the first position and the second position.

[0010] The present invention provides an improved gardening device, wherein ingress of moisture, water, dirt, or any other unwanted material into the housing of the gardening device is prevented. Thereby, the device electronics located inside the housing of the gardening device is protected from exposure to the external environment. Further, the button of the gardening device is integrated within the housing such that no gap exists between the housing and the button. Hence, no unwanted material is intruding inside the housing and affects the functioning of the device electronics. Therefore, a gardening device having an increased service life and decreased maintenance effort is providable. Additionally, the uniformity in the material of the housing and the button allows for easy and cost-effective manufacturing of the integrated assembly of the housing and the button. Therefore, a gardening device may be providable having decreased manufacturing costs.

[0011] Further, the button comprises a thickened area surrounded by the thinned area of the connecting part. The thickened area of the button is configured to allow pressing of the button by a user while the thinned area of the connecting part is configured to connect the button with the housing and further configured to allow moving of the button relative to the housing. In other words, the thinned area provides the flexibility, and the thickened area provides the stability for pushing the button. Particularly, the thickened area is formed thicker than the thinned area. Additionally, the thickened area may be formed with substantially the same thickness as the housing adjacent to the connecting part or alternatively with a thickness being between the thickness of the connecting area and the thickness of the housing adjacent to the connecting area.

[0012] Furthermore, the button may be configured to control at least one functionality of the watering device. Particularly, the button is configured to activate and deactivate a pre-defined functionality of the watering device. For example, when the user pushes the button once to move the button from the firstposition to the second position, a valve may be opened, and the watering device may supply water to a plant. After pushing the button, the button may by itself move back from the second position to the first position caused by an intrinsic force of the thinned area.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connecting part is made from the same material as the button and the housing. Furthermore, the connecting part is integrally formed with the housing and the button. Thereby, a waterproof and dirt-proof button may be providable in a cost-efficient way.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the button may be a push-button configured to be movable substantially perpendicular to the housing of the gardening device at the position of the button from the first position to the second position, and vice-versa. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the button may be a circular button or a rectangular button. In particular, the shape of the button may correspond to a general shape of the housing of the gardening device.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the button is integrally formed with the housing in a fluid-tight manner. The button may be a waterproof button configured to prevent the device electronics from exposure to moisture, water, dirt, or any other unwanted material. The button may be a waterproof button configured to protect the device electronics from exposure to external environment. The button may improve the service life of the gardening device.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connecting part comprises a wave-like profile, particularly wherein the wave-like profile is stepped, such that, in the first position of the button, the button and the connecting part are positioned substantially convex relative to the housing, and, in the second position of the button, the button is substantially levelled with the housing to provide an increased distance between the first position and the second position. The wave-like profile may increase mobility of the button as the button bends gradually. Further, the wave-like profile may prevent the button in the first positionand / or the second position from snapping bi-stably. Hence, a stabile button with an increased service life may be providable.

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the thinned area of the connecting part has a thickness of 0.5 to 0.7 mm. The thinned area may allow for reliable and even movement of the button. Thereby, damages of the housing surrounding the thinned area due to material fatigue may be prevented. If the thickness is higher than the above-defined range, the thinned area risks to be not sufficiently flexible and cracks may develop easily. If the thickness is smaller than the above-defined range, the thinned area may easily tear down.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment, the button may comprise a central pin, wherein the central pin is configured to control at least one functionality of the gardening device, for example by actuating a switch and / or valve. The central pin may, in some examples, extend from an inner surface of the button towards the switch and / or valve. For example, the central pin may be configured to actuate the switch and / or valve in the second position of the button. Further, in some examples, the central pin may be configured to be positioned distant, particularly axially distant, from the switch in the first position of the button. In some examples, the switch may be a micro-switch and / or it may be comprised by a circuit board. The circuit board may be housed inside the housing.

[0019] Furthermore, the gardening device may comprise a support element. The support element may be configured to prevent an overload damage of the switch by the central pin when the button is actuated into the second position of the button. For example, the support element may be arranged around the central pin.

[0020] Furthermore, in some examples, the support element may extend from the inner surface of the button towards the switch and / or the circuit board. In other examples, the support element may extend towards the inner surface of the button, without contacting it, when the button is in the first position. For example, it may extend from the circuit board towards the button. Additionally or alternatively, the support element may have a length which is larger than a length of the central pin.In some examples, the support element may be configured to contact the circuit board in the second position of the button and / or to be distant from the circuit board in the first position of the button.

[0021] In some examples, the support element may be configured to contact the button in the second position of the button and / or to be distant from the button in the first position of the button. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the gardening device further comprises a circuit board and a microswitch, wherein the circuit board is housed inside the housing, wherein the microswitch is arranged on the circuit board, and wherein the button actuates the microswitch in the second position of the button. The circuit board is housed in the housing of the gardening device in a sealing manner, i.e., the circuit board may be protected from any unwanted foreign element that may damage the circuit board or interfere with its working. Similarly, the micro-switch that is arranged on the circuit board may be protected from any unwanted foreign element that may damage the circuit board or interfere with its working. The micro-switch is arranged on the circuit board in such a way that, when the button is in the second position and actuates the micro-switch, this actuation is transferred, in particular directly transferred, to the circuit board and therefrom, in particular after a processing within the circuit board, to a component which is switchable respectively controllable by the button. The button actuates the micro-switch to activate the gardening device or to put the gardening device in a working mode such that the gardening device performs its pre-defined operation(s) in the working mode. Further, when the button moves back to the first position, the gardening device may be deactivated or put in a non-working mode such that the gardening device does not perform operation(s) in the non-working mode.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the gardening device further comprises a central pin, wherein the central pin extends from an inner surface of the button towards the circuit board, wherein the central pin is configured to actuate the micro-switch in the second position of the button, and / or wherein the central pin is configured to be positioned distant, particularly axially distant, from the micro-switch in the first position of the button. When the button is moved from the first position to the second position, the button actuates themicro-switch by a contact, either a direct contact or an indirect contact, of the central pin on the micro-switch.

[0023] Furthermore, the central pin may have a smaller extension than the button and the extension may correspond to the extension of a contact surface of the micro-switch. Thereby, the contact between the central pin and the micro-switch, and thereby the force applied to the micro-switch, may be more precise and balanced. This may result in an increased service life and a more reliably working gardening device.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the gardening device further comprises a support element, wherein the support element is arranged around the central pin, wherein the support element is configured to prevent an overload damage of the micro-switch by the central pin in the second position of the button. The support element may transfer compressive force of the button, (i.e., the force applied to the button, and which moves the button from the first position to the second position) to the circuit board in addition to the microswitch. The support element may prevent damage to the micro-switch if the compressive force exceeds an overload value supportable by the micro-switch. A length of the support element and a length of the central pin may each be measured between its free end and its connecting point with an inner surface of the housing. The length of the support element and the length of the central pin may be adaptable to set a pre-defined overload value which is applicable to the micro-switch dependent on the used micro-switch.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the support element extends from the inner surface of the button towards the circuit board and / or the micro-switch, and / or wherein the support element has a length which is larger than a length of the central pin, and / or wherein the support element is configured to contact the circuit board in the second position of the button, and / or wherein the support element is configured to be distant from the circuit board in the first position of the button. The support element may be more than one support element. The support element may be integrally or separately formed with the button. Further, the contact surface of the support element may have any shapesuch as a step shape or a chamfer shape, or any other shape for smooth and effective contact with the circuit board. The length difference between the support element and the central pin is set such that the central pin contacts the micro-switch with a force sufficiently high to actuate the micro-switch and at the same time sufficiently low to not damage the micro-switch. Particularly, the length of the support element is substantially equal to the length of the central pin and a height of the microswitch. The support element provides a protection against overload by geometrically limiting the contact force between the central pin and the microswitch. Hence, a fail-safe and reliable water-proof button is providable on the gardening device.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the micro-switch comprises a buffer element, particularly a foam-pad, positioned on top of the micro-switch such that, in the second position, the central pin presses on the microswitch via the buffer element, in particular via the foam-pad. When pressing the button, the central pin first presses on the buffer element, particularly the foampad, and elastically deforms the buffer element, particularly the foam-pad. Then the buffer element, in particular the foam-pad, presses the micro-switch. Thus, if the pressing force on the button is slightly too high for the micro-switch to support, the buffer element, particularly the foam-pad, may disperse this force and thereby protect the micro-switch. Hence, a damage of the micro-switch may be prevented by the buffer element, in particular the foam-pad. Using a foam-pad positioned on top of the micro-switch may provide a cost-efficient and reliable buffer element.

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the housing is configured as a resonating body. The switching noises of the micro-switch may be transmitted directly to the central pin and thus to the entire housing. The housing may function as the resonating body and may the switching process acoustically and haptically recognizable.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the gardening device is at least one of the group consisting of a watering computer, a watering device, a lawn care device, a mower, a sprinkler, an automatic sprinkler, and an automatic lawn mower. Each of these gardening devices often comes in contactwith water and / or is used in rain. Proving such a gardening device with the abovedescribed button may increase the service life of the gardening device. Additionally, thereby a reliable gardening device used in rain or coming in contact with water may be providable.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the button and the housing are made of plastic, particularly a UV-resistant plastic. Hence, a reliable, weather-resistant, and durable gardening device is providable.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the button and the housing are made from acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA). The acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) is resistant to weathering, heat, chemicals, and UV radiation. The acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) is resistant to high impact forces. Thereby, a gardening device with increased durability is providable. Alternatively, the button and the housing are made from styrene butadiene block copolymer (SBC).

[0031] Before discussing the invention with the help of the drawings the invention will be briefly discussed in general. A gardening device is provided with a housing, wherein one or more buttons configured to operate the gardening device are integrated into the housing without additional components.

[0032] The gardening device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a plastic housing with an integrated waterproof button. This may save parts and assembly costs. Further, this may prevent water / dirt ingress between the button and the housing as the button is flush and integrally formed with the top side of the housing.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the movable button is integrated directly into the plastic housing of the gardening device without using any additional components. Hence, the movable button is connected to the housing in a waterproof manner. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the button and the housing are made of the same material. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the button has a wave-like profile. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the wave-like profile hasa thickness of 0.5 to 0.7 mm. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the reset of the button is based on the inherent elasticity of the plastic.

[0034] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a central pin is formed on the button, which presses on a micro-switch in the second position. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one support element is arranged around the central pin. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a foam-pad is arranged, in particular formed, on the micro-switch. When moving the button from the first position to the second position, the central pin first presses on the foam-pad and then the micro-switch is pressed onto the micro-switch. With further force on the button in a direction to the second position, the support element additionally supports itself on a circuit board. Thus, mechanical damage of the micro-switch may be prevented because the foam-pad is primarily elastically deformed and then less force is transmitted onto the microswitch.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, depending on the diameter and height of the button, several millimeters of stroke may be possible. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, switching noises of the micro-switch may be transmitted directly to the central pin and thus to the entire housing.

[0036] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a gardening device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a button in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a button in a second position respectively according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a gardening device with a front portion of a housing partially removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a button in a first position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a button in a second position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the present invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and / or methods. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

[0046] Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the invention. For example, "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "side", "longitudinal", "lateral", "transverse", "upwards", "downwards", "forward", "backward", "sideward", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "upward", "inner", "outer", "inward", "outward", "top", "bottom", "higher", "above", "below", "central", "middle", "intermediate", "between", "end", "adjacent", "proximate", "near", "distal", "remote", "radial", "circumferential", or the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the Figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a gardening device 100. The gardening device 100 is the watering computer. The gardening device 100 comprises a housing 102. The housing 102 comprises a first housing part 104 anda second housing part 106, wherein the first housing part 104 is removably mounted on the second housing part 106. Further, the second housing part 106 is configured to be axially movable along a central axis X-X’ relative to the first housing part 104. The central axis X-X’ is also the longitudinal axis X-X’ of the housing 102. Further, the first housing part 104 and the second housing part 106 together constitute a substantially cylindrical housing 102 with the first housing part 104 located on top of the second housing part 106 when seen along the central axis X-X’ of the housing 102. The first housing part 104 has a substantially larger volume than the second housing part 106.

[0048] The first housing part 104 and the second housing part 106 are both made from a plastic, particularly from the same plastic.

[0049] With continuous reference to FIG. 1, the gardening device 100 comprises an inlet 108 and an outlet 110. The inlet 108 is configured to be fluidly connectable to a liquid source. The outlet 110 is configured to be fluidly connectable to a liquid distribution element, such as a sprinkler. The inlet 108 is formed substantially perpendicular to the outlet 110. The inlet 108 is formed parallel to or along the central axis X-X’ of the housing 102 while the outlet 110 is formed substantially perpendicular to the central axis X-X’ of the housing 102. The inlet 108 is formed at the second housing part 106 and the outlet 110 is formed at the first housing part 104. The inlet 108 and the outlet 110 both have a circular shape. The outlet 110 comprises threads 112 that are configured for removable fluid coupling of the liquid distribution element.

[0050] Further, the gardening device 100 comprises a button 114. The button 114 is configured to control a functionality of the gardening device 100, such as controlling the valve of the watering device 100. In other words, the button 114 is configured to switch on and switch off the gardening device 100. The button 114 is made of the same material as the housing 102. In other words, the button 114 is made of the same material as the first housing part 104 and / or the second housing part 106.

[0051] Further, the button 114 has a substantially circular shape. The button 114 is formed in a top surface of the housing 102 which extends substantiallyperpendicular to the central axis X-X’. The button 114 is formed at an offset from the central axis X-X’ of the housing 102. The button 114 is formed adjacent to the periphery of the housing 102, particularly the first housing part 104. The button 114 is formed integrally with the housing 102. The button 114 is integrally formed with the housing 102 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0052] FIG. 2 A and FIG. 2B illustrate a perspective view of the button 114 in a first position Pl respectively a second position P2. The button 114 is surrounded by the connecting part 118. The button 114 is circular and the connecting part 118 is ring shaped. Additionally, the connecting part 118 is concentrically surrounding the button 114. The button 114 is configured to be pressed by a user’ s finger, while the connecting part 118 is configured to connect the button 114 with the housing 102, in particular the top surface 120 of the housing 102, in such a way that the button 114 is substantially perpendicularly movable relative to the housing 102. The button 114 and the connecting part 118 are made from the same material, are formed integrally with each other. At the same time, the button 114 and the connecting part 118 are integrally formed with and are made from the same material as the housing 102, in particular the top surface 120 of the housing 102. Further, the button 114 comprises a thickened area of the material and the connecting part 118 comprises a thinned area of the material. In other words, the connecting part 118 is relatively thinner than the button 114. Further, the button 114 and the housing 102 are interconnected by the connecting part 118 comprising the thinned area of the material. Furthermore, the button 114, the connecting part 118 and the top surface 120 of the housing 102 are integrally formed from the same material.

[0053] Further, the button 114 is movable between the first position Pl (shown in FIG. 2A) and the second position P2 (shown in FIG. 2B). The button 114 moves from the first position Pl to the second position P2 when the button 114 is pressed by a user’s finger. Conversely, the button 114 moves from the second position P2 to the first position Pl, when the user releases the button 114. Further, the thinned area of the button 114, i.e., the connecting part 118 of the button 114, is configured such that the button 114 is movable between the first position Pl and the second position P2. In other words, the thinned area of the connecting part 118 allows anaxial movement of the button 114 in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis X-X’ .

[0054] Further, the thinned area of the connecting part 118 comprises a wave-like profile which is stepped such that, in the first position Pl of the button 114, the button 114 and the connecting part 118 together are substantially convex relative to the housing 102, and, in the second position P2 of the button 114, the button 114 is substantially levelled with the top surface 120 of the housing 102. Thereby, the wave-like structured and thinned connecting part 118 provides an increased distance between the first position Pl and the second position P2. In other words, in the first position Pl, the button 114 is slightly elevated relative to the top surface 120 of the housing 102. Further, in the second position P2, the button 114 is substantially at the same level as the top surface 120 of the housing 102.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the gardening device 100 with a front portion of the housing 102 partially removed. The gardening device 100 comprises the housing 102 that comprises the first housing part 104 and the second housing part 106, wherein the second housing part 106 is axially movably mounted on the first housing part 104. The second housing part 106 is axially movable parallel to the central axis X-X’. Further, the gardening device 100 comprises the inlet 108 and the outlet 110. The inlet 108 is formed within the second housing part 106 and the outlet 110 is formed within the first housing part 104. The inlet 108 and the outlet 110 are formed substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0056] Further, a valve assembly 122 is housed inside the first housing part 104, wherein the inlet 108 is configured to be fluidly connectable to the liquid source. Further, the outlet 110 is configured to be fluidly connectable to a liquid distribution element. Furthermore, the gardening device 100 comprises an inlet tube 124 connecting the inlet 108 with the valve assembly 122, and an outlet tube 126 for connecting the valve assembly 122 with the outlet 110. In other words, the valve assembly 122 is mounted inside the first part 104 of the housing 102 and is positioned in the fluid path from the inlet 108 to the outlet 110.

[0057] Further, the gardening device 100 comprises a circuit board 128 which is mounted respectively housed inside the housing 102, particularly the first housingpart 104. The circuit board 128 is positioned above the valve assembly 122 when seen along the central axis X-X’ . Further, the gardening device 100 comprises the button 114. The button 114 is made of the same material as the housing 102. The button 114 is integrally formed with the housing 102 in the fluid-tight manner. The button 114 is located above the circuit board 128 when seen along the central axis X-X’. The button 114 does not make direct contact with the circuit board 128 irrespective of the position of the button 114.

[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the button 114 in the first position Pl. The circular button 114 is surrounded by the ring-shaped connecting part 118. The button 114, the connecting part 118 and the top surface 120 of the housing 102 are made from the material and are integrally formed. The connecting part 118 comprises the thinned area of the material and has a thickness T2. The thinned area of material has the thickness T2 of 0.5 to 0.7 mm. Further, the button 114 comprises a thickened area of the material with a thickness Tl. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the thickness Tl of the button 114 is slightly larger than the thickness T2 of the connecting part 118.

[0059] Further, the top surface 120 of the housing 102 respectively the first housing part 104, is divided into two areas, i.e., an inner area 121 and an outer area 119. The inner area 121 is surrounded by the outer area 119. The inner area 121 is substantially oval-shaped and the outer area 119 is substantially circular-shaped (illustrated in FIG. 1). A thickness of the inner area 121 is marginally thicker than a thickness of the outer area 119. Hence, the inner area 121 is raised relative to the outer area 119. The button 114 is formed within the inner area 121 of the top surface 120 and is connected to the inner area 119 by the connecting part 118. In the first position Pl of the button 114, the button 114 and the connecting part 118 form a substantially convex shape relative to the inner area 121.

[0060] Further, the first part 104 comprises a wall 117 extending from an opposite surface of the top surface 120 towards the circuit board 128. The wall 117 supports the top surface 120 on the circuit board 128. Further, the gardening device 100 includes a micro-switch 130. The micro-switch 130 is arranged on the circuit boardThe gardening device 100 further comprises a central pin 132. The central pin 132 is formed as an elongated body. The central pin 132 extends from an inner surface 113 of the button 114 towards the circuit board 128 respectively the microswitch 130. The inner surface 113 of the button 114 is defined as a surface which faces the circuit board 128 housed inside the housing 102 and is opposite to an outer surface 115 of the button 114 that is configured to be touched by the user. The central pin 132 is configured to press on the micro-switch 130 in the second position P2 of the button 114 (not shown in FIG. 4). Further, the central pin 132 is configured to be positioned distant from the micro-switch 130 in the first position Pl of the button 114, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] The gardening device 100 further comprises a support element 134. The support element 134 extends from the inner surface 113 of the buttonll4 and substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 113 of the button 114 respectively substantially perpendicular to the button 114 itself. The support element 134 is formed such that the support element 134 extends substantially parallel to the central pin 132. The support element 134 is arranged around the central pin 132. The support element 134 may be formed ring-shaped around the central pin 132. The support element 134 is in particular more than one support element 134 each being a segment of a circular ring (shown in FIG. 4). The support element 134 has a length which is larger than a length of the central pin 132. Further, the support element 134 is configured to be distant from the circuit board 128 in the first position Pl of the button 114, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the button 114 in the second position P2. When the user presses respectively applies a force on the button 114, the button 114 moves from the first position Pl to the second position P2. In the second position P2, the support elements 134 contact the circuit board 128 and the central pin 132 presses on the micro-switch 130 mounted on the circuit board 128 with a pre-defined compressive force. The length of the support elements 134 and the length of the central pin 132 are coordinated in such a way that the support elements 134 contact the circuit board 128 at a moment in which the central pin 132 contacts the micro-switch 130 with a pre-defined compressive force. Thereby, a maximum compressive force on the micro-switch may be pre-defined.Hence, an overload damage of the micro-switch is reliably prevented respectively inhibited.

[0063] Further, the micro-switch 130 comprises a buffer element 131, in particular formed as a foam-pad 131, positioned on top of the micro-switch 130 such that the central pin 132 presses upon the micro-switch 130 via the foam-pad 131. The buffer element 131 respectively the foam-pad 131 is positioned and formed such that a force from the central pin 132 is equalized before hitting the microswitch 130. Thereby, the micro-switch 130 is indirectly protected by the foampad 131.

[0064] Furthermore, when the central pin 132 presses on the micro-switch 130 both directly or indirectly via the foam-pad 131, switching noises of the microswitch 130 are transmitted directly to the central pin 132 and thereby to the entire housing 102. The housing 102 is configured as a resonating body and makes the switching process acoustically and haptically recognizable.

[0065] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation of the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.LIST OF ELEMENTS

[0066] 100 Gardening Device

[0067] 102 Housing

[0068] 104 First Housing Part

[0069] 106 Second Housing Part

[0070] 108 Inlet

[0071] 110 Outlet

[0072] 110’ further Outlet

[0073] 112 Threads

[0074] 112’ Threads

[0075] 113 Inner Surface

[0076] 114 Button

[0077] 115 Outer Surface

[0078] 117 Walls

[0079] 118 connecting Part

[0080] 119 outer Area

[0081] 120 Top Surface

[0082] 121 inner Area

[0083] 122 Valve Assembly

[0084] 124 Inlet Tube

[0085] 126 First Outlet Tube

[0086] 126’ Second Outlet Tube

[0087] 128 Circuit Board

[0088] 130 Micro-Switch

[0089] 131 Buffer Element / Foam -Pad 132 Central Pin

[0090] 134 Support Element

[0091] X-X’ Central Axis

[0092] Pl First Position

[0093] P2 Second Position

[0094] T1 Thickness

[0095] T2 Thickness

Claims

CLAIMS1. A gardening device (100), comprising:a housing (102) made of a material, and a button (114),wherein the button (114) is movable between a first position (Pl) and a second position (P2),characterized in that:the button (114) is made of the same material as the housing (102), and formed integrally with the housing (102),wherein the button (114) and the housing (102) are interconnected by, in particular integrally interconnected by, a connecting part (118) which comprises a thinned area of the same material, andwherein the connecting part (118) is configured such that the button (114) is movable between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2).

2. The gardening device (100) according to claim 1,wherein the button (114) and the connecting part (118) are integrally formed with the housing (102) in a fluid-tight manner.

3. The gardening device (100) according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the connecting part (118) comprises a wave-like profile, particularly wherein the wave-like profile is stepped, such that, in the first position (Pl) of the button (114), the button (114) and the connecting part (118) are substantially convex relative to the housing (102), and, in the second position (P2) of the button (114), the button (114) is substantially levelled with the housing (102) to provide an increased distance between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2).

4. The gardening device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thinned area of the connecting part (118) has a thickness of 0.5 to 0.7 mm.

5. The gardening device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprisinga circuit board (128), anda micro-switch (130),wherein the circuit board (128) is housed inside the housing (102), wherein the micro-switch (130) is arranged on the circuit board (128), and wherein the button (114) actuates the micro-switch (130) in the second position (P2) of the button (114).

6. The gardening device (100) according to claim 5, further comprising a central pin (132), wherein the central pin (132) extends from an inner surface (113) of the button (114) towards the circuit board (128), wherein the central pin (132) is configured to actuate the micro-switch (130) in the second position (P2) of the button (114), and / or wherein the central pin (132) is configured to be positioned distant, particularly axially distant, from the micro-switch (130) in the first position (Pl) of the button (114).

7. The gardening device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the gardening device (100) further comprising a support element (134),wherein the support element (134) is arranged around the central pin (132),wherein the support element (134) is configured to prevent an overload damage of the micro-switch (130) by the central pin (132) in the second position (P2) of the button (114).

8. The gardening device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the support element (134) extends from the inner surface (113) of the button (114) towards the circuit board (128) and / or the micro-switch (130), and / or wherein the support element (134) has a length which is larger than a length of the central pin (132), and / orwherein the support element (134) is configured to contact the circuit board (128) in the second position (P2) of the button (114), and / orwherein the support element (134) is configured to be distant from the circuit board (128) in the first position (Pl) of the button (114).

9. The gardening device (100) according to any one of the claims 5 to 8, wherein the micro-switch (130) comprises a buffer element (131), in particular a foam-pad (131), positioned on top of the micro-switch (130) such that, in the second position (P2), the central pin (132) presses on the micro-switch (130) via the buffer element (131), in particular via the foam-pad (131).

10. The gardening device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (102) is configured as a resonating body.

11. The gardening device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gardening device (100) is at least one of the group consisting of a watering computer, a watering device, a lawn care device, a mower, a sprinkler, an automatic sprinkler, and an automatic lawn mower.

12. The gardening device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the button (114) and the housing (102) are made of a plastic, in particular a UV-resistant plastic.

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